New Delhi: The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 has recorded an impressive 96% attendance, highlighting strong student participation across the country. The development comes as Aadhaar-based verification checks were implemented fully live at examination centres for the first time, aiming to strengthen identity authentication and curb unfair practices.
According to reports, the National Testing Agency (NTA) ensured tighter security and smoother candidate verification through Aadhaar-linked checks, making the overall process more transparent and efficient.
Aadhaar Verification Goes Fully Live
In a major step towards ensuring fair conduct of examinations, Aadhaar-based authentication was activated completely during the JEE Main 2026 session. The move is expected to:
- prevent impersonation cases
- enhance candidate identity verification
- improve exam centre security
- ensure smooth entry and reduce disputes
Officials said the system was introduced to make the process more reliable and to increase trust in the national-level engineering entrance examination.
96% Attendance Marks Strong Participation
Despite strict checks and heightened monitoring, the exam witnessed 96% attendance, indicating that candidates adapted well to the updated procedures. Education experts believe this reflects:
- improved awareness among students
- better exam centre management
- enhanced confidence in NTA’s arrangements
A high turnout also suggests strong competition for engineering seats across premier institutions such as IITs, NITs, IIITs and other centrally funded technical institutes.
Enhanced Security Measures at Exam Centres
This year’s JEE Main saw multiple security upgrades. Alongside Aadhaar verification, several centres reportedly implemented additional monitoring mechanisms, including:
- biometric verification
- CCTV surveillance
- frisking and strict entry checks
- digital documentation verification
These measures were aimed at eliminating malpractice and ensuring a fair testing environment for all candidates.
Candidate Experience and Smooth Conduct
Many candidates reported that the entry process remained organised despite the updated Aadhaar verification requirement. Authorities also ensured that the verification system did not cause large-scale delays, and candidates were guided properly to complete authentication before entering exam halls.
What This Means for Future Exams
With Aadhaar authentication now successfully implemented in JEE Main, the same model may be expanded to other national-level examinations. Education observers say this could become a standard process to maintain credibility and fairness in competitive exams across India.
The 96% attendance in JEE Main 2026, combined with the successful rollout of fully live Aadhaar-based checks, marks an important milestone in India’s examination reforms. The move is expected to boost transparency, ensure merit-based results, and strengthen public trust in the examination system.
