NTA likely to Implement Facial Recognition Check for JEE Main and NEET Exams 2026

NTA is likely to introduce facial recognition and live photo verification for JEE Main and NEET exams from 2026. The move aims to strengthen identity checks and curb impersonation.

Facial Recognition Check for JEE Main and NEET Exams 2026: The National Testing Agency (NTA) is eyeing to conduct the JEE Main and NEET 2026 exams with the help of facial recognition, as a way to strengthen exam security and prevent impersonation. Upon its introduction, the technology is expected to be implemented to confirm the candidates’ identity at different stages of examination, at the time of admit card generation, and while entering the examination hall, by comparing the live image with the photo uploaded during registration.

Facial recognition systems are intended to help ensure that the individual taking the exam is the actual registered candidate, minimizing chances of malpractices like proxy writing and identity theft. NTA could add this layer of verification in addition to the existing methods, such as biometric scans and ID proofs.

This move follows a successful PoC (proof of concept) held during the NEET-UG 2025 exam at the invitation of NTA, while testing the Aadhaar-based facial authentication technology at certain centers in partnership with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), the National Informatics Centre (NIC), and NTA. The results demonstrated that the system can accurately identify with little to no impersonation, which allowed for a wider application in future exam cycles.

Under this proposed mechanism, the candidates might be asked to undergo facial biometric verification in the examination centres, where live images captured at the time of verification will be compared with the photographs submitted at the time of application. In addition, a real-time live photo capture feature at the time of online registration might be incorporated to discourage the use of expired or tampered images.

Although the NTA has not notified the candidates with an exact schedule for the implementation, the practice or trial runs may be allowed in the form of mock or earlier test sessions before the full launch. The final decision, along with the procedure, is likely to be announced by the official NTA notifications in the next few months.

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