CAT 2026 Admit Card: Download Steps, Exam Day Documents and Checklist

For management aspirants targeting the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and top business schools like FMS, SPJIMR, and MDI, the release of the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 Admit Card represents the final countdown to exam day.

The admit card is not merely an entry pass; it contains legally binding instructions regarding your designated test slot, reporting time, examination centre location, and mandatory biometrics protocol.

Official Portal Verification: The CAT 2026 admit card must be downloaded exclusively from the official IIM CAT portal at iimcat.ac.in. No physical admit cards are dispatched via post. Digital or mobile screenshots are strictly prohibited at examination centres.

What Is the CAT Admit Card?

The CAT Admit Card (Hall Ticket) is the primary credential issued by the convening IIM to verified applicants. It validates your candidate identity and contains:

• Your unique CAT Registration Number / User ID.
• Candidate personal particulars and photograph.
• Specific Test Slot & Shift (Shift 1, Shift 2, or Shift 3).
• Reporting Time and Gate Closure Time.
• Exact Test Centre Name, Code, and Detailed Physical Address.
• Emergency contact details and candidate undertaking terms.

CAT 2026 Schedule & Examination Slots

The Common Admission Test is conducted on the last Sunday of November across three non-overlapping computer-based shifts:

Note: Test centres strictly close entry gates 15 minutes prior to the exam start time. Candidates arriving even one minute after gate closure are barred from entry under automated security protocols.

How to Download the CAT 2026 Admit Card Step-by-Step

Follow these instructions to download and print your hall ticket without issues:

1. Step 1: Open Official Portal — Navigate to the official website iimcat.ac.in.
2. Step 2: Candidate Login — Click on the "Login" button under the Registered Candidate section.
3. Step 3: Enter Credentials — Input your CAT User ID and Password received during registration, then enter the security Captcha.
4. Step 4: Access Admit Card Tab — Once logged into the dashboard, locate and click the "Admit Card" tab.
5. Step 5: Select Assessment & Download — Click "Download Admit Card" to save the official PDF to your device.
6. Step 6: Print Color Copies — Print at least two clear, high-resolution copies on standard white A4 paper. Ensure the barcode and photograph are sharp and legible.

Critical Details to Verify on Your Admit Card

Inspect your downloaded document carefully. Ensure there are no discrepancies in the following fields:

• Candidate Full Name: Must match your photo identity proof letter-for-letter.
• Photograph & Signature: Must be clear and identical to your registration upload.
• Date of Birth & Category: Verify your General/OBC/SC/ST/EWS categorization.
• PwD Status: Verify that scribe or compensatory time accommodations (if requested) are clearly marked.
• Test Centre Address: Search the exact test centre code and location on Google Maps beforehand to plan travel routes.

If you detect an error in your name, photograph, or assigned category, immediately contact the CAT Helpdesk at cathelpdesk@iimcat.co.in or via the toll-free support line.

Mandatory Documents to Carry on Exam Day

Candidates must bring the following items to the test centre. Failing to produce any of these will result in immediate disqualification:

1. Printed CAT Admit Card: Clear A4 printout with your recent passport-size photograph pasted in the designated space (identical to the uploaded image).
2. Original Government Photo ID Proof: Must be original, valid, and non-expired. Acceptable IDs include:
3. Aadhaar Card (or e-Aadhaar with clear photograph)
4. Voter ID Card
5. Passport
6. PAN Card
7. Driving License
8. College / Employer ID (for select candidate profiles)
9. Medical / Scribe Documents (if applicable): Prescribed Scribe Affidavit, PwD Medical Certificate, and scribe identity credentials.
10. Transparent Authorization Slip: Any official undertaking forms prescribed in the CAT information bulletin.

Prohibited Items at CAT Test Centres

Security guidelines are stringent across all TCS iON testing venues. The following items are strictly banned:

• Electronic Devices: Mobile phones, smartwatches, fitness bands, earphones, Bluetooth devices, calculators, pen drives, and cameras.
• Stationery Items: Personal pens, pencils, notebooks, paper sheets, and pencil boxes. (The test centre provides a pen/pencil and rough paper).
• Accessories & Metallic Objects: Wallets, purses, sunglasses, heavy jewelry, metallic hair clips, and jackets with oversized metallic buttons.
• Footwear Restrictions: Candidates are advised to wear simple footwear (sandals/slippers). Thick-soled boots or shoes with metallic buckles may require separate inspection.
• Food & Beverages: Outside food or personal water bottles are prohibited. Transparent water bottles may be permitted subject to venue guidelines.

Strategic Revision for the Final Weeks

• Sectional Pacing: Practice the 40-minute sectional timer for VARC, DILR, and QA. You cannot switch sections during the test.
• Accuracy Over Attempts: Negative marking applies to MCQs (-1 mark per wrong answer). Maximize attempts on non-MCQ (TITA) questions which carry no negative marking.
• Mock Analysis: Review mock test errors rather than taking new mock tests during the final 3 days before exam day.
• Rest & Routine: Adjust your sleep cycle to match your assigned shift slot (Morning, Afternoon, or Evening).

Conclusion

Your CAT 2026 admit card is your passport to India's premier management institutions. Download it early, verify every detail, locate your test centre ahead of time, and ensure all documents are packed the night before.

Visit iimcat.ac.in to download your admit card and execute your exam-day strategy with confidence.