December 1, 2025
Overview: The CAT admit card has finally been released today, on 12th November 2026. The candidates who applied for the CAT 2026 exam can download their hall ticket from the official website. To know the downloading process, continue reading!
Read on to learn complete details about the CAT 2026 admit card download, release date, problems, and important guidelines.
Follow the steps to download the CAT Admit Card 2026 exam:
Access your CAT 2026 admit card directly using the link below and check your exam details, venue, and reporting time. 👇
The CAT Admit Card 2026 exam sample helps aspirants understand the format and differentiate it from other documents required for the CAT exam.
It also highlights important details such as the CAT exam photo size and placement requirements.

Many students have seen changes to their exam slots and test centres. This is a common part of the CAT process.
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Your CAT exam admit card 2026 has key instructions you must follow. Please read them carefully to avoid any problems on exam day.
Here is what you need to bring to the test centre:
| Items | CAT 2026 Instructions |
|---|---|
| Admit Card Printout |
|
| Photo ID Proof |
|
| Passport Size Photo |
|
| Instruction | Details |
|---|---|
| Travel Planning | Plan your travel and arrival time carefully to avoid last-minute delays. |
| Reporting Time | Candidates must arrive at the test centre at least 1.5 hours before the exam begins. |
| CAT 2026 Exam Slots | |
| Slot 1 | 7:00 AM |
| Slot 2 | 11:00 AM |
| Slot 3 | 3:00 PM |
| Late Arrival |
|
| Visit Centre Early |
If possible, visit your test centre a day before the exam to familiarise yourself with the route and estimated travel time, especially if you are travelling from another city or staying in a hotel. |
Understand the rules inside the test hall.
| Instruction | Details |
|---|---|
| No Section Jumping | The CAT 2026 exam has three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (Quant). Each section is timed for 40 minutes, and candidates cannot switch between sections. |
| Full Exam Duration | The total exam duration is two hours. Candidates must stay for the entire duration and are not allowed to leave early, even if they finish before time. |
| Writing Pad and Pen | A writing pad and pen will be provided at the test centre for rough work. Candidates must write their application number on the pad and return it after the exam. |
| Scratch Card Feature | An online scratch card feature was introduced in the previous CAT exam. It covers part of the screen when used, which some test-takers found inconvenient. The official mock test may demonstrate this feature. |
| No Personal Items | Mobile phones, electronic gadgets, calculators, and jewellery are not allowed inside the test hall. There is no locker facility, and the test centre will not be responsible for personal belongings. Avoid thick-soled shoes or clothes with large buttons. |
Here is the key Comparison between the Printed Admit Card the Digital Admit Card
|
Feature |
Printed Admit Card |
Digital Admit Card |
|
Mandatory for Entry |
Yes. A hard copy is compulsory for entry to the exam centre. |
No. A digital copy on a phone or other device is not accepted as a valid entry document. |
|
Purpose |
Serves as the official hall ticket and proof of identity. It is also a document for the test center staff to sign and stamp to confirm your attendance. |
Used primarily for reference, such as checking the exam center address via a Google Maps link. |
|
Format |
Must be a physical printout on an A4-size sheet of paper. |
A PDF or image file on a mobile device or a computer. |
|
Photograph |
You must affix a passport-sized photograph to the printed admit card in the designated space. It's recommended to use the same photo you uploaded during registration. |
The photo will be visible on the digital version, but it does not need a physical photo affixed to it. |
|
Signature |
The candidate must sign the document in the presence of the invigilator at the exam center. Signing the admit card before it is issued makes it invalid. |
A digital signature is not required or accepted. |
|
Number of Copies |
It is recommended to carry at least two printed copies—one to be submitted at the center and one for your records. |
Only one digital copy is needed for your reference. |
|
Validity |
The printed admit card, with the affixed photograph and the invigilator's signature, is the only valid document for proof of candidature and attendance. It should be preserved even after the exam for future reference during the admission process. |
The digital copy is not a valid document for verification or admission purposes. |
Download the CAT admit card 2026 from the official site as soon as it is released. Do not wait until the day of the exam to download the admit card for the CAT exam.
The CAT entrance exam admit card contains the candidate’s information as provided during the CAT exam registration process.
It is essential to verify all details mentioned on the admit card carefully. Any discrepancy may have resulted from common CAT form filling mistakes, such as entering incorrect personal details, uploading blurred photographs, or selecting the wrong category or test city.
In the event of any error, please contact the official CAT helpdesk immediately for correction.
The following details are mentioned in the CAT Admit Card 2026:
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The candidates might encounter common issues while downloading their CAT exam hall tickets. These include:
In such cases, click "Forget Password," follow the steps to change your password, and then download the CAT 2026 admit card.
Candidates often encounter technical issues when the CAT 2026 admit card is released due to heavy traffic. Do not panic or continuously log in; wait some time and try again.
To download the CAT admit card, easily switch to a faster internet speed.
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Yes, the CAT 2026 admit card can be downloaded from the candidate's profile on the official CAT website. Once released, candidates can log in with their credentials and access the download link. It's essential to verify all the details on the admit card and take a printout before the exam.
Keep checking official updates for the release date and ensure a timely download.
Once you have downloaded the CAT admit card 2026 for the CAT exam, it is essential to verify the information mentioned.
| Requirements | Details |
| Name of the Candidate | It must be the same as in the CAT 2026 application form |
| CAT 2026 Registration Number | It must be the same as the registered user ID |
| Date of Birth |
Must be the same as mentioned on the CAT application form and official documents
|
| Caste Category Status | It must be the same as in CAT application form 2026 |
| PwD/DA Status | It must be the same as in CAT application form |
| Test Centre Location |
Must be in one of the options mentioned in the application form
|
| Candidate's Photograph and Signature | It must be visible |
Note *: If you find any errors in your CAT admit card 2026, do not delay in visiting the official helpdesk and requesting the correction.
