Last Updated: 03 November 2026 | By IBMR Business School, Gurugram
The CAT 2026 admit card is the most important document you need to appear for the Common Admission Test. The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) will release the CAT 2026 admit card online on the official website, iimcat.ac.in. Registered candidates can download it using their User ID and password.
This guide from IBMR Business School, Gurugram covers everything you need to know: the release date, the direct download link, steps to download, the details printed on the admit card, and exam day guidelines.
CAT 2026 Admit Card: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) |
| Admit Card Release Date | First/second week of November 2026 [tentative] |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date | Last Sunday of November 2026 [tentative] |
| Mode of Release | Online |
| Login Credentials | User ID & Password |
| Official Website | iimcat.ac.in |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
CAT 2026 Admit Card Download Link
The IIMs will activate the admit card download link on the official CAT portal. Click the link below to log in:
👉 Download CAT 2026 Admit Card – Official Link
You can also visit the official website: iimcat.ac.in
Note: The admit card will not be sent by post or email. You must download it online.
CAT 2026 Important Dates [Tentative]
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| CAT 2026 Notification | Last week of July 2026 |
| Registration Begins | First week of August 2026 |
| Registration Ends | Mid-September 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | Late September 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Early November 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Exam | Last Sunday of November 2026 |
| Provisional Answer Key | First week of December 2026 |
| Result Declaration | Late December 2026 / Early January 2027 |
Dates are based on previous year trends. We will update this page once the IIMs announce official dates.
How to Download CAT 2026 Admit Card: Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps:
- Visit the official website. Go to iimcat.ac.in or use the direct link above.
- Click “Registered Candidate Login.”
- Enter your credentials. Type your User ID and Password, then fill in the captcha.
- Click “Login.” Your CAT dashboard will open.
- Find the admit card link. Click the “Download Admit Card” tab.
- Check all details carefully. Verify your name, photograph, exam centre, and slot.
- Download and print. Save the PDF and take at least 2 clear printouts on A4 size paper. A colour print is preferred.
Forgot Your User ID or Password?
Click “Forgot Password” or “Forgot User ID” on the login page. Enter your registered email ID or mobile number, and you will receive login details to retrieve your credentials.
Details Mentioned on CAT 2026 Admit Card
Once you download your admit card, check that the following details are correct:
- Candidate’s full name
- CAT registration number / User ID
- Photograph and signature
- Date of birth
- Category (General / SC / ST / OBC-NCL / EWS / PwD)
- Exam date and slot
- Reporting time and gate closing time
- Test centre name and full address
- Important exam day instructions
What to Do If There Is an Error in the Admit Card?
If you find any mistake in your CAT 2026 admit card, such as a spelling error, a wrong photo, or incorrect category, take these steps immediately:
- Contact the CAT Helpdesk through the contact details given on iimcat.ac.in.
- Email the CAT support team with your registration number and proof of the correct details.
- Do this well before the exam date, since last-minute corrections may not be possible.
Documents to Carry on CAT 2026 Exam Day
You will not be allowed to enter the exam hall without these:
✅ Printed CAT 2026 Admit Card ✅ Original Valid Photo ID Proof, any one of the following:
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Passport
- Driving Licence
- Voter ID Card
- College ID Card
- Employee ID Card
✅ PwD Certificate (if applicable) ✅ Scribe Declaration Form (if you are using a scribe)
Important: The name on your ID proof must match the name on your admit card.
CAT 2026 Exam Day Guidelines
Keep these rules in mind to avoid any trouble on exam day:
- Reach the test centre early. Arrive at least 30–45 minutes before the reporting time.
- Carry only allowed items. Mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, wallets, and bags are not allowed inside.
- Rough sheets will be provided. You will get a scribble pad and pen at the centre.
- Use the on-screen calculator. A basic calculator is available on the computer screen.
- Follow the dress code. Wear simple, comfortable clothes. Avoid heavy jewellery and metallic items.
- Do not damage your admit card. You may need to submit it to the invigilator.
- Follow all invigilator instructions during biometric verification and frisking.
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern (Based on Recent Years)
| Section | Duration |
|---|---|
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 40 minutes |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 40 minutes |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | 40 minutes |
| Total | 120 minutes |
- Marking scheme: +3 for each correct answer and -1 for each wrong MCQ.
- No negative marking for TITA (Type In The Answer) questions.
- Sectional switching is not allowed.
The pattern may change. Check the official CAT 2026 notification for final details.
Last-Minute Preparation Tips for CAT 2026
- Take full-length mock tests. Practise under real exam conditions.
- Revise key formulas. Focus on arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.
- Read daily. Editorials and long articles improve RC speed.
- Focus on accuracy. Negative marking can lower your score.
- Sleep well before the exam. A fresh mind performs better.
- Plan your route to the test centre. Visit it a day before if possible.
Pursue Your PGDM at IBMR Business School, Gurugram
Your CAT score can open doors to top management programmes. IBMR Business School, Gurugram offers an industry-focused PGDM programme designed to build future business leaders.
Why choose IBMR Gurugram?
- Located in Gurugram, one of India’s leading corporate hubs
- Industry-oriented curriculum with practical learning
- Strong placement support and corporate connections
- Experienced faculty and mentorship
- Specialisations in Marketing, Finance, HR, Business Analytics & more
👉 Apply Now for PGDM 2027–29 | Check Eligibility & Admission Process | Talk to Our Admission Counsellor
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When will the CAT 2026 admit card be released? The CAT 2026 admit card is expected to be released in the first or second week of November 2026 on iimcat.ac.in.
Q2. How can I download my CAT 2026 admit card? Log in to iimcat.ac.in using your User ID and password, then click “Download Admit Card” and save the PDF.
Q3. Will the CAT admit card be sent by post? No. The CAT 2026 admit card is available only online. Candidates must download and print it themselves.
Q4. What should I do if I forget my CAT login password? Click “Forgot Password” on the CAT login page and follow the steps to reset it using your registered email or mobile number.
Q5. Can I change my CAT 2026 exam centre after the admit card is released? No. The test centre cannot be changed once the admit card is issued.
Q6. Is a colour printout of the CAT admit card mandatory? A colour printout on A4 paper is recommended, but always follow the instructions printed on the admit card.
Q7. Which ID proofs are valid for CAT 2026? Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Driving Licence, Voter ID, College ID, and Employee ID are generally accepted.
Q8. Does IBMR Business School Gurugram accept CAT scores? Yes. IBMR Business School, Gurugram accepts CAT scores for admission to its PGDM programme.
Disclaimer: The dates mentioned in this article are tentative and based on previous year trends. Candidates are advised to check the official website, iimcat.ac.in, for the latest updates.
