CAT Admit Card 2026 Out notice has been officially issued by the Indian Institutes of Management on the official admission portal at iimcat.ac.in. Registered MBA candidates can now log in using their User ID and Password to download their hall ticket. Along with the hall ticket download link, the conducting authority has activated the official practice mock test to help students understand the real computer-based exam format. Over 3.3 lakh students are appearing for the Common Admission Test this year across 170 test cities. This complete guide provides direct download steps, official mock test access, paper pattern details, and exam hall security rules.
Latest Update Date — Verified on November 6, 2026: The official CAT 2026 admit card download link and official practice mock test are now live on iimcat.ac.in. Candidates can access their hall ticket until the exam day on November 29, 2026.
Indian Institutes of Management Official Portal (iimcat.ac.in)
CAT Admit Card 2026 Out: Key Dates and Exam Schedule
The Common Admission Test is held across three separate shifts on the last Sunday of November. With the CAT Admit Card 2026 Out announcement, candidates must verify their assigned slot, reporting hours, and test venue. Keep these verified dates noted:
| Exam Event | Official Schedule and Timings |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT 2026) |
| Conducting Body | Indian Institute of Management (IIM) |
| Admit Card Release Date | November 6, 2026 (Live on Portal) |
| Official Mock Test Release | November 6, 2026 (Available on iimcat.ac.in) |
| Exam Date | November 29, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Shift 1 (Morning Slot) | 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM (Reporting at 7:00 AM) |
| Shift 2 (Afternoon Slot) | 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM (Reporting at 11:00 AM) |
| Shift 3 (Evening Slot) | 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM (Reporting at 3:00 PM) |
| Official Portal Link | iimcat.ac.in |
How to Download Hall Ticket After CAT Admit Card 2026 Out
Downloading your hall ticket takes only a few simple steps. Now that the CAT Admit Card 2026 Out link is live, follow these instructions to get your PDF copy:
- Open the Official Website: Go to the official IIM CAT website at iimcat.ac.in.
- Click on Candidate Login: Find the button titled “Login (Registered Candidate for CAT 2026)” on the homepage.
- Enter Your Details: Type your CAT User ID and your Password. Fill in the visual captcha code shown on the screen.
- Access Admit Card Tab: Once inside your profile, click on the “Admit Card” tab located on the dashboard menu.
- Download and Print: Select your assessment session, click on “Download”, and print out at least two clear color copies on clean A4 paper.
Official Mock Test Link and Interface Guide
Every serious MBA aspirant should attempt the official mock test immediately after the CAT Admit Card 2026 Out notification. The official mock test replicates the exact testing software you will face on exam day. It helps you practice using the on-screen digital calculator, navigating between questions, and understanding the color-coded question palette.
You can access the practice test directly on iimcat.ac.in using guest credentials. Taking this test gives you hands-on experience with the strict 40-minute sectional timer.
CAT 2026 Paper Pattern and Sectional Breakdown
The structure of the test remains consistent with previous editions. With the CAT Admit Card 2026 Out confirmation, students should structure their final preparation around these specific paper guidelines:
- Total Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours).
- Sectional Time Limit: Exactly 40 minutes for each section. The screen automatically moves to the next section when 40 minutes end. You cannot switch back to previous sections.
- Section 1 (VARC): Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension contains 24 questions.
- Section 2 (DILR): Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning contains 20 questions.
- Section 3 (QA): Quantitative Ability contains 22 questions.
- Total Questions: 66 questions combining multiple-choice and non-MCQ type-in-the-answer (TITA) questions.
- Marking Scheme: You receive +3 marks for every correct answer. You lose 1 mark for each wrong MCQ choice. There is zero negative marking for incorrect TITA questions.
Student Math: Managing Sectional Timings Wisely
Because the test locks each section after 40 minutes, time strategy makes a massive difference in your final percentile:
- Student A: Attempted the official mock test after the CAT Admit Card 2026 Out notice. Student A practiced picking the 12 easiest questions in each section, spending about 3 minutes per question. With high accuracy, Student A scored 36 marks in VARC, 30 marks in DILR, and 33 marks in QA, achieving a competitive 99+ percentile.
- Student B: Did not take the mock test. Student B got stuck on an introductory hard puzzle in DILR for 18 minutes, panicked, and could only attempt 6 questions before the screen locked automatically. Even with great preparation, Student B lost marks due to poor time control.
Practicing with the real mock test interface prevents this kind of panic on exam morning.
New Exam Security: Face Matching and Mobile Jammers
IIMs have introduced advanced security measures to maintain complete test integrity. Now that the CAT Admit Card 2026 Out circular is published, candidates must prepare for these strict verification protocols at all test centers:
- AI Face Matching: Testing staff will use digital face comparison at registration desks to verify your live face against your uploaded application photograph.
- Electronic Mobile Jammers: All exam halls feature high-range mobile jammers that block cellular, 4G, 5G, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth signals throughout the exam hours.
- Strict Biometric Check: Digital thumb impressions and photo scans are taken before you enter your assigned computer terminal.
What to Carry to the Examination Center
When you travel to your designated center after the CAT Admit Card 2026 Out release, bring these mandatory items:
- A clean, color printout of your CAT 2026 Admit Card with your photograph clearly visible.
- An original government photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, PAN Card, or Driving License).
- One additional passport-sized photograph identical to the one uploaded during registration.
- Medical certificate and scribe affidavit (only for PwD candidates, if applicable).
To evaluate your expected percentile and shortlist suitable business schools, visit our All India College Predictor Hub. You can also discuss personalized admission planning with our senior mentors by choosing to Book a Free Admission Counselling Session today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About CAT Admit Card 2026 Out
Q1: Where can I download my hall ticket now that the CAT Admit Card 2026 Out announcement is made?
Answer: You can download your hall ticket on the official website at iimcat.ac.in by clicking on the registered candidate login link and entering your User ID and Password.
Q2: Is the official mock test available after the CAT Admit Card 2026 Out release?
Answer: Yes. IIM has activated the official CAT 2026 mock test link on iimcat.ac.in so candidates can practice with the official calculator, interface, and 40-minute timer.
Q3: What is the marking scheme for CAT 2026?
Answer: Each correct response awards +3 marks. For wrong MCQ responses, 1 mark is deducted. There is no negative marking for TITA (non-MCQ) questions or unattempted questions.
Q4: Can I change my exam city after the CAT Admit Card 2026 Out update?
Answer: No. The exam center and slot printed on your admit card are final and cannot be changed under any circumstances.
Q5: What are the shift timings on CAT exam day?
Answer: The exam is held in three shifts: Shift 1 from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM, Shift 2 from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, and Shift 3 from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM.
Sources Checked and Editorial Verification
- Indian Institutes of Management Official Portal (iimcat.ac.in)
- Official CAT 2026 Media Release and Examination Guidelines
Update Policy: This page will be revised immediately when the counselling authority publishes a new official notification or revised schedule.