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Choosing the CAT 2026 exam city may seem like a small detail, but it can significantly impact your CAT examination experience. Another important section is filling out the CAT 2026 programme preference. The choices you fill out during the CAT 2026 exam form can determine where you take the exam and which IIM programmes you become eligible for during the admission process. Candidates must select their CAT 2026 programme preference after understanding the programme's eligibility criteria. Also, careful selection of the CAT 2026 exam cities helps avoid last-minute issues for the candidates.
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Choice
What to consider
First exam city
Closest and easiest city to reach
Backup cities
Nearby cities with reliable transport
Accommodation
Availability near potential test-centre areas
Programme preference
Eligibility, career goals and programme structure
Multiple programmes
Select relevant programmes for which you meet eligibility
Final submission
Verify all choices before submitting the application
Candidates must select the CAT 2026 test city based on accessibility. The selected cities must be easy to reach, and somewhere candidates can arrange a stay if needed. As CAT 2026 allows multiple city preferences, candidates should use them strategically.
The first preference should ideally be the city closest to your current location. This can reduce travel time and expenses and make it easier to reach the exam centre on time.
Keep nearby cities as your second and third preferences. If your first-choice city is unavailable, you'll still be allotted a convenient location.
Before finalising your exam city preferences, check how easily each city can be reached by train, bus or flight.
Do not choose cities that require long-distance travel unless you are certain you will be there during the examination period.
CAT exam is conducted in multiple shifts, so candidates must make sure that they can reach their selected CAT 2026 exam center before the reporting time.
Candidates travelling from another city should also consider the availability of accommodation near the likely examination area.
Selecting cities randomly without considering travel convenience.
Choosing only metro cities despite living far away.
Ignoring backup city options.
Assuming the first preference will definitely be allotted.
Waiting until the last day to submit the application.
Candidates should first understand which IIM programmes they are eligible for and then select programmes that align with their academic and career plans.
Select programmes only after checking their academic, work experience, and other eligibility requirements.
Choose programmes that align with your preferred career path, industry and area of specialisation.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, select multiple relevant programmes to keep more admission opportunities open.
Avoid choosing a programme simply because it is offered by an IIM. Make sure it matches your interests and career plans.
Before submitting the CAT 2026 registration form, make sure you have cross-checked the sections below of the CAT 2026 exam form.
Section | What to Check |
CAT 2026 Exam Cities | 5 cities selected in priority order |
First Preferred CAT Exam City | Your most convenient city |
CAT 2026 Exam Backup Cities | Nearby alternatives included |
CAT 2026 Programme Preferences | All eligible programmes selected |
Eligibility | Verified for every programme |
Opting for multiple programmes | Eligibility & career goals |
Final Review | Double-check before fee payment |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Usually, authorities do not allow a change in preference once the CAT 2026 application form is submitted, so candidates must carefully review and submit their exam cities.
On Question asked by student community
If by B-category you mean management/private quota MBBS seats, the cutoff is very different from government-quota MBBS.
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Hello Aspirant,
Yes, you can access CAT preparation resources, including mock tests, practice questions, previous-year papers, and study material. Explore the CAT preparation resources and test series using the link below:
https://bschool.careers360.com/download/ebooks-and-sample-papers?exam=45
Hope this Helps!
Hello CAT Aspirant!
If you mean the CAT ( Common Admission Test) EWS certificate, the important point is whether the certificate is valid and issued in the prescribed format, rather than simply the language used on it.
Yes, a Hindi EWS certificate can generally be accepted for CAT, provided it
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