CAT 2026 Exam Centre Allotment: Can Candidates Change Their Test Centre After Admit Card Release?

Students cannot change their CAT 2026 test centre after the admit card is released. The centre printed on the admit card is final, except in genuine emergencies decided by IIM Indore.

• CAT 2026 admit card is releasing on 4 November 2026 at iimcat.ac.in, and the exam is on 29 November 2026.
• The only routine chance to edit is the correction window, where you can revise your test city preference.
• You cannot change the exact venue, exam date or session at any stage.
• Your first preference city is not guaranteed, because allotment depends on seat capacity and demand.

Related Articles:

• CAT Admit Card 2026
• CAT 2026 Exam Dates, Syllabus and Registration

Key Summary

• CAT 2026 is conducted by IIM Indore, and the admit card is the only confirmation of your allotted centre.
• There is no separate allotment notice, so check city, centre name and address as soon as the admit card is out.
• Requests to change the centre are not accepted after admit card release.
• Exact dates for the correction window must be checked on the official website.

CAT 2026 Exam Centre Allotment: How Are Centres Allotted?

You choose up to five preferred test cities while filling the CAT 2026 application form. IIM Indore then allots one city and one centre to each student.

• Seat capacity at centres in your chosen city decides how many students can be accommodated.
• Number of applicants for each city affects whether your first choice is available.
• Order of preference matters, but the first preference is not guaranteed.
• If your first city is full, you are generally moved to the next preferred city.

Students who do not get any of their preferred cities may be allotted a nearby city. IIM Indore can also add, remove or change test cities and centres.

Can You Change Your CAT 2026 Test Centre After Admit Card Release?

No. Centre allotment is final once the CAT 2026 admit card is issued. IIM Indore does not entertain centre change requests after release.

You cannot self-request an emergency change. IIM Indore decides and communicates any reallocation officially. Examples include a natural disaster, government restrictions or a centre breakdown.

CAT 2026 Correction Window: Last Chance to Edit Test City

A short correction window opens after registration closes. Registered and paid students can usually revise their test city preference. This window closes before allotment is finalised.

Follow these steps while the window is open:

1. Check the official CAT website to confirm the window is open.
2. Log in to your CAT 2026 application account.
3. Open the test city preference section.
4. Reorder or replace your city choices.
5. Save the changes and download the updated confirmation.

Exact correction window dates are not confirmed here, so check iimcat.ac.in for the latest notice.

What to Do If You Are Unhappy With Your CAT 2026 Test Centre

• Check the admit card carefully for city, centre name and address on 4 November.
• Report discrepancies such as wrong photo, name or details to the CAT helpdesk immediately.
• Plan your travel early if the centre is in another city, including stay and reporting time.
• Visit the centre route in advance if it is in your city, so you reach on time on 29 November.

Note that a discrepancy in personal details is different from a centre change request. Details can be corrected through the helpdesk, but the allotted centre stays the same.

CAT 2026 Official Sources

Check the official information bulletin and notices for the final rules on centre allotment.

CAT 2026 Exam Centre Allotment FAQs