by Four weeks of preparation can be undone at a test centre gate by one missing printout. The CAT 2026 admit card goes live on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, and the exam follows on Sunday, 29 November. Here is everything you need to download it, verify it and walk into the centre without a single worry.
CAT 2026 Admit Card: Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Admit card release | 4 November 2026 |
| Last day to download | 29 November 2026 (exam day) |
| CAT 2026 exam | 29 November 2026, computer-based test |
| Conducting institute | IIM Indore |
| Test cities | About 170 |
| Response sheet and provisional answer key | Usually within 7 to 10 days after the exam |
The download window closes on the exam day itself, so there is no buffer after it. Download early, ideally on the first day.
How to Download Your CAT 2026 Admit Card
- Go to the official website, iimcat.ac.in.
- Log in with the CAT user ID and password you created during registration.
- Open the admit card section, available from 4 November.
- Check every detail on screen before saving.
- Download the PDF and take a clear A4 printout, preferably in colour.
What to Check on the Admit Card
- Your name, photograph and signature
- Exam centre address and city
- Slot and reporting time
- Test-day instructions printed on the card
If anything is wrong, such as a blurry photo or an incorrect detail, contact the official CAT helpdesk listed on the portal immediately instead of waiting for exam day.
CAT 2026 Slot Timings
The exam runs in three sessions on the same day, and your slot is printed on your card. Reported timings are given below, but the admit card is the final authority.
| Slot | Exam time | Reporting time | Last entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slot 1 | 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM | 7:00 AM | 8:15 AM |
| Slot 2 | 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM | 11:00 AM | 12:15 PM |
| Slot 3 | 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM | 3:00 PM | 4:15 PM |
Documents to Carry
- Printed admit card. A phone screenshot may not be accepted.
- Original valid government photo ID, such as Aadhaar, voter ID or passport. Photocopies and digital copies are risky.
- Any other document named on your own admit card or bulletin.
Do not copy a document list from another exam. Follow what your CAT bulletin and admit card say.
Exam-Day Rules and Smart Habits
- Visit or map the route to your centre the day before.
- Reach before the reporting time, because entry stops at the last-entry time.
- Avoid prohibited items. The admit card lists what is not allowed inside.
- Sleep well and eat light. A tired mind makes silly mistakes.
- Do not experiment with new strategies in the last week.
Your Last 25 Days Before CAT
Use the weeks until 29 November for sectional tests, full mocks and error analysis, not new topics. Our CAT 2026 preparation strategy gives a day-by-day plan, and the NIRF Ranking 2026 guide helps you shortlist B-schools. If you need extra support, read our online coaching checklist.
CAT 2026 Admit Card FAQs
When will the CAT admit card be released? On 4 November 2026 at iimcat.ac.in.
Can I choose my slot? Slots are allotted by the exam authorities, so check your card and plan travel accordingly.
What if I forget my ID? You may be denied entry, so keep the original ID with your printout the night before.
Keep Exploring
Planning beyond CAT? Browse the best courses after 12th in 2026 for younger siblings, and see the conducting institute at IIM Indore. Download steps are also summarised by Careers360.
