CUET PG 2026 Exam City Selection Explained: Preferences, Allotment Rules, City Slip vs Admit Card
New Delhi | Education Desk
With the CUET PG 2026 registration process currently underway, postgraduate aspirants across the country are seeking clarity on exam city selection, centre allotment rules, and the role of the city intimation slip. The National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts the Common University Entrance Test for Postgraduate programmes, has laid down detailed guidelines to help candidates understand how exam cities are chosen and allotted.
CUET PG 2026 is a national-level entrance examination conducted for admission to postgraduate programmes offered by Central Universities and other participating institutions for the academic session 2026–27. The exam is scheduled to be held in March 2026 in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.
CUET PG 2026 Exam Cities in India and Abroad
As per the official information bulletin, CUET PG 2026 will be conducted in 292 cities worldwide. This includes:
- 272 examination cities across India
- 16 examination cities outside India
The NTA has reduced the total number of exam cities compared to the previous year. According to the agency, this decision has been taken to ensure better operational feasibility, smoother management of test centres, and improved examination conduct.
Candidates opting to appear for CUET PG 2026 outside India will be allotted centres only in the overseas cities officially notified in the information bulletin. No additional international locations will be provided beyond the notified list.
How CUET PG 2026 Exam City Allotment Is Done
During the online application process, candidates are required to select their preferred exam cities. The final allotment of exam centres is done by the NTA after carefully considering several factors.
Key factors considered by NTA include:
- availability of seats at test centres
- total number of applicants in a particular city
- administrative and logistical requirements
The NTA has clarified that it will make every effort to allot an exam centre as per the candidate’s preferences, but the final decision rests with the agency.
How Many Exam City Preferences Can Candidates Choose?
For CUET PG 2026, candidates are allowed to select up to four exam city preferences while filling out the application form.
These cities should ideally be chosen based on:
- the candidate’s present address, or
- their permanent address
Candidates are advised to select preferences carefully, keeping travel convenience and accessibility in mind.
Correction Window for Exam City Changes
Candidates who have already submitted their CUET PG 2026 application forms will not be disadvantaged if they wish to modify their exam city choices.
The NTA has confirmed that applicants will be given an opportunity to edit exam city preferences during the correction window, which will open after the application deadline, as per the official schedule.
The exact dates of the correction window will be notified separately on the official CUET PG website.
Can NTA Allot an Exam City Outside Candidate Preferences?
Yes. The NTA has clearly stated that it may allot an exam city outside the selected preferences in certain situations.
This can happen when:
- sufficient seats are not available in preferred cities
- there is extremely high demand at specific locations
- operational or administrative constraints arise
As a result, candidates may be assigned exam centres in nearby or alternate cities, especially in high-demand urban areas.
Candidates are therefore advised not to make final travel or accommodation arrangements until the exam city is officially confirmed.
CUET PG City Intimation Slip vs Admit Card: Key Differences
Many candidates often confuse the city intimation slip with the admit card. The NTA has clarified that both documents serve different purposes and are released at different stages.
CUET PG City Intimation Slip
- released before the admit card
- informs candidates about the exam city only
- helps in advance travel planning
- not valid for entry to the exam centre
CUET PG Admit Card
- released closer to the exam date
- contains full details such as:
- exact exam centre address
- exam date and shift timing
- candidate details and instructions
- mandatory for entry to the examination hall
Candidates must carry a printed admit card along with a valid photo ID on the exam day.
Important Points CUET PG 2026 Candidates Should Note
- CUET PG 2026 registration closes on January 14, 2026
- exam city preferences should be selected carefully and realistically
- candidates should regularly check the website for city intimation slip updates
- admit card must be downloaded before the exam
- travel plans should be finalised only after city confirmation
Why Understanding Exam City Rules Is Important
Understanding the exam city selection and allotment process helps candidates:
- avoid confusion and misinformation
- plan travel efficiently
- reduce last-minute stress
- prepare for the exam with better focus
With lakhs of candidates expected to appear for CUET PG 2026, awareness of these rules is essential for a smooth examination experience.
What Candidates Should Do Next
Candidates are advised to:
- complete the application process well before the deadline
- choose exam city preferences thoughtfully
- monitor official notifications from NTA
- avoid relying on unofficial sources or rumours
Staying informed and prepared will help candidates navigate the CUET PG 2026 process with confidence.
CUET PG 2026 exam city
CUET PG exam centre allotment
CUET PG city intimation slip
CUET PG admit card 2026
NTA CUET PG guidelines
CUET PG exam cities India abroad
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