You can download the CAT 2026 admit card from the Official CAT Website starting today, November 6, 2026.
If you have registered for the Common Admission Test this year, your next big task is to download the CAT admit card. Without it, you will not be allowed into the test centre, however well you have prepared. This guide covers the CAT admit card download 2026 process, the dates to remember, the documents you need, and quick fixes for problems.
CAT Admit Card 2026: Key Dates at a Glance
IIM Indore is conducting CAT this year. The schedule from the official notification looks like this:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| CAT 2026 registration window | 3 August to 15 September 2026 |
| CAT admit card release date | November 6, 2026 |
| Admit card available until | 29 November 2026 |
| CAT exam date 2026 | 29 November 2026 (Sunday) |
| Result (expected) | January 2027 |
Because the form window has closed, only candidates who completed registration can access the hall ticket. The admit card will not be sent by post or email. It can only be downloaded online.
What Is the CAT Official Website?
The CAT official website is iimcat.ac.in. The admit card link, login portal, notifications, and helpdesk details all appear there. Avoid third-party sites that promise “direct download links.” Your hall ticket is tied to your personal login, so only the official portal can give you the real document.
How to Download CAT Admit Card 2026: Step-by-Step
Once the link goes live on November 6, 2026, follow these steps:
- Open iimcat.ac.in in an updated browser such as Chrome or Firefox.
- Click Registered Candidate Login.
- Enter your CAT user ID and password.
- On your dashboard, click the admit card download link.
- Save the PDF and take a clear printout.
Try to download it on release day instead of waiting. The portal can slow down when thousands of candidates log in together.
Forgot Your CAT Login Details?
You don’t need to panic. Here is the recovery route:
- First, search your inbox and SMS for the credentials sent when you registered.
- If you can’t find them, go to the login page and choose Forgot User ID/Password.
- Enter your registered email address and the captcha, then submit.
- Check your email for the new credentials. Regenerated passwords come by email, not SMS.
What Details Are Printed on the CAT Admit Card?
Your hall ticket carries everything needed for exam day:
- Your name, application number, date of birth and category
- PwD status and emergency contact
- Exam date, session (slot) and test timing
- Reporting time and gate-closing time
- Test city and full centre address, with a map link
- Space for your photograph and signature
- Exam-day instructions
Check Your Admit Card for Errors
Read the whole card as soon as it downloads. Confirm that:
- Your name and date of birth match your application and ID proof.
- Your category and PwD status are correct.
- Your photo and signature are visible.
- The test city and centre are the ones you chose.
If anything is wrong, contact the CAT helpdesk quickly, using the contact details on the official website, so it can be fixed well before 29 November.
Documents to Carry on Exam Day
Take your printed admit card and one original photo ID. Accepted IDs include:
- PAN card
- Aadhaar (e-Aadhaar or physical copy)
- Driving licence
- Voter ID
- Passport
- Ration card
- Identification affidavit
The ID must be undamaged and not smudged. A phone screenshot will not be accepted in place of a printout.
Printing and Pasting Instructions
- Print all pages on A4 paper, preferably with a laser printer, so the photo and signature are clear.
- Paste a photograph on the card, the same one you uploaded in your application.
- Sign the card in front of the invigilator at the centre.
- A black-and-white printout is fine. Colour is not compulsory.
- Carry a spare copy in case one gets damaged.
Exam-Day Reminders
- Reach early. The reporting time on your card matters, and entry is not allowed after the gate closes.
- Visit the centre beforehand. Checking the route a day earlier saves stress.
- Leave restricted items at home. Phones, smart watches, calculators, wallets and metal accessories are not allowed.
- No centre change. Once registration is complete, the test centre cannot be changed.
- Expect security checks. Photo capture, document checks and frisking take place before you enter the lab.
Common Download Problems and Quick Fixes
- Page not loading: Wait a while and retry, since heavy traffic is common on release day.
- Login not working: Use the forgot-password option and sign in with the new credentials.
- Admit card missing from dashboard: Confirm your application was fully submitted, then contact the helpdesk.
- Blank or distorted PDF: Clear your browser cache or switch browsers.
FAQs
When will the CAT admit card 2026 be released?
It will be released on November 6, 2026 at iimcat.ac.in.
What is the CAT exam date 2026?
CAT will be held on Sunday, 29 November 2026, in three sessions.
What is the last date to download the CAT admit card?
You can download it until the exam day, 29 November 2026.
Can I download the admit card on my phone?
Yes, but you must carry a printed copy to the test centre.
Will the admit card be posted to me?
No. It is available only online through your login.
What if I find a mistake on my admit card?
Report it to the CAT helpdesk immediately so it can be corrected before the exam.
Final Thoughts
Downloading the CAT admit card is simple if you are prepared: know the date, keep your login details handy, verify every detail, and print it neatly. Bookmark iimcat.ac.in and check it regularly for updates. Good luck with your CAT 2026 preparation!
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