For the CAT 2026 exam, there are very specific requirements regarding the admit card to ensure a smooth and secure examination process. Here's a breakdown of the requirements for both SMS/email notifications and the physical admit card.
You can contact the examination authority if you find any mistakes regarding the information mentioned on your admit card. Here are the contact details:
While you might receive an SMS or email notification about the CAT 2026 admit card release date, these are simply alerts. The actual admit card is not sent to you via SMS or email. To get your admit card, you must:
Important Reminder: These notifications are helpful, but you must take the initiative to download and print the admit card yourself.
| CAT 2026 Admit Card Date Events | Details |
| CAT Admit Card 2026 Release Date | 12th November 2026 - 30th November 2026 |
| CAT Admit Card 2026 Download Link | Official website - iimcat.ac.in |
| Download Mode | Online only |
| Required Credentials | CAT login ID and password |
| Recommended Browsers | Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer |
Read More | CAT Exam Syllabus for 2026
According to the official CAT 2026 exam day guidelines, it is mandatory to carry a printout of your admit card. A digital copy on your phone or other device is not a valid substitute.
Here's a breakdown of the key reasons why a printed copy is essential:
|
S. No. |
Reason |
Explanation |
|
1 |
Required for Official Verification |
The printed CAT 2026 admit card is the official entry document and is mandatory for identity verification at the exam centre. Entry will not be permitted without it. |
|
2 |
Signature & Invigilator Sign-off |
It includes designated spaces for affixing a passport-sized photo and signing in front of the invigilator. A digital copy cannot fulfill this requirement. The signed admit card must be submitted after the exam. |
|
3 |
Security & Imposter Check |
A physical copy allows exam staff to confirm your identity and prevent impersonation easily. It complements your government-issued photo ID. |
|
4 |
Avoid Technical Issues |
Digital copies are prone to risks such as dead batteries, broken screens, or device failures. A printed copy ensures uninterrupted access on exam day. |
|
5 |
Needed for Future Reference |
Some business schools may ask for the signed admit card during the admission or interview process. Keeping it safe is important even after the exam. |
On the day of the CAT exam, when you arrive at your designated CAT exam centre, you must carry your Government of India-issued ID proof along with your CAT exam admit card. You can take any of the following ID proofs:
If you've lost your CAT admit card 2026, you can easily re-download it from the official CAT website: iimcat.ac.in. Just follow these simple steps:
Step 1. Visit the Website: Go to iimcat.ac.in.
Step 2. Click on the "Login" tab and enter your CAT User ID and password.
Step 3. Look for the "Admit Card" option on your dashboard.
Step 4. Now, click on your admit card to open it, then download and save it as a PDF.
Step 5. Make sure to print at least two copies for exam day.
Note: Remember to bring a valid ID proof along with your admit card to the test centre.
Below are the CAT exam day guidelines which candidates must go through when downloading the CAT 2026 admit card:
Applicants must attach a photo identical to the one they supplied with their CAT application.
You don’t need to bring your CAT application form when you go to take the exam. Instead, make sure you carry the following important items:
Remember, you don't need the application form to enter the exam centre, so focus on your admit card and ID. Being prepared with these documents will help ensure a smooth exam day!
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Unfortunately, you can’t change your test city after your CAT exam admit card has been issued. The authorities don’t allow any modifications once the admit card is released. Additionally, CAT slots which indicate the specific date and time of your exam are also allotted during this stage and cannot be changed after issuance.
You'll have to take the exam at the centre listed on your admit card. The only chance to change your test city is during the form correction window, which is before the admit cards are released.
Your CAT admit card 2026 is the most important document that is required even after the examination for further processing.
There is a high chance that students usually forget to keep a record of their admit cards. Here are the Backup Tips for your CAT Admit Card 2026
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Yes, it is essential to keep your CAT admit card 2026 even after the examination, as it serves as proof of your attendance and may be required during the MBA admission process, particularly for document submission during personal interviews at various colleges and institutes.
Furthermore, the CAT hall ticket contains personal and residential information that could be misused if it falls into the wrong hands. Therefore, candidates must safeguard their CAT hall tickets throughout the admission process and beyond. If disposal is necessary after admission, it should be done cautiously.
It can be nerve-wracking if something goes sideways with your CAT hall ticket at the last minute. But don't panic! Here are some simple tips on how to handle those last-minute hiccups:
Don't wait until the last day. Get your admit card as soon as it's released. This gives you time to spot any issues.
Once you have the CAT hall ticket, double-check your name, date of birth, category, exam date, time, and centre. Make sure everything matches your application.
Ensure the photograph printed on the admit card is clear and matches the one you uploaded. If it's missing or unclear, keep extra copies of the photo you used during registration handy.
Keep your original, valid photo ID proof ready a day or two before the exam. Ensure it matches the ID you provided in your application.
Save a digital copy of your admit card on your phone or email. This can be useful if you misplace the physical copy.
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It is essential to have all the necessary documents ready for the main exam day. Here is the final checklist to review 48 hours before the CAT exam. Going through the CAT Exam analysis can also help you identify important preparations and common pitfalls to avoid on exam day.
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In conclusion, the admit card for CAT Exam 2026 is vital for taking the CAT Exam. It contains essential information about the exam and the applicant, which is necessary to enter the hall.
The applicant will not be allowed to take the exam without the admit card. Hence, the CAT admit card 2026 is a must for the exam.
Check | CAT Exam Subjects List 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
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