JEE Main 2026 Application Form Rejected? Here’s What NTA’s Bulletin Really Says About Corrections

Every year, thousands of JEE Main applicants panic when their application forms face rejection or verification issues. For JEE Main 2026, the National Testing Agency has implemented stricter verification processes, warning that forms with incorrect or incomplete information may be rejected without prior notice.

With registration for Session 1 closing on November 27, 2025, understanding what the official bulletin says about corrections has never been more critical.

Understanding Application Rejection vs. Verification Issues

Before assuming an application is permanently rejected, candidates must understand the distinction between actual rejection and verification errors. Many students have been receiving "identity mismatch" emails advising them to correct errors immediately, though these communications don't necessarily indicate a complete rejection.

When candidates receive such emails, NTA typically provides options to correct the identity document or re-upload the same document with better clarity. Students must check their email inboxes, spam folders, and SMS messages for any communication from NTA regarding their application status.

Common Reasons for Application Rejection

According to NTA's official guidelines and recent clarifications, applications face rejection for several specific reasons:

Personal Details Errors

Spelling errors in the candidate's name or mismatched names compared to Class 10 certificates are a leading cause of rejection. Every detail entered must match official identity documents exactly, including proper capitalization and spacing.

Document Upload Issues

Documents that are expired, have discrepancies, or are invalid will result in the application being rejected. The most common document-related problems include:

• Photographs not meeting the 80% face visibility requirement
• Image files exceeding or falling below the specified size range (10 KB to 200 KB for photos)
• Wrong file formats (PNG or HEIC instead of JPG/JPEG)
• Unclear or poorly lit photographs

Aadhaar and Identity Verification Problems

This year, NTA has introduced mandatory Aadhaar verification, checking candidates' names and photos against their Aadhaar database. When live photos captured during registration don't match Aadhaar photos, or when names on Aadhaar cards differ from Class 10 certificates, the system prevents candidates from proceeding.

Category Certificate Issues

Providing incorrect category certificate numbers or mismatched category details can lead to application rejection. Reserved category candidates must ensure their certificate ID numbers are accurate and current.

Multiple Applications

Submitting multiple applications for the same session results in rejection of all forms. Candidates should apply only once using unique email and phone credentials.

What NTA's Bulletin Says About the Correction Window

Correction Timeline

For Session 1 of JEE (Main) 2026, the correction window is open from 01 December to 02 December 2025 (up to 11:50 PM). After this period, no further corrections will be allowed. Any wrong uploads or incorrect information not corrected during this window may lead to application issues or rejection.

For Session 2, the correction window is generally expected to open in late February or early March 2026.

What Can Be Edited

The NTA bulletin clarifies that only certain fields are editable. Corrections are allowed in the following areas:

Editable Fields	Details / Notes
Candidate Name / Father’s Name / Mother’s Name	Only one of these can be changed at a time
Category / Sub-category / PwD	Only if not verified via UDID
Examination City	Based on permanent/present address; NTA may not follow all choices
Medium of Examination	Change allowed
Academic Qualifications	Class 10th, Class 12th, State Code of Eligibility
Course / Paper Selection	Change allowed
Date of Birth	Change allowed
Gender	Change allowed
Signature	Change allowed
Aadhaar Details	Only for candidates who registered with ID other than Aadhaar

What Cannot Be Edited

Certain critical fields remain permanently locked and cannot be modified under any circumstances:

Editable Fields	Details / Notes
Candidate Name / Father’s Name / Mother’s Name	Only one of these can be changed at a time
Category / Sub-category / PwD	Only if not verified via UDID
Examination City	Based on permanent/present address; NTA may not follow all choices
Medium of Examination	Change allowed
Academic Qualifications	Class 10th, Class 12th, State Code of Eligibility
Course / Paper Selection	Change allowed
Date of Birth	Change allowed
Gender	Change allowed
Signature	Change allowed
Aadhaar Details	Only for candidates who registered with ID other than Aadhaar

Correction Fees

If changes in the editable fields impact the fee, candidates must pay the additional amount. No reimbursement of previous payments will be made.

Read the official notice here:

Resolving the Aadhaar Name Mismatch Issue

One of the most widespread problems this year involves name discrepancies between Aadhaar cards and Class 10 certificates. NTA has announced that the process used successfully in 2025 to correct Aadhaar name mismatch will be applicable for 2026 as well.

Step-by-Step Solution

When candidates receive a "Name mismatch during Aadhaar Authentication" message after selecting "Confirm Name as per Aadhaar," they should press the close button on the pop-up.

A new tab then opens where candidates must enter their name exactly as mentioned on their Aadhaar card, which captures both names, the one from the Class 10 certificate and the one from Aadhaar.

This workaround allows candidates to proceed without changing their Aadhaar card beforehand, though ensuring consistency across all documents remains the best practice for future verifications.

Photo Mismatch Resolution

For students facing photo-mismatch problems between their live capture and Aadhaar photo, the primary solution is updating their photo on their Aadhaar card by visiting an Aadhaar update centre.

However, suppose the Aadhaar number and personal details match. In that case, an old photograph on the Aadhaar card is typically not a problem, as NTA accepts applications as long as the core details are correct.

Steps to Take If Application Issues Arise

Immediate Actions

1. Check All Communication Channels: Review email inbox, spam, promotions folders, and SMS for NTA notifications
2. Identify the Specific Issue: Determine whether NTA is requesting document re-upload, clarification, or correction
3. Act During the Correction Window: Make corrections early during the window to avoid last-minute server issues or submission errors
4. Contact NTA Support: For unresolved technical problems, reach out to the NTA helpline immediately

Documentation Checklist Before Resubmission

• Verify photograph meets all specifications (JPG/JPEG, 10-200 KB, 80% face visible, white background)
• Confirm signature file is correct format (JPG/JPEG, 10-100 KB)
• Double-check that the Class 10 marksheet PDF is within size limits (50-300 KB)
• Ensure all names match across documents or follow the Aadhaar mismatch protocol
• Validate category certificate details and issue dates

Prevention: Getting It Right the First Time

The many restrictions on corrections make it critically important to fill the form correctly during initial submission. Candidates should:

• Preview all entered information before final submission
• Use a reliable internet connection and a desktop/laptop rather than a mobile device
• Apply well before the November 27 deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues
• Keep all required documents in proper format, ready before starting
• Read the official Information Bulletin thoroughly before applying

Also See: JEE Main 2026 Chapter-wise Weightage: High-Scoring Topics You Can’t Miss!

JEE Main 2026 Syllabus PDF Download

Updated Eligibility Criteria for JEE Main 2026

Where Will You Take JEE Main 2026? Find Out Here!

The JEE Main 2026 Exam Pattern Might Surprise You — Here’s Why

Is 75% Criteria Still Required for JEE Main 2026? Clarified by NTA

Final Words

Application rejection doesn't have to mean the end of JEE Main dreams, but it requires swift, informed action. The correction window offers a limited opportunity to fix genuine mistakes, but success depends on understanding exactly what NTA's bulletin permits and prohibits.

For candidates still within the registration period, the lesson is straightforward: invest time in getting details right initially rather than relying on the correction window to fix preventable errors. For those who have already submitted forms, monitor email and SMS communications closely, and be prepared to act decisively when the correction window opens in December 2025.