Big Rule Change: JEE, NEET, CUET Candidates Can No Longer Choose Exam City From 2026

Starting in 2026, a major shift is coming for India’s top entrance exams — JEE, NEET, and CUET. Students appearing for these national-level tests will no longer have the option to choose their preferred exam city. This landmark decision is part of the government’s plan to streamline logistics, improve transparency, and ensure fairer allocation of examination centres across the country.

Under the new system, candidates will be automatically assigned their exam centre based on their current school or residential address, aiming to minimize manipulation and ease infrastructure challenges. Authorities believe this will prevent misuse of location preferences and reduce last-minute changes that often create logistical hurdles. While the move is expected to benefit many students by bringing centres closer to their actual place of residence, it also marks a significant departure from the current practice, where candidates can list preferred cities during application.

With this change, students preparing for JEE, NEET, and CUET from 2026 onwards should plan ahead and keep their address details accurate and updated during registration. This policy shift reflects a broader effort to make India’s entrance examination process more streamlined, transparent, and equitable for all aspirants.