By Ankit Gupta
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Updated on 28 Jan 2026, 05:41 IST
Incorrect document uploads are a top reason for the rejection of JEE Main 2026 application forms. Every year, thousands of students face issues with blurred photos, wrong file sizes, or mismatched certificates, which can lead to disqualification by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
This detailed guide is a complete checklist that explains every required document, file format, and size limit as per the official NTA Information Bulletin. By following these steps, you can ensure your photograph, signature, and certificates meet all verification standards and are uploaded successfully.
Before starting the JEE Main 2026 registration, every candidate must keep the required documents ready in the correct format, size, and clarity. Missing or incorrectly uploaded files are one of the most frequent causes of form rejection by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Here’s a quick and easy-to-scan master checklist of all documents needed for successful registration on the official website — jeemain.nta.ac.in.
| Document Name | Purpose | Notes / When Required |
| Passport-size Photograph | Identity & photo verification | Must be recent, clear, and in colour (preferably with name and date printed). Avoid selfies or group photos. |
| Candidate’s Signature | Confirmation of identity | Must match the signature done in exam attendance sheet. Use black or blue ink on white paper. |
| Parent/Guardian Signature | For declaration (if applicable) | Needed only if the candidate is a minor (under 18 years) at the time of registration. |
| Class 10 Marksheet / Certificate | Proof of Name and Date of Birth | Details must exactly match Aadhaar and form entries. Uploaded for DoB verification. |
| Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS) | For claiming reservation eligibility | Must be issued by a competent authority in the latest NTA format. |
| PwD Certificate | For candidates with benchmark disabilities | Issued by a medical board authorized by the Government of India. Must mention % of disability. |
| Valid Photo ID Proof | Final identity verification at exam & registration | Can be Aadhaar, Passport, PAN Card, Voter ID, or School ID Card. The same ID must be carried to the exam centre. |
The photo and signature upload section of the JEE Main 2026 application form is where most candidates make mistakes. Incorrect photo dimensions, blurry images, or oversized files are among the top reasons for form rejection or Aadhaar authentication failure.To help you avoid these common errors, here’s a clear explanation of every rule and requirement specified by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for uploading your photograph and signature successfully.
Your passport-size photograph is used throughout the registration, admit card, and exam verification process, so it must follow NTA’s technical and quality standards.
| Requirement | Details |
| Photograph Type | Recent passport-size colour photograph (taken within the last 6 months). |
| Background | Plain white background with uniform lighting. |
| Key Feature | Candidate’s name and the date of photograph should be printed below the image (as per previous NTA guidelines). |
| Restrictions | Do not wear caps, sunglasses, or tinted glasses. Eyes and face must be clearly visible (80% of the frame). |
| File Format | JPEG / JPG |
| File Size | Between 10 KB – 200 KB |
| Recommended Dimensions | 3.5 cm × 4.5 cm |
The signature upload must also meet NTA’s prescribed format. Any mismatch between the uploaded signature and the one made during the exam may cause verification issues.
| Requirement | Details |
| Ink Colour | Sign using black or blue ink on plain white paper. |
| Format | Use regular handwriting, not all capital letters. |
| File Format | JPEG / JPG |
| File Size | Between 4 KB – 30 KB |
| Recommended Dimensions | 3.5 cm × 1.5 cm |
Most students capture high-resolution photos from mobile cameras, resulting in large file sizes that exceed NTA’s upload limits. Follow these simple methods to resize your images without losing clarity:
If you’re using a phone or laptop, websites like ILoveIMG or PicResize work best.
Steps:
If you’re working on a computer, MS Paint is a quick offline option.
Steps:
The certificate upload section in the JEE Main 2026 application form requires special attention. According to the National Testing Agency (NTA), all supporting documents — including reservation and disability certificates — must be uploaded strictly in PDF format. Uploading the wrong file type or an outdated certificate is one of the most common reasons for form rejection or category disqualification.
Each certificate should be clear, legible, and properly scanned, showing the candidate’s name, signature of the issuing authority, and date of issue. Make sure the file size stays within NTA’s limit of 50 KB to 300 KB for smooth submission.
Students applying under any reserved category must upload a valid Category Certificate issued by a competent authority. This document verifies eligibility for reservation benefits during JEE Main counselling and admission through JoSAA or CSAB.
| Requirement | Details |
| Issuing Authority | Must be issued by a competent authority — such as the District Magistrate, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), Tehsildar, or Revenue Officer. |
| Crucial Validity Date | For OBC-NCL and EWS categories, the certificate must be issued on or after April 1, 2026(tentative, as per NTA norms). Certificates issued before this date are not valid for JEE Main 2026. |
| File Format | |
| File Size | 50 KB – 300 KB |
| Mandatory Details | Candidate’s name, caste/category, validity period, issuing authority’s seal, and date of issue. |
Upload only the latest certificate as per NTA’s prescribed format. Outdated or illegible certificates will lead to rejection under the general category during seat allocation.
Candidates applying under the PwD (Persons with Disabilities) category must upload a valid PwD Certificate for availing disability-related concessions in JEE Main 2026.
| Requirement | Details |
| Issuing Authority | Must be issued by a recognized medical board approved by the Government of India or State Government. |
| Content Requirement | The certificate must clearly mention the type and percentage of disability (e.g., locomotor, visual, hearing, etc.). Candidates with benchmark disabilities (≥ 40%) are eligible under this category. |
| File Format | |
| File Size | 50 KB – 300 KB |
Before final submission, double-check all uploaded certificates for clarity, date validity, and correct file format. Following NTA’s specifications ensures your category or PwD status is successfully verified, allowing you to claim the benefits during JEE Main 2026 counselling without any complications.
| Document | Format | File Size Limit |
| Photograph | JPG / JPEG | 10 KB – 200 KB |
| Signature | JPG / JPEG | 4 KB – 30 KB |
| Category Certificate | 50 KB – 300 KB | |
| PwD Certificate | 50 KB – 300 KB | |
| Class 10 Certificate | 50 KB – 300 KB |
Uploading documents correctly is only the first step — the JEE Main 2026 document verification process continues even after registration. The National Testing Agency (NTA) cross-checks the details entered in the form with the original documents during various stages — at the exam centre, and later during JoSAA/CSAB counselling. Once you’ve successfully submitted your application, ensure that all uploaded information — name, date of birth, and ID proof details — matches your original certificates. Any mismatch between your uploaded and physical documents can lead to disqualification or withheld results. Important Reminder for Exam Day
The verification process continues after the result declaration during the Joint Seat Allocation (JoSAA) and Central Seat Allocation Board (CSAB) counselling rounds. At this stage, candidates must present all original documents for physical verification, including:
Keep all your original documents and their self-attested photocopies ready before the counselling process begins. This ensures smooth document verification and prevents delays in seat allotment. By following these verification rules carefully, you can avoid common errors, maintain eligibility, and ensure a seamless transition from registration to admission in your preferred engineering institute.
Yes—only if NTA enables those fields during the official correction window. Minor spelling edits are usually open; major changes to name/DoB often remain locked. Match details with the Class 10 certificate and keep proof ready if NTA asks.
No second opportunity. Submitted details remain final, which can cause issues during admit card and counselling verification. Keep checking jeemain.nta.ac.in and act as soon as the portal opens.
No refund of fee difference. If a higher fee applies after category change, additional payment may be required. Updated category will apply for reservation during seat allocation.
No change allowed after submission. Lost access? Reach the NTA Helpdesk: 011-40759000 or jeemain@nta.ac.in.
One correction window per session. Multiple edits are possible within the window before the deadline; after the deadline, no further changes.
