The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore has released the official admit card for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 today, 6 November 2026, across its national candidate examination portal at iimcat.ac.in.

Candidates appearing for the premier national management entrance test can download their hall tickets using their registered User ID and Password up until exam day on Sunday, 29 November 2026. The release follows a two-day postponement from the earlier announced schedule of 4 November. Explore our coverage of national workforce and defense reforms in our report on the Cabinet Approval of Agnipath Reforms for 75% Agniveer Retention.

01. CAT 2026 Examination Overview & Key Milestones

Event / Parameter Official Details & Timeline
Conducting Institute IIM Indore
Admit Card Release Date 6 November 2026 (Rescheduled from 4 November)
Exam Date Sunday, 29 November 2026
Official Portal iimcat.ac.in
Mode of Examination Computer-Based Test (CBT) across ~170 Test Cities
Exam Duration 120 Minutes (2 Hours) | 40 Minutes per Section
Total Test Takers Over 2.5 Lakh Registered Candidates

02. CAT 2026 Slot Timings & Reporting Guidelines

The examination will be conducted across three distinct sessions on 29 November 2026 to ensure standardized delivery nationwide. Candidates cannot alter their allotted slot, which is explicitly printed on their admit card:

Exam Session Reporting Time Gate Closure Time Examination Window
Slot 1 (Morning) 7:00 AM IST 8:15 AM IST 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM IST
Slot 2 (Afternoon) 11:00 AM IST 12:15 PM IST 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM IST
Slot 3 (Evening) 3:00 PM IST 4:15 PM IST 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM IST

03. Step-by-Step Guide to Download CAT 2026 Admit Card

  1. Navigate to the official CAT 2026 exam portal at iimcat.ac.in.
  2. Click on the ‘Registered Candidate Login’ button located on the main dashboard.
  3. Enter your CAT User ID and Password generated during registration.
  4. Click on the ‘Admit Card’ tab displayed on the applicant dashboard.
  5. Download the generated PDF file and take at least two clear colour printouts on standard A4 paper.

04. Crucial Checklist for Exam Day

  • Mandatory Photo Identification: Alongside the printed admit card with an affixed identical passport photograph, candidates must carry an original, non-expired government photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, PAN Card, or Driving Licence).
  • No Electronic Items: Digital watches, mobile phones, fitness bands, calculators, and wallets are strictly barred inside test halls. Rough sheets and pens are provided at individual computer terminals.
  • Biometric & Barcode Verification: Arriving at the centre at the specified reporting time (90 minutes prior to exam commencement) is mandatory for document verification and digital biometric capture.

05. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When was the CAT 2026 admit card released?

The CAT 2026 admit card was officially released on 6 November 2026 by IIM Indore on the official portal iimcat.ac.in, after being rescheduled from 4 November.

What is the official exam date for CAT 2026?

The CAT 2026 examination will take place on Sunday, 29 November 2026, across three sessions in 170 test cities nationwide.

Can I request a change in my allotted CAT exam slot or centre?

No. IIM Indore does not permit any changes to the test centre, city, or slot allocation once printed on the admit card.

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07. Sources

  • Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore: Official CAT 2026 Examination Notification & Admit Card Release Advisory, 6 November 2026.
  • Press Trust of India & The Indian Express: IIM Indore Releases CAT 2026 Hall Tickets at iimcat.ac.in; Exam on November 29, 6 November 2026.

NewsY Education & National Desks: Slot timings, download instructions, and exam day regulations reflect official bulletins issued by the CAT Convenor and IIM Indore.