The CAT Admit Card 2026 will be released on November 4, 2026, just 25 days before the CAT exam on November 29, on the official CAT Website.
Since CAT 2026 will be conducted in three sessions, the CAT admit card is a mandatory document for candidates to check the exam slot, test centre, and reporting time.
Source: CAT official Notification 2026 PDF
- Registered candidates can download the CAT 2026 hall ticket by entering their USER ID and Password.
- The admit card will contain the candidate's exam centre, test date, slot, reporting time and exam-day instructions.
- Candidates will have to carry the CAT 2026 admit card to the CAT exam centre as it is a mandatory document of identification.
Candidates must carry a printed copy of the CAT admit card and a valid photo ID to the test centre.
| Direct Link to Download CAT Admit Card (Soon) |
Related Links:
- CAT 2026: Admit Card on Nov 4, Exam on Nov 29, Mock Test, Sample Papers, Syllabus & Preparation Tips
- CAT Previous Year Question Paper
- PwD Scribe Guideline for CAT Exam 2026
CAT Admit Card 2026: Latest Updates
| Date | Update |
|---|---|
| 27 Oct 2026 | The CAT Admit Card 2026 will be released in 8 days, on 4 November 2026. |
| Sep 2026 | About 2.84 lakh candidates registered for CAT 2026, 3.7% fewer than 2.95 lakh in CAT 2025 (IIM Indore figures reported by The Indian Express). |
| 22 Sep 2026 | Registration closed at 5 PM after an extension from 15 September (reported). |
| 3 Aug 2026 | CAT 2026 registration opened at iimcat.ac.in. |
| 26 Jul 2026 | IIM Indore released the CAT 2026 notification. It fixed 4 November as the admit card date and 29 November as the exam date. |
What is the CAT Admit Card 2026?
The CAT admit card 2026 is an important and mandatory document for the CAT 2026 exam. IT confirms your exam date, exam centre, session and reporting time, which you need to verify once you download it.
The following things you should check after downloading the CAT admit card:
- Cross-check your name, exam date, exam centre and reporting time.
- Check the photograph and signature and make sure these are correct.
- Print multiple copies of the admit card and take hard copies to the exam centre.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting body | IIM Indore |
| CAT Admit Card 2026 release date | 4 November 2026 |
| Download window | 4 to 29 November 2026 (26 days) |
| CAT 2026 exam date | Sunday, 29 November 2026 (3 sessions) |
| Official website | iimcat.ac.in |
| Login credentials | CAT 2026 user ID and password |
| Also called | CAT hall ticket 2026 |
| Mode | Online download only; no copy is sent by post |
| Helpdesk (toll-free) | 1800 210 0175 |
| CAT 2026 result | Likely by the first week of January 2027 |
Ques. Is the CAT 2026 admit card out?
Ans. Not yet. IIM Indore will release the CAT Admit Card 2026 on 4 November 2026 at iimcat.ac.in.
Ques. How many applicants are there for CAT 2026?
Ans. About 2.84 lakh candidates registered for CAT 2026. CAT 2025 had about 2.95 lakh registrations, so the count fell by 3.7%.
Ques. What is the fee for CAT exam 2026?
Ans. The CAT 2026 fee is ₹2,700 for General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates. SC, ST and PwD candidates pay ₹1,350 (reported by Shiksha and MBAUniverse). The General fee was ₹2,600 in CAT 2025.
CAT Admit Card 2026 Release Date and Important Dates
Based on the CAT 2026 bulletin, the admit card date will be out on 4 November 2026. That gives candidates 25 days before the exam, the longest gap since 2022.
- IIM Indore has not announced a release time for the CAT Admit Card 2026.
- For reference, the CAT 2023 admit card went live at 5 PM.
