JEE Main 2026 City and Centre Allotment: NTA’s Timely Clarification Quells Student Anxieties

Published on October 10, 2025

Contents

Delhi, India

Background on the Confusion

On September 29, 2025, NTA released a public notice urging candidates to verify and update key identity documents like Aadhaar Card, UDID for persons with disabilities, and category certificates (EWS/SC/ST/OBC-NCL) before filling online applications.
This advisory stemmed from previous years’ issues where mismatches between Aadhaar details, Class 10 certificates, and other documents caused registration hurdles and exam-day complications.
The notice aimed to streamline the process by encouraging early updates, but it sparked widespread speculation among JEE aspirants that it signaled a shift to mandatory Aadhaar-based exam centre allocation, limiting choice.
Viral social media claims amplified fears, suggesting no more flexibility in selecting preferred exam cities for the two-session JEE Main 2026.

In a swift response on October 10, 2025, NTA stated unequivocally: “The Public Notice is not related to City/Centre Allotment in any manner.”
The agency emphasized that city and centre selection remains unchanged—candidates will continue to choose their preferred exam cities during the application form submission, just as in prior years.
NTA urged students to rely solely on official channels like jeemain.nta.nic.in for updates on JEE Main, NEET-UG, CUET-UG, and other exams, warning against “unverified information” that could mislead aspirants.
Quote from NTA: “Don’t be misled by unverified information”—a direct call to maintain focus on preparation amid the buzz.

Choice Flexibility: During online registration, candidates can select up to four preferred exam cities from a list covering over 300 locations across India and abroad, ensuring accessibility.
Allotment Mechanism: NTA allocates centres based on availability, preferences, and logistics—first-come, first-served within sessions, with efforts to honor top choices where possible.
Two-Session Format: Applies to both January (Session 1) and April (Session 2) 2026 exams; candidates opting for both can choose cities independently per session.
PwD and Special Provisions: Persons with disabilities get priority for accessible centres; international candidates have dedicated overseas options.
Pro Tip: Submit preferences early in the window to maximize chances of getting your top picks, as high-demand cities fill quickly.

Application Window: Session 1 registration opens on October 15, 2025, and closes by November 2025 (exact last date to be confirmed on official site).
Fee Payment Deadline: Successful transaction required by the application closure date; corrections window typically follows for limited edits like city choices.
Document Upload: All verified IDs (Aadhaar, photo, signatures) must be ready—update via UIDAI portal now to avoid last-minute glitches.
Admit Card Release: Expected 10-15 days before each session; includes final allotted city and centre details.
NTA advises completing everything online via jeemain.nta.nic.in—no offline modes.

Session 1: January 2026 (exact dates: second week, spanning 4-5 days for Paper 1 B.E./B.Tech and Paper 2 for B.Arch/B.Planning).
Session 2: April 2026 (similar multi-day format, results by late April for JEE Advanced qualifiers).
Mode and Duration: Computer-based test (CBT) for most; Drawing section for B.Arch is pen-paper; total 3 hours per paper.
Syllabus and Pattern: Aligned with NCERT Class 11-12; no major changes announced yet—focus on Physics, Chemistry, Math for Paper 1.
Eligibility Reminder: Class 12 passers or appearing in 2026; max three attempts across consecutive years.

Prep Smart: Use the clarification time to audit documents and start mock tests—aim for balanced city choices near home to cut travel stress.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid: Mismatched details can lead to rejection; double-check Aadhaar linkage and category proofs early.
Stay Updated: Bookmark NTA’s portal and enable notifications—registration kicks off soon, so gear up!
Impact: This reassurance could boost confidence for over 10 lakh expected applicants, ensuring a smoother path to IITs and NITs.