What is the process to select CAT test city for exam centre allotment?

There are over 170 cities where CAT exam is held. These 170 cities are spread across India consist of metropolitan cities, capital cities, Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Candidate can select up to five cities for allotment of test centre. The process of test city selection is a part of CAT application process. In the CAT application form, there is a field in which candidates have to select the cities. They need to select the city of preference in order of 1 to 5. The examination authorities will try to allot the test centre in the city of first preference. Thus, candidates must fill all the five cities carefully. They must choose their home city of city of current residence as the first preference. The test city option can only be changed during the form correction window. After that, the request for change of the city will not be accepted by the exam authorities.

Which documents are required for filling CAT application form?

Candidates need the following documents while filling the CAT application form: A recent passport size photo (color against white background) Scanned signature with black pen on white paper Any photo ID card like PAN card, Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport Class 10 marksheet Class 12 marksheet Graduation marksheet Permanent address proof Work experience documents Reserved category students need to upload Category Certificate along with the CAT application form. The Certificate is available on the CAT website. Candidates can download, fill it, get it attested by competent authority and upload it as PDF with the CAT application form. The PwD category students also have to fill the PwD form and Scribe affidavit along with the exam application form. This is necessary for getting scribe facility and PwD facility at the test centre. The CAT application form is same for students from all categories. Those belonging to a particular category (SC/ST/PwD) will be required to mention it in the relevant field of the CAT form.

Can I show digital copy of the CAT admit card at the exam centre?

The digital copy of the CAT admit card will not be accepted at the test centres as a valid document, thus you cannot show it, to gain entry. As per the official guidelines, only the colour print out of the admit card on A4 size sheet will be accepted as valid. Candidates must also affix a passport size photo, preferably the same as uploaded in the CAT application form. The examination authority does not accept digital admit card as valid document as it is to be signed and stamped by the test centre staff for proof of candidate’s attendance. One copy of the CAT admit card of every candidate is also retained by the authorities, thus the need for the print out.

What is the process to select CAT test city for exam centre allotment?

There are over 170 cities where CAT exam is held. These 170 cities are spread across India consist of metropolitan cities, capital cities, Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Candidate can select up to five cities for allotment of test centre. The process of test city selection is a part of CAT application process. In the CAT application form, there is a field in which candidates have to select the cities. They need to select the city of preference in order of 1 to 5. The examination authorities will try to allot the test centre in the city of first preference. Thus, candidates must fill all the five cities carefully. They must choose their home city of city of current residence as the first preference. The test city option can only be changed during the form correction window. After that, the request for change of the city will not be accepted by the exam authorities.

Where can I apply for CAT 2026?

CAT 2026 registration and application link will be available at iimcat.ac.in website. Candidates will have to apply for the exam by visiting the exam website.

Will CAT exam 2026 be conducted in three shifts?

Yes, CAT 2026 exam will be conducted in three shifts. Exam timing of each slot will be: First shift: 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM Second shift: 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and Third shift: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM

What are the items to carry on the CAT exam day?

Every candidate must carry a blue/black ball point pen and a few copies of their passport size photo to the exam centre. They must not carry any stationary item other than the pen. Candidates who have diabetes can carry fruits as per medical prescription. No other item will be allowed inside the exam venue. Candidates must not carry bags or valuables as there will be no arrangement for depositing while candidates appear for the exam. Candidates must also not carry notebooks or rough paper to the CAT exam centre. Any candidate found with an unauthorised item will be disqualified.

What are the dos and don'ts for CAT exam day?

