Last updated on: February 27, 2026
Yuvika Rathi
College Student
You've filled your NEET 2026 application. You've entered your Aadhaar details. You've captured your live photo. And then — the screen freezes. Error message: "Live Photo and Aadhaar Photo Mismatch." Your application stops dead. No fee payment option. No submit button. Just a verification error blocking your entire NEET registration with the March 8 deadline ticking closer.
The mismatch does not mean rejection — it only means identity confirmation is required manually. Here's exactly how to fix it.
In many cases, Aadhaar photographs are old or appear different due to age, hairstyle, facial changes, or lighting conditions. Your Aadhaar was likely issued when you were 14 or 15. You're 17 or 18 now. Your face has changed. The AI system comparing your live photo to your outdated Aadhaar database image can't confirm a match — so it stops your application cold.
When you take the picture, make sure your face is in the frame. Your face should cover most of the frame, around 80 percent of the photo area. But even perfect framing won't help if your Aadhaar photo is five years old. The system isn't flexible — it's algorithmic. One pixel mismatch triggers the error.
If the system detects a mismatch between your live photo and Aadhaar records, the NEET application will not be completed. The candidate will be asked to upload a valid supporting certificate. Without this certificate, the form will remain incomplete and rejected.
That certificate is Annexure-VI. You must download the certificate format from the NEET application form 2026 bulletin, paste your photograph, get it signed by your School Principal, College Headmaster, or a Class-I Gazetted Officer, then upload it to complete verification.
Step 1: Download Annexure-VI Format Go to the NEET 2026 Information Bulletin on the official NTA NEET portal. Scroll to the Annexures section. Download Annexure-VI — the Identity Verification Certificate format. Print it on plain A4 paper (no stamp paper needed).
Step 2: Paste Your Photographs Attach the same live photo used in the application and a recent passport-size photograph. Use the exact live photo from your NEET portal screenshot. Paste one recent passport-size photo identical to what's uploaded in your application. Both should match — same background, same date.
Step 3: Get It Attested Have the certificate signed and stamped by a School Principal, College Headmaster, or a Class-I Gazetted Officer. Your school principal is the fastest option. They must sign, stamp with school seal, and write their designation clearly. If your school refuses, visit the nearest SDM office or Tehsildar — both are Class-I Gazetted Officers who can attest this.
Step 4: Scan and Upload Scan the entire attested certificate as a single PDF or JPG file. File size must be between 50 KB and 300 KB. Upload the attested certificate in the document section to complete your application. The portal will have a specific upload slot for "Identity Verification Certificate" if mismatch was detected.
Step 5: Submit and Pay Fee Once uploaded and verified by NTA backend (usually 24–48 hours), your application unlocks. You can now proceed to fee payment and final submission.
Candidates can submit eKYC without Aadhaar in NEET 2026. The other ID proofs accepted in the NEET application form are PAN Card, Passport, Ration Card, Bank Passbook, and Driving License. During registration, select "Alternate Identity Verification" instead of Aadhaar eKYC. You'll still need to upload the attested Annexure-VI certificate plus scanned copy of your alternate ID proof.
Mistake 1: Trying to re-register with a new email thinking it'll bypass the error. Under no circumstances should you submit more than one application. Creating a second form thinking it solves errors is strictly prohibited. NTA will cancel both applications.
Mistake 2: Waiting for the correction window (March 10–12). The correction window won't let you fix eKYC failures. Fill out every detail as accurately as possible the first time. Use the correction window only for genuine mistakes. Aadhaar verification isn't correctable — it's a one-time gate.
Mistake 3: Getting Annexure-VI attested by non-authorized persons. Your uncle who's a government clerk won't work. Your coaching center director won't work. Only Class-I Gazetted Officers or your school principal's signature with official seal will be accepted.
Registration closes March 8, 2026 at 11:50 PM. If you're facing eKYC mismatch today (February 21), you have 15 days. Getting principal attestation takes 1–2 days. Upload verification by NTA takes 24–48 hours. That leaves you with 11 days buffer. Don't wait. Fix this today.
When the error appears, carefully note your application number — you'll need it to track your upload status. The Aadhaar eKYC failure isn't a dead end. It's a verification step NTA built specifically for cases like yours where photos legitimately don't match due to time gap. But it requires manual intervention through Annexure-VI. Thousands of students will face this error. The ones who act fast with the correct attestation will submit successfully. The ones who panic, delay, or try workarounds will miss the March 8 deadline entirely.