CAT 2026 Exam Centres: Complete Guide to Choosing Your CAT Test Centre
Every year, lakhs of CAT aspirants ask the same question: Where will my CAT exam be conducted?
Understanding CAT exam centres, CAT test cities, and how exam centres are allocated can reduce a lot of anxiety before the exam. Mockat
For CAT 2026, exam centre planning is important because the exam will be conducted across multiple cities in India through computer-based testing centres. If you choose your test city preference wisely while filling the CAT application form, you can avoid unnecessary travel stress on exam day.
In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about CAT 2026 exam centres, including:
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CAT exam cities and test centres
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How to choose your CAT test city
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How exam centres are allotted
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Exam day rules at CAT centres
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Facilities available at CAT exam centres
Overview of CAT Exam Centres and Test Cities
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is India’s most competitive MBA entrance exam and the gateway to the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and many top B-schools.
The CAT exam is a computer-based test (CBT) conducted under strict supervision at authorised test centres across the country.
For CAT 2026:
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The exam is expected to be conducted in late November 2026
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It will be held in three slots on a single day
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The exam will take place across approximately 170 cities in India
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Each city may have multiple CAT examination centres
Official CAT centres are equipped with modern computer systems, CCTV monitoring, secure login systems and backup power supply to ensure a smooth testing experience. Candidates can choose up to five cities for CAT exam centre allotment during the registration process.
Regardless of the exam city or test centre, the CAT exam pattern and exam duration remain identical for all candidates. Candidates must report to the CAT exam centre 90 to 120 minutes before the scheduled start time of the exam.
CAT 2026 Exam Structure (Quick Reference)
|
Parameter |
CAT 2026 Details |
|---|---|
|
Mode of exam |
Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
|
Sections |
VARC, DILR, QA |
|
Total questions |
68 |
|
Exam duration |
120 minutes |
|
Sectional time limit |
40 minutes per section |
|
Negative marking |
-1 for incorrect MCQs |
|
Test cities |
~170 cities across India |
What is CAT and How the Exam is Conducted
The Common Admission Test is conducted by one of the IIMs each year on behalf of all IIMs and other participating business schools.
The exam is organised through secure testing centres across India, ensuring fairness and standardisation.
Key features of CAT exam administration:
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Computer-based test environment
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CCTV surveillance at all CAT exam centres
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Biometric verification of candidates
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Air-conditioned exam halls
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Backup power systems
Because the CAT exam is conducted in multiple slots and locations, candidates are evaluated using score normalization, ensuring fairness across all exam slots.
Understanding CAT 2026 Exam Centre Terminology
When preparing for CAT, you will encounter several terms such as:
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CAT exam centre
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CAT test centre
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CAT examination centre
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CAT exam city
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CAT test city
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examination hall
These terms refer to different levels of exam location.
Key Differences
Exam City
The city where your CAT exam will take place. One exam city may have several exam centres.
Exam Centre
The building or institution where the exam is conducted.
Examination Hall
The specific computer lab or room where you will sit for the exam.
Your CAT 2026 admit card will display the exact exam centre address, including the building name and test centre details.
CAT 2026 Exam Centres List (Expected Coverage)
The CAT exam is conducted across metro cities, state capitals and major regional centres.
While the exact CAT 2026 exam centre list will be released in the official notification, the distribution generally follows previous patterns.
Example State-wise CAT Exam Cities
|
State |
Major Test Cities |
|---|---|
|
West Bengal |
Kolkata, Siliguri |
|
Andhra Pradesh |
Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada |
|
Tamil Nadu |
Chennai, Coimbatore |
|
Maharashtra |
Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Pune |
|
Karnataka |
Bengaluru, Mysuru |
|
Telangana |
Hyderabad |
Large cities such as Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad usually have multiple exam centres to accommodate the large number of candidates.
This city-wise expansion of CAT examination centres helps reduce travel time for candidates.
How to Choose Your CAT Test City in the Application Form
Your only opportunity to influence your CAT exam centre is during the CAT application form submission.
Candidates are usually allowed to select up to five preferred test cities.
