The CAT 2026 admit card will be released on 4 November 2026 at the official website iimcat.ac.in. IIM Indore, the conducting body for CAT 2026, will issue the hall ticket to all registered students approximately 25 days before the exam. The exam is scheduled for 29 November 2026 in three sessions across the country.
You must carry a printed copy of the admit card along with a valid photo ID to the exam centre — entry will be denied without both.
- The CAT 2026 admit card will be released on 4 November 2026 at iimcat.ac.in.
- Download your admit card using your User ID and password from the CAT 2026 registration portal.
- The exam will be held on 29 November 2026 in three sessions — morning, afternoon, and evening.
- Details on the admit card include your name, roll number, exam centre, exam date, and session timing.
- Carry a printed colour copy of the admit card along with a valid original photo ID to the exam centre.
- In case of any discrepancy, contact the IIM Indore CAT helpdesk via iimcat.ac.in immediately after downloading.
- Exam centre allotment cannot be changed once the admit card is issued.
What is CAT Admit Card 2026?
The CAT 2026 admit card is the official hall ticket issued by IIM Indore to every student who has successfully registered for the Common Admission Test 2026. It is your entry pass to the exam centre — no student can sit the exam without a valid, printed admit card.
IIM Indore releases the admit card in online mode only. You must download it yourself from iimcat.ac.in. The hall ticket carries your name, roll number, exam date, assigned session, reporting time, gate closing time, exam centre details, photograph, and signature. Invigilators at the venue cross-check the admit card against a valid government-issued photo ID before granting entry.
The admit card also serves as your identification document during IIM interview and selection rounds. Keep it safe even after the exam day.
You cannot appear in the exam without a valid printed admit card — no digital copy is accepted at the exam centre.
The admit card will not be sent by post or email — you must download it from iimcat.ac.in.
CAT Admit Card 2026 Release Date
IIM Indore will release the CAT 2026 admit card on 4 November 2026. The download window stays open until the exam day — 29 November 2026. Download your admit card as soon as it becomes available so you have time to raise a correction request if any detail is wrong.
CAT 2026 Important Dates
| Date | Event |
| 4 November 2026 | CAT 2026 Admit Card Release (Upcoming) |
| 29 November 2026 | CAT 2026 Exam Date — Three Sessions |
| December 2026 (Expected) | CAT 2026 Answer Key Release |
| January 2027 (Expected) | CAT 2026 Result Declaration |
| 25 July 2026 (Over) | CAT 2026 Official Notification Released |
| 3 August 2026 (Over) | CAT 2026 Registration Window Opens |
| 15 September 2026 (Over) | CAT 2026 Registration Closes |
Source: iimcat.ac.in — Official CAT 2026 Notification
CAT 2026 Shift-Wise Admit Card Release Schedule
CAT 2026 is a three-session exam. All sessions are held on the same day — 29 November 2026. Your admit card will specify your assigned session and exact reporting time.
| Session | Reporting Time | Exam Timing | Duration |
| Session 1 — Morning | 7:30 AM | 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM | 120 minutes |
| Session 2 — Afternoon | 11:30 AM | 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM | 120 minutes |
| Session 3 — Evening | 3:30 PM | 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM | 120 minutes |
Note: Session timings are based on prior year patterns. Confirm the exact reporting time and gate closing time printed on your admit card once it is released on 4 November 2026.
CAT Admit Card Release: Year-Wise Trends
The responsibility for conducting CAT rotates among IIMs each year. The admit card has historically been released 3–4 weeks before the exam, as the table below shows.
| Year | Conducting IIM | Exam Date | Admit Card Released |
| CAT 2026 | IIM Indore | 29 November 2026 | 4 November 2026 (Expected) |
| CAT 2025 | IIM Calcutta | 24 November 2025 | 1 November 2025 |
| CAT 2024 | IIM Calcutta | 24 November 2024 | 1 November 2024 |
| CAT 2023 | IIM Lucknow | 26 November 2023 | 25 October 2023 |
| CAT 2022 | IIM Bangalore | 27 November 2022 | 27 October 2022 |
How to Download CAT Admit Card 2026
Once the admit card is released on 4 November 2026, log in to the official CAT candidate portal at iimcat.ac.in and follow these steps.
- Once released on 4 November 2026, visit the official website at iimcat.ac.in.
- Click on the "Registered Candidate Login" link on the homepage.
- Enter your User ID and Password created during CAT 2026 registration.
- Click Login to access your candidate dashboard.
- Click on the "CAT Admit Card 2026" or "Download Admit Card" option on your dashboard.
- Your admit card will appear on screen — verify your name, roll number, exam centre, session, and reporting time carefully.
- Download the admit card as a PDF and take a colour printout on A4 paper.