- In addition, CAT 2025 moved its release from 5 November to 12 November 2025.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| CAT 2026 notification | 26 July 2026 |
| Registration window | 3 August to 22 September 2026, 5 PM (extended from 15 September; reported) |
| CAT Admit Card 2026 release | 4 November 2026 |
| Last date to download admit card | 29 November 2026 |
| Official mock test | Around 10 November 2026 (tentative) |
| CAT 2026 exam | Sunday, 29 November 2026 (3 sessions) |
| Response sheet and provisional answer key | Early December 2026 (tentative, as per CAT 2025) |
| CAT 2026 result | Likely by the first week of January 2027 |
| Score validity | Till 31 December 2027 |
Year-wise CAT Admit Card Release Trend (2022 to 2026)
- From 2023 to 2025, the admit card came out 18 to 19 days before the exam.
- CAT 2026 breaks that pattern with a 25-day window.
| Year | Conducting IIM | Admit card released | Exam date | Days before exam |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | IIM Indore | 4 Nov 2026 | 29 Nov 2026 | 25 |
| 2025 | IIM Kozhikode | 12 Nov 2025 (deferred from 5 Nov) | 30 Nov 2025 | 18 |
| 2024 | IIM Calcutta | 5 Nov 2024 | 24 Nov 2024 | 19 |
| 2023 | IIM Lucknow | 7 Nov 2023 | 26 Nov 2023 | 19 |
| 2022 | IIM Bangalore | 27 Oct 2022 | 27 Nov 2022 | 31 |
Ques. When will the CAT 2026 admit card be released?
Ans. IIM Indore will release it on 4 November 2026 at iimcat.ac.in, as per the CAT 2026 bulletin.
Ques. What time will the CAT admit card 2026 be released?
Ans. IIM Indore has not announced a time. Past releases ranged from the morning to 5 PM (CAT 2023).
Ques. Till when can I download the CAT 2026 admit card?
Ans. You can download it from 4 November till 29 November 2026, the exam day.
How to Download CAT Admit Card 2026?
The CAT admit card 2026 download window runs from 4 to 29 November on iimcat.ac.in. First, keep your user ID and password ready. Then follow these six steps.
- Go to the official website, iimcat.ac.in.
- Click “Registered Candidate Login”.
- Enter your CAT 2026 user ID and password, then submit.
- On the dashboard, click the “Admit Card” link.
- Check every detail, then download the admit card PDF.
- Print the PDF on A4 paper and keep 2 copies.
Before downloading the hall ticket, candidates can check the CAT 2026 Exam Dates and important deadlines.
Also Check: CAT 2026 Full Schedule and Slot Details
CAT Admit Card 2026 Download: What You Need
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Website | iimcat.ac.in |
| Login button | Registered Candidate Login |
| Credentials | CAT 2026 user ID and password |
| File format | |
| Print size | A4; colour print recommended |
| Copies to keep | 2 printed copies plus the saved PDF |
| Download window | 4 to 29 November 2026 |
Ques. Can I download CAT Admit Card 2026 from my mobile phone?
Ans. You may be able to access and download the PDF on a mobile device, but you should take a proper printout before visiting the examination centre.
Ques. Will CAT send the admit card by post?
Ans. No. Candidates have to download the admit card online through the CAT candidate login.
Ques. What if the CAT admit card download link is not visible?
Ans. First, log out and log in again. You can also try another browser or device. If the issue continues, check the official CAT website for technical announcements or contact the CAT helpdesk.
CAT Admit Card 2026 Download Link
The CAT Admit Card 2026 download link will be activated on the official CAT website once the admit card is released. Candidates do not need to submit a separate request for the hall ticket.
| CAT 2026 Admit Card Download: Official CAT Website |
Candidates should use the same login credentials generated during CAT registration to access the admit card.
Source: CAT official Notification 2026 PDF
Forgot CAT User ID or Password
- Search your email inbox and SMS for the CAT 2026 registration message. It carries your user ID.
- If you cannot find it, click “Forgot User ID/Password” on the login page.
