CAT Examination Centres 2026: State-wise Test Cities List & Centre Allotment Process

CAT Examination Centres 2026 for candidates will be mentioned on their CAT 2026 admit cards. Approximately 370 exam centres will be spread across 170 test cities across India. Candidates appearing for the CAT exam 2026 can choose up to five preferred cities while filling out the application form based on accessibility, travel convenience, and seat availability. The CAT conducting body or IIMs typically ensures that a candidate gets one of his/her preferred options. However, if there is high demand for any exam centre in a particular region, the IIMs reserve the right to allot a centre close to any of the preferred options. A CAT examination centre or test city can also be added, removed, or modified by the IIMs at the discretion of the CAT authorities, based on administrative requirements. Once a centre is allotted to a candidate, no change is permitted.

In 2025, the CAT exam was conducted in more than 370 CAT exam centres across 170 cities. CAT 2024 was conducted in 170 cities. The number of test cities for CAT 2023 was 167. The CAT 2022 exam was held in 150 cities. In 2021, the CAT exam was conducted in 156 cities.

Also Check: CAT 2026 Mock Test

CAT Examination Centres 2026

CAT Examination Centres 2026 are the designated computer-based test centres across approximately 170 cities in India where candidates will appear for the CAT exam 2026, to be conducted by IIM Indore on November 29, 2026, in 3 slots. The CAT exam 2026 will be held at well-equipped computer laboratories with modern computer systems, security arrangements and facilities required for conducting a large-scale entrance exam in the computer-based test mode.

• Up to five preferred CAT examination cities must be selected by the candidates during CAT registration 2026.
• The final allotment of CAT examination centres 2026 will be done by the conducting authority based on the candidate’s preferences and availability of seats at the selected centres.
• Candidates will find the venue name and complete address of the allotted centre on the CAT admit card 2026. The admit card will contain the CAT examination centre 2026 details, reporting time, exam slot, and exam-day instructions.
• The number of CAT 2026 test cities is approximately 170 and the number of exam centres ranges from 370 to 400.
• The CAT examination centres will have modern computer systems with high-resolution screens, CCTV surveillance, air-conditioned examination rooms, backup power and internet connectivity, comfortable seating arrangements, and adequate workspace for candidates to ensure that no unnecessary technical or environmental difficulties occur during the CAT exam 2026.
• Wheelchair accessibility for PwD candidates, additional examination time for eligible candidates, scribe facilities, and special seating arrangements are also available for candidates requiring accessibility support.
• Security arrangements at the CAT examination centres 2026 include Biometric authentication, Security personnel, Metal detector-based screening, and strict identity verification.

How to Choose CAT Examination Centres 2026?

CAT examination centres 2026 must be chosen by the candidates while filling out the CAT application form 2026. They must select their preferred CAT examination cities among the ones that are familiar and easily accessible from their place of residence. This can reduce travel time and help candidates avoid unnecessary stress before the examination. Up to five test cities must be chosen in the order of preference. Candidates can choose their preferred CAT examination centres 2026 by following the steps mentioned below.

Step 1: Go to the CAT official website at iimcat.ac.in and register to get the CAT User ID and Password.

Step 2: Log in to the CAT website with the CAT User ID and password.

Step 3: Open the CAT application form 2026 and start filling it.

Step 4: Navigate to the ‘Select Test City’ section and choose up to five preferred CAT examination cities.

Step 5: Arrange the cities in the order of preference.

Step 6: Complete the rest of the application form, pay the required exam fee, and submit it.

State-wise CAT Examination Centres 2026

CAT examination centre 2026 list covers approximately 170 test cities across different states and Union Territories in India. CAT exam centres 2026 in Delhi-NCR include Delhi, New Delhi, Faridabad, Gurugram, Panipat, Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad. CAT exam centres in Mumbai 2026 include Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane and Ulhasnagar. CAT exam centres in Bangalore 2026 include Belagavi, Dharwad, Gulbarga, Hubli, Mangalore, Mysore and Udupi. CAT exam centres in Kolkata 2026 include Kolkata, Asansol, Bankura, Burdwan, Durgapur, Hooghly, Howrah, Kalyani and Siliguri. The state-wise list of CAT examination centres 2026 has been provided below.

How are CAT Centres 2026 Allotted?

CAT examination centres 2026 are allotted by the conducting IIM based on the test-city preferences entered in the application form. Preferences will be considered in the order in which the test centres are entered. Choosing a particular test city does not guarantee that a candidate will get the final allotment there.

