CAT 2026 Admit Card (Release Date): Download Link, Login, Steps & Guidelines

CAT 2026 Admit Card: Overview

The CAT 2026 admit card is a mandatory document required to appear for the Common Admission Test (CAT). Candidates are advised to bring a printed copy of their CAT admit card to enter the CAT 2026 exam centre. The CAT admit card 2026 includes the candidate's details, the CAT exam date, and CAT exam timings, exam centre address, and guidelines.

As discussed above, the CAT 2026 admit card will be released in mid-November 2026 and will be available till exam day.

The CAT 2026 exam date is expected to fall in the last week of November 2026. It is expected that around 3 lakh candidates will take the CAT 2026 exam.

IIM CAT 2026 Admit Card: Key Highlights

CAT 2026 Hall Ticket: Key Points

CAT aspirants need to produce the CAT 2026 admit card for verification during the test. If candidates fail to do so, they are not permitted to take the CAT exam. Candidates must take note of the following points:

• Those who submit their CAT application form successfully can download the CAT 2026 hall ticket by using the required CAT login credentials.
• The CAT admit card 2026 is only available in online mode at iimcat.ac.in. It is not sent via post.
• On the day of the examination, it is mandatory to carry an original and valid photo identification proof issued by the government along with the CAT admit card colour or black and white printout.
• Print all the pages of the CAT exam admit card on A4-size paper using a laser printer. The admit card is valid only if the details mentioned therein, the photograph and the signature images are legibly printed.
• Candidates are also required to affix a photograph on the printed admit card (same as uploaded in the CAT registration form) and sign in the presence of the invigilator on the CAT exam date 2026.
• Candidates can download the IIM CAT admit card 2026 as early as possible without waiting till the CAT admit card download last date.

CAT 2026 Admit Card Release Date and Time

Check all the events and dates related to the CAT 2026 exam, such as the CAT admit card release date, exam date, and CAT result declaration date.

How to Download CAT 2026 Admit Card?

Here's the step-by-step process to download the CAT exam admit card:

• Step 1: Visit the CAT 2026 official website, iimcat.ac.in.
• Step 2: Then find and visit the “Registered Candidate Login” link.
• Step 3: Enter a valid CAT 2026 user ID and password to access CAT login.
• Step 4: On the dashboard, look for the CAT admit card download link and click on it to begin the download.
• Step 5: Save the downloaded file and take the printout of the CAT 2026 admit card.

CAT 2026 Admit Card Checklist

Candidates are suggested to check all the details mentioned on the admit card and in case of any error, they must contact the CAT helpline for correction. CAT 2026 hall ticket will have the following details:

• Name of the candidate
• Application number
• Date of birth
• Category of the candidate
• PwD status
• Emergency Contact
• CAT exam date and day of the test
• CAT slot and test time
• Reporting/ Entry time at the centre
• Gate closing time of the centre
• Google map link of CAT exam centre
• CAT test city
• CAT exam centre address
• Space is provided to affix the candidate's photograph and signature
• CAT exam day instructions

Important documents for CAT 2026

Candidates can carry any one of the following photo IDs (original) with the CAT 2026 hall ticket to the test centre for verification purposes-

• PAN card
• E-Aadhaar or a physical copy of the Aadhaar Card
• Driving License
• Voter ID
• Passport
• Ration Card
• Identification Affidavit along with the Admit Card

Note: The photo identification proof should not be damaged or smudged.

Issues with downloading the CAT Admit Card: Troubleshooting Guide

Registered candidates who wish to download the CAT admit card 2026 may face troubles while downloading the CAT hall ticket from the official website. Candidates must ensure a good internet connection and use the supported versions of internet browsers to download the CAT admit card. Apart from these issues, any problems related to the CAT admit card download can be reported to the CAT exam help desk by explaining the problem via email or phone immediately. If the issues are not resolved, candidates can also send a follow-up email to get the admit card downloaded before the CAT admit card 2026 download date. Some of the technical issues that commonly arise at the time of CAT admit card download are listed below.

• The official website or the CAT admit card download link will not be functioning due to traffic due to a high number of applicants trying to download the CAT admit card at a time. In this case, the candidate can wait a while and try again to download the CAT admit card 2026.
• CAT login credentials are required to download the CAT admit card 2026. The CAT admit card login credentials are sent to the registered email address after completing the CAT registration 2026. However, by following the steps below, candidates can easily retrieve their CAT login credentials:
  • Go to the ‘Registered Candidate Login for CAT 2026’ tab on the official website-
  • Then click on the ‘Forget User ID/Password Tab’.-Put down your registered email address and put the correct captcha
  • Then click on ‘Get user ID and password’.

What After Downloading CAT Admit Card 2026?

After downloading the CAT admit card from the official website, candidates must check whether all the details printed on it are correct or not. A few days would be left for the CAT exam, and thus, that would be the right time to analyse the CAT preparation for the entrance exam with the help of the CAT mock test that will help candidates understand the probable questions and then perform well in the exam.

