CAT Admit Card 2026: Download Link, Release Date, Steps to Download

CAT Admit Card 2026 will be released on November 4, 2026, only through online mode on the CAT 2026 official website at iimcat.ac.in. The CAT admit card 2026 download last date is November 29, 2026. IIM Indore will conduct the CAT exam 2026 on November 29, 2026, in the online Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode in 3 slots. Registered candidates must appear for the CAT exam 2026 only in the slot mentioned on the CAT hall ticket 2026.

• Candidates must enter their registered User ID and Password at the CAT 2026 official website to download their CAT admit cards 2026.
• There are 400 test centres for CAT 2026 in 170 cities.
• Important details such as the candidate’s name, category, registration number, photograph, signature, exam date, allotted test centre, address of the allotted exam centre, exam slot, reporting time, and exam day instructions will be mentioned on the CAT exam admit card 2026. The exam centre allotted to a candidate will have a Google Maps link attached.
• In case of any errors or discrepancies in the admit card, immediately contact the CAT helpline at +91-0522-6696676 in the time slot of 9:30 - 5:30.

Check: CAT Mock Test 2026

CAT Admit Card Download Link 2026

CAT Admit Card download link for 2026 will be activated on the official CAT website, iimcat.ac.in, from November 4, 2026. Registered candidates must log in with their User ID and Password to access their CAT admit cards 2026. The direct link for CAT Admit Card download 2026 will be provided below once it is made active on the CAT official website.

CAT Admit Card Release Date 2026

CAT Admit Card Release Date 2026 is November 4, 2026, as per the CAT 2026 official information bulletin. The last date to download CAT Admit Card 2026 is November 29, 2026 (CAT exam date). The important dates related to the CAT admit card 2026, including the admit card release date and the last date to download it before the examination, are provided below.

How to Download CAT Admit Card Step-by-Step?

CAT admit card 2026 can be downloaded by registered candidates by logging in to the CAT 2026 official portal using their login credentials. A stable internet connection and CAT login credentials are the prerequisites for CAT admit card download.

Where Can I Download CAT Admit Card 2026?

Candidates who complete the registration for the CAT exam 2026 and payment of the application by September 15, 2026 (until 5:00 PM) can download their CAT admit cards 2026 only through online mode from the official CAT 2026 website at iimcat.ac.in. Candidates must visit the official CAT admit card portal, click on the 'CAT 2026 Candidate Login' tab, and insert their registered User ID and Password to download their CAT exam admit cards 2026. The admit card of CAT exam 2026 will not be sent to the registered candidates via email or post.

CAT Admit Card Download 2026

CAT admit card 2026 must be downloaded using any of the three web browsers with the latest versions to download the CAT admit card 2026: Mozilla Firefox- Version 115 and above, Google Chrome- Version 115 and above, Microsoft Edge- Version 115 and above. Follow the steps given below to download the CAT IIM Admit Card 2026 successfully:

How Many Copies of CAT Admit Card 2026 are Required?

A minimum of 3 copies of the CAT admit card 2026 are required, of which candidates must carry at least two printed copies to the examination centre. Candidates must take colour and black-and-white printouts on A4-size paper, provided the photograph, signature, and text are clearly visible. One copy is mandatory to be carried to the CAT exam centre for verification and entry into the exam hall. Another copy is kept as a backup in case the original is misplaced or damaged. An extra copy must be kept for future admission processes and document verification at the respective institutes.

Details Mentioned on CAT Admit Card 2026

CAT Admit Card 2026 contains all the essential personal information and exam-related particulars required for candidate identity verification and entry into the examination hall, such as the candidate's name, registration number, exam date, reporting time, exam centre address, photograph, signature, etc. The admit card of CAT exam 2026 includes the following details that must be verified carefully after downloading:

What Documents Should I Carry for the CAT Exam 2026?

CAT Admit Card 2026 (2 printed copies) must be carried to the CAT examination centre along with other relevant documents to the allotted CAT exam centres. An original government-issued photo identity proof must be carried for verification purposes, in which the candidate’s name must match the details printed on the admit card. The following is the list of acceptable documents that students can bring to the examination centre for identification purposes:

What are the Instructions for the CAT Exam Day 2026?

