NTA tightens security as facial biometric verification for NEET, JEE planned from 2026

In a major move to tighten security in national-level entrance examinations, the National Testing Agency (NTA) is set to introduce facial biometric authentication and mandatory live photograph verification for candidates appearing in key exams from 2026.

The new identity verification system will apply to high-stakes tests such as JEE (Main) and NEET-UG, officials



have confirmed.

The rollout will begin with JEE (Main) in January 2026, making it the first examination to adopt the enhanced verification measures. According to senior NTA officials, the initiative is aimed at enabling real-time candidate authentication at multiple stages of the examination process and preventing impersonation and other unfair practices.