CAT Admit Card 2026: Release Date, Download Link, Exam Centre, Documents & Instructions

The CAT Admit Card 2026 is one of the most important documents for candidates appearing in the Common Admission Test. It confirms your examination date, test slot, reporting time and allotted test centre.

For CAT 2026, the admit card is scheduled to be available from 4 November 2026, and CAT 2026 will be conducted on 29 November 2026. Candidates who successfully completed the CAT application process will be able to download the admit card through the official CAT portal using their login credentials.

Quick Answer: CAT 2026 admit card will be available from 4 November 2026. The CAT 2026 exam will be held on 29 November 2026.

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CAT Admit Card 2026: Quick Overview

The admit card is expected to remain available until the exam date, but candidates should download and print it well in advance instead of waiting until 29 November.

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CAT 2026 Admit Card Release Date

The CAT 2026 admit card release date is 4 November 2026.

Only candidates who successfully registered for CAT 2026 will be able to access the admit card.

The admit card will not normally be sent as a physical copy by post. Candidates need to download it from the candidate login area of the official CAT website.

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CAT 2026 Admit Card Important Dates

Candidates should keep checking the official CAT portal because exam authorities may issue additional instructions closer to the test date.

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How to Download CAT Admit Card 2026

Once the admit card becomes available, follow these steps.

Step 1: Visit the Official CAT Website

Go to the official CAT portal:

iimcat.ac.in

Avoid downloading the admit card through unofficial or suspicious third-party links.

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Step 2: Open Candidate Login

Click the candidate login option.

You will need the same CAT login credentials created during registration.

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Step 3: Enter User ID and Password

Enter:

• CAT User ID
• Password

Then log in.

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Step 4: Open the Admit Card Section

Look for the CAT 2026 admit card / hall ticket option.

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Step 5: Download the Admit Card

Open the PDF and download it to your device.

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Step 6: Check All Details Carefully

Before printing, verify:

• name;
• photograph;
• registration number;
• examination date;
• examination slot;
• reporting time;
• test centre;
• test-city details;
• candidate instructions.

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Step 7: Print the Admit Card

Take a clear printout.

Do not depend only on the PDF stored on your mobile phone.

A printed copy is expected for test-centre verification.

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CAT Admit Card Login Credentials

To download the CAT admit card, candidates should keep their:

• CAT User ID;
• CAT Password

ready.

These are the same credentials generated during the CAT registration process.

If you have forgotten your password, use the official recovery mechanism available on the candidate login page.

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Details Mentioned on CAT Admit Card 2026

Your CAT admit card typically contains several important details.

Candidate Details

Check:

• Candidate Name
• Photograph
• Signature
• CAT Registration Number
• Category-related details, where applicable

Examination Details

Check:

• CAT 2026 Exam Date
• Test Slot
• Reporting Time
• Gate Closing Time, if mentioned
• Test Centre Name
• Test Centre Address
• Test City

Exam-Day Instructions

The admit card may also contain:

• permitted items;
• prohibited items;
• reporting instructions;
• candidate identification requirements;
• exam-centre rules.

Read every instruction carefully.

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What Should You Check Immediately After Downloading the CAT Admit Card?

Use this checklist:

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CAT 2026 Exam Slots

CAT 2026 is scheduled to be held in three sessions on 29 November 2026. Current published slot timings are:

Candidates should follow the exact slot and reporting time printed on their individual admit card.

Do not assume your slot based on your test city or registration timing.

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Can You Change Your CAT Exam Slot?

Normally, no.

The final slot is allotted by the examination authority.

Once the admit card is released, candidates should prepare according to the assigned session rather than expecting a slot change.

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CAT 2026 Exam Centre

The CAT admit card contains the exact test-centre details.

It may mention:

• test-centre name;
• complete address;
• test city;
• reporting time;
• reference number or centre-related identifiers.

Candidates should locate the centre in advance.

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Why You Should Visit the CAT Exam Centre Location Before Exam Day

If the centre is unfamiliar, check:

• distance from home/hotel;
• likely travel time;
• traffic conditions;
• public transport availability;
• parking situation, if relevant.

Do not rely on a navigation app for the first time on the morning of CAT.

A safer plan is to identify the exact centre at least a day before the examination.

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What Is the CAT Admit Card Reference Number?

CAT admit cards may contain a reference number.

This number can help candidates locate the appropriate:

• building;
• floor;
• wing;
• lab;
• examination room

at the centre.

It is primarily an internal test-centre identification aid and should not be confused with your CAT registration number.

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Documents to Carry With CAT Admit Card

Candidates should generally carry:

1. Printed CAT Admit Card

Carry a clear printed copy.

2. Valid Original Photo ID

Carry one accepted original photo identity document as permitted under the current CAT instructions.

