Last Updated: 2 July 2026
Candidates appearing for National Testing Agency (NTA) entrance examinations, including the ICAR AIEEA (PG) and AICE-JRF/SRF (PhD) 2026 examinations, should review the latest instructions issued through the NTA Information Bulletin, Public Notices, admit card guidelines, and examination portal before the test. These documents outline the procedures for identity verification, reporting requirements, permitted items, facilities for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), and post-examination processes.
The guidelines are intended to ensure a fair, transparent, and secure examination process across examination centres. As examination-related instructions may be updated through subsequent notifications, candidates should refer to the latest official communication applicable to their examination.
Identity Verification for Photograph Mismatch
The NTA has issued an advisory for candidates whose live photograph captured during registration does not match the photograph on their Aadhaar or another valid government-issued identity document.
Where applicable, candidates may be required to obtain the prescribed verification certificate, attach a recent passport-size photograph, and have it attested by a Class-I Gazetted Officer or the Principal of their school or college. If instructed in the official notification, the completed document should be uploaded within the specified timeline. Candidates should also carry the original printed copy to the examination centre for physical verification.
Identity Verification Requirements
|
Requirement |
Details |
|
Reason |
Photograph mismatch with official ID |
|
Supporting document |
Prescribed NTA verification certificate |
|
Attestation |
Class-I Gazetted Officer or School/College Principal |
|
Online submission |
If required under the applicable NTA notification |
|
Exam day |
Carry the printed attested certificate |
Baggage and Personal Belongings
According to NTA examination instructions, examination centres generally do not provide baggage storage or cloakroom facilities.
Candidates should carry only the items permitted for the examination. Bags, mobile phones, electronic devices, and valuables should preferably be left with a family member or guardian. Candidates are also advised to avoid using unauthorized baggage collection services operating outside examination centres.
Religious and Customary Attire
Candidates wearing customary or religious attire, including Hijab, Burqa, Turban, Kara, or Kirpan, are permitted to appear for the examination in accordance with NTA guidelines.
Additional security screening may be required. Candidates should follow the reporting time mentioned in their admit card or official advisory so that identity verification and security checks can be completed before the examination begins.
Facilities for PwBD Candidates
The NTA provides examination accommodations for eligible Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) under its notified guidelines.
Eligible candidates with physical limitations affecting writing are entitled to compensatory time of 20 minutes for every hour of examination, subject to the provisions of the relevant examination notification. Candidates using a scribe should ensure that the prescribed undertaking, recent photograph, and valid government-issued identity proof of the scribe are available for verification.
|
Facility |
Provision |
|
Compensatory time |
20 minutes per examination hour* |
|
Scribe facility |
Available as per notified NTA guidelines |
|
Required documents |
Self-declaration, photograph, and valid ID proof |
*Applicable where specified in the relevant examination notification.
Minor Name Differences
Candidates whose admit card and identity documents contain minor spelling variations may carry a notarized Name Mismatch Affidavit stating that both versions of the name refer to the same individual. Document verification is carried out in accordance with the applicable NTA guidelines, and the final decision rests with the examination authority.
Answer Key and Result Process
Following the examination, the NTA generally publishes a provisional answer key along with candidates’ recorded responses for a limited challenge period.
Candidates may submit objections by paying the processing fee prescribed in the official notification. In recent NTA examinations, the notified fee has been ₹200 per challenged question, although candidates should verify the amount applicable to their specific examination.
For ICAR AIEEA (PG), the Information Bulletin also specifies the tie-breaking procedure for candidates obtaining identical scores.
|
Tie-Breaking Order |
Criterion |
|
1 |
Candidate with fewer negative marks |
|
2 |
Older candidate |
|
3 |
Higher Class XII percentage or CGPA |
Permitted and Prohibited Items
Permitted Items
|
Allowed Items |
|
Printed admit card |
|
Original valid photo identity proof |
|
Additional passport-size photograph, where required |
|
Transparent ballpoint pen, if permitted |
|
Transparent water bottle |
|
Sugar tablets or fruits for diabetic candidates, where permitted |
Prohibited Items
|
Not Allowed |
|
Mobile phones |
|
Smartwatches and other watches |
|
Bluetooth devices |
|
Calculators |
|
Geometry boxes |
|
Wallets |
|
Belts |
|
Caps and sunglasses |
|
Metallic jewellery and ornaments |
Important Notes
- Read the latest admit card instructions before travelling to the examination centre.
- Ensure that all documents are valid, legible, and consistent with the application details.
- Reach the examination centre within the reporting time mentioned in the official notification.
- Follow all instructions issued by examination officials during verification and security checks.
Fraud and Safety Advisory
Candidates should obtain examination-related information only from the official NTA and ICAR portals. Unofficial websites, social media posts, or individuals claiming to offer guaranteed admission, document approval, or priority services should be treated with caution.
Do not share OTPs, passwords, login credentials, or personal documents with unknown persons. Government authorities do not request payments through personal calls, messaging applications, or unofficial payment links. Any suspicious communication should be verified through the official examination portal before action is taken.
Official References
This article has been prepared with reference to the latest NTA Information Bulletin for ICAR AIEEA (PG) & AICE-JRF/SRF (PhD) 2026, Admit Card Instructions, Advisory on Photograph Mismatch with Identity Documents, PwBD and Scribe Guidelines, Dress Code and Permissible Items Advisory, Provisional Answer Key Challenge Guidelines, and relevant guidance issued through the Press Information Bureau (PIB) on examination procedures for candidates wearing articles of faith. Candidates should consult the latest versions of these documents, as subsequent notifications may revise examination procedures.
Editorial Disclaimer
The information in this article is based on official documents available as of 2 July 2026. Examination rules, reporting requirements, timelines, fees, and verification procedures may change through subsequent notifications. In case of any discrepancy, the latest Information Bulletin, Public Notice, or notification issued by the National Testing Agency or the concerned examination authority will prevail.