- Enter your registered email ID and the captcha.
- Next, check your registered email for the user ID or password reset details.
- Finally, log in again and download the admit card.
Ques. How do I download CAT 2026 admit card?
Ans. Log in at iimcat.ac.in with your CAT 2026 user ID and password. Then click “Admit Card” and download the PDF from 4 November 2026.
Ques. How do I find my CAT ID?
Ans. Your CAT user ID is in the registration email and SMS. You can also retrieve it through “Forgot User ID/Password” on the login page.
Ques. How to download the CAT admit card in PDF?
Ans. The CAT admit card downloads as a PDF by default. Save it to your device, then print it on A4 paper.
Details Mentioned on CAT Admit Card 2026
After downloading the CAT Admit Card 2026, candidates should carefully check the information printed on it.
| Detail | What to check |
|---|---|
| Candidate name | Spelling matches your photo ID |
| CAT user ID / registration number | Matches your registration email |
| Photograph and signature | Clear and identical to your upload |
| Category and PwD status | Matches your application form |
| Exam date | Sunday, 29 November 2026 |
| Session (slot) and timings | Session 1, 2 or 3 with start and end time |
| Reporting and gate-closing time | Plan travel around these two times |
| Test centre name and address | Venue matches one of your city preferences |
| Google Maps link to the centre | Present on CAT 2025 cards (reported); use it to plan the route |
| Lab / reference number | Locates your seat inside the centre |
| Exam-day instructions | Read all rules printed on the card |
The admit card is particularly important because it provides the candidate's allotted test centre and session details.
For a complete overview of the test structure and marking scheme, check the CAT 2026 Exam Pattern.
CAT Admit Card Sample
Ques. What information is printed on the CAT admit card?
Ans. It generally includes the candidate's details, photograph, registration number, exam date, slot, test centre and important instructions.
Ques. Can I change my CAT exam centre after the admit card is released?
Ans. Candidates should not assume that a centre-change request will be accepted after allotment. The allotted centre mentioned on the final admit card should be treated as the designated test centre unless the CAT authorities announce otherwise.
How to Print and Use the CAT Admit Card 2026
Carry a printed CAT Admit Card 2026 to the centre. Invigilators do not accept a copy shown on a phone. So, use the table below as your print checklist.
CAT Admit Card 2026 Print Checklist
| Requirement | Instruction |
|---|---|
| Paper size | A4 |
| Print type | Colour recommended, so the photo and signature stay clear |
| Number of copies | 2 printed copies |
| Photograph | Paste a recent passport-size photo where the card asks for it (as per CAT 2025 instructions; reported) |
| Digital copy | Not accepted at the centre |
| After the exam | Keep a copy till admissions end; some IIMs ask for it at the interview stage |
Ques. Is a Digital CAT Admit Card Accepted?
Ans. Candidates should not depend on showing only the PDF on a mobile phone. A printed admit card is the safer and expected format for examination-centre verification. Current CAT guidance reported by major exam-preparation portals specifies a printed admit card for entry.
Documents to Carry: Valid Photo IDs for CAT 2026
Carry two documents to the centre: the printed admit card and one original photo ID. Photocopies and IDs shown on a phone are not accepted.
Documents Required for CAT 2026
| Document | Who needs it | Format |
|---|---|---|
| CAT Admit Card 2026 | All candidates | Printed on A4 |
| Valid photo ID | All candidates | Original only |
| Passport-size photograph | As instructed on the admit card | Recent, matching the uploaded photo |
| PwD certificate | PwD candidates | As specified on the admit card |
| Scribe documents | Candidates using a scribe | As specified on the admit card |
Valid Photo IDs for CAT 2026
Photo IDs Accepted at CAT Exam (as per CAT 2025) :
| Photo ID | Accepted |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar card (with photograph) or e-Aadhaar | Yes |
| PAN card | Yes |
| Passport | Yes |
| Driving licence | Yes |
| Voter ID | Yes |
| Ration card (with photograph) | Yes |
| Photocopy or phone image of any ID | No |
The final list of accepted IDs for 2026 appears on your admit card on 4 November. Some portals also list college or employer IDs. Therefore, use one only if your admit card names it.
