NTA makes BIG announcement for JEE, NEET, CUET candidates, they can no longer choose…; know all about the new changes
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced a major change in the allocation of examination centers for some of the top national level entrance exams such as JEE Main, NEET-UG and CUET-UG. The new system will start from the 2026-27 academic semester, which will include many changes.
NTA cancels allocation of examination centres.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced a major change in the allocation of examination centers for some of the top national level entrance exams such as JEE Main, NEET-UG and CUET-UG. Under the new policy, starting from 2026–Candidates will not be allowed to decide on their exam city preference during the 27 academic sessions. However, the agency’s official announcement stated that from now on, exam centers will be given only as per the address mentioned in the candidate’s Aadhaar card.
What is NTA’s new system for national level examinations?
In the same notification, NTA said the move is aimed at better transparency, cracking down on impersonation and reducing incidents of malpractice during exams. According to the current process, students are allowed to choose 3-4 cities when filling out their applications, but with the new rules coming into force, this process will be invalid.
As per the new guidelines, candidates from smaller towns and villages will be allotted examination centers in or around the surrounding areas as per the address mentioned in their Aadhaar cards. This decision raised concerns among students and parents, especially those studying or living away from their own homes. Their main concern is about long and arduous travels in case their Aadhar cards become outdated.
To avoid such situations, NTA has asked students to verify and update their Aadhaar information well before the application window opens. The first exam to be held with the new system will be the January 2026 session of JEE Main, after which other exams will also be integrated with the new change.
Under the new system, NTA has made it mandatory for the personal information of the Aadhaar card, such as name and date of birth, to be updated exactly as per what is mentioned in the Class 10 grade. Even minor mistakes can result in applications being cancelled.
