NTA to introduce facial biometric checks, live photography across entrance exams from 2026
New Delhi (India), December 23
The National Testing Agency (NTA) would implement facial biometric authentication during examinations and live photography at the application stage to strengthen exam security across all entrance examinations, beginning with JEE (Mains) in January 2026.
The move is aimed at curbing impersonation and other malpractices by ensuring real-time identity verification of candidates at multiple stages of the examination process, officials said.
"They will be implementing a facial recognition system during the examination and live photography during the filing of the application," Secretary of Higher Education Vineet Joshi said during a media interaction.
"This will be implemented from January, from JEE (Mains)," he added.
Facial biometric verification confirms a person's identity by analysing unique facial features, such as the distance between the eyes or the shape of the nose, to create a digital template for comparison with stored data, often using AI for analysis.
Meanwhile, a real-time photo capture via webcam or phone is used during online application or exam processes to prevent impersonation.
Joint Entrance Examination (Main) 2026, conducted by NTA, is scheduled from January 21 to 30, 2026.
Established in 2017, NTA conducts major entrance examinations, including the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main for engineering; the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET-UG) for medicine; and the CUET for general Undergraduate and Postgraduate programmes in central universities.
These measures are part of the recommendation by the Radhakrishnan Committee, which was constituted following widespread reports of malpractices in the NEET-UG exam, 2024.
The government-appointed committee has proposed a significant overhaul of India's entrance exam system, with a focus on digitalisation, security, and streamlining processes.
The seven-member panel, led by former ISRO Chief R. Radhakrishnan, outlined a two-phase plan for reform: Immediate/Short-Term, like restructuring of NTA and Multi-level biometric verification (registration, centre, counselling) and Phase 2 (Long-Term), including"Digi-Exam" Platform: Implement biometric-based digital exams, similar to DigiYatra.
To further prevent exam breaches, the committee proposes multi-level biometric verification across registration, test centres, counselling, and admissions. This comprehensive approach aims to create a more secure and tamper-proof testing environment.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good initiative, but I'm worried about privacy. Where will all this facial data be stored? The government must ensure strong data protection laws are in place first. We can't trade one problem for another.
Finally! This will level the playing field for honest students who work day and night. No more shortcuts for the rich and connected. Jao beta, padhai karo, ab cheating nahi chalegi! 😄
As an observer of Indian education, this is a positive tech-forward move. However, the infrastructure must be uniform. What about remote centers with poor internet? The process shouldn't add stress for genuine candidates.
My brother will be giving JEE in 2026. We welcome this, but I hope NTA conducts proper trials. What if the system fails to recognize a student on exam day? There must be a reliable manual backup process. Don't ruin a student's year due to a tech glitch.
The Radhakrishnan Committee seems to be on the right track. A secure 'Digi-Exam' platform like DigiYatra is the future. This overhaul was long overdue. Hope it brings back the credibility our entrance exams deserve.
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