One of the most common queries for the students who have opted different or wrong centre/city as their exam centre in the CAT 2025 registration is “Can I change my CAT 2025 exam centre?”
The simple answer is No, students can not change their CAT Exam Centre after the list has been published. However, there are a few unusual situations in which the authority conducting the exam (Indian Institute of Management (IIM)) would allow the request for changing the exam centre.
Read the article below to learn about how to process the request for CAT Exam Centre Change.
Is It Possible to Change CAT 2025 Exam Centre?
Under regular conditions, Candidates typically cannot modify exam centre selections after completing registration for the CAT exam. During registration, candidates indicate a preferred order in which they would like to take the test in a specific city out of a possible six. The test centre is allocated in accordance with the cities selected by the candidate and the availability of spaces within the selected preferences.
Once the CAT 2025 admit card is released, the CAT 2025 exam centre printed on it will be the candidate's final exam centre. The IIMs have stated in the official information bulletin that there is no opportunity to edit your test centre after submission.
When Can You Request a Centre Change?
Although the policy is strict, the exam authority might agree to change CAT 2025 exam centres in rare and genuine situations. The circumstances include:
Natural Disasters or Unpredictable Situations
If the city of the examination centre is disrupted by natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, or riots, IIMs might reallocate candidates to the next closest safe centre.
Technical Issues or Administrative
In rare cases, if the test centre to which the candidate has been assigned has a breakdown or closure on the day of the examination before the exam is due to start, candidates will be allocated to another centre automatic allocation by IIMs.
Medical Emergencies
If a candidate has a genuine illness, operation, or accident around the time of the exam and can provide evidence of such. Evidence will need to be forwarded via a letter to the CAT help desk to request a change. Whether or not a candidate is approved to change will be at the sole discretion of the exam authorities.
Wrong Allotment
If a candidate has been wrongly allotted a test city that is far away from all the candidates’ preferred options (in error and by the system), the candidate can request a review of the listing by submitting information on the CAT registration.
How to Request a CAT 2025 Exam Centre Change?
If you genuinely meet any of the above circumstances, you can submit a formal request to the CAT 2025 Helpdesk as follows:
- Visit the Official CAT Website: Go to: https://iimcat.ac.in and find the Contact Us / Helpdesk option.
- Compose an Email: Write a simple, polite email to the CAT helpdesk that includes:
- Your Name and Registration Number
- Your Current Exam Centre
- Your Reason for requesting a change
- Supporting documents (if needed for example, medical certificate, proof of moving, etc.)
- Use the Official Email ID: Send your request to cathelpdesk@iimcat.ac.in
- Wait for Response: The CAT authorities will review your request. If your reason meets the genuine exception reason, you will receive a new admit card to your updated test centre.
Note: There is no guarantee that your request will be accepted. The CAT convener’s office will have the final decision. Thus, think carefully when registering, and check your preferred cities before you submit the registration.
Tips to Avoid CAT Exam Centre Issues
Consider Your Cities Carefully:
As a rule, choose all six test cities in the order of convenience. Choose cities that are either easy to get to or city near where can easily get accommodation for an overnight stay if required.
Confirm Application Info:
Before paying the fee for your application, double-check that the test city options are correctly entered on your application.
Look at Your Admit Card Early:
Once your Admit Card is released, check your city and address on the admit card to confirm it is correct. If you find an error, contact the helpdesk as soon as possible.
Make Bookings in Advance:
Try to book your travel tickets and accommodations as soon as possible to avoid last-minute delays or cancellations.
Wrapping Up
In short, CAT 2025 exam centre change is not permitted once the CAT Exam Centre list is released. Only under rare, documented emergencies can you request the IIM authorities for a reconsideration.
If you are in the process of preparing for CAT 2025, do not stress too much over the logistics and instead focus on your mock tests and revisions. Those in the early stage of prep can check out the detailed guide on the CAT exam pattern and syllabus to plan better.
