JEE Mains 2026: NTA Introduces Live Photo Capture and e-KYC Verification System

In an era where digital exams are rapidly evolving, securing candidate identity has never been more essential. For competitive exams like JEE Mains 2026, which decide the future engineers, maintaining the integrity of the registration process is vital. To strengthen this, the JEE Mains 2026 registration update by NTA introduces innovative security features, including live photo capture and real-time verification, designed to prevent fraudulent registrations and ensure that only genuine candidates are included in the final exam list.

The JEE Mains 2026 registration process is ongoing, with a deadline of November 27, 2025. The JEE Mains 2026 exam date for session 1 is scheduled from January 21st to January 30th 2026. While Session 2 will be held from April 1st to 10th, 2026. Candidates can visit the official website to register and fill out the application form.

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JEE Mains 2026 Registration Update

Over the past few years, exam authorities have faced growing challenges related to fake registrations, impersonation, and document tampering. Instances where proxy candidates attempted to sit for exams have raised serious concerns about exam security.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has therefore prioritised enhancing the JEE Mains registration process to safeguard candidate data and uphold examination transparency. Tightening registration security ensures fair competition and builds trust among test-takers and institutions.

Live Photo Capture Feature

The newly introduced live photo capture feature during JEE Mains 2026 registration marks a vital shift in digital exam security. Instead of uploading pre-edited or outdated photos, candidates must now capture a live, real-time image using their device camera.

This measure ensures that the submitted image accurately reflects the candidate’s current appearance, thereby eliminating the possibility of photo manipulation or impersonation. The feature also helps accurately link biometric and demographic data, ensuring that each candidate’s identity remains unique and verifiable. Check the steps below to know how to capture a live photo.

• After completing the JEE Mains 2026 Registration process and filling out the application form, you will reach the Live Photo Capture section.
• This section appears once you fill in your emergency contact details.

• Connect your webcam to the device on which you are filling the form. Your live image will appear in the “Live Camera” box.
• Ensure there is a light-coloured background and adequate lighting. Your face should be clearly visible (around 80%), including your ears, and you should not wear a mask.
• Click on the “Capture Photograph” button to take your photo.
• If the photo is clear and correct, select “Upload Photograph.” If not, retake the photo and upload it again.
• If your device does not support a webcam, scan the QR code shown on the screen using your mobile phone. Capture and upload your photo from your mobile device. Once uploaded, click “Refresh Captured Photo” on your screen.

Note: A timer will start as soon as the live capture section opens. Ensure that you complete the live photo capture before the timer expires.

Live Camera Instructions

• Switch on your device’s built-in camera or connect an external webcam.
• Check that the lighting and background are proper.
• Ensure your face is well within the frame and clearly visible.
• When ready, press “Capture Photograph.”
• Check the preview of your captured image. If you are satisfied, submit it.

Using a Mobile Phone or Tablet

• Candidates can also capture their live photo for JEE Mains registration using a mobile phone or tablet.
• Scan the QR code shown on the screen to open the photo capture link.
• Use your device’s camera to take the photograph.
• After clicking the photo, upload it through the same tab.
• Once uploaded, select ‘Refresh Captured Photo’.
• The live photo will then appear on the application screen.
• If the image looks correct, proceed to submit the form.

e-KYC Verification System

The e-KYC (Electronic Know Your Customer) system utilises Aadhaar details, with the candidate’s permission, to automatically fill and verify personal information, such as name, date of birth, gender, and address, during registration. This digital process helps minimise manual errors and makes verification faster. Candidates who do not have an Aadhaar card can still apply by providing valid ID proof and completing physical verification.

Are students facing difficulties with live photo capture due to Aadhaar e-KYC during JEE Mains 2026?

During JEE Mains 2026 Registration, students’ live photos are captured using the laptop camera and automatically verified with the Aadhaar database to confirm identity. However, many candidates have faced difficulties completing the application form because of this new process.

If the live photo does not match the image in the Aadhaar database, the system stops the application from moving to the next step. This issue has affected several students applying for the JEE Main 2026 exam, as no alternate option has been provided to fix the mismatch.

The only available solution is to update the photo linked with the Aadhaar card. Students can visit an Aadhaar update centre to change their photograph. Once the update is completed, their Aadhaar image will match the live photo captured during registration, allowing them to proceed with the application successfully.

JEE Mains 2026 Registration Dates Updates

JEE Mains 2026 registration for Session 1 started on October 31, 2025, and will close on November 27, 2025. The exam will be held from January 21 to 30, 2026. Session 2 registration is expected in late January 2026, with exams in April. Candidates must apply online at the official NTA website and complete Aadhaar verification during the registration process.