On CAT exam day, candidates have to follow a number of guidelines like cooperating with the exam centre staff during identification process, etc.: CAT exam day dos: Reach examination centre at the reporting time mentioned on your CAT admit card. 2. Carry two copies of the CAT admit card, one photo ID card, passport size photos PwD candidates should carry relevant certificates and documents. Carry a blue/black ball point pen for signing attendance sheet Cooperate with test centre staff and follow instructions 7. While entering answers, use only computer mouse. Do not touch keyboard as doing so will lead to screen locking. CAT exam day don'ts: Do not carry items such as bags, purses, pencil box, beepers, wrist watch, calculators, mobile phones, electronic devices, scanners, cameras, wireless/Bluetooth transmission or any such communication devices. Don't wear closed shoes, jewellery made of metal, jackets, clothes with pockets, mehendi on palms. Socks are allowed inside it. Don't wear caps, hoodies or jackets/shirts with pockets Don't be late for exam. Entry gates will be closed 15 minutes before the commencement of exam. No candidate will be allowed to enter the exam centre after that. Don't cheat or indulge in mal practice. You can be disqualified due to any such ACT. Don't create a ruckus inside the test lab Don't leave your seat until the exam duration gets over and the invigilator announces exit.

How would I know my CAT exam centre?

CAT exam centre address and location is mentioned on the admit card. The test centre is allotted in the city of first preference as mentioned in the CAT application form.

What is the difference between slot 1, 2 and 3 of CAT exam paper?

There is no difference between slot 1, 2 and 3 of CAT exam paper in terms of structure and patten. The sectional break up, marking scheme and time limit are the same in all slots. However, due to unique sets of questions in each slot leads to difference in difficulty levels. There is usually a slight difference in the CAT question papers of different slots. Sometimes, topic wise weightage of the questions also vary. To negate advantage or disadantage to candidates due to difference in difficulty level of slots, CAT scores are normalised for result preparation.

In how many cities is CAT exam held?

CAT exam is held in about 170 cities across India. Candidates can choose up to six cities as their preferred test location. The list of test cities for CAT is available in application form. Candidates should choose the test city carefully as the request to change the test city later may or may not be accepted due to non-availability of seats at the centres in that particular city. Given below are the cities where CAT exam is usually held.

When will CAT 2026 application form be released?

CAT 2026 application form will be released in the first week of August 2026. CAT 2026 registration dates will be announced in the last week of July through an official notification.

Can the test centre be changed after the release of CAT admit card?

No, there is no provision of changing the test centre after the CAT admit card has been released. In fact, there is no option to change the test centre allotted at any point of time during the exam cycle. Candidates get only one opportunity to change the test city choice at the time of form correction. Thus, it is very important to select test cities very carefully in the CAT application form. They must choose their first city preference as home town or the city where they are likely to be on the exam day or choose a city which is the closest to their hometown and they can reach there on time on the exam day. Also, to be allotted the desired test city, candidates must fill the CAT application for at the earliest, as the exam slot and test centres are allotted on first cum first served basis. If the seats get filled fore centres in one city, candidates are allotted a centre in the second city of their preference. Moreover, the CAT admit card is released a month before the exam so candidates must check the location of their allotted centre much in advance and make arrangements for reaching there on exam day on time.

What are the details mentioned on CAT admit card?

The CAT admit card is a main document of identification of the candidate. It is the proof that the candidate has fill the examination form and is eligible to appear in the exam. To help in candidate identification, the following details are mentioned on every candidate's CAT admit card. Candidate's name Candidate's roll number Candidate's gender Candidate's category Candidate's date of birth Candidate's signature Candidate's photo Candidate's address Examination year Examination date Examination slot Examination timings Reporting time Test centre address Google link to locate test centre Along with these details, other information such as exam day guidelines, examination process in the test lab, items to carry, items not to carry, activities prohibited, dress code and entry process are also mentioned on the CAT admit card.

Can I edit my CAT application form after submission?

Once the CAT application form is submitted, candidates are not allowed to make changes in it. In case, you've made errors, you need to fill a fresh CAT application form and pay the fees again. However, editing of certain fields such as photo, signature and test city preference is allowed during form correction process which starts 2-3 days after the CAT registration process concludes. The form correction window is opened for 3-4 days during which candidates can edit only these three fields. If they have made a mistake in any other field, they cannot edit it. No request for changes is accepted by the examination authorities. Thus, it is very important to fill the CAT application form correctly with valid details. Candidates must keep the important documents such as Aadhaar card, class 10, class 12, graduation certificates, birth Certificate address proof, work experience documents, etc. To cross check the information while filling the form. They must also be very careful in selecting Iims and courses as they will be eligible for only those Iims and courses which they shall have selected in the CAT form.

