NTA to Introduce Facial Recognition & Live Photo Verification for NEET, JEE from 2026

NTA to Introduce Facial Recognition & Live Photo Verification for NEET, JEE from 2026 The National Testing Agency (NTA) will introduc...

NTA to Introduce Facial Recognition & Live Photo Verification for NEET, JEE from 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) will introduce facial recognition-based identity verification and mandatory live photograph capture for candidates appearing in major national entrance examinations starting 2026, officials confirmed.

The new security system will be implemented across key exams conducted by the NTA, including JEE (Main) and NEET-UG. The rollout will begin with JEE (Main) 2026, scheduled for January 21 to 30, 2026.

“This will be implemented from January, starting with JEE (Main). The objective is to ensure real-time identity verification at multiple stages and curb impersonation and unfair practices,” a senior official said.

How the New Verification System Will Work

Under the revised framework:

Candidates must upload two photographs during the application process:
- A recent scanned photograph (JPG/JPEG format)
- A live photograph captured using a webcam or mobile phone while filling the form
Older photographs will no longer be accepted
Facial recognition will be used to match:
- Application data
- Live photo
- Real-time facial scan at the exam centre

“This dual verification ensures the same individual applies for and appears in the examination,” officials said.

At exam centres, AI-driven facial biometric systems will authenticate candidates by analysing unique facial features such as eye distance and facial structure before allowing entry.

Pilot Tested During NEET-UG 2025

The decision follows a successful pilot project during NEET-UG 2025, where Aadhaar-based facial authentication was tested at select centres in Delhi.
The pilot was conducted in collaboration with:

UIDAI
National Informatics Centre (NIC)
NTA’s existing exam systems

Background: Strengthening Exam Integrity

The move comes amid increased scrutiny of national entrance examinations following alleged paper leak incidents, especially during NEET-UG 2024.

The reforms are based on recommendations of the Radhakrishnan Committee, a seven-member panel led by former ISRO chairman R Radhakrishnan, appointed to review examination conduct.

Key Committee Recommendations:

Short-term:
- Revamp NTA operations
- Multi-level biometric verification at:
  - Registration
  - Exam centres
  - Counselling stages
Long-term:
- Development of a “Digi-Exam” platform
- Biometric-enabled digital exams on the lines of DigiYatra