If you’re one of the thousands of candidates who applied for the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) Direct Recruitment Quota Examination 2026 (DRQ 2026), your next big milestone is just around the corner. On January 17, 2026, CBSE will release the city intimation slips—a crucial document that tells you which city you’ve been assigned for the exam.
But before you hit print and start booking train tickets, there’s a vital distinction you must understand: this is not your admit card. Many candidates make the mistake of treating the city intimation slip as their final exam pass, only to be caught off guard later. In this guide, we’ll clarify exactly what the CBSE recruitment city intimation slip is, why it matters, and what steps you should take next to ensure a smooth exam day.
Table of Contents
- What Is the CBSE Recruitment City Intimation Slip?
- Key Dates You Must Remember
- How to Download Your City Intimation Slip
- City Intimation vs. Admit Card: What’s the Difference?
- Why City Allotment Matters for Your Exam Prep
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- What Happens After the City Intimation Slip?
- Conclusion: Stay Informed, Stay Prepared
- Sources
What Is the CBSE Recruitment City Intimation Slip?
The CBSE recruitment city intimation slip is an official document issued by the Central Board of Secondary Education to inform candidates about the city where their DRQ 2026 examination will be conducted. It does not contain your exact exam center name, address, reporting time, or roll number. Its sole purpose is to give you early information so you can begin planning travel, accommodation, and logistics well in advance.
This is especially important for candidates who may be assigned to a city far from their home or current location. Early knowledge allows you to secure affordable lodging and avoid last-minute booking chaos.
Key Dates You Must Remember
Here’s a timeline of critical dates for CBSE DRQ 2026 candidates:
- City Intimation Slip Release: January 17, 2026
- Admit Card Release: To be announced (typically 1–2 weeks before the exam)
- DRQ 2026 Exam Date: To be announced by CBSE
Keep checking the official CBSE website regularly after January 17 for updates on the admit card and final exam schedule.
How to Download Your City Intimation Slip
Once released, the slip will be available on the official CBSE recruitment portal. Here’s how to access it:
- Go to the official CBSE career website: https://cbse.gov.in or the dedicated recruitment portal (if specified).
- Look for the “DRQ 2026” or “Recruitment” section.
- Click on “City Intimation Slip” or a similar link.
- Enter your registration number and date of birth (or other required credentials).
- Download and save a PDF copy. Print at least two physical copies for your records.
City Intimation vs. Admit Card: What’s the Difference?
This is where many candidates get confused. Let’s break it down clearly:
| Feature | City Intimation Slip | Admit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Informs exam city only | Official entry pass to the exam hall |
| Contains Center Name? | No | Yes |
| Contains Reporting Time? | No | Yes |
| Contains Photo & Signature? | No | Yes |
| Required on Exam Day? | No | Yes – mandatory |
In short: the city intimation slip is for planning; the admit card is for entry. Never assume the former replaces the latter.
Why City Allotment Matters for Your Exam Prep
Knowing your exam city early offers strategic advantages:
- Budget Planning: Book trains, buses, or flights during off-peak hours for lower fares.
- Accommodation: Secure a quiet, safe place to stay near the expected exam zone.
- Local Familiarity: If possible, visit the city beforehand to reduce anxiety on exam day.
- Contingency Planning: Account for weather, local transport strikes, or other disruptions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t fall into these traps:
- ❌ Assuming the city intimation slip is your admit card.
- ❌ Booking non-refundable travel before confirming the exact exam center.
- ❌ Ignoring official CBSE communications after downloading the slip.
- ❌ Sharing your login credentials with third-party “assistance” websites.
What Happens After the City Intimation Slip?
After January 17, CBSE will finalize exam centers within the allotted cities and prepare the official admit cards. These will include your photograph, signature, center address, gate closing time, and exam instructions. You’ll likely receive an SMS or email alert when the admit card is live. Until then, use the city slip to prepare—but stay ready for the final details.
Conclusion: Stay Informed, Stay Prepared
The release of the CBSE recruitment city intimation slip is a major step toward your DRQ 2026 exam—but it’s just one step. Treat it as a planning tool, not a final ticket. Stay vigilant, rely only on official sources, and keep your focus sharp. With smart preparation and clear understanding, you’ll walk into that exam hall with confidence, not confusion.
Sources
- Times of India: CBSE recruitment city intimation date out: Check here
- Central Board of Secondary Education (Official): https://cbse.gov.in
- Government of India Recruitment Portal: General reference for govt exam timelines