New Delhi ; The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced a major policy change that will significantly alter the way students are assigned exam centres for national-level entrance exams. Starting from the 2026–27 academic session, candidates appearing for JEE Main, NEET-UG, and CUET-UG will no longer be able to select their preferred test cities.

Instead, examination centres will now be allocated based on the address mentioned on the candidate’s Aadhaar card, marking a shift toward a more transparent and secure examination process.

Address-Based Allocation to Prevent Malpractice

According to the NTA, this new approach aims to curb impersonation, cheating, and unfair practices that have occasionally been reported during national entrance tests.

Previously, candidates were allowed to select three or four preferred cities when filling out their exam forms. Under the revised system, the NTA will assign centres closest to the Aadhaar-registered address, thereby ensuring fairness, especially for students from smaller towns and rural areas.

Students Advised to Update Aadhaar Details

The announcement has raised concerns among students studying away from their permanent residences. The NTA has urged all aspirants to verify and update their Aadhaar details before the application process begins, warning that outdated addresses could lead to logistical challenges.

From January 2026 onwards, this policy will first be implemented for the JEE Main examination, followed by NEET-UG and CUET-UG in the same academic cycle.

Additionally, candidates’ names, dates of birth, and other personal information on Aadhaar must exactly match their Class 10 marksheet. Any spelling errors or discrepancies may result in application rejection. Students have been advised to visit UIDAI centres to correct inconsistencies well in advance.

Category Certificates Must Match Official Records

The NTA has also emphasized that students belonging to SC, ST, OBC, EWS, or PwD categories must ensure that their category certificates align with both their Aadhaar and Class 10 records. Any mismatch could result in the rejection of reservation claims or even disqualification from the exam.

A Step Toward Greater Transparency

This policy reform is part of the NTA’s broader effort to streamline the examination process and enhance fairness in candidate verification. By linking centre allocation directly to Aadhaar details, the agency aims to eliminate potential loopholes and ensure a level playing field for all test-takers across India.

Students are strongly advised to check and update all personal documents early, as the new verification standards will leave no room for last-minute corrections once applications are submitted

Click Here for More Exams / Admission