Read More: CAT Documents Required 2026: Check Documents Required for CAT Registration and Exam Day
Ques. What is required for a CAT exam?
Ans. You need the printed CAT Admit Card 2026 and one original photo ID. Aadhaar, PAN, passport, driving licence and voter ID all qualify (as per CAT 2025).
Ques. What should I bring to the CAT exam?
Ans. Bring the printed admit card, an original photo ID and any document your admit card lists. The centre provides the pen and scribble pad.
Ques. Is Aadhaar card mandatory for CAT exam?
Ans. No. Aadhaar is one of several accepted IDs. A PAN card, passport, driving licence or voter ID also works (as per CAT 2025).
CAT 2026 Exam Timings and Reporting Time
CAT 2026 runs in three sessions on 29 November 2026. Each session lasts 120 minutes. Also, your admit card shows your session and its final timings.
In CAT 2025, reporting for Session 1 began at 7:00 AM. The gate then closed 15 minutes before each session (reported). As a result, arrive at least an hour early.
CAT 2026 Session Timings (tentative, as per CAT 2025)
| Session | Exam time | Gate closing | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM | 8:15 AM | 120 minutes |
| Session 2 | 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM | 12:15 PM | 120 minutes |
| Session 3 | 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM | 4:15 PM | 120 minutes |
CAT 2026 Exam Day Guidelines
The table below lists 8 common items and their status at CAT 2026.
Allowed and Prohibited Items at CAT 2026
| Item | Allowed? | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Printed admit card | Yes | Mandatory |
| Original photo ID | Yes | Mandatory |
| Scribble pad and pen | Provided | Issued at your desk; return the pad before leaving |
| On-screen calculator | Yes | Basic calculator on the test screen |
| Physical calculator | No | Only the on-screen calculator is allowed |
| Mobile phone or smartwatch | No | Deposit outside or leave at home |
| Own pen, pencil or paper | No | The centre provides stationery (as per CAT 2025) |
| Bags and wallets | No | Carry only the required documents |
Do's on CAT 2026 Exam Day
- Reach the centre before the reporting time on your admit card.
- Carry the printed admit card and one original photo ID.
- Follow the invigilator's instructions at frisking and identity checks.
- Use the on-screen timer to track each 40-minute section.
Don'ts and Prohibited Items
- Do not arrive after the gate-closing time, because staff refuse late entry.
- Do not carry phones, smartwatches, calculators or loose paper.
- Do not take the scribble pad out of the lab.
- Do not leave your seat until the invigilator permits.
![Don'ts and Prohibited Items]()
CAT 2026 Exam Day Process, Step by Step
- Reach the centre before the reporting time. Use the address and Google Maps link on your admit card.
- Pass the security check. Staff frisk candidates and store items that are not allowed.
- Complete the identity check. Staff match your admit card, photo ID, photo and signature.
- Go to your lab and seat using the reference number on the admit card.
- Collect the scribble pad and pen, then read the on-screen instructions.
- Attempt VARC, DILR and QA, 40 minutes each.
- Return the scribble pad and leave only when the invigilator allows it.
Also Check: CAT 2026 Dress Code-What to Wear, Documents to Carry and Exam Day Guidelines
Ques. Is it allowed to carry a calculator in a CAT exam?
Ans. No. The test screen has a basic on-screen calculator, so CAT bans physical calculators.
Ques. Is rough paper allowed in a CAT exam?
Ans. Your own paper is not allowed. Instead, the centre issues a scribble pad, which you return before leaving.
Ques. How many rough sheets do you get in a CAT exam?