Examples may include documents such as:

• Aadhaar Card;
• PAN Card;
• Passport;
• Voter ID;
• Driving Licence;
• other permitted government-issued photo ID.

The exact acceptable list should be verified from the CAT 2026 admit card instructions.

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Is a Photocopy of Photo ID Enough?

Candidates should normally carry the original valid photo ID specified in the exam instructions.

Do not rely only on:

• photocopy;
• screenshot;
• scanned image.

Follow the wording on the admit card.

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Is a Soft Copy of CAT Admit Card Allowed?

Do not rely on a mobile-phone PDF or screenshot.

Candidates are expected to carry a printed admit card for examination-centre verification.

Since mobile phones are generally prohibited inside the test area, depending only on a digital copy is risky.

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What If the Photograph on the Admit Card Is Not Clear?

If the photograph:

• is missing;
• is distorted;
• is incorrect;
• does not match the application

follow the official CAT helpdesk instructions immediately.

Do not wait until exam day.

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What If There Is an Error in the CAT Admit Card?

If you notice an error in:

• name;
• photograph;
• test-centre details;
• registration details;
• other important information

contact the official CAT support/helpdesk according to the latest instructions.

Do not edit the PDF yourself.

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What If I Cannot Download the CAT Admit Card?

Possible reasons include:

Login Problem

Check your User ID and password.

Browser Issue

Try:

• refreshing;
• another browser;
• clearing cache;
• using a desktop/laptop.

Heavy Website Traffic

Try again after some time.

Registration Issue

Only successfully registered eligible candidates can download the hall ticket.

If the issue persists, contact the CAT helpdesk.

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What If I Forget My CAT Password?

Use the official password recovery option.

You may need access to:

• registered email;
• registered mobile number.

Avoid creating a second account or using unofficial recovery services.

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What If My CAT Admit Card Shows a Different City Than Expected?

Test-city preferences are preferences, not an absolute guarantee of a particular centre.

The final exam-centre allotment shown on the admit card should be treated as the official allotment.

Plan travel accordingly.

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Can the CAT Exam Centre Be Changed After Admit Card Release?

Candidates should generally assume that the allotted centre is final unless the examination authority announces a specific facility for changes.

Do not make travel plans based on the expectation that your centre can later be modified.

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CAT Admit Card Printout: Colour or Black and White?

Follow the current CAT 2026 instructions.

As a practical precaution, use a clear printout where photograph and important details are easily visible.

A colour print can improve photograph clarity, but the controlling requirement is compliance with the instructions on the admit card.

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Should You Sign the CAT Admit Card Before Reaching the Centre?

Do not sign, paste, write or alter anything on the admit card unless the instructions explicitly ask you to do so.

If a signature has to be made in the presence of the invigilator, signing beforehand can create unnecessary problems.

Follow the exact instructions printed on your CAT 2026 admit card.

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CAT 2026 Exam-Day Reporting Time

Reporting time is important.

Candidates should arrive well before the gate-closing time mentioned on the admit card.

Late entry may not be permitted.

Your CAT strategy should therefore include your travel plan—not just your preparation plan.

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CAT Exam-Day Checklist

One day before the exam, prepare:

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Items You Should Avoid Carrying

Candidates should follow the current prohibited-item list.

Items commonly restricted at examination centres may include:

• mobile phone;
• smartwatch;
• calculator;
• electronic gadgets;
• notes/books;
• storage devices;
• other prohibited electronic items.

Do not assume that because an item is useful it is allowed.

The test centre provides the required computer system, and CAT offers the relevant on-screen functionality.

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Is a Physical Calculator Allowed in CAT?

No.

Candidates should not carry a physical calculator.

CAT provides an on-screen calculator in the testing interface.

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Can You Carry Rough Paper?

CAT centres normally provide the required writing/scribble material according to test instructions.

Candidates should not carry their own notebooks or loose sheets unless explicitly permitted.

Return any centre-issued material if instructed.

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CAT Admit Card and Dress Code

Candidates should keep clothing simple and comfortable and comply with security procedures.

Avoid unnecessary accessories that may:

• delay frisking;
• contain electronic components;
• violate test-centre restrictions.

If you wear an item for medical, religious or other legitimate reasons, follow the official CAT instructions and reach early if additional verification may be required.

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CAT Admit Card for PwD Candidates

Eligible PwD candidates should carefully check:

• category details;
• exam-time accommodation;
• scribe-related instructions, where applicable;
• additional-time provisions;
• required documentation.

Carry any disability-related documents specified in the CAT instructions.

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CAT Admit Card for Candidates Using a Scribe

Candidates eligible for a scribe should follow the CAT 2026 rules regarding:

• scribe eligibility;
• declarations;
• documents;
• reporting requirements.

Do not assume that any person can automatically act as a scribe.

Follow the official process.

