CAT Exam Centres 2026: State-wise Test City List, Exam Centre Near Me, Guidelines

CAT Exam Centres 2026: Key Highlights

Check out the following key features of the CAT exam centres, which will be useful for the CAT aspirants.

Infrastructure Standards

• Modern computer systems with high-resolution monitors
• CCTV surveillance for security and monitoring
• Air-conditioned environment for comfort
• Backup power supply and internet connection
• Ergonomic seating and adequate workspace

Accessibility Features

• Wheelchair accessibility for PwD candidates
• Additional time provisions for eligible candidates
• Scribe facilities where needed
• Special seating arrangements, if required.

Security Measures

• Biometric authentication systems
• Strict adherence to exam protocols
• Trained security personnel
• Metal detectors and security screening

Geographic Distribution

• Coverage across all major cities and towns
• Strategic placement to minimise travel distance
• Consideration of regional candidate density
• Backup centres in case of emergencies

How To Choose CAT Exam Centres 2026?

To avoid long journeys and reduce stress, candidates are advised to choose a CAT 2026 test centre near them, as they know well about their local cities well. Read the complete article to know all the details related to the CAT 2026 exam centres, such as the states and cities where the CAT exam is to be conducted.

• Candidates will need to choose at least 5 CAT 2026 exam centres where they can appear for CAT 2026 while filling out the application form.
• The selection of CAT exam centres 2026 will be made in order of preference
• Candidates will be allotted the CAT exam city of their choice, depending on their availability.
• If the seat is not available at that particular CAT 2026 test centre, then the candidate will be allotted the next available CAT test centre from the preferences of the CAT test centres list.

For the allotment of the CAT exam centre, candidates should ensure that they have mentioned their preferred cities in the CAT application form 2026. Based on their preferences, candidates will be allotted a CAT test centre in the city. All CAT 2026 aspirants must note that the number of exam centres/test cities preferences will be five.

CAT Exam Centres List 2026

CAT exam centres are well-equipped computer labs, where the candidates are required to take the test on the scheduled day. More than 270 such labs conduct the CAT exam in over 150 cities. This year, it is expected that the CAT 2026 will be taken by more than 3 lakh students across India. Since CAT has the highest number of applicants among all MBA entrance exams, the exam will be conducted in three slots at multiple exam centres.

The details of CAT exam centres are mentioned on the CAT official website. The names of the CAT exam centres and their addresses will be indicated on the CAT admit card as well. At the time of filling out the CAT application form, students have to select the exam city as per their preferences.

State-wise exam centres for CAT 2026

Aspirants who are searching for the CAT exam centre near me? Can check out the list of CAT 2026 exam centres in India below. Candidates can choose their preferred CAT test centre near them as per the previous year list.

Question- Where can I find the closest CAT exam centre near me?

Answer- Candidates will find the location of their CAT exam centre on their official admit card, which will be released on the official website- iimcat.ac.in.

Question- How many CAT exam centres are there in India?

Answer- There are approximately 370 to 400 CAT exam centres spread across 170 cities in the country.

Question- Which CAT exam centres in Delhi are available?

Answer- CAT examination centre available in Delhi and nearby regions of the NCR are included New Delhi, Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Panipat, Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad.

Question- What time should I report at the CAT test centre?

Answer- Candidates should report at the CAT examination centre 90 to 120 minutes before the scheduled start time of the CAT exam.

Question- Can I change my CAT exam centre after submission?

Answer- No, candidates generally cannot change their CAT exam centre after submitting the application form.

Related articles:

• What to Carry at CAT Test Centres
• CAT Exam Day Guidelines: 10 Dos and Don'ts for the Exam Day
• CAT Mistakes You Must Avoid on Exam Day

Question: Which CAT exam slot is the toughest?
Answer: The difficulty level of the CAT exam is consistent across all slots. However, Slot 3 is often considered to be the toughest and Slot 1 is considered to be the easiest. In the end, scores are normalised to account for any significant difficulty variations between slots. Therefore, the actual impact on your percentile is minimised.

Exam Day Guidelines to be Followed at CAT Exam Centre 2026:

• Candidates are advised to reach the CAT exam centre at least 30 minutes before the gate closure.
• Re-check the reporting time one day before the CAT 2026 exam day
• Bring along the admit card and required documents
• The primary reference identity of the candidate is the CAT Application Number
• Use the application number printed on the CAT admit card to locate Exam Lab/Console in the CAT 2026 exam centres.

CAT 2026 Test Centre: Do's and Don'ts

Each CAT test centre will have an elaborate identification and frisking process for which candidates have to reach the allotted test centre 2 hours before the commencement of exam. If candidate's CAT exam will start at 9:30 AM, then they need to reach at the CAT test centre by 7:30 AM. Here we have listed certain Do's and Don'ts that need to be follow at their allotted CAT 2026 exam centre.

Do's for CAT 2026 Exam Day for Candidates

• Print the CAT admit card on A4-size paper
• Candidates must affix a photograph in the space provided on the CAT admit card 2026
• Before reaching the CAT exam centres 2026, make sure you have your CAT admit card 2026 in hard copy and original ID proof
• Reporting time for the Forenoon session is 7:00 am, for the Afternoon session is 11:00 am, and for the Evening session is 3:00 pm
• Candidates are requested to remain silent and in the queue while-
  • Entry at the CAT exam centres 2026
  • Document verification
  • IRIS and photo capture
  • Temperature checking with thermal gun
  • Leaving the CAT exam centre
• Making attendance with a signature on the form provided is mandatory
• Handover the CAT admit card to the invigilator once the exam is over
• Return the writing pad after finishing the CAT exam
• Cooperate with Test Center staff
• Use the mouse to answer MCQ questions and use the on-screen keyboard to answer TITA questions

Related articles:

Don'ts for CAT Exam Day for Candidates

• Do not carry any prohibited items inside the CAT 2026 exam centres
• Avoid attempting CAT 2026 more than once for the same session
• Do not involved in any argument with fellow candidates/staff
• Do not use the keyboard as this will lock your system
• Do not waste the writing pad provided
• Do not attempt to copy/cheat answers
• Do not take away any pages from the writing pad
• Do not request a bio-break unless a medical emergency

CAT Admit Card 2026

The admit card for CAT will be issued tentatively in the first week of November 2026. Students are required to check all the details that are mentioned on the CAT admit card 2026, such as the CAT exam date and time, guidelines to be followed, and the documents that need to be carried out on the day of the CAT exam.