NTA Extends CUET UG 2026 Photo Verification Deadline: Detailed Guide for Aspirants

The CUET UG 2026 exams are scheduled between May 11 and May 31, 2026. The NTA has extended the Photo Verification Certificate deadline to April 16, 2026, for candidates with photo mismatches.

The City Intimation Slip is expected by early May, followed by Admit Cards on May 9. Ensure all documents are attested to avoid disqualification.

In a major relief for thousands of students, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially extended the deadline for the CUET UG 2026 Photo Verification Certificate submission.

Candidates who were flagged for photo mismatches or faced technical issues now have until April 16, 2026, to complete the verification process on the official portal, cuet.nta.nic.in.

Initially, the deadline was set for April 10. However, following a surge in requests from candidates—many of whom cited difficulties in obtaining attestations during the mid-April public holidays (including Ambedkar Jayanti on April 14)—the NTA released a revised notice on April 14, 2026, to provide this final buffer period.

CUET UG Exam Latest Updates

The NTA has extended the CUET UG 2026 photo verification deadline to April 16, 2026, providing a final chance for students to rectify photo mismatches.

Candidates must upload an attested certificate by a Gazetted Officer or Principal to ensure their eligibility for the May examinations.

Why the Photo Verification Certificate is Mandatory?

The CUET UG 2026 application process includes a strict identity check. The NTA uses AI-driven facial recognition to compare the “live photo” taken during registration with the uploaded passport-size photo. If these do not match or if there is a discrepancy with official records (like UIDAI/Aadhaar), a “photo mismatch” alert is triggered.

This certificate is mandatory because it serves as a legal confirmation of your identity. It is specifically required for:

• Non-Aadhaar Users: Students who registered using alternative IDs like Pan Cards, Passports, or School IDs.

• Image Discrepancies: Candidates whose live photos were blurry, poorly lit, or did not align with their uploaded documents.

• Administrative Security: To prevent impersonation and ensure that the person appearing for the exam is the same person who applied.

Revised Schedule for CUET UG 2026

Staying updated with the timeline is crucial to avoid last-minute panic. While the verification window has shifted, the NTA has maintained the core examination schedule.

Detailed Guide to Uploading the Certificate

The process is straightforward, but it requires physical attestation, which can take time. Follow these specific steps to ensure your submission is valid:

1. Download the Proforma: Log in to cuet.nta.nic.in using your application number and password. Look for the “Photo Verification Certificate” link (usually found in Annexure-1 of the advisory).

2. Paste Your Photo: Affix a recent passport-size color photograph. Ensure your face covers 80% of the photo area and the background is white.

3. Get it Attested: This is the most vital step. You must take this paper to a competent authority. This includes:

   • The Headmaster or Principal of your school/college.

   • A Class-I Gazetted Officer (such as a Tehsildar, SDM, or Revenue Officer).

   • For NRI candidates, a Class-I Gazetted Officer of the Indian Embassy.

4. Scan and Upload: Scan the signed and stamped document into a PDF or JPG format. Ensure the file size is between 10 KB and 200 KB.

Confirmation: Check the preview on the portal. If the stamp or signature is blurry, re-scan it. A clear document is necessary for the AI system to validate your file.

Common Mistakes and Rejection Risks

A small error can lead to your application being flagged again. To ensure your certificate is accepted:

• Stamp Placement: Ensure the officer’s official stamp is partially over the photograph and partially on the paper (cross-stamped).

• Photo Quality: Avoid using “selfies” or photos with busy backgrounds. The AI recognition system at the exam center is highly sensitive.

Physical Copy: Remember, uploading is only half the task. You must carry the original printed and attested certificate to the exam hall. Proctors will use this for physical verification before allowing you to sit for the test.

What Happens if You Miss the Deadline?

The NTA has made it clear that April 16, 2026, is likely the final extension. If you fail to upload the attested certificate by this date, your admit card will not be generated. Since CUET UG is the primary gateway to over 280 universities, including Delhi University (DU), BHU, and JNU, missing this window could jeopardize your entire academic year.

For any technical glitches or if you haven’t received the mismatch email despite seeing an alert on your portal, contact the NTA Help Desk immediately at 011-40759000 or email cuet-ug@nta.ac.in

Written by Simran

Simran is currently working as a Senior Content Writer at Findmycollege , where she creates engaging and research-driven learning resources for students. She has completed her Graduation in Journalism from Delhi University. With 4 years of experience in the EdTech industry, she has previously contributed to leading platforms like Leverage Edu and Aakash. Her expertise lies in simplifying Engineering and Medical entrance exam content to guide aspirants in their preparation journey. Beyond writing, Simran enjoys sketching, watching movies, and finding creative inspiration in everyday life.

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