Can I change my interview city preference in IIM forms?

For most IIMs, you can change your interview city preference up to the published deadline for application form modifications, but typically not after the interview slot allocation is announced. The specific window varies by IIM, so check the admissions portal of each IIM where you have a shortlist.

The Standard Process

IIM admission processes typically work like

1. 01Application submission with initial city preference
2. 02Shortlist announcement after CAT results
3. 03Window for application form modifications (usually 1 to 2 weeks)
4. 04Interview slot allocation based on city preference and capacity
5. 05Final interview rounds at allocated city

The city preference is locked once interview slot allocation begins. Most IIMs allow modifications during the application form modification window but not after.

Approximate Modification Windows

For recent admission cycles at top IIMs

IIM Ahmedabad: typically allows city preference change within the application modification window (usually 1 week after shortlist).

IIM Bangalore: similar 1-week window for modifications after shortlist announcement.

IIM Calcutta: typically allows modifications until interview slot allocation begins.

IIM Lucknow, Kozhikode, Indore: similar 1-week window after shortlist.

The specific dates and processes are published in each IIM's admissions communication after shortlist announcement.

How to Request a Change

The standard process for requesting city preference change

• Log into the IIM admissions portal during the modification window
• Update the city preference in the application form
• Save and confirm the change
• Receive confirmation email or portal acknowledgment

For IIMs where the portal doesn't allow self-service modification, you may need to email the admissions office with the request, explaining the reason and providing the new preference.

Common Reasons for City Change

Valid reasons for city preference change include

• Travel logistics (moving city for work, family obligations, accommodation issues)
• Cost considerations (interview travel costs)
• Specific interview date alignment with other commitments
• Family circumstances

Most IIMs accept reasonable change requests during the modification window without requiring elaborate justification.

After Interview Slot Allocation

Once interview slot allocation is announced, changing the city preference becomes much harder:

• Some IIMs may allow swap requests if you find another candidate willing to exchange slots
• Genuine emergency situations (medical, family crisis) may be accommodated through formal application to the admissions office
• Standard preference changes are typically not accepted at this stage

Practical Tips

For candidates considering multiple IIMs

• Choose city preferences that align across IIMs if possible (e.g., if you're available in Mumbai for IIM A interview, prefer Mumbai for IIM B and C interviews too)
• Allow buffer for travel between cities if interviews are at different locations
• Plan for potential changes in IIM A and B interview dates (these are typically earlier than newer IIMs and may overlap)

Tip from Recent Cohorts

The interview city change process is generally straightforward during the modification window but inflexible afterward. For candidates with logistical concerns or family circumstances that may change:

• Plan for the original city preference being final
• Have travel and accommodation logistics ready for the originally preferred city
• For genuine emergencies, contact the IIM admissions office directly and submit formal request with documentation

For specific city change processes and the current cycle's deadlines, verify directly with the IIM admissions office or the admissions page of each IIM.