JEE Main 2027: If you do not have an Aadhaar or PAN card, you can also apply using a passport; which candidates is this facility for?

There is welcome news for candidates of Indian origin living abroad who wish to apply for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Main) but do not possess an Aadhaar card, PAN card, or driving license. Such candidates can now complete the application process using their passport.

In response to a query from a user on X (formerly Twitter), the National Testing Agency (NTA) clarified that NRI candidates who do not have an Aadhaar card, PAN card, or driving license may use their passport as proof of identity. This clarification is significant for candidates who were facing difficulties with the online JEE Main application process due to a lack of standard identification documents.

What to do if you do not have an Aadhaar card, PAN card, or driving license?
A user on the social media platform X (Twitter) asked the NTA how an NRI candidate could register for JEE Main if they did not possess an Aadhaar card, PAN card, or driving license. The user inquired whether it was possible to apply using a passport.

In response, the NTA stated: “You can now use a passport to complete the application process.”

In other words, candidates can now complete the application process by using their passport.
According to the NTA, candidates looking to submit a new application may also refer to the public notices issued on October 28 and October 30.

What is contained in the notices from October 28 and October 30?
On October 28, 2026, the NTA issued guidelines regarding the registration process for JEE Main 2027 (Session 1). These guidelines advise candidates to log in using their DigiLocker, JanParichay, or e-Pramaan accounts and to complete the 're-KYC' process via DigiLocker. Furthermore, candidates are instructed to ensure that their name and date of birth, as entered in the application, match the details provided on their Class 10 certificate or mark sheet. Meanwhile, in a notice dated October 30, 2026, the NTA has permitted candidates—who had already submitted an application and received an application number or paid the examination fee—to submit a fresh application. According to this notice:

A fresh application can be submitted without a late fee until November 22, 2026.
Applications can be submitted with a late fee from November 23 to November 26, 2026.
A new application number will be issued for the fresh application.
The examination fee paid previously will neither be refunded nor adjusted against the new application.

If only certain details require correction, the correction facility will be available from November 27 to November 29, 2026.
Important Advice for NRI Candidates
NRI candidates should ensure that the details provided in their application match the information recorded in their passports. Any discrepancy between identity-related information and the details entered in the application form may cause complications during the application process. In case of any specific technical issues or queries regarding the use of a passport, candidates may contact the NTA helpline.

Helpline Numbers: 011-40759000 / 011-69227700
Email: jeemain@nta.ac.in
Official Website: jeemain.nta.nic.in/

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we modified it for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.