What are the facilities for PwD candidates in CAT exam?

Scribe facility is available for PwD candidates in the CAT exam. They are given 13 minutes extra per section to complete the test.

CAT 2026 Exam Centres List (Available): Check City Wise CAT Test Centres Here

13.2K Students Q&A

Registration - To be notified

Updated on Mar 11, 2026 12:22 IST

By Vipra Shrivastava, Senior Manager - Content

CAT exam 2026 will be conducted at designated examination centres in various cities across India. These CAT centres will be allotted to registered candidates on the basis of choice of cities mentioned in the CAT 2026 application form.

CAT 2025 was conducted in 170 cities. It is expected that the CAT 2026 exam will also be conducted in the same number of cities. The CAT 2026 test city list will be released along with the application form in August. While filing up the CAT 2026 registration form, candidates will have the option to choose 5 cities for centre allotment.

Table of contents

What is CAT exam centre?
CAT 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule
CAT 2026 Exam Centre Allotment: How to select CAT Test City?
List of state-wise CAT Test Cities 2026
CAT Exam Centre: Dos and Don’ts
FAQs on CAT Exam Centres and Cities

What is CAT exam centre?

CAT exam centres are well-equipped computer labs, where candidates have to appear for the exam on the scheduled date. Over 370 such labs are prepared for conduct of CAT exam in three shifts. The examination is conducted in three shifts in each of the CAT exam centre to accommodate about 2.50 lakh + aspirants. Candidates get to know their CAT test centre after the release of admit card only.

CAT Exam Timings: When to Report at Test Centre

Check the table below for CAT exam timings for each slot. After every shift there is a gap of 2 hours so that test labs are checked and sanitized to prevent cheating, question leak or any other such activity.

CAT exam slot	Exam timing	Reporting time	Last entry allowed
Slot 1	8:30 AM to 10:30 AM	7:00 AM	8:15 AM
Slot 2	12:30 PM to 2:30 PM	11:00 AM	12:15 PM
Slot 3	4:30 PM to 6:30 PM	3:00 PM	4:15 PM

CAT 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule

Take a look at the table below for the complete schedule of CAT 2026 exam

Dates	Upcoming Exam Dates
To Be Notified	CAT 2026 application
29 Nov ' 26	CAT 2026 exam

Dates	Past Exam Dates
30 Nov ' 25	CAT 2025 exam
12 Nov ' 25	CAT 2025 admit card download
01 Aug ' 25 - 20 Sep ' 25	CAT 2025 registration

CAT 2026 Exam Centre Allotment: How to select CAT Test City?

For allotment of CAT exam centre in preferred location, the candidates will have to mention city choices in the CAT application form 2026. Candidates will be allotted CAT test centre in the first city of preference. Here’s the process to select preferred test city in CAT 2026 application form:

Register for CAT 2026 on the official website: iimcat.ac.in
Once the login ID is created, use it to fill the application form
Go to the section 'select test city'
Select up to five cities from the drop down i.e. from 1 to 5
Fill up rest of the fields in the CAT 2026 form, make payment of exam fee and click on submit

List of state-wise CAT Test Cities 2026

Listed below are CAT test cities of previous years'for reference. CAT 2026 exam is expected to be held in the same cities.

