CAT 2026 Exam Day Guide: Admit Card, Slot Timings, What to Carry
CAT 2026 is on Sunday, 29 November 2026. After months of preparation, small mistakes on exam day, such as a missing ID or arriving late, can cost you dearly. This guide covers everything to do in the last weeks, on the day before and on exam day itself. For the full exam details, see our CAT 2026 exam page.
CAT 2026 Key Dates
- Admit card: Expected from 4 November 2026 on iimcat.ac.in
- Exam date: Sunday, 29 November 2026
- Slot 1: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM
- Slot 2: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM
- Slot 3: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
- Result: Expected late December 2026 or early January 2027
Your slot and reporting time are printed on your admit card. You cannot choose or change your slot.
Step 1: Download and Check Your Admit Card
- Log in at iimcat.ac.in with your CAT user ID and password and download the admit card as soon as it is out.
- Check your name, photo, signature, slot, reporting time and test-centre address.
- If anything is wrong, contact the CAT helpdesk listed on iimcat.ac.in straight away. Do not wait until exam week.
- Print two clear copies on A4 paper. A phone copy is not enough.
Step 2: Visit Your Test Centre Before the Exam
If your centre is in an unfamiliar area, visit it a day or two before at the same time of day as your slot. Note how long the journey takes and where to park or get off the bus. In Hyderabad, traffic at peak hours can easily double travel time, so plan for that.
Step 3: What to Carry on Exam Day
- Printed admit card.
- An original, valid photo ID as listed in the official instructions (such as Aadhaar, PAN card, passport, driving licence or voter ID). Make sure the name matches your admit card.
- PwBD candidates: the original certificate required by the official instructions.
- A transparent water bottle, if allowed by the instructions on your admit card.
Do not carry: mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, earphones or any electronic device. A basic on-screen calculator is provided in the test. A scribble pad and pen are given at the centre.
Step 4: Reach Early
Reach the centre well before the reporting time printed on your admit card. Security checks, photo capture and ID verification take time, and late candidates may not be allowed in. Aim to arrive at least 30–45 minutes before the reporting time.
Step 5: Inside the Exam Hall
- The exam has three sections, VARC, DILR and QA, with 40 minutes each (53 minutes 20 seconds for PwBD candidates). You cannot switch between sections.
- Each correct answer is +3. Wrong MCQs are −1. Wrong TITA (type-in) answers have no penalty, so always attempt TITA questions.
- Do not get stuck on one question. Mark it and move on.
- In DILR, pick sets carefully in the first 3–4 minutes. Choosing the right sets matters more than speed.
The Last Two Weeks: What to Do
- Take 2–3 full mocks a week at the same time as your slot, and analyse each one for longer than you spent taking it.
- Stop learning new topics in the last 5–7 days. Revise formulas and past mistakes instead.
- Fix your sleep to match your slot timing, especially if you have Slot 1.
- Keep the last day light. No full mock the day before; a short revision and an early night work better.
After the Exam
IIM Indore will release the response sheet and a provisional answer key, with a short window to raise objections. Results are expected in late December or early January. Meanwhile, many students also take XAT 2027 on 3 January 2027. See our XAT 2027 guide and the list of top MBA colleges in Hyderabad.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the CAT 2026 admit card be released?
It is expected from 4 November 2026 on iimcat.ac.in. Download it using your CAT user ID and password.
What are the CAT 2026 slot timings?
Slot 1: 8:30–10:30 AM, Slot 2: 12:30–2:30 PM, Slot 3: 4:30–6:30 PM. Your slot is printed on your admit card.
Can I carry a calculator to the CAT exam?
No. A basic on-screen calculator is provided inside the test.
Which ID proof is needed for CAT 2026?
An original, valid government photo ID as listed in the official instructions, with your name matching the admit card.
Is there negative marking for TITA questions in CAT?
No. Only wrong MCQ answers lose 1 mark. Always attempt TITA questions.