NTA’s New Policy 2026: No City Choice for Exam Centres

Starting 2026, NTA changes the way exam centres are assigned for JEE, NEET, and CUET.

Big shift ahead: from 2026, the National Testing Agency (NTA) will no longer allow students to choose their exam city for key exams such as JEE, NEET, and CUET. Instead, exam centres will be auto-assigned based on Aadhaar-linked address.

1) What Exactly Changes?

• For JEE, NEET, and CUET from 2026, the “preferred exam city” option will be disabled during registration.
• Centres will be automatically assigned according to the address in your Aadhaar or official documents.
• The NTA aims to curb city manipulation and make allocations fairer for all candidates.

2) Which Exams Are Affected?

• JEE Main & JEE Advanced: Both expected to follow the new city allocation rule.
• CUET UG 2026: No city preference will be available — allocation will be automated.
• NEET and other NTA exams: Likely to adopt similar rules soon after implementation.

3) Implications & Possible Risks

• Students in rural or remote areas might get centres farther from home — plan travel well in advance.
• Any address mismatch or outdated Aadhaar can lead to incorrect centre assignments.
• Last-minute document edits may not be allowed — update your details early.

4) Tips to Handle This Change

1. Verify that your Aadhaar address matches your current residence.
2. Update school or college records to align with Aadhaar details.
3. Keep a valid proof of address handy in case of allocation disputes.
4. Plan logistics early — especially if you might be assigned a distant city.

Bottom line: This shift simplifies NTA’s process but places responsibility on students to maintain accurate records.

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FAQs

Does this affect JEE Main 2026 exam city selection?

Yes — starting 2026, candidates cannot select their exam city. The NTA will auto-assign centres based on Aadhaar address.

Will CUET UG 2026 also follow the same rule?

Yes, CUET UG 2026 is expected to adopt the same auto-allocation system for fairness across states.

How can students avoid exam centre issues?

Update Aadhaar and school records now. Ensure addresses are consistent and verifiable before registration begins.

For upcoming policy changes and entrance updates, visit atheniq.io — India’s gamified career & college discovery platform.