The CAT 2026 exam will take place on November 29, 2026, in three slots. The morning shift will run from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM, the afternoon shift from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, and the evening shift from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM.
Your CAT 2026 slot, reporting time and test centre will be mentioned on the CAT 2026 admit card. Check your CAT 2026 admit card before making your travel arrangements, as it will contain your allotted exam slot and test-centre details. Here is a detailed CAT 2026 shift-wise schedule.
Below is a quick glance at the CAT 2026 exam schedule:
|
Particular |
Details |
| CAT 2026 Exam date | 29 November 2026 |
|
Exam mode |
Computer-based test |
|
Number of slots |
3 |
|
Slot 1 |
8:30 AM - 10:30 AM |
|
Slot 2 |
12:30 PM - 2:30 PM |
|
Slot 3 |
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM |
|
Exam duration |
120 minutes |
|
Conducting IIM |
IIM Indore |
|
CAT Slot |
Shift |
Reporting time |
Gate closing |
Exam timing |
|
Slot 1 |
Morning |
7:00 AM |
8:15 AM |
8:30 AM - 10:30 AM |
|
Slot 2 |
Afternoon |
11:00 AM |
12:15 PM |
12:30 PM - 2:30 PM |
|
Slot 3 |
Evening |
3:00 PM |
4:15 PM |
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM |
Check the CAT Answer Key and calculate your expected score.
CAT 2026 has three slots: morning, afternoon and evening. The exam is conducted in three shifts, so candidates can take the computer-based test at different times.
Each candidate is assigned one slot, and candidates in different slots receive different question papers.
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Candidates cannot select their exam slot. During registration, candidates specify their preferred test cities. The exam authorities then determine the slot and test centre, and provide the final details on the admit card.
Thus, a city preference and an exam slot are two different things. Candidates specify their preferred test cities during registration, while the exam authorities allot the test centre and slot. The final details are provided on the CAT 2026 admit card.
The total duration of the CAT 2026 exam is 120 minutes, divided into three sections:
CAT 2026 is scheduled to have three sections, with 40 minutes allotted to each section. Candidates cannot carry unused time from one section to another, and the sections must be attempted in the prescribed order.
Use the remaining time to review your answers within that section, as unused time cannot be carried forward to another section.
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The reporting time is the time by which candidates are expected to reach the test centre. It allows enough time for entry checks, document verification, security screening and other pre-exam formalities. All of this can take time, especially when hundreds of candidates arrive at the same centre.
Gate-closing time is the deadline by which candidates must complete entry to the examination centre. Candidates arriving after the specified gate-closing time may not be permitted to enter.
Important: The start time of the exam is not your reporting time. Reach the centre according to the reporting time printed on your CAT 2026 admit card.
Also explore the CAT results.
Visit the official CAT website, log in with your user ID and password, and open the CAT 2026 admit card. Check your exam date, allotted slot, reporting time, gate-closing instructions and test-centre address.
Download the admit card and take a clear printout as instructed by the exam authorities.
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Check the following details on your CAT 2026 admit card:
If you notice any discrepancy on your admit card, contact the CAT helpdesk as soon as possible and follow the instructions provided. Do not wait until the exam day to report an issue.
Check the exact test-centre address on your admit card before planning your route. Plan to reach the centre well before the reporting time and, if the centre is unfamiliar, check the route and estimated travel time in advance.
Keep your admit card and required original ID ready the night before. It is also advisable to allow additional travel time for traffic, particularly if your test centre is located in a busy area.
Follow the reporting and gate-closing instructions printed on your admit card.
Keep the required documents ready the night before the examination. These may include a printed copy of your CAT admit card and a valid original photo ID, as specified in the admit card instructions.
Carry any other document specifically mentioned in the official exam instructions.
Items such as mobile phones, smartwatches, notes and other electronic gadgets are not allowed inside the examination hall. Follow the official instructions regarding rough-work sheets and stationery. Do not assume that you can carry your own stationery into the test room.
For more details, read our guide to the CAT 2026 admit card.
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In general, candidates cannot change their allotted CAT 2026 exam slot after it has been assigned. The admit card provides the allotted slot and test-centre details.
If you notice an error in your name, photograph or other details on the admit card, contact the CAT helpdesk as soon as possible and follow the instructions provided. Report any discrepancy as soon as possible after downloading the admit card rather than waiting until the last few days before the examination.
The CAT 2026 examination is scheduled for November 29 in three slots, with each slot lasting two hours. However, your particular slot, reporting time and examination centre can only be confirmed through your CAT 2026 admit card. Please check the admit card carefully after its official release and plan your travel based on the details provided.
In the meantime, keep preparing by reviewing the latest CAT exam pattern, practising previous years' question papers, and taking mock tests to get familiar with the 120-minute exam window.
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