CAT Admit Card 2026 contains detailed exam day instructions that candidates must go through before appearing for the examination. CAT exam 2026 test-takers must adhere to these guidelines to ensure a fair, smooth, and hassle-free verification process and exam experience. Candidates must also visit the exam centre location a day before the actual exam to prevent unnecessary delays on the exam day. The detailed instructions for the CAT exam day 2026 are provided below:

• Candidates must reach the CAT examination centre at least 90 minutes before reporting time. The ideal reporting times are 7:00 AM for Slot 1, 11:00 AM for Slot 2, and 3:00 PM for Slot 3.
• Carrying a printed copy of the CAT Admit Card 2026 is mandatory to be allowed to enter the exam centre.
• All candidates must carry both the original and photocopies of a valid original government-issued photo identity proof (Aadhaar card/ voter card/ PAN card/ driver’s license). Only the printed CAT admit card 2026 and the photo ID proof will be allowed inside the examination hall.
• Candidates will be provided with a writing pad and a pen for rough work at the CAT exam centre. They should submit these items before leaving the examination hall.
• Signing on the admit cards of CAT exam 2026 beforehand is not allowed. Candidates can do the signature after entering the examination hall, in front of the invigilator.
• Candidates should attach their photograph to the admit card, which should match the one already submitted during the CAT application process.
• It is crucial for candidates to cooperate during biometric verification and follow the seating instructions given by the invigilator. They are not allowed to leave the examination hall without receiving permission from the invigilator.
• Candidates must not carry electronic devices inside the examination hall. Mobile phones, smart watches, Bluetooth devices, calculators, notes, books, bags, wallets, earphones are prohibited inside the exam hall.

Read More: CAT 2026: Mistakes to Avoid on CAT Exam Day

Errors to Check in the CAT Admit Card 2026

CAT admit card 2026 must contain the data that matches the details provided in the CAT application form 2026. After downloading the CAT admit cards 2026, candidates are required to check all the details mentioned on it. Given below is the list of details that should be the same on both the admit card and the application form:

• The candidate’s name printed on the admit card and its spelling should be the same as the one on the CAT application form.
• The Registration number of the candidate on the admit card should be the same as the registered user ID.
• Date of birth of the candidate should be the same as mentioned in the application form and other official documents.
• Caste category status of the candidate should be the same as in the application form.
• PwD/DA status of the candidate should be the same as mentioned in the application form.
• The location of the test centre must match one of the preferred test cities mentioned in your application form. This means at least one of the test centres must be in one of the cities mentioned in the registration form.
• The Photograph and Signature of the candidate must be clearly visible on the admit card.

Correction of Discrepancy in the CAT Admit Card 2026

CAT Admit Card 2026 details must be verified immediately after downloading it, and if candidates find any errors in their CAT IIM admit cards 2026, in personal information or exam details, they must contact the CAT exam authorities to get them rectified as soon as possible. The errors that must be reported immediately include the following:

Given below are the ways candidates can choose from to rectify the errors present in their admit cards:

• Candidates can contact the CAT helpline at 1800-210-8270 (toll-free).
• They can also drop an email regarding the issue with the admit card to cathelpdesk@iimcat.ac.in.

How do I Know my CAT Exam Centre 2026?

Candidates can know their exact CAT exam centre name, complete address of the allotted exam centre, and reporting time by downloading their official CAT admit cards 2026 from the official CAT 2026 website once they are released. The exam centre assigned on the admit card of CAT exam 2026 will be based on the test cities selected by the candidate during registration 2026 and the availability of seats at the exam-conducting centre. Once the CAT exam centre 2026 is allotted, candidates will not be allowed to change it. The CAT exam centre code and shift timing will also be mentioned on the CAT admit card 2026.

CAT Admit Card 2026 will contain a Google Maps link that will be directly linked to the location of the designated exam centres. Candidates can use this link to locate their CAT Exam Centres 2026, get more information about the mode of transport, check the distance, and understand the time it will take to reach there. Here’s how candidates can use this feature:

• Candidates must open the CAT Admit Card 2026 and click on the Google Maps link provided there.
• They will be redirected to Google Maps.
• Next, they are required to click on the ‘Directions’ option.
• Finally, they must enter the starting point and choose a travel mode to estimate the time required to reach the venue.

Can we Change CAT Exam Centre 2026 before Admit Card?

Candidates can change CAT exam centre 2026 before the release of the IIM CAT Admit Card 2026. They can select up to 5 different CAT test cities based on the order of preference and depending on location, from approximately 170 test cities spread across the country. CAT exam city preferences can be edited if the candidate’s priorities for the test city have changed and the cities must be chosen in the order of his/her latest preference.

Where can I Find CAT Exam Centres 2026 in Delhi?

Candidates can find CAT exam centres in Delhi in New Delhi, Faridabad, Gurugram, Noida, and Ghaziabad. Candidates can choose up to six preferred test cities during the online CAT application process 2026 on the IIMCAT official website.

Where are the CAT Exam Centres 2026 Located in Kerala?

CAT exam centres in Kerala are located in cities like Ernakulam / Kochi, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, Kollam, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Kannur, Malappuram, and Palakkad. Candidates will find the exact name and address of their specific CAT exam 2026 venue inside their chosen city printed on their admit card. While choosing the CAT exam cities, candidates must pick their closest city first, as allotment will be based on seat availability and order of preferences.

Problems Faced During CAT Admit Card Download 2026

Problems faced during CAT admit card download 2026 are usually technical or login-related. These issues are temporary and can be resolved easily, but some of them need to be reported to the CAT helpdesk immediately.

