NTA Opens Window for Changes to CUET UG 2026 Exam Centers; Candidates Can Select Vacant Slots..

Dissatisfaction among students regarding the allocation of examination centers for CUET UG 2026 is steadily rising. Following the release of admit cards by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on May 5, many candidates were assigned centers in distant cities rather than their preferred locations. This has exacerbated difficulties, raising questions in numerous instances regarding the significant distances involved and the resulting inconvenience. The NTA has now stated that candidates who face issues with their allocated city—specifically those who received an examination center in a city other than their preferred choice—need not worry. You may now apply to change your examination center once again.

To do so, you must visit the official CUET website at https://cuet.nta.nic.in. There, you can select a new center from the list of cities where seats are currently available. Please note that seats will be allotted on a "first-come, first-served" basis; therefore, it is advisable to apply as soon as possible. Should you require any assistance, you may contact the helpline at 011-40759000 or send an email to cuet-ug@nta.ac.in.

**Why the Uproar Over Center Allocation?**
The controversy began immediately after the release of the "City Intimation Slips" on April 29. Many students were assigned examination centers located outside the four cities they had listed as their preferences. In some instances, students are being compelled to travel hundreds of kilometers to appear for their examinations. This situation has fueled resentment among students and parents alike, leading to a surge of complaints across social media platforms.

**Which States Are Under the Most Pressure?**
This year, CUET UG 2026 has emerged as one of the largest computer-based examinations in the country, with approximately 15.68 lakh (1.568 million) students having applied. Notably, about 43% of the candidates this year hail from just three regions: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Delhi. These regions account for roughly 6.74 lakh students, involving thousands of unique subject combinations. Consequently, the pressure on examination centers in these states has become immense, making it logistically impossible to allot every candidate their first-choice location.

**How ​​Are Examination Centers Determined?**

According to the NTA, center allocation is not based solely on the choice of city. Three main factors are taken into consideration:

The student's preferred city
The combination of selected subjects
The examination shift
If seats are unavailable in a particular city for a specific subject or shift, students are allotted a center in a different city.

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