Over the last few days, several news headlines have created confusion among aspirants of national-level entrance exams like JEE Main, CUET, and NEET 2026, claiming a “Rule Change” by the National Testing Agency (NTA). According to viral reports, candidates appearing for these exams from 2026 onwards will no longer be allowed to choose their preferred exam city or centre, and the centres will be allotted automatically based on the address mentioned in their Aadhaar Card.
But how true is this claim? Has the NTA really announced such a rule change? Let’s separate facts from rumours.
What the Viral Claim Says
Various digital media outlets, social media posts, and YouTube videos have indicated that from 2026, NTA will automatically assign the exam centres in JEE, NEET, and CUET on the basis of an Aadhaar-linked address. Such reports indicate that the applicants will not have a choice of the city they would prefer during the filling of the application form.
These reports further claim that this change is being made to reduce cheating, impersonation, and misuse of city preferences in exams like JEE, NEET, and CUET.
What NTA Has Officially Announced
As of now, no official notification or public notice from the National Testing Agency (NTA) confirms this rule. The only official advisory released by the NTA pertains to the Joint Entrance Examination (Main) 2026, focusing on document verification and updates. The advisory, dated recently, is titled:
“Advisory and Instructions on Updation of Aadhaar Card/ UDID Card/ Category Certificate (EWS/SC/ST/OBC-NCL) before Filling of Online Application Form for JEE (Main) 2026 – Reg.”
This notice advises candidates to ensure that their Aadhaar details, UDID cards (for PwD candidates), and category certificates are accurate and updated before applying for JEE Main 2026. It also confirms that the Joint Entrance Examination (Main)-2026 will be conducted in two sessions, Session 1 in January 2026 and Session 2 in April 2026.
However, nowhere in the notice does NTA mention any change regarding the exam city selection process.
Why the Rumour Started
The confusion appears to have stemmed from media interpretations of the Aadhaar update advisory. Some outlets speculated that since NTA emphasized Aadhaar correctness and address verification, it might soon link the address to automatic exam centre allocation.
Although this may be a likely future move, no formal circular or notification has been made to the same. Therefore, these assertions are unproven and speculative.
What This Means for Students
Until NTA releases an official notification for JEE Main, NEET, or CUET 2026, students can still expect the existing system to continue, where candidates choose their preferred exam cities while filling the application form.
If any major change, such as auto-allocation of centres, is implemented, NTA will officially publish the details on its official websites:
Applicants are highly encouraged to trust official communications only and not to believe or spread unsubstantiated media information.
Fact Check Verdict
- Claim: From 2026, candidates will no longer be able to choose exam cities for JEE, NEET, and CUET.
- Fact: False / Not Confirmed.
NTA has not issued any official notification regarding such a rule change. The current advisory only talks about updating Aadhaar and category details.
Until an official circular is released, the existing process of choosing exam city preferences remains unchanged.
On the Whole
The claim that “NTA has stopped allowing students to choose exam centres from 2026” is misleading. There is no official confirmation supporting it. Students should stay updated through NTA’s official websites and avoid misinformation circulating on social media.
Stay informed. Verify before you share.