Smart Strategy for Selecting CAT Test Cities
Choose cities based on:
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distance from home
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travel convenience
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availability of transportation
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familiarity with the city
Example Preference Strategy
|
Preference |
Suggested Choice |
Reason |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Home city |
No travel stress |
|
2 |
Nearby metro |
Multiple exam centres available |
|
3 |
College city |
Familiar environment |
|
4 |
Nearby backup city |
Alternative option |
|
5 |
Major city in state |
Higher centre availability |
Choosing realistic preferences increases the chances of receiving a convenient CAT test centre.
CAT 2026 Admit Card and Allotted Test Centre
Once registration is completed, candidates will receive their CAT admit card.
The admit card includes:
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candidate name and photograph
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exam date
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CAT slot timing
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exam city
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full exam centre address
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reporting time
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centre code
Candidates cannot change the exam centre after the admit card is released.
This is why selecting the right test city during registration is important.
Facilities at CAT Exam Centres
CAT exam centres are selected based on strict infrastructure requirements.
Official CAT centres usually provide:
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well-equipped computer labs
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high-speed internet connectivity
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backup power supply
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air-conditioned testing environment
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CCTV surveillance
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secure candidate login systems
These facilities ensure that every candidate experiences standardized exam conditions.
CAT Exam Day Reporting Time and Entry Process
Candidates must report to the CAT exam centre 90 to 120 minutes before the scheduled exam time.
This time is required for:
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identity verification
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biometric verification
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document checking
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security checks
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seating allocation
Mandatory Documents for CAT Exam Day
Candidates must carry:
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printed CAT admit card
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valid photo ID proof
Candidates who fail to carry these documents may not be allowed to enter the exam centre.
CAT Exam Day Checklist
|
Stage |
Time Before Exam |
What to Do |
|---|---|---|
|
Reach exam city |
90–120 minutes |
Locate the exam centre |
|
Security check |
60 minutes |
ID verification |
|
Entry to exam hall |
30–40 minutes |
Find assigned computer |
|
Exam duration |
120 minutes |
Attempt exam calmly |
Candidates should avoid carrying:
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mobile phones
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smart watches
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electronic gadgets
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bags or notes
Preparation for CAT Exam Centres and Exam Day
To perform well in CAT, candidates should prepare not only academically but also logistically.
Preparation centres offer both offline and online classes for CAT preparation to help students build conceptual clarity.
One of the best ways to prepare is through full-length mock tests that simulate the real CAT exam environment.
You can practice with Mockat resources:
CAT Mock Tests
https://mockat.com/compete/full-length
CAT Sectional Tests
https://mockat.com/compete/sectional-tests
CAT Topic Tests
https://mockat.com/compete/topic-tests
These help aspirants become familiar with CAT interface, slot timing and exam pressure.
Common Mistakes Related to CAT Exam Centres
Many candidates make simple mistakes that increase exam-day stress.
Common mistakes include:
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selecting unrealistic test cities
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not checking the exam centre location in advance
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reaching the exam centre late
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forgetting admit card or ID
To avoid these problems:
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verify the exam centre address early
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visit the location a day before if possible
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plan your travel in advance
Summary: Choosing the Right CAT 2026 Exam Centre
Your CAT exam centre can influence your comfort level and exam-day confidence.
To ensure a smooth experience:
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choose test cities carefully in the application form
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check your admit card details immediately after release
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reach the exam centre early
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follow exam-day guidelines strictly
With proper planning, your exam centre becomes just another location where you perform your best.
Focus on accuracy, calmness and smart question selection, and you will maximise your CAT performance.
FAQs on CAT 2026 Exam Centres
How many CAT exam cities are there?
CAT is typically conducted in around 170 cities across India, with multiple test centres in major cities.
Can I choose my CAT exam centre?
You cannot choose the exact centre. You can only select preferred exam cities, and the exam centre is allotted automatically.
Can the CAT exam centre be changed later?
No. Once the CAT admit card is issued, the allotted exam centre is final.
What documents are required at the CAT exam centre?
Candidates must carry a printed admit card and a valid photo ID.
When should I reach the CAT exam centre?
Candidates should report 90–120 minutes before the scheduled exam time.