Dates	Events
31 October 2025 to 27 November 2025 (Up to 09:00 P.M.)	Online Submission of Application Form
27 November 2025 (Up to 11:50 P.M.)	Last Date for Successful Transaction of Application Fee
Will be displayed on the NTA website	Correction in Application Form
First Week of January 2026 (Tentatively)	City Intimation Slip
03–04 days before the exam date	Downloading Admit Card
21 January 2026 to 30 January 2026	Dates of Examination
Will be displayed on the NTA website	Display of Question Paper & Answer Keys
By 12 February 2026	Declaration of Result

JEE Mains Photo Requirements for 2026 Registration

The NTA specifies strict JEE Mains 2026 Photo size and format rules. Candidates can check the JEE Main photo size guidelines.

• Photo (Recent colour photo with 80% face visible (no mask), white background, JPG/JPEG, 10–200 KB.)
• Signature (JPG/JPEG, 10–100 KB)
• Class 10 certificate/marks sheet (PDF, 50–300 KB)
• Identity proof (if applicable) (JPG/JPEG, 10–200 KB)
• PwD/UDID certificate (if applicable) (PDF, 50–300 KB)

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JEE Mains Photo Requirements 2025: Are They Different?

While the JEE Main photo requirements 2025 were broadly similar, JEE Mains 2026 enhances these standards by integrating live photo verification technology. This step prevents the use of pre-edited or filtered photos, thereby improving registration credibility and reducing errors in admit card generation. This represents one of the most significant JEE Mains 2026 updates, focusing on security.

Also Check: Why Does NTA Need a CBSE Registration Number for JEE Mains 2026 Registration?

JEE Mains 2026 Updates vs. JEE Mains 2025 Updates

The JEE Mains 2026 registration process introduces two major upgrades: live photo capture and automated verification. In earlier sessions, such as JEE Mains 2025, candidates manually uploaded scanned photographs that lacked active validation.

The 2026 system now directly cross-checks image authenticity, improving transparency and cutting the manual verification workload for officials.

Particulars	JEE Mains 2026	JEE Mains 2025
Photo Upload	Live photo capture	Pre-scanned image
Verification	Real-time Automated verification	Manual check
Fraud Detection	Automated detection system	Limited
Data Accuracy	Highly accurate and traceable	Moderate

Mistakes To Avoid While While Capturing Live Photo for JEE Mains 2026

The live photo capture during JEE Mains 2026 registration is a mandatory step introduced to ensure the candidate’s identity verification is accurate and secure. The photo captured must meet strict guidelines concerning the environment, lighting, facial visibility, and format to avoid rejection or issues in the exam process.

• Insufficient Face Visibility: Ensure your face is about 80% visible, including both ears, without wearing a mask or any facial covering at the time of capturing the live photo.
• Inadequate Lighting or Background: Use a well-lit area with a plain, light-colored background (preferably white). Avoid dark, shadowy, or cluttered backgrounds that obscure facial features.
• Using Incorrect Devices or Camera Setup: Use a proper webcam or the device camera as prescribed. Avoid using poor-quality cameras or unstable setups that result in blurry or pixelated images.
• Ignoring Photo Specifications: The capture must be in JPEG/JPG format with clear visibility and proper resolution. Avoid uploading images that are too small, too large, or not within prescribed dimensions (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm).
• Wearing Obstructive Accessories: Do not wear hats, caps, glasses, or other face-covering accessories unless medically necessary (and documentation may be required).
• Trying to Upload a Selfie or Digital Photo: The photo must be live captured through the application interface and not uploaded as a selfie or previously captured photo.
• Not Checking Image Clarity Before Submission: Before submitting, verify that the image is not blurry, overexposed, or pixelated. Retake the photo if necessary.
• Not Following Instructions for Signature Upload: Alongside the live photo, a clear, scanned signature in black ink on white paper must also be uploaded, as per the guidelines. Both files must be in the proper format and adhere to the file size limits.

Additional Considerations During Live Photo Capture

• Ensure the device has a good internet connection to prevent upload failures.
• Use the QR code option if capturing the photo from a mobile device, ensuring the camera is steady and focused.
• Do not rush during capture to avoid a blurry picture. Take time to adjust your position, lighting, and expression for an optimal photo.
• The same photo will be used in admit cards and for identity verification during exams, so correctness is critical.

Conclusion

The upcoming JEE Mains 2026 registration process reflects how technology is reshaping exam security in India. Through live photo capture and real-time verification, NTA is redefining authenticity and fairness in one of the nation’s most competitive exams.

Candidates are encouraged to stay tuned for official JEE Mains 2026 registration live updates and adhere precisely to JEE Main photo requirements to ensure a seamless registration experience. Staying informed and compliant with the latest JEE Mains 2026 updates will ensure you begin your JEE journey confidently and securely.