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NTA Facial Recognition 2026: 5 Ways the New Security System Will Stop Exam Malpractices
By Trending News Fox Editorial Team Published: December 25, 2025
The era of traditional exam security in India is officially over. Following the successful pilot during NEET 2025, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has confirmed a massive technological overhaul for all major entrance exams starting in January 2026. From JEE Main to NEET-UG, candidates will now face a multi-layered biometric shield designed to make impersonation and paper leaks a thing of the past.
If you are a student or parent preparing for the 2026 session, here is everything you need to know about the “Aadhaar-Face” revolution.
1. Mandatory “Live Photo” During Registration
Forget about uploading old, filtered gallery photos. Starting with the JEE Main 2026 application (expected to open soon), candidates must capture a live photograph using their webcam or mobile phone during the registration process.
- The Goal: This ensures the person filling out the form is the same person appearing for the test.
- Fox Tip: Ensure you are in a well-lit room when applying; AI-matching systems are sensitive to shadows.
2. Facial Biometric Authentication at Centers
No more just showing an ID card and walking in. The NTA, in collaboration with UIDAI, will deploy Aadhaar-based facial recognition at every exam center.
- The Process: Your face will be scanned at the entrance and compared in real-time with the “Live Photo” you took during registration.
- Security Level: This system analyses unique features like the distance between your eyes and the shape of your nose, making it nearly impossible for “proxy” candidates to enter.
3. The “Radhakrishnan Committee” Influence
These changes aren’t random. They are the direct result of the Radhakrishnan Committee recommendations, formed after the 2024 NEET controversies. The committee’s two-phase plan focuses on:
- Phase 1: Multi-level biometric checks (Registration → Center → Counseling).
- Phase 2: The development of a “Digi-Exam” platform, a high-security digital environment similar to the “DigiYatra” system used in airports.
4. Expansion Beyond JEE and NEET
While the rollout begins with JEE Main (January 21–30, 2026), the NTA plans to extend this to CUET (Common University Entrance Test) and other national recruitment exams. The UPSC has already seen a 92% voluntary adoption of Aadhaar verification, signaling a nationwide shift toward biometric-first testing.
5. AI-Driven Surveillance
Beyond the entrance gate, the NTA is reportedly looking into AI-enabled CCTV analytics. This technology can flag “suspicious movement” inside the exam hall—such as excessive turning or signaling—without requiring a human proctor to catch it in real-time.
NTA Facial Recognition 2026: What Should Candidates Do Differently?
- Update Your Aadhaar: Ensure your Aadhaar photo is not more than 5 years old. If the facial recognition fails, you may face delays.
- Valid Email & Mobile: The NTA will use these for two-factor authentication (2FA) during the new registration process.
- No Cosmetic Changes: Avoid significant changes in facial hair or accessories between the registration and exam day.
NTA Facial Recognition 2026: The Bottom Line
The NTA’s 2026 security roadmap is a clear signal: the government is prioritizing merit over manipulation. While the new rules may seem strict, they offer a fairer playing field for the millions of students who spend years preparing for these life-changing exams.
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