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CAT 2026 Admit Card and Section Timing

The admit card confirms your examination session, but the CAT paper itself follows sectional time limits.

The standard structure is:

Candidates cannot normally switch freely between sections.

For detailed information:

CAT Exam Pattern- Click Here

What to Do After Downloading the CAT Admit Card

Once the admit card is available, your preparation should enter its final stage.

1. Confirm Test Centre

Know exactly where you need to go.

2. Confirm Slot

Adjust your mock-test timing where practical.

For example, if you receive a morning slot, attempting some mocks at a similar time can help you become mentally comfortable with that schedule.

3. Continue Full-Length Mocks

Do not suddenly stop testing yourself.

4. Reduce New Learning

Prioritise:

• revision;
• familiar concepts;
• error-log review;
• CAT-level practice.

5. Finalise Section Strategy

Know your approach to:

• VARC;
• DILR set selection;
• QA question selection.

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How Many Mocks Should You Take After Admit Card Release?

There is no fixed number.

By early November, the emphasis should be:

quality of mock analysis over quantity of mocks

After each mock, review:

• attempts;
• accuracy;
• sectional score;
• selection errors;
• time traps;
• easy questions missed.

Do not take mock after mock without analysing them.

Visit:

CAT Mock Tests → Click Here

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Should You Change Your Strategy After Seeing Your CAT Slot?

Not dramatically.

A slot should influence your routine, not your entire preparation strategy.

For example:

If your slot is 8:30 AM:

• practise waking earlier;
• take a few mocks during the morning;
• adjust meals/sleep.

But do not suddenly change:

• your strongest section strategy;
• question-selection rules;
• attempt philosophy.

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CAT Admit Card and Exam-Day Strategy

CAT is a percentile-based examination.

On the test day:

VARC

Do not panic over an unfamiliar RC topic.

DILR

Do not get trapped in the first set.

QA

Do not spend excessive time proving you can solve one difficult question.

Your aim is:

Maximum reliable score within the available time.

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CAT Admit Card 2026 FAQs

When will CAT 2026 admit card be released?

The CAT 2026 admit card is scheduled to be available from 4 November 2026.

When is CAT 2026?

CAT 2026 will be conducted on 29 November 2026.

Where can I download the CAT admit card?

From the official CAT website:

iimcat.ac.in

What login details are required?

You will need your CAT User ID and password.

Will the CAT admit card be sent by post?

No. Candidates should download it online.

Can I carry a soft copy of the CAT admit card?

Candidates should carry a printed copy and should not rely only on a soft copy.

When is the last date to download the CAT 2026 admit card?

The download window is expected to remain open through 29 November 2026, the exam date.

Can I change my CAT test centre after the admit card is released?

Candidates should normally treat the allotted centre as final unless an official notice permits a change.

Can I change my CAT slot?

The allotted exam session is generally final.

What should I carry with the admit card?

Carry the printed admit card and an original accepted photo ID as specified in the CAT instructions.

What if there is an error on my admit card?

Contact the official CAT helpdesk promptly instead of waiting until exam day.

Is CAT conducted in three slots?

CAT 2026 is scheduled to be conducted in three sessions.

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CAT Admit Card vs CAT Registration Confirmation

These are different documents.

Registration Confirmation

Shows that you completed the CAT application process.

CAT Admit Card

Authorises you to report for the examination and provides your:

• test centre;
• session;
• reporting details.

A registration confirmation is not a substitute for the CAT admit card.

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CAT Admit Card vs CAT Scorecard

Do not confuse these either.

Admit Card

→ Before CAT

Scorecard

→ After CAT result

The admit card helps you enter the test centre.

The scorecard shows your final CAT performance and percentile.

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What Happens After CAT 2026?

Once CAT is completed, the journey continues:

CAT Exam – 29 November 2026

↓

Response Sheet

↓

Provisional Answer Key

↓

Objection Window

↓

Final Answer Key

↓

CAT Result

↓

CAT Score vs Percentile

↓

IIM / MBA College Shortlisting

↓

Interview & Admission Process

For the next stage, visit:

CAT Answer Key → Click Here

and

CAT Result → Click Here

Final MBA4U Guidance

The CAT 2026 Admit Card is much more than a hall ticket.

It tells you:

Where to go

When to report

Which session you will take

What instructions you must follow

As soon as the admit card becomes available on 4 November 2026, download it, check every detail and print it.

Do not wait until the night before the examination.

Once your centre and slot are confirmed, your attention should shift entirely to:

Mock Tests → Analysis → Revision → Section Strategy → Exam-Day Execution

By this stage, avoid major changes to your preparation method. Instead, improve the strategy that has worked best for you across your recent mocks.

Your objective on 29 November 2026 is not to solve every CAT question.

It is to identify and solve the right questions accurately within the available time.