Post the conclusion of the CAT exam, the CAT answer key will be available on the official website. Also, those candidates who wish to challenge the CAT answer key will be able to raise objection against the same by paying the adequate fee online.

CAT Admit Card 2026: Instructions to the candidate

• Candidates are required to print the CAT 2026 admit card on A4 size paper using a laser printer and carry the same on the day of the CAT 2026 exam. CAT admit card is valid in the candidate's photograph and signature are legibly printed. Also, candidates are required to affix the same photograph as uploaded while registering for CAT 2026 at the specified place (beside the printed photograph). Candidates must produce the CAT admit card for verification at the time of the test. CAT admit card is valid for the test date and session time as specified in the "Test Day Details" section.
• Candidates must carry 'any of the of the original and valid Photo Identification Proof issued by the government” – PAN card/Driving License/Voter ID/ Passport/ AadhaarCard (With photograph)/ E-Aadhaar/Ration Card/ Identification Affidavit along with the Admit Card. The Photo Identification Proof should not be damaged or smudged.
• The candidate must reach the centre as indicated against Reporting/ Entry time at centre. No candidate shall be permitted to enter after the Gate Closing Time.
• No candidate shall be permitted to leave the Test Centre before the end of the CAT exam.
• Candidates are advised to locate their Test Centre and its accessibility at least a day before the test so that they can reach the Test Centre on time on the day of the test.
• A writing pad and pen will be provided to the candidates for rough work, which will have to be returned after the test. Candidates should clearly write their name and application number on the writing pad.
• Mobile phones, electronic gadgets, watches, calculators, stationery items, papers, wallets, goggles, etc. will NOT BE ALLOWED inside the Test centre.
• Candidates must NOT wear any jewellery or other items containing metal. There is no facility for safekeeping of candidates' personal belongings outside the Test Hall and the Test Conducting Authority is not responsible for its damage or loss if any.
• Shoes/footwear with thick soles and garments with large buttons are NOT permitted.
• Candidates attempting to appear for more than once will be disqualified from CAT 2026.
• Candidates need to make their own travel and stay arrangements for attending the test.
• The Admit Card is provisional, subject to the condition that the candidate has fulfilled the eligibility conditions like academic qualification, category, PwD status etc., as mentioned in his/her application, which is subject to verification in the consecutive stages of the selection process.
• Requests for change of the Test Centre will NOT be entertained.
• Parents/Guardians accompanying the candidate will not be allowed inside the test centre.
• Bio-breaks are to be avoided during the exam except for emergency or medical conditions. If a candidate takes a bio-break, he/she will be re-frisked upon re-entry to the lab and any time lost due to this process will not be compensated under any circumstances.
• Violation of any of the above guidelines including impersonation or breaking of code of conduct for CAT 2026 will lead to cancellation of candidature and/or legal action.

CAT Admit Card 2026: Exam-day guidelines

Candidates must reach the test centre of CAT 2026 at least one hour before the start of the session. Candidates should follow several guidelines on the day of the exam:

• Ensure to have two copies of the admit card printout of the CAT exam 2026. CAT admit card printout colour or black and white on A4-size paper must be carried at the exam centre.
• The CAT admit card 2026 will be valid only if the candidate's photo and signature are clearly printed.
• Candidates are required to show the CAT admit card colour or black and white printout during the CAT entrance examination.
• Authority will take photographs and IRIS of the candidate at the entry of the CAT test centre.
• Before handing it over for verification at the testing centre, be sure to attach the photo, as required, to the place where the CAT Exam Admit Card 2026 will be issued. Attach the same photo that was uploaded during the application process.
• All candidates should carry two simple pens and test-related documents. No other items are allowed.
• For rough work, all candidates will be given a writing pad, which they must return after completing the test.
• Candidates are advised to check the location of the examination centre on the Google Map link embedded in the electronic version of the CAT admit card 2026.
• Friends or relatives will not be allowed to enter the CAT test centre.
• Any request to change the examination centre will not be accepted.
• Mandatory to provide your attendance with a signature when asked in the CAT 2026 exam lab.
• Return the writing pad with all pages to the Invigilator after completing the exam.
• Candidates appearing for the examination are required to locate the floor and wing laboratory using the reference number given in the CAT Admit Card, where they are required to appear for the common admission test.
• Candidates with a metal implant, pacemaker, etc. in the body should bring the appropriate medical certificate to the test centre.
• After the CAT exam, hand over the duly signed CAT admit card 2026 to the invigilator in the exam lab.

Do's for CAT 2026 Exam Day

• Carry CAT admit card printout colour or black and white and Photo ID Proof
• Prior visit to the exam centre of CAT 2026
• Be on-time
• Check seating arrangements
• Verification of documents
• Rough work on scratch sheet
• Obey the invigilators
• Use washroom beforehand
• Submit admit card, writing pad

Don’ts on CAT 2026 Exam Day

Candidates who will appear in the CAT exam for an MBA should not do some of the things discussed below.