State	CAT Test Cities
Andaman & Nicobar	Port Blair
Andhra Pradesh	Anantapur, Guntur, Kurnool, Rajahmundry, Visakhapatnam, Chirala, Kadapa, Nellore, Tirupathi, Vizianagaram, Chittoor, Kakinada, Ongole, Vijayawada
Arunachal Pradesh	Itanagar- Naharlagun
Assam	Dibrugarh, Guwahati, Jorhat, Silchar, Tezpur
Bihar	Arrah, Darbhanga, Patna, Aurangabad, Gaya, Purnea, Bhagalpur, Muzaffarpur
Chandigarh	Chandigsarh-Mohali
Chhattisgarh	Bilaspur CG, Bhilai Nagar, Raipur
Delhi	Other-New Delhi
Dadra and Nagra Haveli Daman and Diu	Silvassa
Goa	Panaji-Madgaon
Gujarat	Ahmedabad, Anand, Gandhinagar, Mehsana, Rajkot, Surat, Vadodara, Vapi
Haryana	Ambala, Faridabad, Gurugram, Hisar, Kurukshetra
Himachal Pradesh	Bilaspur-HP, Hamirpur, Kangra, Shimla
Jammu & Kashmir	Jammu, Samba, Srinagar
Jharkhand	Bokaro Steel City, Dhanbad, Hazaribagh, Jamshedpur, Ranchi
Karnataka	Belagavi (Belgaum), Bengaluru, Hubli-Dharwad, Kalaburagi (Gulbarga), Mangaluru (Mangalore), Mysuru (Mysore), Shivamogga (Shimoga), Udupi
Kerala	Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Kannur, Kollam, Kottayam, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Palakkad, Thrissur, Trivandrum
Ladakh	Leh
Lakshadweep	Kavaratti
Madhya Pradesh	Bhopal, Gwalior, Indore, Jabalpur, Sagar, Satna, Ujjain
Maharashtra	Ahmednagar, Akola, Amravati, Aurangabad (CS Nagar), Bhiwandi, Chandrapur, Jalgaon, Kolhapur, Mumbai, Nagpur, Nanded, Nashik, Navi Mumbai, Palghar-Boisar, Pune, Raigad, Sangli, Satara, Solapur, Thane, Vasai, Wardha
Manipur	Imphal
Meghalaya	Shillong
Mizoram	Aizawl
Nagaland	Kohima
Odisha	Balasore, Berhampur, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Rourkela, Sambalpur
Puducherry	Puducherry
Punjab	Amritsar, Bhatinda, Jalandhar, Ludhiana- Phagwara, Patiala
Rajasthan	Ajmer, Bikaner, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Sikar, Udaipur
Tamil Nadu	Chennai, Coimbatore, Kanchipuram, Madurai, Salem, Tiruchirappalli, Tirunelveli, Vellore
Telangana	Hyderabad, Karimnagar, Khammam, Warangal
Tripura	Agartala
Uttar Pradesh	Agra, Aligarh, Bareilly, Ghaziabad, Gorakhpur, Jhansi, Kanpur, Lucknow, Mathura, Meerut, Moradabad, Muzaffarnagar, NOIDA-Greater NOIDA, Prayagraj, Varanasi
Uttarakhand	Dehradun, Haldwani, Roorkee
West Bengal	Asansol-Durgapur, Bankura, Burdwan, Howrah, Kalyani-Hooghly, Kolkata, Siliguri

Also Read: Official CAT exam day guidelines

Check CAT cut offs and predict calls from IIMs and Non-IIMs accepting CAT score for admission. Check Fees, Placement Reviews, Admission, Shortlist Criteria and Eligibility of all CAT participating colleges by clicking the link below:

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CAT Exam Centre: Dos and Don’ts

The CAT exam centres have elaborate identification process for which 1.5 hours are allotted before commencement of the slot. If a candidate’s exam starts at 8:30 AM, they need to reach their CAT test centre by 7:00 AM. For candidates taking the exam in second slot, reporting time is 10:00 AM. We have listed down a few dos and don’ts to follow at their CAT 2025 test locations.

CAT Dos

Carry two print outs of CAT admit card 2026, one ID proof (in original) and a pen to the exam centre.
Show the original print out of your CAT 2026 admit card to gain entry into the exam centre.
Follow the instructions and cooperate in identification and frisking at the entry gate.
Use the Reference Number printed on your CAT admit card to locate your exam hall, go inside and be seated at your designated work station.

CAT Don’ts

Do not carry electronic items to the exam centre. Closed shoes, belts, caps, jackets and other outfit and accessories with metal are prohibited inside the exam hall.
Test centre gates will close 15 minutes prior to the exam, thus do not get late for the exam.
Do not argue with test centre staff or other candidates. Unruly behavior may invite disqualification.
Do not use keyboard at any point of time during the exam or your system will automatically get locked.