CAT 2026 Exam Day Guidelines: Admit Card, Documents, Dress Code and Rules

CAT Admit Card 2026 Release Date

IIM Indore will release the CAT admit card on 4 November 2026. Registered candidates can download their CAT 2026 admit cards from the official website during the designated download window, scheduled from November 4 to November 29, 2026. The admit card won't be available through email, SMS, or other portals, so the candidate should go with the official site of iimcat.ac.in. Candidates should download their admit cards as soon as the link becomes available and check all the details immediately. If they find any discrepancies, they should contact the official CAT help desk promptly.

Event	Date
CAT Application correction window	5-6 October 2026
CAT admit card 2026 release	4 November 2026
Admit card download window	4 November- 29 November 2026
CAT 2026 exam date	29 November 2026 (Sunday)
CAT 2026 result	Expected in January 2027

How to Download CAT Admit Card 2026?

Candidates can download their CAT 2026 admit cards by logging in to the official CAT website. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the official site

Visit the official CAT website using your preferred web browser.

Step 2: Find admit card tab

Look for the candidate login option and follow the instructions to access your admit card.

Step 3: Sign in

Log in using the user ID and password created during registration. If you have forgotten your credentials, use the recovery option available on the website.

Step 4: Access admit card

After logging in, open the admit card and download it as a PDF file.

Check your name, photograph, signature, registration details, examination date, test centre, reporting time and other instructions printed on the admit card. Once you have verified the details, print the admit card on A4-size paper. Ensure that the text, photograph and other details are clearly legible. It's also a good idea to keep a soft copy of the admit card.

Check the CAT Answer Key and calculate your expected score.

Details Mentioned on CAT Admit Card

Your admit card contains important information about your test. Review each field carefully.

Detail	What to Check
Candidate name	Check that the name matches your registration details and is consistent with your valid photo ID
Photograph and signature	Should be clear and belong to you
CAT registration number	Should match your registration details
Exam date and time	29 November 2026, with your allotted slot
Test centre name and address	Full address of your allotted centre
Reporting time	Time to report at the centre, as printed
Exam-day instructions	Rules and prohibited items, to be read before the exam

Even a minor spelling error can result in complications when establishing identity, so it's crucial that you review everything at this time.

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CAT Exam Centre and Reporting Time

CAT 2026 will be held in three slots on 29 November and your slot and reporting time are mentioned on your admit card. Here is how you can plan:

• Check the complete address of your allotted examination centre. Do not assume that your first-choice city will be assigned; follow the details printed on your admit card.
• Confirm the complete address of the centre including the landmarks.
• Check the reporting time and gate-closing time printed on your admit card. Arrive well before the specified deadline.
• Arrive at the centre before the reporting time and follow the gate-closing instructions printed on your admit card. Candidates arriving after the permitted entry time may be denied entry.
• In addition, you need to plan your travel so that you can reach your city and test centre well before the reporting time, if possible, take a trial run.
• If you are travelling from another city, consider arriving a day early to reduce the risk of delays caused by traffic, transport disruptions or unfamiliar routes.

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Documents to Carry to CAT Exam Centre

Have your documents in a single folder and cross-verify them the night before.

• Printed CAT admit card: Carry a clear printed copy of your CAT 2026 admit card. Do not rely on a mobile screenshot or digital copy in place of the required printout. Carry one valid original photo ID from the list accepted under the official CAT 2026 instructions. Check the Information Bulletin and your admit card for the permitted identification documents.
• Photocopy of photo ID: Carry a photocopy only if the official CAT 2026 instructions specifically require it. A photocopy should not be treated as a substitute for the original ID when the original is mandatory.
• Other documents: Any other documents as specified in the admit card or official email from CAT must be carried along. This may include a passport size photo if specified.

Always follow the instructions as mentioned on your admit card.

CAT Exam Day Instructions

Along with the preparation, it is essential to keep in mind these dos and don'ts on the day of the exam:

• Arrive early: It is better to arrive early. Do not arrive late, or you might miss the exam because of a last minute emergency
• Identity proof: You will be asked to provide identity proof and admit card. Follow the identity-verification procedures prescribed by the examination authorities and carry the required original photo ID.
• Security screening: Candidates may be required to undergo security screening before entering the examination area. Follow the instructions given by security personnel.
• Allowed items: Do not bring prohibited items such as mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators or study materials into the examination area. The invigilators will provide rough work-sheets, so it is best to not carry any extra stationery with you.
• Dress code: There is no official dress code for CAT, but it is advisable to wear comfortable clothes. Do not wear jewelry and accessories as it might slow you down during the security check.
• Listen to the invigilators: Pay attention to the instructions given by the invigilators and obey them.
• CBT guidelines: Read the on-screen instructions carefully. CAT 2026 is scheduled to have three sections, with 40 minutes allotted to each section under the published examination pattern. Do not leave the exam hall before the end of the exam.

What to Do If There Is an Error in the CAT Admit Card?

Check the admit card right after downloading. Here's what to do if you find any mistake:

• Find details that are not correctly mentioned, for example your name, photograph, signature or wrong category.
• Have your registration number, registered email and mobile number, screenshot of the error ready with you.
• Submit documents as per the instructions given. You might be asked to send photo identity proof along with other documents.
• Report any discrepancies as soon as possible after downloading your admit card. Follow the help desk's instructions and do not assume that a correction will be approved before the examination.

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Common Problems While Downloading CAT Admit Card

Problem	Quick Fix
Unable to log in	Re-check your User ID and password, and use the most recent credentials
Forgot credentials	Use “Forgot User ID/Password” and reset via your registered email
Website or server issues	Wait a few minutes and try again, as traffic is highest on release day
Admit card not downloading	Clear your cache, switch browsers, or try another device
Incorrect or incomplete details	Report it to the helpdesk at cat2026_helpdesk@iimidr.ac.in with supporting proof

If none of these steps work, contact the CAT help desk with your registration details rather than trying multiple times.

Conclusion

You can download your CAT 2026 admit card from iimcat.ac.in on or after 4 November. Double-check all the information and take a clear printout of the CAT admit card. In addition, make sure to carry your photo ID proof along with you. Go through the exam guidelines and report to the examination centre on time. You can take a free CAT mock test to assess your preparation. With a good revision plan in place, you will enter the exam centre with confidence and give your best shot in the exam.