NTA Says UGC NET Registration Is Possible Without Aadhaar After NRI Applicant Raises DigiLocker Concern
The National Testing Agency has clarified that UGC NET June 2026 registration is not dependent on Aadhaar. The clarification came after an NRI applicant claimed that DigiLocker verification was creating difficulty for candidates who do not have an Aadhaar card.
NTA Clarifies UGC NET Registration Is Not Aadhaar-Dependent
With the UGC NET June 2026 registration window nearing its deadline, the National Testing Agency has clarified that candidates can complete registration without using Aadhaar. The clarification came after an NRI applicant claimed that the DigiLocker-based process was making it difficult for applicants without Aadhaar to submit their form.
The applicant said that DigiLocker was asking for Aadhaar-based verification and that Non-Resident Indian candidates without Aadhaar were facing problems while trying to apply for the exam. Responding to the concern, NTA stated that candidates can use other identity options while registering.
What Was The Concern Raised By The NRI Applicant?
An NRI applicant posted on social media that the UGC NET application process through DigiLocker appeared to require Aadhaar verification. The applicant claimed that DigiLocker was accepting Aadhaar as the main verification method, which created a problem for NRIs who may not have Aadhaar cards.
The user further stated that because of this verification issue, some overseas Indian applicants could be unable to complete the UGC NET June 2026 application. The concern gained attention because the registration deadline is close.
NTA’s Step-By-Step Clarification
NTA responded by explaining that candidates who do not want to use Aadhaar can still register through the sign-up option on the registration page.
- Click on the “Sign Up” option on the UGC NET registration page.
- Enter your mobile number and complete OTP verification.
- Select the identity type from the available options.
- Choose Aadhaar, PAN or Driving License as the identity document.
- Fill in details such as name, date of birth, gender, username and PIN.
- Click on “Verify” and proceed to the authorization page.
- Complete the remaining registration process as per portal instructions.
UGC NET June 2026 Registration: Key Details
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UGC NET June 2026 |
| Conducting Agency | National Testing Agency |
| Registration Deadline | May 20, 2026 |
| Main Issue | Aadhaar and DigiLocker verification concern raised by an NRI applicant |
| NTA Clarification | Registration is possible without Aadhaar |
| Alternate Identity Options | PAN and Driving License, along with other options available on the portal |
| Candidate Action | Use the Sign Up option and choose an available identity type |
What Identity Options Can Candidates Use?
According to NTA’s clarification, applicants are not limited to Aadhaar for registration. Candidates can choose from the identity options shown on the application portal.
Aadhaar
Candidates who have Aadhaar can use it for identity verification during registration.
PAN
Applicants can select PAN as an alternate identity document if available on the portal.
Driving License
Driving License is another identity option mentioned by NTA for candidates registering without Aadhaar.
Why The Issue Matters For NRI Applicants
Aadhaar is generally issued to eligible residents of India, and many NRIs may not have Aadhaar cards. If an application system appears to depend only on Aadhaar verification, it can create difficulty for overseas Indian candidates.
This is why NTA’s clarification is important. It indicates that the registration process has alternate identity routes and that candidates should not assume that Aadhaar is the only way to complete the UGC NET application.
Applicant Checklist Before May 20 Deadline
Since the registration portal is closing soon, candidates should complete the application process early and avoid last-minute technical issues.
- Check UGC NET June 2026 eligibility
- Keep mobile number ready for OTP verification
- Select suitable identity type
- Use PAN or Driving License if not using Aadhaar
- Fill personal details carefully
- Verify date of birth and gender details
- Complete authorization step
- Submit form before May 20
- Pay application fee on time
- Download confirmation page
What If DigiLocker Still Shows Aadhaar Requirement?
If the portal or DigiLocker page still asks for Aadhaar, candidates should first use the “Sign Up” method explained by NTA and select an alternate identity type. Applicants should also keep screenshots of any technical issue and contact the official helpdesk if they are unable to proceed.
| Issue | Suggested Action |
|---|---|
| DigiLocker asks for Aadhaar | Use the Sign Up option and select an alternate identity type such as PAN or Driving License |
| OTP not received | Retry after checking mobile network and ensure the number entered is correct |
| Identity verification fails | Check spelling, date of birth and document number carefully before verifying again |
| Unable to proceed after verification | Contact the official NTA helpdesk and keep screenshots of the error |
| Deadline approaching | Do not wait until the last day; complete registration as early as possible |
NTA Reminder On Registration Deadline
NTA has also reminded candidates that the UGC NET June 2026 registration portal will close on May 20. Applicants should complete registration, fee payment and confirmation page download before the deadline.
Candidates should also ensure that their application form is successfully submitted. Merely starting the registration or filling partial details may not be enough if the payment and confirmation steps are not completed.
FAQs On UGC NET Registration Without Aadhaar
Is Aadhaar mandatory for UGC NET June 2026 registration?
No. NTA has clarified that UGC NET registration is not Aadhaar-dependent and candidates can use other available identity options.
What identity options can be used instead of Aadhaar?
As per NTA’s clarification, candidates can select identity options such as PAN or Driving License if they do not want to use Aadhaar.
Why did NTA issue this clarification?
NTA issued the clarification after an NRI applicant raised concern that DigiLocker verification appeared to require Aadhaar, making it difficult for candidates without Aadhaar.
What is the last date for UGC NET June 2026 registration?
The registration window for UGC NET June 2026 closes on May 20, 2026.
How can candidates register without Aadhaar?
Candidates can click on the Sign Up option, verify their mobile number through OTP, choose an available identity type such as PAN or Driving License, fill in details and proceed with authorization.
What should candidates do if DigiLocker still asks for Aadhaar?
Candidates should try the alternate identity route mentioned by NTA and contact the official helpdesk if they still face technical issues.
Should candidates wait until the last day to apply?
No. Since the registration deadline is close, candidates should complete the application, payment and confirmation page download as early as possible.
