Starting 2026, students appearing for national level entrance exams like JEE Main, NEET-UG, CUET, and others may no longer be allowed to choose their preferred exam city. Instead, the National Testing Agency (NTA) is expected to assign the exam centres automatically based on the address given in their Aadhaar or official identity documents.

This is a major shift from the current system, where candidates can list three to four preferred cities while filling out the application form. The motive behind this change is reportedly to simplify logistics, avoid last-minute centre change requests, and ensure a fair distribution of exam centres across regions.

To support this, NTA has advised applicants to make sure their Aadhaar details especially their address are fully updated before applying. Since the new allocation will depend on this data, even small errors could result in candidates being assigned faraway centres or facing administrative delays.

However, the move has sparked mixed reactions. Students, especially those from smaller towns and rural areas, are worried that the new rule could increase travel time and expenses if the assigned centre is not nearby. Many also fear that incorrect address data might cause unnecessary trouble. On the other hand, some experts argue that the reform could make the process more transparent and stop overcrowding in popular cities that are overbooked every year.

Currently, most students choose centres near home to avoid travel fatigue. Removing that option may shift the burden onto local infrastructure, such as transport and lodging, especially in larger cities. But officials believe this automatic allocation could improve fairness and prevent misuse of the city preference system, which sometimes led to logistical chaos.

Still, many questions remain: Will there be any option for correction? What happens to students who move cities after registration? As of now, there’s no official circular confirming the change, but it is expected soon. Until then, students are being advised to verify and update their identity details promptly.

If implemented smoothly, this could be one of the biggest changes to India’s entrance exam structure one that may bring order for authorities but possible inconvenience for lakhs of aspirants.