Ans. CAT issues a scribble pad, not loose sheets. You must return it to the invigilator after the test.
Ques. Is pencil allowed in CAT exam?
Ans. No. The centre provides a pen with the scribble pad, so you cannot bring your own pencil or pen.
CAT Admit Card Not Downloading? Common Problems and Fixes
Heavy traffic on release day can slow iimcat.ac.in. However, the 26-day window means you need not download in the first hour.
CAT Admit Card 2026 Download Problems and Fixes :
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Site slow or not loading on 4 Nov | Retry at off-peak hours, use the latest Chrome or Edge, and clear the cache |
| Forgot user ID or password | Use “Forgot User ID/Password”; details go to your registered email |
| Admit card blank or details missing | Log out, log in again, then call 1800 210 0175 if it persists |
| Photo or signature blurred or wrong | Email the helpdesk the same day with your user ID and a correct photo |
| Name or category error | Email the helpdesk with your user ID and a supporting document such as Aadhaar |
| PDF does not open | Download it again and open it in a PDF reader |
Ques. Why is my admit card not downloading?
Ans. Release-day traffic, a wrong password or an old browser cause most failures. Retry later in an updated browser, or call 1800 210 0175.
Ques. Why is my CAT login not working?
Ans. A wrong user ID or password is the usual cause. Reset them through “Forgot User ID/Password” on iimcat.ac.in.
Ques. How do I retrieve my user ID?
Ans. Click “Forgot User ID/Password” on the CAT login page. Then enter your registered email and the captcha.
Error in CAT Admit Card 2026: How to Get It Corrected
Report any error on the CAT Admit Card 2026 the day you find it. Then contact the helpdesk with your user ID and proof.
CAT Admit Card 2026 Errors: Action Plan
| Error | What to send | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Name spelling | User ID + photo ID copy | Helpdesk email and toll-free number |
| Photo or signature | User ID + correct photo or signature | Helpdesk email |
| Category or PwD status | User ID + category or PwD certificate | Helpdesk email |
| Date of birth or gender | User ID + photo ID copy | Helpdesk email and toll-free number |
CAT 2026 Helpdesk Contacts
| Channel | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Toll-free number | 1800 210 0175 | CAT 2026 bulletin |
| cat2026_helpdesk@iimidr.ac.in | CAT 2026 registration guide | |
| Website | iimcat.ac.in : Contact Us | Official website |
Ques. What if there is a mistake in my CAT admit card?
Ans. Email cat2026_helpdesk@iimidr.ac.in with your user ID and proof, or call 1800 210 0175. Do it before 29 November 2026.
Ques: What is the CAT 2026 helpline number?
Ans. The CAT 2026 toll-free helpline is 1800 210 0175.
Ques. Can I appear for CAT if my photo on the admit card is unclear?
Ans. Report it to the helpdesk the same day. Carry your original photo ID and a matching passport-size photo to the centre.
CAT 2026 Test Centres: Can You Change Your Centre?
IIM Indore allots each centre from the city preferences you chose at registration. After that, the centre printed on your admit card is final.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Test cities | About 170 cities across India |
| Test centres | About 350 (reported) |
| City preferences at registration | Up to 5 cities (reported) |
| Allotment basis | Your preferences and seat availability |
| Centre change after admit card | Not allowed |
| Location help | Centre address and Google Maps link on the admit card |
Ques. Can I change my CAT exam centre after the admit card is released?
Ans. No. The test centre on the CAT Admit Card 2026 is final.
Ques. How many test cities are there for CAT 2026?
Ans. IIM Indore holds CAT 2026 in about 170 test cities across India.
Ques. Is CAT a computer-based test?
Ans. Yes. CAT is a computer-based test held in computer labs at the allotted centres.
CAT Admit Card 2026 for PwD Candidates: Scribe and Compensatory Time
PwD candidates get extra time and, if approved, a scribe. In addition, their admit card reflects these provisions.
