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    CAT 2026 Exam City and Programme Preferences: How to Choose Them Correctly

    CAT 2026 Exam City and Programme Preferences: How to Choose Them Correctly

    Gursimran KaurUpdated on 05 Oct 2026, 10:31 AM IST

    Choosing the CAT 2026 exam city may seem like a small detail, but it can significantly impact your CAT examination experience. In a recent update, the CAT 2026 correction window has opened; candidates wil be able to modify their exam city/ state preference using the CAT 2026 correction window. The CAT 2026 application form deadline was extended to September 22, 2026. 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.

    CAT 2026 Exam City and Programme Preference: Quick Guide

    This Story also Contains

    1. How to Choose CAT 2026 Exam City Preferences
    2. Common Mistakes to Avoid While Choosing CAT 2026 Exam Cities
    3. How to Choose CAT 2026 Programme Preferences
    4. Selecting CAT 2026 Exam Cities and Programme Preferences: Final Check
    CAT 2026 Exam City and Programme Preferences: How to Choose Them Correctly
    CAT 2026 Exam City

    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

    How to Choose CAT 2026 Exam City Preferences

    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.

    Common Mistakes to Avoid While Choosing CAT 2026 Exam Cities

    • 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.

    Birla Institute of Management Technology, Greater Noida

    AACSB Accredited | Highest CTC: 22 LPA

    Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai

    Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 18 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2026

    How to Choose CAT 2026 Programme Preferences

    Candidates should first understand which IIM programmes they are eligible for and then select programmes that align with their academic and career plans.

    1. Select programmes only after checking their academic, work experience, and other eligibility requirements.

    2. Choose programmes that align with your preferred career path, industry, and area of specialisation.

    3. If you meet the eligibility criteria, select multiple relevant programmes to keep more admission opportunities open.

    4. Avoid choosing a programme simply because it is offered by an IIM. Make sure it matches your interests and career plans.

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    Selecting CAT 2026 Exam Cities and Programme Preferences: Final Check

    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)

    Q: Can candidates change the CAT 2026 exam center preference later?
    A:

    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. 

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