From the 2026–27 academic session onward, candidates appearing for JEE Main, NEET UG, and CUET UG/PG exams will no longer have the freedom to choose their preferred exam cities. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced that examination centers will now be allotted according to the address mentioned on the candidate’s Aadhaar card or their registered residential address.
Why the Change Was Introduced
The NTA has taken this decision to ensure transparency, uniformity, and fairness during the exam center allotment process. This new system aims to prevent manipulation and reduce mismatches that previously occurred between the candidate’s claimed address and official documents.
Key reasons behind the new rule:
- Eliminates address mismatches — Ensures that all candidate information matches their verified Aadhaar details.
- Simplifies verification — Helps authorities confirm candidate identity easily and securely.
- Reduces travel stress — Students will be assigned nearby centers within their locality or state, minimizing travel-related difficulties.
What Students Need to Know
Under the updated system, the address on the Aadhaar card will be the main reference for allocating the examination city. Candidates are strongly advised to:
- Ensure that their Aadhaar address, name, and date of birth match with their school or board documents.
- Update Aadhaar details before submitting the application form, if required.
- Keep caste, EWS, OBC, or disability certificates consistent with the Aadhaar data.
- Mention both permanent and current addresses accurately during registration.
How the New Allotment System Will Work
- The NTA will analyze the Aadhaar-registered address and allocate the nearest available exam center accordingly.
- Students will not be able to manually select distant or preferred cities.
- In special cases, such as relocation or transfer, candidates may have to provide additional proof if the requested center is outside their Aadhaar-linked region.
- The final decision regarding city allotment will rest solely with the NTA.
Pros and Cons of the New Policy
Advantages
- Prevents fraudulent city preferences and irregularities.
- Reduces unnecessary long-distance travel for students.
- Brings consistency to the exam registration process.
Challenges
- Students who have recently moved or whose families live in different locations may face inconvenience.
- Limited flexibility for students studying away from their hometown.
- Delayed Aadhaar updates might affect center allotment.
What Students Should Do Next
- Review and correct your Aadhaar details immediately, if needed.
- Keep academic and identity records consistent across all platforms.
- Submit your exam applications early to avoid any last-minute verification issues.
This change highlights the government’s effort to promote fairness and data accuracy in national-level exams — ensuring every student is treated equally in the examination process.
Written by Reliable Study
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