• Do not appear for the exam twice, otherwise, your candidacy for the CAT 2026 exam will be cancelled.
• Do not cheat during the exam.
• Please check the reporting time as latecomers will not be allowed at the CAT 2026 exam center.
• Do not engage in any malpractice such as fraud.
• Do not argue with any staff or candidate
• Do not use the keyboard at any time as it will lock your computer.

What not to carry to the CAT exam centre 2026

Candidates are advised not to carry any of the following electronic gadgets and not to wear any jewellery.

• Candidates should avoid carrying any electronic gadgets, such as mobile phones, digital watches, etc.
• Avoid wearing jackets or any form of Jewellery.
• Google, stationery items, and wallets should also not be brought to carry to the exam centre.

CAT 2026 Exam Day Workflow for Candidates

Problems in Downloading CAT Admit Card

Here are the answers to some of the common problems that candidates face while downloading the CAT exam admit card.

1. What to do if I have forgotten CAT user ID and password?

• Case 1: If the candidate forgets his/her CAT 2026 user ID and password, they should check the email or SMS that was sent to them on completion of the CAT registration process.
• Case 2: If the candidate loses the email or SMS, they can retrieve the CAT 2026 login credentials by following the steps given below:
  • First, click on the 'Registered Candidate login for CAT 2026' tab on the official website
  • Then, click on the 'Forgot User ID/Password' tab
  • Here, enter the registered email address and the captcha string
  • Then, click on 'Get user ID/password'
  • The new user ID and password will be sent to the registered email address of the candidate.
  • Sign in again using the new user ID or password and keep it safe for future reference.

NOTE: Regenerated passwords will not be sent as an SMS.

2. What to do if I have multiple CAT login passwords?

Candidates need to use the CAT 2026 login password that was sent in the most recent SMS. In case they are not able to login, they can create new user id and password using 'forgot password’ tab.

3. What to do if the CAT admit card download window is not loading?

This can happen due to a weak internet connection, an outdated browser, cache issues etc. Candidates must use good-speed internet and updated internet browsers like Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome to download the CAT admit card 2026. They must also clear the browser history and cache before beginning the download.

4. If I do not get CAT exam admit card in the login, what should I do?

If the candidates are unable to view the admit card after logging in, they are suggested to immediately contact the CAT helpdesk:

• Toll-free: 1-800-210-8720
• Email: cathelpdesk@iimcat.co.in

Errors to Check in CAT Admit Card 2026

• Name of the candidate should be the same as that filled in the CAT exam form 2026.
• CAT registration number 2026 mentioned on the admit card should be the same as the CAT user ID.
• Date of birth should be the same as mentioned in the CAT application and official documents.
• Caste category and PwD status must be specified correctly.
• CAT test city and centre address should be there along with the Google map link leading to the exact location of the test centre. CAT exam centre must be one of the options mentioned by the candidate in the application form.
• Photograph and signature of the candidate must be there on the admit card

How to rectify the errors in CAT 2026 admit card?

If the details on the CAT exam 2026 admit card are incorrect or missing then the candidates can reach out to the CAT examination helpline. CAT candidate helpdesk will be available on call from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The helpdesk will be closed on Sundays and on National/Public holidays.

• CAT helpline desk number: 1800-2108-720 (Toll-Free)
• CAT helpline email id: cathelpdesk@iimcat.ac.in

Common Problems while Downloading CAT 2026 Admit Card

A candidate might face some common issues at the time of downloading the CAT exam hall ticket. These problems are as follows:

1. Invalid Credentials: In case you have forgotten your credentials, you can click on 'Forget Password', and follow the process to change the password and download the CAT 2026 admit card.
2. Technical Issues on Website: It is common to face technical glitches due to heavy traffic on the official CAT website on the day of the release of the CAT 2026 admit card. In such scenarios, candidates must not panic and can always log in after some time.
3. Slow Internet Speed: To ensure that you face no problems in downloading the CAT admit card, you can switch to a faster internet speed.

CAT Candidate Login: Your One-Stop Dashboard

CAT candidate login stays relevant after the registration process. Through candidate login, candidates can:

• Download your CAT 2026 admit card.
• Check your CAT exam status, including CAT registration and form verification.
• View your CAT 2026 scorecard and result once announced.
• Download official communications and admit card PDFs again if needed.
• Access any CAT announcements or help desk messages.

CAT Exam Timings 2026

The CAT 2026 exam will be held in three slots on the same day. Candidates will be allotted slots for the examination on a first-come, first-served (submission of application) basis. Check below for detailed information about shift-wise CAT exam timings.

A detailed schedule for the CAT Shift-1,2 and 3 for reference