CUET UG 2026: NTA issues advisory on photo mismatch, asks candidates to upload attested certificates

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has issued an important advisory for candidates appearing in the Common University Entrance Test (CUET UG) 2026, flagging discrepancies in photographs submitted during the application process. Candidates whose live images do not match their identity proof records have been asked to complete additional verification steps within a limited deadline.

Photo mismatch detected during verification process

According to the official notice dated April 7, 2026, the issue was identified after the closure of the CUET UG 2026 application window, which remained 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 that did not align with official records available with UIDAI. This raised concerns regarding identity verification ahead of the examination scheduled from May 11 to May 31, 2026.

Mandatory verification through attested certificate

To address the issue, the agency has provided a one-time opportunity for affected candidates to verify their identity. Such candidates must upload:

• A signed and attested certificate (Annexure-1 format)
• A recent passport-sized photograph, certified by an authorised official

The certificate must be attested by:

• School/College Principal or Headmaster, or
• A Class-I Gazetted Officer such as a Tehsildar, SDM, DM, Revenue Officer
• For NRI candidates: a Class-I Gazetted Officer of the Indian Embassy

Direct link to check advisory issued by NTA for CUET UG candidates.

Deadline and submission process

Candidates can upload the required documents between April 7 and April 10, 2026, using the link sent to their registered email IDs.

In addition to the online submission, candidates must also carry a printed copy of the attested certificate to the exam centre for physical verification on the day of the examination.

The NTA has urged candidates to complete the process within the stipulated timeline to avoid complications during exam entry. Failure to comply may lead to difficulties in identity verification at the test centre.

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