CAT 2026 Admit Card Date and Exam City details are officially confirmed for release on November 4, 2026, on the official portal at iimcat.ac.in. Registered MBA candidates can log in from 5:00 PM onwards to download their official hall ticket. Many students ask if a separate city intimation slip comes out earlier like engineering tests. For CAT, the Indian Institutes of Management do not publish a separate city slip. Your allotted test city, test center venue address, and exam slot appear directly on your admit card.
Latest Update Date — Verified on October 24, 2026: The official CAT 2026 organizing committee has confirmed that admit cards will go live for download on November 4, 2026, at 5:00 PM. The national entrance exam takes place across three computer test sessions on Sunday, November 29, 2026.
CAT 2026 Admit Card Date and Exam City Schedule
Keep these verified schedule milestones in your study calendar. They help you organize your travel and test day plan early.
| Event Milestone | Official Date | Important Details |
|---|---|---|
| Admit Card Download Starts | November 4, 2026 (5:00 PM) | Download link goes live on iimcat.ac.in candidate login |
| Admit Card Download Closes | November 29, 2026 (5:00 PM) | Available until your exam session begins |
| Official Mock Test Release | First Week of November 2026 | Practice navigation, on-screen calculator, and timer layout |
| CAT 2026 Examination Date | November 29, 2026 (Sunday) | Conducted across 170 test cities in three shifts |
| Answer Key and Objection Window | First Week of December 2026 | Download official response sheet and calculate score |
| Final CAT Result Declaration | Second Week of January 2027 | Official percentile scorecards released for IIM shortlists |
Why Is There No Separate City Intimation Slip for CAT?
National Testing Agency exams like JEE Main or NEET release an advance city intimation slip one week before hall tickets. Students often wonder if CAT does the same thing. For the common admission test, IIMs follow a direct single-step release.
When you check your CAT 2026 Admit Card Date and Exam City on November 4, your complete center address is already printed on the PDF. This includes your test center code, full building address, assigned shift time, and gate closing time. You do not need to wait for two separate downloads.
CAT 2026 Exam Day Shift Timings and Reporting Rules
The exam takes place in three separate shifts on Sunday, November 29, 2026. Your admit card clearly shows which slot you must attend. You cannot request a change in test slot or test city.
| Exam Shift | Test Timings | Reporting Time | Gate Closing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shift 1 (Morning) | 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM | 7:00 AM | 8:15 AM sharp |
| Shift 2 (Afternoon) | 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM | 11:00 AM | 12:15 PM sharp |
| Shift 3 (Evening) | 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM | 3:00 PM | 4:15 PM sharp |
Reach your exam venue at least 90 minutes before your test starts. Test center gates close 15 minutes before the exam begins. If you arrive late by even one minute, center security will not permit entry.
Step-by-Step Guide to Download CAT 2026 Admit Card
Follow these simple steps on November 4 to save your hall ticket safely:
- Go to the official website: iimcat.ac.in.
- Click on the Registered Candidate Login tab on the homepage.
- Enter your unique User ID and Password generated during registration.
- Type the security captcha code shown on the screen and click Login.
- Click on the Admit Card tab on your dashboard.
- Select your assessment and click Download.
- Save the PDF file on your computer and print at least two laser printouts on clean white paper.
Critical Checklist: Verify Every Detail on Your Hall Ticket
As soon as you download your hall ticket, inspect every line carefully. Look for these specific details:
- Candidate Name: Check that your name matches your original photo identity card exactly.
- Registration Number: Match this number with your CAT application confirmation slip.
- Category and PwD Status: Confirm that your category reservation matches your uploaded certificates.
- Photograph and Signature: Both must be sharp, clear, and visible without blur.
- Test City and Venue Address: Look up the exact venue location on online maps a day earlier to plan travel time.
- Session and Timings: Confirm your exact shift, test timing, and gate closure time.
If you spot any typing error or blurry photo, contact the CAT helpdesk immediately through email at [email protected] or call their toll-free support line.
Mandatory Documents to Carry on Exam Day
To enter the test center without stress, carry these items inside your clear folder:
- Printed Admit Card: A clear printout with your passport photo pasted in the designated box. Use the same photo you uploaded during registration.
- Original Valid Government Photo ID: Carry your original Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, PAN Card, or Driving License. Photocopies, scanned photos on mobile phones, or laminated printouts are strictly rejected.
- PwD or Scribe Certificates: If you requested scribe support or extra time, carry all official medical certificates and signed affidavits.
- Transparent Ballpoint Pen: For signing the attendance sheet and rough sheet calculations. Scratch work paper will be provided at your computer desk.
Plan Your MBA Admissions and Explore College Predictors
Scoring well in CAT opens doors to 21 IIMs and hundreds of top management institutes across India. Knowing what percentile you need for individual colleges helps you stay confident during preparation.
Use our interactive tools to evaluate cutoffs, admission rounds, and interview calls:
- Check category-wise percentile cutoffs on our All India College Predictor Hub.
- Get personalized guidance for GD-PI preparation and college selection by choosing to Book a Free Admission Counselling Session with our experienced MBA mentors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About CAT 2026 Admit Card Date and Exam City
Q1: What is the exact release date for the CAT 2026 admit card?
Answer: The admit card goes live on November 4, 2026, starting at 5:00 PM on the official website iimcat.ac.in.
Q2: Will IIM issue a separate exam city intimation slip for CAT 2026?
Answer: No. IIM does not issue a separate advance city slip. Your allotted test city and complete center address are printed directly on your admit card.
Q3: Can I change my allotted CAT exam city or exam slot after admit card release?
Answer: No. Requests for changing the exam center, test city, or test session are strictly rejected by the CAT committee under all circumstances.
Q4: Do I need a color printout of the CAT admit card?
Answer: A color printout on white A4 paper is recommended because your photograph and barcode must be easily readable by center scanners.
Q5: What should I do if my login password is forgotten?
Answer: Click on the Forgot User ID / Password link on the iimcat.ac.in login page. A reset link or new password will be sent to your registered email address.
Sources Checked and Editorial Verification
- Official CAT 2026 Website (iimcat.ac.in)
- IIM CAT 2026 Official Information Bulletin and Media Release
Update Policy: This page will be revised immediately when the counselling authority publishes a new official notification or revised schedule.