CAT 2026 Admit Card Date has been officially scheduled for November 4, 2026, by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore on the central examination portal at iimcat.ac.in. Candidates who successfully registered for the Common Admission Test 2026 will be able to log in using their User ID and Password to download their hall ticket until the exam day on November 29, 2026. Ahead of the admit card release, IIM Indore is activating the official CAT mock test navigation portal and opening a limited application correction window from October 5 to October 6, 2026, to allow aspirants to verify photograph, signature, and city preferences.
Latest status — verified on October 1, 2026: IIM Indore has confirmed that the official CAT 2026 admit cards will be live for download starting November 4, 2026 (05:00 PM) on iimcat.ac.in. The official application correction window will be open from October 5, 2026 (10:00 AM) to October 6, 2026 (05:00 PM).
The Common Admission Test is the primary gateway for admission to MBA and PGDM programs across all 21 IIMs, FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, and over 100 top management institutions in India. Aspirants can assess their percentile targets and shortlist top business schools using our interactive All India College Predictor Hub.
CAT 2026 Master Timeline and Key Dates
IIM Indore conducts CAT 2026 in computer-based testing mode across three distinct time slots. Below is the verified schedule of all remaining milestones:
| Exam Activity / Milestone | Official Date / Timeline | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Online Registration Window | Closed on September 22, 2026 | Completed / Historical |
| Application Correction Window (Photo / Sign / City) | October 5 (10:00 AM) to October 6, 2026 (05:00 PM) | Upcoming |
| Official Mock Test Portal Release | October 2026 | Scheduled on iimcat.ac.in |
| CAT 2026 Admit Card Date (Download Starts) | November 4, 2026 (05:00 PM) | Confirmed Official |
| Admit Card Download Closing Date | November 29, 2026 (Exam Day) | Scheduled |
| CAT 2026 Examination Date (Sunday) | November 29, 2026 (3 Shifts) | Confirmed Official |
| Provisional Answer Key and Objection Window | First week of December 2026 | Expected |
| CAT 2026 Result and Scorecard Declaration | Second week of January 2027 | Expected |
| Last Content Revision / Verification Date | October 1, 2026 | Confirmed Official |
Step-by-Step Guide to Download CAT 2026 Admit Card
When the download link opens on November 4, 2026, follow these simple steps to obtain your hall ticket:
- Visit the Official Portal: Open your browser and go to iimcat.ac.in.
- Click on Registered Candidate Login: Click on the Login button under the CAT 2026 Applicants section.
- Enter User ID and Password: Input your registered User ID and Password, followed by the Captcha security code.
- Navigate to Hall Ticket Tab: Inside your candidate dashboard, click on the tab titled Admit Card.
- Download and Check Details: Click on the download link to save the PDF file on your device.
- Print Clear Copies: Print at least two color copies of the admit card on A4 size paper. Ensure your photo, barcode, and signature are sharp and visible.
Crucial Verification Details on Your CAT Admit Card
Candidates must carefully check every detail printed on their admit card before exam day:
| Admit Card Field | What to Verify |
|---|---|
| Candidate Name and DOB | Must match your 10th certificate and government photo ID exactly |
| Registration / Roll Number | Unique identification number used for test venue login |
| Exam Slot and Reporting Time | Shift 1 (Morning), Shift 2 (Afternoon), or Shift 3 (Evening) with exact gate closing time |
| Test Center Name and Google Map Link | Exact building address, center code, and location map link |
| Emergency Instructions | Permitted items (Original ID proof, transparent pen) and prohibited items (watches, phones) |
CAT 2026 Official Mock Test: Purpose and How to Use It
The official mock test released by IIM Indore on iimcat.ac.in is a vital resource for all aspirants. Here is why taking the official mock test matters:
- Real Exam Interface Familiarization: It mirrors the actual computer-based testing software, including the question palette, color-coded answer flags, and countdown timer.
- On-Screen Calculator Practice: Candidates can practice using the virtual calculator on the screen, learning when to calculate on paper versus using mouse clicks.
