New Delhi: The National Testing Agency (NTA) is preparing to introduce facial biometric verification and live photograph capture for major national-level entrance examinations, including NEET and JEE, beginning in 2026, sources said.

As part of the initiative, candidates may be required to undergo facial recognition-based identity checks at exam centres, while a live photo capture option will be added during the online application process to curb impersonation and other unfair practices.

“During the 2025 NEET exam, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) successfully conducted a Proof of Concept (PoC) on the use of face authentication. The PoC was aimed at evaluating the feasibility and effectiveness of Aadhaar-based face authentication as a means of verifying the identity of candidates,” a source said.

“During the PoC, Aadhaar face authentication technology was deployed at select NEET centres in Delhi, and was integrated with NIC's digital infrastructure and NTA's examination protocols,” he added.

Based on the outcome, the same system is expected to be rolled out across major entrance examinations from next year.

“The option for capturing live photographs has also been introduced in the application system to ensure that unfair means are not being used,” the source added.

Facial biometric verification works by analysing unique facial features such as the distance between the eyes or the shape of the nose to generate a digital identity template, often using artificial intelligence for comparison with stored data.

In addition, real-time photograph capture through webcams or mobile devices during application or examination stages is designed to prevent impersonation.

The move follows recommendations made by the Radhakrishnan Committee, constituted by the Centre in the wake of alleged paper leak incidents.