CAT 2026 PwD Provisions (as per CAT 2025)
| Provision | Detail |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Benchmark disability of at least 40% |
| Compensatory time | 20 minutes per hour, i.e. 40 extra minutes |
| Total test time | 160 minutes instead of 120 |
| Scribe | As opted and approved during registration |
| Documents | PwD certificate and scribe documents as listed on the admit card |
Ques. What is eligible for compensatory time?
Ans. Candidates with a benchmark disability of at least 40% get compensatory time in CAT (as per CAT 2025).
Ques. How is compensatory time calculated?
Ans. CAT gives 20 extra minutes per hour. Therefore, the 120-minute test becomes 160 minutes.
Ques. What is 40% benchmark disability?
Ans. It means a certified disability of 40% or more under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
What After the CAT Admit Card 2026?
After the download, five stages follow. The table gives each stage with its date and status.
CAT 2026 Timeline After the Admit Card
| Stage | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Official mock test | Around 10 November 2026 | Tentative |
| CAT 2026 exam | 29 November 2026 | Confirmed |
| Response sheet and provisional answer key | Early December 2026 (CAT 2025: 4 December) | Tentative |
| CAT 2026 result | Likely by the first week of January 2027 (CAT 2025: 24 December) | As per bulletin |
| IIM shortlists and WAT/PI | After the result | As per each IIM |
Candidates preparing for the exam can also use CAT 2026 Preparation Tips and attempt CAT 2026 Mock Tests to improve speed and accuracy.
Ques. What will happen after giving a CAT exam?
Ans. IIM Indore releases the response sheet and answer key, then the result. IIMs then shortlist candidates for WAT and PI.
Ques. How many days does it take for CAT results?
Ans. CAT 2025 took 24 days: the exam was on 30 November and the result on 24 December 2025. The CAT 2026 result is likely by the first week of January 2027.
Ques. How long is a CAT score valid?
Ans. The CAT 2026 score is valid till 31 December 2027.
CAT Admit Card 2026 FAQs
Ques. When will CAT Admit Card 2026 be released?
Ans. IIM Indore will release the CAT Admit Card 2026 on 4 November 2026 at iimcat.ac.in.
Ques. What is the CAT Admit Card 2026 official website?
Ans. The official website for downloading the CAT admit card is iimcat.ac.in.
Ques. What are the login credentials required to download CAT Admit Card 2026?
Ans. Candidates need their CAT candidate login credentials generated during registration.
Ques. What time will the CAT admit card be released?
Ans. IIM Indore has not announced a release time for 2026.
Ques. What if I forgot my CAT user ID or password?
Ans. Click “Forgot User ID/Password” on the login page and enter your registered email and captcha.
Ques. Which documents are required for CAT 2026?
Ans. The printed admit card and one original photo ID, such as Aadhaar, PAN, passport, driving licence or voter ID.
Ques. Is a colour printout of the CAT admit card mandatory?
Ans. No. A colour A4 print helps, but your photo and signature simply must be clear.
Ques. Can I show the CAT admit card on my phone?
Ans. No. The centre accepts only a printed admit card.
Ques. What are the CAT 2026 exam timings?
Ans. 8:30–10:30 AM, 12:30–2:30 PM and 4:30–6:30 PM (tentative, as per CAT 2025).
Ques. Can I change my CAT 2026 exam centre?
Ans. No. The centre on your admit card is final.
Ques. What is the CAT 2026 helpline number?
Ans. Call the toll-free number 1800 210 0175 or email cat2026_helpdesk@iimidr.ac.in.
Ques. When will the CAT 2026 result be announced?
Ans. The result is likely by the first week of January 2027, and the score stays valid till 31 December 2027.
Ques. Can I change my CAT exam centre after receiving the admit card?
Ans. Candidates should appear at the centre allotted on the final admit card. Any centre-change facility, if available, will be announced by the CAT authorities.
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