- Keep at least two to three copies — one for the exam, one for IIM interview calls, and one as a backup.
Note: The download window is open from 4 November 2026 to 29 November 2026. Download immediately after release so that any correction request can be raised well before exam day.
Check all details on your admit card immediately after downloading — corrections may not be possible after a few days of release.
Details Mentioned on CAT Admit Card 2026
Verify every detail on your CAT 2026 admit card right after downloading it. Any error must be reported to the IIM Indore helpdesk well before the exam.
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Candidate’s Name | As registered in the CAT 2026 application form |
| Roll Number / Application Number | Unique identifier assigned for CAT 2026 |
| Exam Date | 29 November 2026 |
| Exam Session / Shift | Session 1 (Morning), Session 2 (Afternoon), or Session 3 (Evening) — as allotted by IIM Indore |
| Reporting Time | Time by which you must arrive at the exam centre — typically 60 minutes before exam start |
| Gate Closing Time | No entry is permitted after this time — printed on the admit card |
| Exam Centre Name | Name of the allotted test centre |
| Exam Centre Address | Full address of the test centre including city and state |
| Category | General / OBC-NCL / EWS / SC / ST / PwD — as declared in the application |
| Candidate’s Photograph | Passport-size photo uploaded during CAT 2026 registration |
| Candidate’s Signature | Signature uploaded in the CAT 2026 application form |
| QR Code / Barcode | Unique code for electronic identity verification at the exam centre |
| Important Instructions | Exam rules, prohibited items, dress code, and reporting guidelines from IIM Indore |
If your photograph is blurred or your name has a spelling error, contact the IIM Indore helpdesk at iimcat.ac.in immediately — do not wait until the exam day.
Documents to Carry Along with CAT Admit Card 2026
You must carry a printed copy of the CAT 2026 admit card and at least one original, valid photo ID to the exam centre. Entry is denied without both.
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Printed Admit Card | Colour printout on A4 paper; photograph must be clearly legible; carry 2–3 copies |
| Passport-Size Photographs | 2–3 copies matching the photo uploaded during CAT 2026 registration |
| Aadhaar Card | Most widely accepted; e-Aadhaar and masked Aadhaar are also valid |
| PAN Card | Government-issued photo ID; original only |
| Voter ID | Must carry a photograph; original only |
| Passport | Must be valid and unexpired at the time of the exam |
| Driving Licence | Must carry a photograph; original only |
| College / University Photo ID | Accepted for students who do not have a government-issued photo ID |
Digital copies of the admit card on a smartphone or tablet are NOT accepted at CAT 2026 exam centres. You must carry a printed copy.
You must carry a hard copy of the admit card and a valid photo ID — entry will be denied without both.
CAT Admit Card 2026: Important Instructions
IIM Indore prints key exam-day rules on the admit card. Read them carefully well before the exam day. Below is a summary of the most critical guidelines for CAT 2026.
| Guideline | Instruction |
|---|---|
| Reporting Time | Arrive at the exam centre at least 60 minutes before your session’s start time. Gate closes before the exam begins — late entry is not permitted. |
| Admit Card | Carry a printed colour copy on A4 paper. Digital copies on any device are not accepted. |
| Photo ID | Carry the same original photo ID whose number was entered in the CAT 2026 application form. |
| Prohibited Items | Mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, smartwatches, earphones, calculators, and all electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited inside the exam hall. |
| Calculator | No physical calculator is allowed. An on-screen basic calculator is available within the CAT 2026 test interface. |
| Rough Work | A scribble pad is provided at your workstation by the invigilator. You cannot bring your own paper, pen, or stationery. |
| Dress Code | Avoid caps, scarves, or full-sleeve clothing unless for religious reasons. Full-sleeve garments may be subject to additional security checks. |
| Exam Hall Conduct | You cannot leave the exam hall during the session. Once you exit, re-entry is not permitted. |
| Identity Verification | Invigilators will verify your photograph and signature on the admit card. Arrive early to allow time for this process. |
| Malpractice | Possession of prohibited items or any attempt at cheating results in immediate disqualification and may lead to a permanent ban from future CAT examinations. |
Report to the exam centre at least 60 minutes before your session’s start time — gate closing happens earlier than the exam start, and late entry is not permitted under any circumstances.
What to Do If There Is a Discrepancy in CAT Admit Card 2026
If you find an error on your CAT 2026 admit card — such as a wrong name spelling, unclear photograph, incorrect category, or wrong exam centre — act immediately. Do not wait until the exam day.
- Download the admit card and compare every detail against your CAT 2026 application form.
- Note the specific discrepancy — name spelling, photograph, roll number, category, or centre.
- Visit the official portal at iimcat.ac.in and navigate to the helpdesk or grievance section.
