CAT 2026 will be conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on November 29, 2026, Sunday, in three sessions.
The computer-based exam will last 120 minutes, with 40 minutes allotted to each of the three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Candidates cannot switch between sections during the test.
The CAT 2026 admit card will be available for download from November 4 to November 29, 2026. Candidates must check their allotted test centre and carry a valid original photo ID.
Knowing the exam-day rules, prohibited items, and section-wise time limits can help prevent avoidable problems at the test centre.
MBA Karo CAT 2026 Online Course
CAT Exam Day 2026: Important Guidelines
Candidates appearing for CAT 2026 must follow the examination rules and instructions provided by the IIMs. Keep these points in mind before leaving for the test centre:
- Download the admit card: Download your CAT 2026 admit card before November 29. Check the details printed on it, including your test centre and other examination information.
- Check the test centre address: CAT 2026 will be held across approximately 170 test cities. Your admit card will specify the name of your allotted test centre. Check its location in advance to plan your journey.
- Carry an original photo ID: Bring a valid original photo identity document, such as a PAN card, Aadhaar card, Voter ID, Passport or Driving Licence.
- Follow the instructions on the admit card: Read the exam-day directions carefully. Pay attention to the reporting time, entry requirements and any additional instructions issued for your session.
- Plan your travel: Allow enough time to reach the centre. Unfamiliar routes, traffic and delays can affect your arrival, so plan your journey before exam day.
- Keep your documents ready: Arrange your admit card and original photo ID before leaving home. This will help you avoid last-minute searches.
CAT Exam Day Do’s 2026
Following a simple checklist can help you complete the entry formalities and focus on the test.
1. Carry the Required Documents
Keep your CAT 2026 admit card and original photo ID ready for verification. Check that the information on your documents is correct and that your identity document is valid.
Do not rely on a photocopy or a digital image of your ID when the instructions require the original document.
2. Understand the Three-Section Exam Pattern
CAT 2026 will have three sections: VARC, DILR and QA. Each section will have a fixed duration of 40 minutes, making the total examination time 120 minutes.
Candidates must answer questions within the active section’s time limit. Once a section ends, they cannot return to it or move to another section at will.
Keep this restriction in mind while deciding how much time to spend on a difficult question.
3. Practise Time Management Before the Exam
Use mock tests to practise answering questions within the 40-minute sectional limit. This is particularly useful for candidates who tend to spend too long on lengthy reading passages, complex data sets or calculation-heavy questions.
During practice, identify the question types that take you the longest to solve. Work on recognising when to move to another question within the same section.
Since CAT has a fixed sectional timer, effective time allocation matters throughout the test.
4. Check Your Exam-Day Arrangements in Advance
Confirm your test centre, organise your documents and plan your route before the examination date. Avoid leaving these tasks until the morning of November 29.
Completing these arrangements early will allow you to concentrate on the examination rather than travel or document-related issues.
5. Read the On-Screen Instructions Carefully
Pay attention to the instructions displayed before the examination begins. Follow the directions given by the test-centre staff and use the computer interface as instructed.
If you are unsure about an examination procedure, seek clarification from the authorised staff before proceeding.
CAT Exam Day Don’ts 2026
Candidates must avoid the following mistakes to prevent difficulties during entry or the examination.
1. Do Not Carry Prohibited Electronic Devices
Electronic gadgets and personal accessories that are not permitted inside the examination area should be left at home. The prohibited items listed include:
- Mobile phones and smartphones
- Smartwatches and digital wristwatches
- Watches of any kind, including analogue and digital watches
- Calculators
- Cameras and iPads
- iPods and Bluetooth devices
- Headsets and earphones
- Scanners and laptops
- Other electronic gadgets
2. Do Not Carry Personal Stationery or Study Materials
Personal stationery, metal items and study materials are part of prohibited items.
Do not pack rough sheets, notes, books or other materials without checking the official instructions. Follow the test-centre rules regarding the items you may use during the test.
3. Do Not Spend Too Long on One Question
A difficult question can consume valuable time, especially when a section has a strict 40-minute limit. Avoid spending an excessive amount of time on a single problem.
Practise making decisions about question selection before exam day so that you can use the available time more effectively.
4. Do Not Expect to Switch Sections Freely
CAT 2026 does not allow candidates to move between sections while answering questions in a section. You cannot leave a section midway to solve questions from another part of the paper.
Complete your approach for the active section within its allotted time.
5. Do Not Ignore Examination Instructions
Avoid assumptions about entry requirements, permitted belongings or computer-based test procedures. Follow the directions issued by the IIMs and the test-centre authorities.
If any instruction on your admit card differs from general preparation advice, carefully follow the applicable official examination directions.
CAT Exam Day Checklist 2026
Before leaving for the test centre on November 29, verify the following:
- CAT 2026 admit card downloaded and ready
- Original, valid photo ID packed
- Test centre address checked
- Travel route and journey time planned
- Prohibited electronic devices left at home
- Personal stationery and study materials checked against the official rules
- Sectional timing and no-section-switching rule understood
Conclusion
Knowing the exam-day rules is only one part of CAT preparation. Candidates also need to practise solving questions under timed conditions, improve accuracy and become familiar with the sectional time limits.
The MBA Karo CAT Online Course can support preparation through structured learning and practice. Use mock tests and previous year question papers alongside your preparation to assess performance and identify areas that need more work.
With CAT 2026 scheduled for November 29, use the remaining preparation time to strengthen weak areas, practise full-length tests and refine your time-management strategy.
Keep your documents ready, follow the official exam-day instructions and enter the test centre prepared for the 120-minute examination.
