The CAT 2026 examination is scheduled to be conducted on November 29, 2026, in computer-based mode across designated examination centres. The test is one of India's most important entrance examinations for admission to Master of Business Administration (MBA), Post Graduate Programme (PGP) and other management programmes offered by the Indian Institutes of Management and several participating business schools.

As of October 23, 2026, the admit card has not yet been released. Candidates should therefore avoid relying on unofficial download links or claims that the hall ticket is already available.

Once released, the CAT 2026 admit card will provide essential information about the candidate's examination date, test session, reporting time, examination centre and important instructions. Applicants should download the document as soon as it becomes available and carefully verify all the information printed on it.

CAT 2026 Admit Card: Important Dates

Candidates appearing for CAT 2026 should keep track of the following important dates.

The registration and correction periods have concluded. Candidates should now focus on downloading the admit card when it is released, checking their examination details and preparing for the test.

The result date should not be treated as confirmed until the examination authority announces it. Candidates should follow the official website for the latest schedule and subsequent notifications.

CAT 2026 Admit Card Download Link

The CAT 2026 admit card will be available online through the official CAT website.

Official website: https://iimcat.ac.in/

Candidates will need their CAT 2026 login ID and password to access the admit card download facility. The hall ticket will not be sent as a printed document by post.

Applicants should use the official website rather than third-party websites claiming to provide direct access to their personal admit cards.

How to Download the CAT 2026 Admit Card

Once the download link is activated, registered candidates can follow these steps to obtain their hall tickets.

1.    Visit the official CAT website at iimcat.ac.in.

2.    Locate the candidate login section.

3.    Enter the registered CAT login ID and password.

4.    Access the candidate dashboard.

5.    Click on the link for the CAT 2026 admit card.

6.    Check the details printed on the hall ticket.

7.    Download the admit card and save a copy to the device.

8.    Take a clear printout for use on the examination day.

Candidates are advised to download the document well before November 29 rather than waiting until the final day. This will provide sufficient time to resolve login difficulties or discrepancies in the printed information.

If a candidate cannot access the admit card despite having completed registration successfully, they should verify their login credentials and follow the official helpdesk instructions.

Details Mentioned on the CAT 2026 Admit Card

The CAT admit card is an important examination document containing information needed for entry to the test centre and verification of the candidate's identity.

Candidates should check the following details after downloading the hall ticket:

• Candidate's name.

• CAT registration or user ID.

• Photograph and signature.

• Examination date.

• Test session and examination timings.

• Reporting time and entry instructions.

• Examination centre name and complete address.

• Important examination-day guidelines.

Any discrepancy in the candidate's personal details, photograph, signature or examination information should be reported to the examination authority promptly through the prescribed support channels.

Candidates should not attempt to alter the admit card themselves. Any correction must follow the official procedure.

CAT 2026 Exam Date and Timing

The CAT 2026 examination will be conducted on Sunday, November 29, 2026. The test will take place in computer-based mode and is scheduled to be held in three sessions.

The expected session timings are as follows:

Candidates must follow the reporting time and session assigned on their individual admit cards. The timings above should not be used as a substitute for the instructions printed on the official hall ticket.

Arriving at the examination centre after the prescribed entry deadline may result in the candidate being denied entry. Applicants should plan their journey in advance and allow sufficient time for travel, security checks and identity verification.

CAT 2026 Examination Pattern

CAT is designed to assess candidates' aptitude in areas that are important for postgraduate management education. The examination evaluates verbal ability, reading comprehension, quantitative aptitude and logical reasoning skills.

The three major sections are:

1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

This section assesses English language comprehension, reading skills and verbal reasoning. Questions may test the ability to understand passages, interpret arguments and identify relationships between ideas.

2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

This section evaluates candidates' ability to interpret information, analyse data and solve logical problems. Questions may involve tables, charts, arrangements, sets and other analytical situations.

3. Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

This section focuses on mathematical reasoning and problem-solving. Topics may include arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number systems and other areas prescribed by the examination syllabus.

The examination duration is two hours, with 40 minutes allocated to each section under the standard CAT pattern. Candidates cannot move freely between sections once the prescribed sectional time limit applies.

The detailed question distribution and marking scheme should be checked against the official CAT 2026 examination information.

CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates applying for CAT must satisfy the prescribed educational eligibility requirements.

The general eligibility conditions include the following:

Educational qualification: Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree from a recognised university or institution, or possess an equivalent qualification recognised by the applicable authorities.

Minimum marks: Candidates belonging to the General, Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and Non-Creamy Layer Other Backward Classes (NC-OBC) categories generally require at least 50% aggregate marks or an equivalent CGPA in their bachelor's degree.

Reserved categories: Candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) categories require at least 45% aggregate marks or an equivalent CGPA.

Final-year students: Candidates appearing for the final year of their bachelor's degree, or those awaiting their final results, may also apply, subject to the prescribed conditions.

