CUET PG 2026 exam city selection rules have been clarified by the National Testing Agency amid the ongoing registration process. Candidates applying for postgraduate admissions through the Common University Entrance Test are seeking clarity on exam city preferences, centre allotment criteria, and the release timeline of city intimation slips. NTA has outlined detailed guidelines to help candidates understand how exam locations are assigned.
CUET PG 2026 will be conducted in March 2026, and candidates are advised to carefully select their exam city preferences while filling out the application form.
CUET PG 2026 Exam Cities in India and Abroad
NTA has announced that CUET PG 2026 will be conducted in 292 exam cities. This includes 272 cities across India and 16 international locations. The number of exam cities has been reduced compared to the previous year.
According to NTA, this decision has been taken to ensure better operational feasibility and efficient management of exam centres. Candidates opting to appear for CUET PG 2026 outside India will be allotted centres only in the overseas cities mentioned in the official information bulletin.
How CUET PG 2026 Exam City Allotment Is Done?
NTA follows a structured process to allot exam cities for CUET PG 2026. During the application process, candidates must select their preferred exam cities. Based on these preferences, exam centres are allotted after considering several factors. Before finalising the exam city, NTA evaluates multiple operational conditions. The allotment depends on the following:
- Availability of seats at test centres
- Number of applicants in a particular city
- Logistical and administrative requirements
NTA has clearly stated that while efforts are made to allot centres as per candidate preferences, the final decision rests entirely with the agency.
CUET PG 2026 Exam City Preference Limit
For CUET PG 2026, candidates are allowed to select up to four exam city preferences while filling out the application form. These preferences should be chosen carefully, ideally based on the candidate’s present or permanent address.
Candidates who have already submitted their application forms will get an opportunity to modify their exam city choices during the correction window, as per the official schedule released by NTA.
Can CUET PG 2026 Exam City Be Allotted Outside Preferences?
NTA has clarified that it may allot an exam city outside the selected preferences in certain situations. This can happen if sufficient seats are not available in the preferred cities or due to operational constraints.
Such cases are more common in high-demand cities. Therefore, candidates are advised not to make final travel arrangements until the exam city is officially confirmed through the city intimation slip.
CUET PG City Intimation Slip and Admit Card Difference
Candidates must clearly understand the difference between the city intimation slip and the admit card.
The CUET PG city intimation slip is released before the admit card. It provides details about the exam city only and helps candidates plan travel. However, it is not valid for entry to the exam centre.
The CUET PG 2026 admit card is released closer to the exam date. It contains the complete exam centre address, exam date, shift timing, and instructions. The admit card is mandatory for exam entry and must be carried along with a valid photo ID.
Important Instructions for CUET PG 2026 Candidates
NTA has advised candidates to keep the following points in mind:
- CUET PG 2026 registration closes on 14 January 2026
- Exam city preferences must be selected carefully
- City intimation slip should be checked immediately after release
- Admit card must be downloaded before the examination date
Candidates are encouraged to regularly monitor official updates to avoid missing important exam-related information.
