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CAT Slot Timings 2026 Check Reporting Time & Instructions To Follow [Check List]
December 5, 2025
Overview: The CAT slot timings in 2026 are crucial for candidates seeking a timely arrival and optimal performance. This article will help you find accurate details of the CAT 2026 slot timings and important instructions!
- Multiple CAT 2026 slot timings are spread throughout the day, and understanding when to report and when the examination begins is instrumental in ensuring a smooth test-taking experience and in interpreting the subsequent CAT Exam Analysis effectively.
- The CAT notification 2026 will be released in July 2026, which states that, like last year, the exam will be conducted in three CAT exam slots on November 30.
This article focuses on the specific CAT 2026 slot timings, including CAT Slot 1 timing, CAT Slot 2 timing, and CAT Slot 3 timing, shedding light on their importance and ensuring candidates are well-prepared for the exam day.
Explore: CAT 2026 Latest Syllabus Section-wise
Check | CAT Exam Registration 2026
What is Slot in CAT Exam 2026?
In the CAT exam, a “slot” refers to the specific time period during which a candidate is scheduled to take the test on the exam day. The CAT slot timing is crucial, as the entrance exam is conducted in multiple sessions—typically in the morning, afternoon, and evening to accommodate the large number of applicants. Understanding these slots is also important for those reviewing the CAT exam analysis 2026, as performance trends and difficulty levels can vary from one slot to another.
Each slot has the same duration and follows the exact CAT exam pattern to ensure fairness across all test-takers.
The CAT 2026 Slot Timings and CAT exam shift timings are listed in the table below:
| Exam Name | Exam Date | CAT Exam Time Slots | Start and End Timings |
| CAT 2026 | 30th November 2026 | CAT Slot 1 Timings | 8:30 AM- 10:30 AM |
| CAT Slot 2 Timings | 12:30 PM- 2:30 PM | ||
| CAT Slot 3 Timings | 4:30 PM- 6:30 PM |
The test duration will be 120 minutes.
CAT Slot Timings 2026: An Overview of CAT 2026
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is traditionally conducted in multiple CAT exam timings to accommodate the vast number of test-takers nationwide.
The CAT 2026 slot timings will be divided into three sessions: morning, afternoon, and evening. This year, the exam will follow the same structure, with all three slots scheduled on November 30, 2026.
Here's a breakdown of the CAT exam Timing:
| CAT 2026 Slot | Details | Timing* |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Slot | This is the first slot of the day and usually starts early in the morning. | Morning |
| Afternoon Slot | Following the morning slot, the afternoon slot begins after 2 hours of Slot 1 exam completion. | Afternoon |
| Evening Slot | This slot is conducted later in the day, concluding the exam sessions. | Evening |
Check | CAT Exam Reasoning Syllabus 2026
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Check | What to do after the CAT Exam?
Detailed Breakdown of CAT 2026 Slots Timings
The information below includes CAT exam timings, CAT exam shift timings, including reporting time, closing time and more:
CAT Slot 1 Timing: Morning Slot
| CAT 2026 Slot | Category/Details | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Slot-1 Exam Date | – | November 30, 2026 |
| Slot-1 Exam Timing | Gen/OBC/SC/ST Candidates | 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM |
| Slot-1 Exam Timing | PwD Candidates | 8:30 AM – 11:10 AM |
| Slot-1 Reporting Time | – | 7:00 AM |
| Slot-1 Entry Closing Time | – | 8:15 AM |
Also Read | Benefits of attempting CAT Exam
CAT Slot 2 Timing: Afternoon CAT Slot Timings
| CAT 2026 Slot | Category/Details | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Slot-2 Exam Date | – | November 30, 2026 |
| Slot-2 Exam Timing | Gen/OBC/SC/ST Candidates | 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM |
| Slot-2 Exam Timing | PwD Candidates | 12:30 PM – 3:10 PM |
| Slot-2 Reporting Time | – | 11:00 AM |
| Slot-2 Entry Closing Time | – | 12:15 PM |
Check | CAT Exam Response Sheet
CAT Slot 3 Timing: CAT Exam Time Evening Slot
| CAT 2026 Slot | Category/Details | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Slot-3 Exam Date | – | November 30, 2026 |
| Slot-3 Exam Timing | Gen/OBC/SC/ST Candidates | 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM |
| Slot-3 Exam Timing | PwD Candidates | 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM |
| Slot-3 Reporting Time | – | 3:00 PM |
| Slot-3 Entry Closing Time | – | 3:15 PM |
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Can we change CAT 2026 exam time slots timing?