- Navigation and Section Switching: The mock test enforces the strict 40-minute sectional time limit, preventing candidates from jumping between sections early.
- Non-MCQ (TITA) Entry Practice: You can practice typing numerical answers into the on-screen keypad for Type In The Answer (TITA) questions.
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern, Sectional Timings, and Marking Scheme
The CAT 2026 exam contains 66 questions spread across three standard sections. Candidates have exactly 40 minutes per section, giving a total testing time of 120 minutes (2 hours):
| Section Name | Number of Questions | Sectional Time Limit | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 Questions | 40 Minutes | 72 Marks |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 Questions | 40 Minutes | 60 Marks |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 Questions | 40 Minutes | 66 Marks |
| Total Exam Structure | 66 Questions | 120 Minutes (2 Hours) | 198 Marks |
Marking Scheme:
- Correct Answer: +3 Marks
- Incorrect Answer (Multiple Choice): -1 Mark penalty
- Incorrect Answer (TITA / Non-MCQ): 0 Marks (No negative marking)
- Unattempted Question: 0 Marks
CAT 2026 Application Correction Window Guide
If you made a mistake during the registration process, IIM Indore is offering a brief correction window:
- Window Duration: October 5, 2026 (10:00 AM) to October 6, 2026 (05:00 PM).
- Editable Fields: You can update and re-upload your passport-size photograph, digital signature, and modify your test city preferences from the available centers.
- Locked Fields: Candidate name, date of birth, registered email ID, mobile number, and category details cannot be modified during this window.
Strategic Next Steps for the Final 60-Day Sprint
With the exam taking place on November 29, 2026, here is how serious aspirants should spend the remaining weeks:
- Take Full-Length Mocks in Slot Timings: Attempt 2 to 3 full-length mock tests each week during your assigned shift timing (Morning: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM, Afternoon: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, Evening: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM).
- Sectional Time Management: Avoid getting stuck on difficult DILR sets or lengthy Reading Comprehension passages. Aim for high accuracy on solvable questions first.
- Explore Target Percentiles: Review cutoffs for IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, and top non-IIM institutions.
- Personalized Mentorship: For tailored profile evaluation, MBA specialization guidance, and GD-PI roadmaps, you can Book a Free Admission Counselling Session with our senior management advisors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About CAT 2026 Admit Card Date
Q1: What is the confirmed CAT 2026 Admit Card Date?
Answer: The CAT 2026 admit cards will be available for download starting November 4, 2026, on the official website iimcat.ac.in.
Q2: When will the CAT 2026 examination be conducted?
Answer: The CAT 2026 exam will be held on Sunday, November 29, 2026, across three time slots nationwide.
Q3: Which IIM is conducting the CAT 2026 exam?
Answer: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore is conducting CAT 2026 on behalf of all participating IIMs.
Q4: When does the CAT 2026 application correction window open?
Answer: The correction window opens on October 5, 2026, at 10:00 AM and closes on October 6, 2026, at 05:00 PM on iimcat.ac.in.
Q5: What details can be edited during the CAT correction window?
Answer: Candidates can update their photograph, signature, and test city preferences. Personal and academic details remain locked.
Q6: What is the exam duration and total marks for CAT 2026?
Answer: The exam is 120 minutes long with 66 questions for a total of 198 marks, divided into three 40-minute sections (VARC, DILR, and QA).
Q7: Is there negative marking for TITA questions in CAT?
Answer: No, Type In The Answer (TITA) non-MCQ questions carry zero negative marking for wrong answers.
Q8: Where can I access the official CAT mock test?
Answer: The official mock test will be activated on the official website at iimcat.ac.in under the candidate preparation section.
Sources Checked and Editorial Verification
- Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) Official CAT Portal
- Indian Institute of Management Indore (Conducting Institute)
Update Policy: This page will be revised immediately when the counselling authority publishes a new official notification or revised schedule. Last updated on October 1, 2026.