Professional qualifications: Candidates holding eligible professional qualifications recognised under the CAT admission rules may also apply, provided they satisfy the applicable requirements.

Meeting the minimum CAT eligibility criteria does not guarantee admission to an IIM. Individual institutes may prescribe additional academic requirements, shortlisting criteria and selection procedures.

CAT 2026 Registration Fee

The CAT 2026 registration fee was revised for this examination cycle.

The registration fee was payable online during the application process. Since the application and payment deadlines have passed, new applicants cannot assume that they can now register or make a fresh payment.

Candidates who have already registered should retain their application confirmation and payment receipt for reference.

Documents Required on the CAT 2026 Examination Day

Candidates should carefully read the instructions printed on their admit cards before travelling to their examination centres.

The principal documents and items to prepare include:

• A printed copy of the CAT 2026 admit card.

• An original and valid photo identification document accepted under the official instructions.

• A recent photograph, if required by the admit card instructions.

• Any additional document specifically required by the examination authority.

Candidates should ensure that the photograph and other identifying details on their documents are clear and consistent with the examination records.

Electronic copies displayed on a mobile phone should not be assumed to be acceptable in place of the required printed admit card. Candidates should follow the instructions provided for the examination day.

CAT 2026 Examination-Day Guidelines

Candidates should reach the examination centre according to the reporting time mentioned on the admit card. Entry procedures may include identity verification, security checks and other prescribed formalities.

Applicants should observe the following precautions:

Check the centre address: Verify the exact examination centre location in advance and plan the route.

Follow reporting instructions: Reach the venue before the reporting deadline and allow sufficient time for entry formalities.

Carry the required documents: Keep the printed admit card and accepted original photo identification ready.

Avoid prohibited items: Do not carry unauthorised electronic devices, calculators, notes or other prohibited materials into the examination hall.

Follow invigilator instructions: Candidates must comply with the directions issued by examination staff.

Read the admit card carefully: The hall ticket may contain specific instructions relating to the assigned slot, entry procedures and permitted items.

Failure to comply with examination rules may result in disqualification or other action under the applicable examination regulations.

CAT 2026 Preparation Strategy for the Final Month

With the examination scheduled for November 29, candidates should use the remaining preparation period carefully. A focused revision strategy can help improve accuracy, speed and confidence.

Revise important concepts: Review the fundamentals of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, reading comprehension, logical reasoning and data interpretation.

Practise mock tests: Full-length mock examinations can help candidates become familiar with the time limits and improve their ability to manage all three sections.

Analyse performance: After every mock test, identify recurring errors, weak topics and questions that consume excessive time.

Improve reading speed: Regularly practise reading comprehension passages and identifying their central arguments, structure and supporting evidence.

Strengthen quantitative skills: Solve a variety of problems and revise essential mathematical concepts and calculation techniques.

Develop a sectional strategy: Since CAT follows sectional time limits, candidates should practise deciding when to solve a question and when to move on.

Maintain a realistic timetable: Include regular revision, practice tests and sufficient rest in the days leading up to the examination.

Candidates should avoid making major changes to their preparation strategy at the last moment. Consistency and careful analysis of mock-test performance are more useful than attempting to cover every topic without adequate practice.

What Happens After the CAT 2026 Examination?

After CAT 2026, the examination authority is expected to publish the provisional answer key and provide details of the applicable objection process, if announced.

Candidates should monitor official notifications concerning the answer key, response sheet, result declaration and scorecard availability.

After the results are declared, participating IIMs and other business schools will conduct their respective admission processes. These may include shortlisting based on CAT scores, academic performance, work experience, written assessments, group discussions or personal interviews, depending on the institute's selection policy.

There is no single admission cutoff that applies to every IIM or MBA programme. The required CAT percentile and the overall selection criteria vary by institution, programme and candidate category.

Candidates should therefore review the admission policies of their preferred business schools rather than relying exclusively on predicted cutoffs.

Why Is the CAT 2026 Admit Card Important?

The admit card is a mandatory document for candidates appearing for CAT 2026. It establishes the candidate's examination details and provides instructions for accessing the assigned test centre.

Without the required admit card and accepted identification documents, candidates may not be permitted to enter the examination venue.

Downloading the hall ticket early also allows applicants to check their personal details, confirm the location and identify any discrepancies before examination day.

Candidates should keep the downloaded document secure and carry the required printed copy when reporting for the test.

Conclusion

The CAT 2026 admit card is scheduled to be released on November 4, 2026, through the official website, iimcat.ac.in. The examination will be conducted on November 29, 2026, in three sessions.

Candidates who registered successfully should download their hall tickets as soon as the link becomes available, verify the examination details and carefully follow all reporting and identification instructions.

With the examination approaching, aspirants should concentrate on revision, timed mock tests and effective section-wise time management. They should also monitor official notifications regarding the admit card, answer key, results and subsequent MBA admission procedures.