No! You cannot change CAT 2026 time slots.
Can we choose Slot for CAT exam?
No! The CAT slot timings are allocated by the organising IIM, and the details are mentioned in the CAT exam admit card provided to each candidate.
Read more: CAT Exam Cut Off [Expected & Previous Years]
Know more: CAT Exam Preparation for Beginners
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CAT Slot Timings 2026: Why is CAT Conducted in 3 Sessions?
The introduction of multiple slots serves various purposes:
#1 Accommodating a Large Number of Test-takers
With thousands of aspirants taking the CAT every year, multiple slots ensure everyone can be accommodated without overcrowding CAT exam centres.
# 2 Infrastructure and Server Efficiency
By dividing the exam-takers into different slots, the strain on the servers and technical infrastructure is distributed, ensuring a smoother exam experience for everyone.
# 3 Flexibility
By offering multiple time slots, candidates may find one that best suits their daily rhythm and optimal performance time.
Check | CAT Preparation Books
CAT Slot Timings 2026: Exam Day Instructions
Here are the CAT slot timings instructions that you need to follow on the examination day:
- It's essential to reach the test centre ahead of the specified reporting time to ensure a hassle-free entry.
- CAT is set to take place in about 155 cities, with specific city details available on the CAT website and the exact test centre listed on the Admit Card.
- The IIMs reserve the authority to modify, add, remove, or cancel any test centre, date, or CAT exam time slot as they deem necessary.
- Upon entering the test centre, promptly identify your seating details, such as system numbers and exam room.
- Always adhere to the directives given by the invigilators; failure to comply could result in disqualification from CAT 2026.
- Once the exam starts, bio-breaks won't be permitted unless there's a medical justification and no alternatives are available.
- Participants must bring CAT important documents like a legitimate photo ID (e.g., PAN card, Aadhaar Card, License, Voter Driver’s ID, College/University ID, or any other government-issued ID) with a photograph and a printed copy of their admit card, both accompanied by self-declarations.
Check | CAT Exam Cut-Off Trends
Key Takeaways
- CAT 2026 is scheduled for November 30, 2026, and will have three slots.
- Each CAT slot timing lasts 40 minutes, with the specific reporting CAT 2026 exam time slot listed in this article. Candidates are advised to practice using CAT previous year papers to get a feel for the timing and question patterns. Insights from the CAT 2026 slot 1 analysis can also help candidates understand the type of questions asked, difficulty level, and time management strategies for that particular session.
- Awareness of CAT 2026 slot timings is necessary.
- Prepare for the test day in advance and ensure you arrive on time.
- CAT 2026 Slot Timings:- CAT is held in multiple CAT exam time slots, so candidates must know their assigned CAT exam timings for timely attendance
Check | CAT Exam Maths Syllabus 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my slot after it's been allotted?
What happens if I miss my slot?
Are electronic items allowed in the exam center?
How early should I arrive at the examination center?
If I reach late for the reporting time but before the exam start time, will I be allowed?
How many slots are there for the CAT exam?
What are the exact timings for each CAT slot?
Is there a difference in the difficulty level of CAT across slots?
When will I know my allocated CAT slot timing?
What should I carry with me to the exam center for my CAT slot?
Lalita Vishwakarma
Content Writer
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