• If a candidate is unable to log in to the CAT 2026 official website, it is usually because he/she has entered the incorrect User ID or Password. The login credentials must be verified correctly in this case.
• Due to heavy traffic on the CAT official website, the CAT 2026 website may crash and it may not load properly during peak hours. Candidates must wait for some time and try refreshing the page. Do not try repeatedly. Log out and try loading the website again later during non-peak hours, such as early morning or late evening. The CAT 2026 website may crash due to heavy traffic.
• A server error or timeout is a commonly faced temporary server issue during peak hours. Instead of repeatedly clicking the download button, candidates must refresh the webpage after a few minutes or try downloading the CAT admit card 2026 later.
• Sometimes incorrect details are found on the admit card owing to an error in data entry or a system issue. This must be reported to the CAT authorities immediately and the required correction must be made before the examination.
• If the candidate’s photograph or signature is blurred or missing, and the category and date of birth are incorrect on the CAT admit card 2026, he/she must report this issue directly to the CAT helpdesk immediately and follow the instructions provided.
• Issues related to incorrect exam centre name or exam slot must be reported to the CAT helpdesk.
• Candidates must also contact the CAT helpdesk when the CAT admit card 2026 is not available on the official website even after the official release date or the downloaded admit card is blank, corrupted, or fails to open repeatedly.
• If the CAT application form payment has been completed successfully by a candidate but the application and payment status are still pending, he/she must contact the CAT helpdesk with the proper payment deduction details.

How to Retrieve CAT 2026 Login Credentials?

If a candidate has forgotten his/her CAT 2026 login credentials, i.e. User ID or Password, he/she can easily retrieve them through the official CAT login portal. Separate options will be provided by CAT authorities to recover both the CAT User ID & Password and change the CAT 2026 Password. The CAT login credentials must be recovered well before the CAT admit card 2026 release date to make the downloading process seamless and hassle-free.

How to Retrieve CAT User ID?

To retrieve the CAT User ID, candidates must visit the official CAT website at iimcat.ac.in and click on the "Registered Candidate Login" tab. Candidates will be redirected to the login page where they will find a "FORGOT USER ID?" option. They must select the "FORGOT USER ID?" option.

After this, they are required to enter the registered email address used during CAT registration 2026 and complete the CAPTCHA verification. Finally, they must click "Submit". The newly generated CAT User ID will be sent to the candidate’s registered email address and/or mobile number.

How to Change the CAT Password?

Candidates can change their CAT Password by visiting the official CAT website at iimcat.ac.in. They must click on "Registered Candidate Login" first. After being redirected to the Candidate Login page, they must select the "CHANGE PASSWORD" icon. After this, they must enter their CAT User ID, Old Password, New Password, and finally confirm the New Password. Next, they must complete the CAPTCHA verification and click on "CHANGE PASSWORD". A password reset link or OTP will be sent to the registered email address or mobile number of the candidates and they should follow the instructions to create a new password. Finally, they must log in using their User ID and the newly created password.

CAT 2026 Reporting Time

CAT 2026 reporting time will be mentioned on the CAT Admit Card 2026 along with the slot timings for 3 separate sessions to be conducted on the same day. The reporting time for each session will be different. Candidates must report to the CAT examination centre according to the schedule mentioned on their admit cards, as late entry after the gate closing time will not be allowed. The expected CAT exam 2026 slot timings are provided below.

Is CAT 2026 Admit Card Required During the Interview Process?

The CAT 2026 Admit Card may be required during the Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), Personal Interview (PI), or document verification process at many IIMs and participating B-schools. The CAT IIM admit card 2026 may be required before the WAT round for verification of the candidate’s details. In the GD & PI rounds, the admit card of CAT 2026 may be required to cross-verify CAT registration details with the candidate's identity. CAT admit card is commonly required in the Document Verification round for verification of the CAT registration number and other exam-related details.

What will Happen if There is Mismatch in Name & Photograph on CAT Admit Card 2026 and ID Proof?

If there is a mismatch in the Name & Photograph on the CAT Admit Card 2026 and the original ID Proof of a candidate, it may lead to a delay in identity verification. The candidate's entry to the examination hall will also be prohibited until the issue is resolved. The spelling mistake in the candidate’s name or a blurred photograph on the CAT admit card 2026 may cause the identity verification to take longer than usual. A completely different name or an incorrect photograph printed is a serious identity issue and may cause denial of entry into the exam hall. If a candidate’s surname has changed after marriage, she must carry her Marriage certificate, Gazette notification, Court order for name change, and other government-issued legal proof of name change for additional verification. If a candidate’s photograph differs significantly from his/her current appearance, additional verification may be required before entry is allowed. However, if any candidate’s photograph is entirely missing on the CAT admit card 2026, his/her entry to the exam hall will be affected. Candidates must report any discrepancies to the CAT helpdesk as soon as possible to avoid verification issues.

CAT Admit Card 2026 FAQs