• The final centre allotment depends on the test-city preferences provided in the application form and availability of seats at the centres selected by the candidate. The final centre may be different from the first preference.
• If any seat is not available at a particular CAT 2026 test centre selected by a candidate, then the next available CAT test centre from the preferences of the CAT test centres list will be allotted to the candidate.
• The allotted centre and address will be provided on the CAT admit card 2026.
• If seats are unavailable in all five preferred cities, the CAT authorities may allot a nearby test city.

How do I Know My CAT Exam Centre 2026?

Candidates can know the exact CAT examination centre 2026 and its address by downloading the CAT admit card 2026 from the IIM CAT Official Website once it is released. The admit card serves as the most important document to confirm the exact CAT examination centre. Visit the IIM CAT official website, click on the CAT Admit Card download link 2026, and log in using your User ID and Password to download the hall ticket. To know the CAT examination centre 2026, candidates must go through the test-centre details printed on it. The exam centre address will also be provided on the admit card. A Google Maps link will be provided through the e-admit card, using which candidates can check the route to the allotted exam centre and estimate the time taken to reach there. Candidates must reach the centre well before the reporting time.

Also Check: CAT 2026 Admit Card

What Time is the Reporting Time for CAT 2026 Slot 1?

The reporting time for CAT 2026 Slot 1 is 7:00 AM. For Slot 2, it is 11:00 AM, while for Slot 3, it is 3:00 PM. The CAT exam 2026 timing for Slot 1 is 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM, Slot 2 is 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, and Slot 3 is 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. The reporting time will be printed on the CAT admit card 2026. Candidates must reach the CAT examination centre approximately 90 to 120 minutes before the examination begins to complete identity verification, frisking, biometric authentication and other entry procedures.

Read: How to Download CAT 2026 Admit Card?

Can I Change my CAT Exam Centre 2026?

Yes, candidates can change their CAT exam centre 2026 after completing CAT registration 2026 through the CAT application form correction window, as per the official CAT 2026 press release. Candidates can modify their test-city preference only during the CAT correction window by selecting five new cities in the order of preference. Candidates must log in to the CAT official portal using their application number and password, go to the application form correction section, and select their new exam city or centre preferences during the CAT form correction window. However, no change is permitted once a CAT examination centre is allotted to a candidate and printed on the admit card.

What to Carry on CAT Exam Day 2026?

Candidates should carry a printed copy of their CAT 2026 admit card along with a valid photo identity document, including Aadhaar Card/ PAN Card/ Passport/ Voter ID/ Driving License, to the CAT examination centre 2026. Only the original, valid ID proof must be carried to the CAT exam centre 2026 so that the details match the information provided on the CAT application form 2026.

Candidates must not carry electronic devices, such as mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, Bluetooth devices, and earphones; personal belongings like wallets, bags, purses, belts, and jackets; and stationery like pens, papers, or notebooks to the CAT examination centre 2026.

CAT Exam Day Guidelines 2026

Candidates should reach their allotted CAT examination centre at least 90 to 120 minutes before the scheduled examination slot with a printed copy of the CAT 2026 admit card and required original identity proof (Aadhaar Card/ PAN Card/ Passport/ Voter ID/ Driving License).

• The examination lab or console assigned to the candidate can be identified by checking the CAT application number printed on the admit card.
• Candidates must carry an extra copy of the passport-size photograph identical to the one uploaded during CAT registration 2026.
• They are required to mark their attendance with a signature on the form provided at the CAT examination centre.
• Candidates must not skip the biometric verification at the entry point. This involves mandatory fingerprint scanning and photo capture of the candidate.
• Candidates must follow the instructions given by the invigilator and return the writing pad after the examination.

Also Check: CAT Preparation Tips 2026

What are the Time Slots for the CAT Exam 2026?

The time slots for the CAT exam 2026 are 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM for Slot 1, 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM for Slot 2, and 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM for Slot 3. The slot timings for 3 separate sessions to be conducted on November 29, 2026, will be provided on the CAT Admit Card 2026. The reporting time for each session will be different. Candidates must report to the CAT examination centre based on the schedule provided on their admit cards. Late entry after the gate closing time will not be allowed. The expected CAT exam 2026 slot timings are provided below.

Is CAT 2026 a 2-hour Exam?

Yes, CAT 2026 is a 2-hour (120-minute) computer-based exam with a time limit of 40 minutes per section. In 2020, the duration of the CAT exam was reduced from 3 hours to 2 hours, and the 2-hour format has been maintained ever since. There are 3 sections in the CAT exam, namely, VARC, DILR, and QA. Candidates are not allowed to switch between all three sections freely, as each section is locked automatically when the sectional time limit of 40 minutes is over.

Go through: CAT Exam Important Formulas 2026

CAT 2026 Exam Centres FAQs