- Submit a detailed correction request and attach supporting documents — for example, an Aadhaar card for a name correction.
- Follow up by checking for a response from IIM Indore via your registered email and the candidate portal.
- If a revised admit card is issued, carry both the original and the revised copy to the exam centre.
CAT 2026 Helpdesk — IIM Indore
For admit card discrepancies, login issues, or exam-related queries, contact the official CAT 2026 helpdesk. Full helpdesk details will be published on iimcat.ac.in once the admit card is released on 4 November 2026.
| Contact Mode | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Portal | iimcat.ac.in — Helpdesk link available under the "Contact Us" section |
| Helpdesk Email | Published on the official CAT 2026 notification at iimcat.ac.in |
| Helpdesk Phone | Published on the official CAT 2026 notification at iimcat.ac.in |
| Conducting Body | IIM Indore — Common Admission Test 2026 |
Note: Exam centre allotment is final once the admit card is issued. IIM Indore does not entertain centre-change requests under any circumstances after the admit card is released.
CAT 2026 Admit Card FAQs
Ques: When will the CAT 2026 admit card be released?
Ans: IIM Indore will release the CAT 2026 admit card on 4 November 2026 at iimcat.ac.in. The download window stays open until the exam date — 29 November 2026.
Ques: How do I download the CAT 2026 admit card?
Ans: Once released on 4 November 2026, visit iimcat.ac.in and click "Registered Candidate Login". Enter your User ID and password, then click the "Download Admit Card" option on your dashboard. Save the PDF and take a colour printout on A4 paper.
Ques: What credentials do I need to download the CAT 2026 admit card?
Ans: You need the User ID and password created during the CAT 2026 registration process at iimcat.ac.in. These are the same credentials used to submit your application form and pay the registration fee.
Ques: What if I forgot my CAT 2026 User ID or password?
Ans: Visit iimcat.ac.in and use the "Forgot User ID" or "Forgot Password" option on the login page. Your User ID is sent to your registered email address at the time of registration. For a password reset, provide your registered email and follow the on-screen instructions.
Ques: Can I use a digital copy of the CAT admit card on my phone at the exam centre?
Ans: No. A digital copy on a smartphone, tablet, or laptop is not accepted at any CAT 2026 exam centre. You must carry a printed colour copy on A4 paper. Mobile phones are also prohibited inside the exam hall.
Ques: What details are printed on the CAT 2026 admit card?
Ans: The admit card carries your name, roll number, exam date (29 November 2026), assigned session, reporting time, gate closing time, exam centre name and address, category, photograph, signature, QR code, and important exam-day instructions from IIM Indore.
Ques: What if there is a spelling mistake in my name on the CAT 2026 admit card?
Ans: Contact the IIM Indore CAT 2026 helpdesk immediately via iimcat.ac.in. Submit a correction request with a supporting document such as your Aadhaar card. Do not wait until the exam day — correction windows close well before the exam.
Ques: What if my photograph on the CAT 2026 admit card is blurred or incorrect?
Ans: Report it to the IIM Indore helpdesk at iimcat.ac.in immediately after downloading. A blurred or mismatched photo can cause identity verification issues at the exam centre. Attach the original photo you uploaded during registration to your correction request.
Ques: Can I appear in CAT 2026 without an admit card?
Ans: No. The printed admit card is mandatory for entry into the CAT 2026 exam centre. Students who do not carry a valid printed admit card will be denied entry. No exceptions are made on the exam day.
Ques: Will the CAT 2026 admit card be sent by post or email?
Ans: No. IIM Indore will not dispatch the admit card by post, courier, or email. You must download and print it yourself from iimcat.ac.in after 4 November 2026. No third-party portal has the authority to issue the admit card.
Ques: What photo ID should I carry to the CAT 2026 exam centre?
Ans: Carry the same original photo ID whose number was submitted in your CAT 2026 application form. Accepted documents include Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter ID, passport, and driving licence. Photocopies are not accepted — carry the original.
Ques: Can I change my exam centre after the CAT 2026 admit card is released?
Ans: No. Exam centre allotment is final once the admit card is issued by IIM Indore. Centre-change requests are not entertained under any circumstances after the admit card is released. You must appear at the centre printed on your admit card.
Comments
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There are various things required at the CAT exam hall such as a printout of the CAT 2022 Admit Card, COVID-19 Self Declaration form, ID proofs in photocopy, and original like Voter ID, Aadhar Card, Driving License, and more.
For more information, refer to this link: Documents Required at CAT Exam Centers
IIM is going to release the CAT Answer Key 2022 along with the question papers and response sheets a week after the final report of the CAT exam. You can download the answer key for CAT 2022 from the official website at IIM CAT.
For more information, refer to this link: CAT Answer Key 2022- Download PDFs