CAT Exam Centre 2026: Test Centres, Cities, Allotment & Timings

CAT Exam Centre 2026 details are important for candidates preparing to appear for the Common Admission Test. CAT 2026 will be conducted on November 29, 2026, across 170+ test centres in various cities in India. Candidates can select up to five preferred test cities while completing the CAT 2026 application form.

The test city is selected by the candidate, while the exact test centre is allotted by the exam authorities based on the selected preferences and availability. Candidates will be able to check their allotted centre, complete address, exam shift, reporting time, and other instructions through the CAT 2026 admit card.

The CAT 2026 admit card will be available from November 4 to November 29, 2026. Candidates should check the centre details carefully and plan their travel in advance to avoid delays on exam day.

CAT Exam Centre 2026 Overview

CAT 2026 will be conducted through computer-based test centres across different cities in India. Candidates can choose their preferred test cities during registration, but the final centre is allotted by the authorities.

More than 2.5 lakh candidates are expected to appear for CAT 2026, with around 370 computer labs expected to be used across the three shifts.

CAT 2026 Exam Centre Important Dates

Candidates should keep track of the following dates related to CAT registration, admit card, and examination:

Candidates should check the official CAT website regularly for any updates or changes to the examination schedule.

CAT 2026 Exam Timings

CAT 2026 will be conducted in three shifts on November 29, 2026. Candidates must report to the allotted test centre according to the timing mentioned on their admit card.

Candidates should reach the centre well before the reporting time. Entry may not be permitted after the specified last-entry time.

How to Select CAT 2026 Test City?

Candidates can select their preferred test cities while filling out the CAT 2026 application form. The process includes the following steps:

1. Visit the official CAT website at iimcat.ac.in.

2. Register for CAT 2026 and create your login credentials.

3. Log in and open the CAT 2026 application form.

4. Go to the Select Test City section.

5. Select up to five preferred test cities in order of preference.

6. Complete the remaining application details.

7. Pay the applicable CAT 2026 application fee.

8. Submit the application form and save a copy for future reference.

Candidates should choose cities that are convenient to reach because the final centre may be located at a specific venue within the allotted city.

CAT 2026 Test Centre Allotment

CAT authorities allot the test centre based on the candidate's selected test city preferences and the availability of centres.

Candidates should remember the following:

• Candidates can select up to five preferred test cities.

• Test city preferences should be entered carefully during registration.

• Selecting a particular city does not guarantee allotment to a specific centre.

• The exact test centre is allotted by the exam authorities.

• The final centre name and address are mentioned on the CAT admit card.

• Candidates should follow the reporting and entry timings mentioned on the admit card.

• The test-city list may be changed by the CAT authorities, if required.

CAT 2026 Test Cities – State-Wise

CAT 2026 will be conducted across 170+ test centres located in various cities in India. Candidates can select their preferred cities from the options available during the application process.

The available test-city options include:

Andaman & Nicobar Islands

• 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

• Chandigarh-Mohali

Chhattisgarh

• Bilaspur

• Bhilai Nagar

• Raipur

Note: The list above covers the test-city options provided. Candidates should check the official CAT 2026 application form for the complete and final list of available test cities before submitting their preferences.

CAT Exam Centre Details on Admit Card

Candidates can know their exact CAT exam centre only after the admit card is released. The admit card is the primary source for the centre address and exam-day schedule.

The CAT 2026 admit card is expected to mention:

• Candidate's Name

• CAT Registration/User ID

• Photograph

• Signature

• CAT 2026 Exam Date

• Exam Shift

• Reporting Time

• Last Entry Time

• Test Centre Name

• Complete Test Centre Address

• Exam-Day Instructions

Candidates should download the admit card as soon as it becomes available and verify all the details carefully.

CAT Exam Centre 2026: Exam Day Guidelines

Candidates should follow all instructions provided on the CAT 2026 admit card and by the examination authorities.

Important points include:

• Carry a valid CAT 2026 admit card.

• Carry the required original photo ID proof.

• Reach the centre before the reporting time.

• Do not wait until the last entry time to reach the venue.

• Follow the instructions given by the examination staff.

• Avoid carrying prohibited items to the test centre.

• Check the allotted shift and centre address before leaving.

• Keep personal belongings to a minimum.

What If the CAT Exam Centre Is Far Away?

If the allotted centre is far from the candidate's residence, travel arrangements should be made as soon as the admit card is released.

Candidates can:

• Check the route and estimated travel time.

• Arrange transportation in advance.

• Consider reaching the city a day before the examination if required.

• Keep the admit card and ID proof ready.

• Avoid depending on last-minute transportation.

Candidates should follow the centre details printed on the admit card, as the allotted centre may differ from their preferred location.

Related Resource 

CAT Exam 2026

CAT Application Form 2026

CAT Admit Card 2026

CAT Exam Date 2026

CAT Syllabus 2026

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