gave National Testing Agency (NTA) has issued an important advisory to candidates appearing for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET UG) 2026, flagging discrepancies in photographs submitted during the application process. Candidates whose live photographs do not match their identity proof records have been asked to complete additional verification steps within a limited time frame.
Image does not match. Detected during the verification process
According to an official notice dated April 7, 2026, the issue was identified after the closure of the CUET UG 2026 application window, which was open from January 3 to February 4, with a correction window from February 23 to 26.The NTA noted that several candidates who used identity proof documents other than Aadhaar uploaded live photographs which did not match the official records available with the UIDAI. This raised concerns regarding identity verification ahead of the exam scheduled from May 11 to May 31, 2026.
Mandatory authentication through a certified certificate
To address this issue, the agency has provided a one-time opportunity to the affected candidates to verify their identity. Candidates must upload such:
- A signed and attested certificate (Annexure-1 format)
- A recent passport size photograph, attested by an authorized official
The certificate must be verified by:
- School/College Principal or Headmaster, p
- Class I Gazetted Officer like Tehsildar, SDM, DM, Revenue Officer
- For NRI Candidates: Class I Gazetted Officer of Indian Embassy
Direct link to check advisory issued by NTA for CUET UG candidates.
Deadline and submission process
Candidates can upload required documents between 7th April to 10th April 2026 using the link sent to their registered email id.Apart from online submission, candidates should also carry the printed copy of attested certificate to the examination center for physical verification on the day of examination.NTA has urged the candidates to complete the process within the stipulated time to avoid complications during admission to the examination. Failure to comply may result in difficulties in verifying identity at the test center.
