The CAT 2026 admit card download will begin on November 4, 2026, for candidates who have completed the registration process.
The exam will be held on November 29, 2026, in three sessions across around 170 cities. Candidates can access the admit card by logging in with their CAT application credentials.
The admit card is an important exam-day document. It mentions the candidate’s name, roll number, exam date, test slot, reporting time, photograph, signature and exam centre details.
Candidates must carry a printed copy of the admit card along with a valid original photo ID to the test centre.
CAT Admit Card 2026 Release Date
IIM Indore, the conducting institute for CAT 2026, will activate the admit card download facility on November 4, 2026. The registration window has already closed, with the last date being September 22, 2026, at 5:00 PM IST.
Candidates should download the admit card as soon as it becomes available instead of waiting until the last few days.
This gives enough time to check the exam centre, reporting time and other details and raise an issue if any discrepancy is found.
| CAT 2026 Event | Date |
| Registration Ends | September 22, 2026, at 5:00 PM |
| Admit Card Download Begins | November 4, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Exam | November 29, 2026 |
| Exam Sessions | Three |
| Test Cities | Around 170 |
How to Download CAT Admit Card 2026
The CAT 2026 admit card can be downloaded online through the candidate login. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the CAT 2026 website: Go to the official CAT 2026 website and open the candidate login section.
Step 2: Enter your login credentials: Use the login ID and password created during the CAT registration process. Enter the details carefully to access your application dashboard.
Step 3: Open the admit card section: After logging in, look for the CAT 2026 Admit Card download option. Click on it to view the document.
Step 4: Check the displayed information: Read the admit card carefully before downloading it. Pay particular attention to your name, roll number, test date, session, reporting time and test centre address.
Step 5: Download the PDF: Once all the information appears correct, download and save the CAT 2026 admit card PDF on your device.
Step 6: Take printouts: Print at least two copies of the admit card. Keep one copy safely for exam day and another as a backup.
What Details Are Mentioned on CAT 2026 Admit Card?
The admit card provides the information candidates need to reach and enter the allotted test centre. Check the following details after downloading it:
- Candidate’s name
- CAT registration or roll number
- Date of birth
- Photograph
- Signature
- CAT 2026 exam date
- Exam session and timing
- Reporting time
- Test centre name
- Complete exam centre address
- Category details
- PwD status, wherever applicable
- Other exam-day instructions
How to Check for Errors in CAT Admit Card 2026?
Do not wait until exam day to check the information on the admit card. Compare the details with the information entered during registration and your valid identification documents.
- Name and date of birth: Check whether your personal details are displayed correctly.
- Registration or roll number: Make sure the number matches your CAT application details.
- Photograph and signature: Ensure that both are visible and identifiable.
- Exam date and session: Confirm that the allotted date and slot are correct.
- Test centre: Check the centre name and complete address so you can plan your route in advance.
- Category and PwD information: Candidates who selected applicable categories should verify these details.
If you find an error, contact the CAT helpdesk as soon as possible. Do not make any changes to the downloaded document yourself.
Documents to Carry to the CAT 2026 Exam Centre
Candidates should prepare their exam-day documents well before November 29. The key items to carry include:
| Document | What to Carry |
| CAT Admit Card | Printed copy of the downloaded admit card |
| Photo ID | Original and valid photo identification |
| Photograph | Passport-size photograph as a backup |
| Additional documents | Any document specifically required in the admit card instructions |
A valid original photo ID may include an Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Voter ID or Driving Licence, subject to the instructions applicable to CAT 2026.
The admit card should be printed and carried as instructed. Candidates should also read the exam-day directions printed on it before leaving for the centre.
CAT 2026 Exam Date, Sessions and Test Cities
CAT 2026 will be conducted on Sunday, November 29, 2026, in three sessions. The test will be held across approximately 170 cities.
The total test duration will be 120 minutes. The question paper will have three sections:
| Section | Subject |
| Section I | Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension |
| Section II | Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning |
| Section III | Quantitative Ability |
What to Do After Downloading CAT Admit Card 2026?
Downloading the admit card is not the final step. Candidates should complete a few practical checks before the exam:
- Save the PDF on your phone or computer.
- Take at least two clear printouts.
- Check the test centre location and travel route.
- Note the reporting time mentioned on the admit card.
- Keep the original photo ID ready.
- Keep a passport-size photograph as a backup.
- Read all instructions printed on the admit card.
- Check whether any additional document has been specified.
- Avoid waiting until the last day to arrange exam-day documents.
Conclusion
With the admit card release scheduled for November 4 and the exam on November 29, candidates will have only a short final phase to sharpen their preparation.
The focus should shift towards timed practice, mock tests, section-wise revision and identifying recurring mistakes.
For structured preparation, the MBA Karo CAT 2026 Course can help candidates organise their final preparation with focused learning and practice.
Candidates can use this phase to strengthen their weaker areas while continuing regular mock-test analysis before CAT 2026.
CAT 2026 Admit Card FAQs
Q. When will the CAT 2026 admit card be released?
A. The CAT 2026 admit card download facility will begin on November 4, 2026.
Q. When is the CAT 2026 exam?
A. CAT 2026 will be conducted on November 29, 2026, which falls on a Sunday.
Q. Who can download the CAT 2026 admit card?
A. Only candidates who successfully completed the CAT 2026 registration process can access the admit card through their login credentials.
Q. How many copies of the CAT admit card should I print?
A. It is advisable to keep at least two printed copies so that you have a backup in case one copy is misplaced.
Q. What ID proof is required for CAT 2026?
A. Candidates should carry an original valid photo ID, such as an Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Voter ID or Driving Licence, as permitted under the exam instructions.
Q, What should I do if there is an error on my CAT admit card?
A. Contact the CAT helpdesk immediately if you find an incorrect personal detail, exam information or other discrepancy. Do not alter the admit card yourself.