Big changes are coming to how you'll take your entrance exams! The National Testing Agency (NTA) just announced that from 2026, students won't get to pick their exam cities anymore for JEE Main, NEET-UG, and CUET-UG. Instead, your exam center will be decided based on your Aadhaar card address. This is a pretty big deal, so let's break down what it means for you!
What's Changing?
Right now, when you apply for these big exams, you get to choose 3-4 cities where you'd like to take the test. But starting with the January 2026 JEE Main exam, that option is going away. The NTA will look at the address on your Aadhaar card and assign you a test center near that location.
Why is NTA Doing This?
The NTA says this new rule will help make things fairer and stop cheating. They want to make sure everyone is who they say they are on exam day. It's also meant to help students from smaller towns and villages by giving them exam centers closer to home.
What Does This Mean for You?
- Check Your Aadhaar: Make sure the address on your Aadhaar card is up to date! If you've moved, you'll need to get it changed.
- Plan Ahead: You might end up taking the exam in a different city than you expected. Start thinking about travel plans early.
- Double-Check Everything: The NTA is getting stricter about all your documents matching. Your name, birthdate, and other details need to be exactly the same on your Aadhaar and Class 10 marksheet.
What if There's a Problem?
If there are any mistakes or differences in your documents, fix them now! Visit your nearest UIDAI center to update your Aadhaar if needed. The NTA won't let you change anything once applications open, so don't wait.
Special Note for Reserved Category Students
If you're applying under SC, ST, OBC, EWS, or PwD categories, make extra sure all your documents are perfect. Any mismatch could mean losing your reservation or even being disqualified.
The Big Picture
This change is part of the NTA's plan to make exams more secure and fair. While it might cause some stress at first, they believe it will make the whole process smoother in the long run.
What's Next?
Keep an eye out for more details from the NTA as we get closer to 2026. They might release more information about how exactly they'll choose exam centers.
Your Action Plan
- Check your Aadhaar address right away
- Make sure all your documents match perfectly
- Start thinking about possible travel plans
- Stay updated on any new announcements from NTA
Remember, being prepared is the best way to tackle these changes. Good luck with your exams!
