IMAT Exam Centre in India: Locations & What to Expect

Preparing for the International Medical Admissions Test (IMAT) is a significant milestone for any Indian student aspiring to study MBBS in Italy. While mastering Biology and Logical Reasoning is essential, understanding the logistics of your IMAT exam centre in India is equally critical for a stress-free experience. For many candidates, the anxiety of navigating a high-stakes exam is compounded by the uncertainty of travel, venue rules, and registration deadlines. By familiarizing yourself with the specific test locations and procedural requirements, you can focus entirely on your performance on exam day.

IMAT Test Centres in India: Cities and Venues

For the 2026 intake, India typically hosts the IMAT in two major cities: New Delhi and Chennai. These locations are managed by authorized partners like the British Council to ensure global testing standards are maintained.

New Delhi Centres

New Delhi is the primary hub for the IMAT in India. In previous cycles, the ministry has utilized multiple venues to accommodate the high volume of Indian applicants. Common venues include:

• Radisson Blu Hotel, Paschim Vihar: Located on the Outer Ring Road, this is a frequent choice for its capacity and accessibility.
• The Suryaa New Delhi: Situated in New Friends Colony, this venue is often assigned as an alternative or additional centre.

Chennai Centre

To cater to students from South India, a centre is typically established in Chennai. The most frequently used venue is:

• Ramada Plaza Chennai: Located in Guindy, offering a central and well-connected location for candidates traveling from across the region.

It is important to note that the specific hotel or conference centre is assigned by the British Council approximately 1-2 weeks before the exam. Candidates are notified via email of their exact venue location.

How to Select Your Centre During Registration

The registration for IMAT happens through the Universitaly portal, usually opening in July. During the application process, you will reach a section titled “Test Centre Selection.” Here, you must select India from the country dropdown and then choose your preferred city (New Delhi or Chennai).

For Indian students, it is highly recommended to select the centre closest to your home. However, if you are an Indian student currently living abroad, you are free to choose any global centre, such as Dubai or London, depending on your residency at the time of the exam.

Booking Your Slot: Why You Must Act Immediately

One of the most critical aspects of the IMAT logistics is the limited seat capacity. The IMAT exam centre in India operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Because Italy is an increasingly popular destination for Indian medical aspirants, the seats in New Delhi and Chennai often fill up within the first few hours of the registration portal opening.

If you delay your registration by even a single day, you may find that the Indian centres are “Sold Out.” In such cases, the portal will not allow you to select India as a location, forcing you to look for international alternatives.

If No Slots are Available: Nearest Alternatives

If you miss out on a seat in India, do not panic. You can still take the exam, but it will require international travel. Common backup options for Indian students include:

• Dubai, UAE: Often the first choice for Indian students due to frequent flights and a relatively simple visa process. The British Council in Dubai typically has a larger capacity.
• Hong Kong: A well-organized alternative with reliable testing centres.
• Italy: You can choose to take the exam in Italy itself. However, if you take the test in Italy, you must sit for the exam at your first-choice university (e.g., if you apply to the University of Pavia, you must take the test in Pavia).

Be aware that choosing an international centre requires a valid passport and potentially a short-term visit visa, which adds to your costs and logistical planning.

What to Bring (and What to Leave at Home)

Security at IMAT centres is exceptionally tight. To avoid disqualification, ensure you follow the “What to Bring” list strictly:

Mandatory Items

• Valid Passport: You must bring the original, physical passport used during your registration. Copies or digital versions are not accepted.
• Registration Receipt: A printed copy of the confirmation email from Universitaly.
• Payment Confirmation: A printed copy of the receipt showing you have paid the exam fee (typically around €130).
• Black Ballpoint Pen: For centres outside Italy, you must bring your own black biro. (In Italy, pens are provided).

Prohibited Items

• Electronics: Mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, and tablets are strictly banned. Even having a switched-off phone in your pocket can lead to immediate disqualification.
• Study Material: No books, notes, or scrap paper.
• Bags: Most centres provide a small area for bags, but it is better to leave valuables with a parent or in your hotel room.

Exam Day Timeline: Arriving and Security

The IMAT is a synchronized global exam. In India, the test typically starts at 3:30 PM IST. However, the check-in process begins much earlier.

Timing: You should arrive at the venue at least 2 hours before the start time. Check-in usually begins at 1:30 PM or 2:00 PM. Latecomers are not allowed entry under any circumstances.

Security Screening: Expect a thorough check. Invigilators will verify your ID against the attendance list. You will likely be asked to store your phone and bag in a designated area before entering the secure zone of the exam hall.

Inside the Exam Hall: The Environment

Once inside, the atmosphere is professional and quiet. Here is what to expect during the 100 minutes of the test:

• Seating: You will be assigned a specific desk. Do not place your ID on the desk during the exam; keep it in your pocket or under your chair as per the invigilator’s instructions to avoid disqualification.
• The Test Packet: You will receive a sealed envelope containing the question booklet, an answer sheet, and a data sheet. Follow the invigilator’s instructions exactly when breaking the seal.
• Invigilators: There are multiple invigilators in the room. If you need a washroom break, you must raise your hand, though it is highly recommended to avoid breaks during the short 100-minute window.
• Time Management: There are no clocks provided on the desks, and you cannot wear a watch. The invigilator will typically announce the remaining time at specific intervals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I give the IMAT in my home city if I don’t live in Delhi or Chennai?

No, the IMAT is only conducted at official designated centres. Students living in Mumbai, Bangalore, or other cities must travel to New Delhi or Chennai to take the exam.

What if I lose my passport before the exam?

You must have a valid photographic ID that matches the details on your registration. If you lose your passport, contact the British Council and your first-choice university immediately to see if an Aadhaar card or other government ID can be accepted as an emergency measure.

Is the exam conducted on a computer in India?

No, the IMAT is a paper-based test. You will mark your answers on an optical mark recognition (OMR) sheet using a black ballpoint pen.

Do I need to show my NEET score at the IMAT centre?

No, the IMAT test centre only requires your exam registration documents and ID. Your NEET score is relevant for the visa and final admission process in India, not for the IMAT exam itself.

How early should I book my flight and hotel?

Once you successfully secure your seat during registration in July, you should book your travel immediately. Hotels near the Radisson Blu in Paschim Vihar fill up quickly with other candidates.

What happens if the website crashes during registration?

This is common due to high traffic. Keep refreshing the page and ensure you have a stable internet connection. Having your credit card and passport details ready beforehand is essential to complete the booking before slots disappear.

Register with Our Support

The journey to an Italian medical degree starts with a successful IMAT registration. Missing a seat at an IMAT exam centre in India can add significant stress and cost to your application. At Italy Study Centre, we provide comprehensive support to ensure your registration is flawless, your university preferences are optimized, and your logistics are handled.

Book a free consultation with our experts today and secure your path to a global medical career!