You have done the mocks. Now make sure nothing at the gate undoes that work. CAT 2026 is on Sunday, November 29, and a missing ID or a late arrival can cost you the attempt before you see a single question. These CAT 2026 exam day guidelines cover timing, documents, prohibited items and a checklist you can print.
Your admit card and the official CAT exam day instructions are on iimcat.ac.in. The instructions printed on your own admit card always win over any guide, this one included. The admit card was released on 6 November; download it from the official website.
CAT slot timings and reporting time
CAT runs in three 120-minute slots, each with three 40-minute sections in a fixed order: VARC, DILR and QA. Reporting time is about 90 minutes before your slot. Gates close before the test starts, and late entry is not allowed.
| Slot | Exam time | Reporting time | Gate closing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slot 1 | 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM | 7:00 AM | As printed on admit card |
| Slot 2 | 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM | 11:00 AM | As printed on admit card |
| Slot 3 | 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM | 3:00 PM | As printed on admit card |
Slot and reporting times per MBAUniverse and Careers360. Reports differ on gate closing (15 or 30 minutes before the slot), so use the time printed on your admit card.
If you are traveling to another city, arrive the day before. A morning slot with a 7:00 AM reporting time leaves no margin for a delayed train. Late entry is not allowed under the CAT 2026 exam day guidelines, so plan travel with a buffer.
What to carry to CAT exam
- Admit card printed on A4 paper, ideally two copies, with the same photo you uploaded affixed. Do not sign it until the invigilator asks you to.
- One original, valid photo ID, such as Aadhaar, PAN, passport, voter ID or driving licence. Make sure the name matches your admit card and the card is not damaged.
- If you are a PwD candidate, your disability certificate and, if you use a scribe, the required affidavit. Reports say eligible candidates get 40 extra minutes.
Rough sheets are provided at the centre, so you do not need to bring paper. Reports also mention face matching at entry for CAT 2026, so make sure you look like your uploaded photo.
Prohibited items and dress code
Leave these at home or outside the centre: phones, smartwatches and any watch, physical calculators, other electronic devices, bags, wallets, and jewelry or metal items. Thick-soled shoes, high heels and clothes with large buttons are also not allowed. Wear simple, comfortable clothes for the weather. A physical calculator is banned, but CAT gives you a basic on-screen calculator in the test window.
Avoid mehndi or henna on your hands. Careers360 reports that candidates whose fingerprints cannot be scanned may not be allowed to take the test.
CAT exam day instructions inside the hall
Under the CAT 2026 exam day guidelines, you cannot switch sections, and each section closes after 40 minutes. Write only on the rough sheets you are given and return them at the end. Bio-breaks are for emergencies only and need re-frisking. You cannot leave before the exam ends.
Printable CAT 2026 exam-day checklist
| Documents and prep | On the day |
|---|---|
| ☐ Admit card printed on A4 paper (two copies) | ☐ Photo affixed; sign only in front of the invigilator |
| ☐ One original, valid photo ID | ☐ Disability certificate and scribe documents, if applicable |
| ☐ Slot, reporting time and centre address noted | ☐ Route and travel time checked the day before |
| ☐ Simple clothes, no large buttons | ☐ Thin-soled footwear, no jewelry |
| ☐ No mehndi or henna on hands | ☐ Phone, watch and bag left at home or outside |
Review the CAT 2026 exam-day checklist at least a day before your scheduled exam to arrange the required documents, check reporting time, and avoid carrying prohibited items.
Thinking past CAT? See the FIIB PGDM program and PGDM-FM program.
COMPARISON TABLE
Allowed versus not allowed at the CAT 2026 centre.
| Allowed | Not allowed |
|---|---|
| Printed A4 admit card with photo | Mobile phone or any watch |
| One original, valid photo ID | Calculator or electronic device |
| Disability certificate and scribe documents (if applicable) | Bags, wallets, jewelry, metal items |
| Rough sheets (given at the centre) | Thick-soled shoes, high heels, large buttons |
Sources: Careers360, CareerIndia, MBAUniverse. Follow your admit card instructions.
Final Days Before CAT: Join FIIB’s Weekly CAT Strategy Webinar
A checklist gets you to the test centre. A clear plan helps you once you are seated. FIIB runs a free CAT Test Strategy Webinar every Sunday, where faculty and alumni cover last-stretch revision, section-wise time management, and how to stay calm and focused on exam day.
Register for the CAT Test Strategy Webinar: https://execed.fiib.edu.in/cat-test-strategy
FAQS
What are the CAT slot timings for 2026?
CAT 2026 is on Sunday, November 29, in three slots: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, and 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Each slot is 120 minutes, with three 40-minute sections. Your slot is printed on your admit card.
What is the reporting time for CAT 2026?
Reports put reporting time at 7:00 AM for Slot 1, 11:00 AM for Slot 2 and 3:00 PM for Slot 3, about 90 minutes before the test. Gate-closing time is printed on your admit card, and late entry is not allowed.
What should I carry to the CAT exam?
Carry a printed admit card on A4 paper with your photo affixed, and one original, valid photo ID such as Aadhaar, PAN, passport, voter ID or driving licence. Candidates with a disability should bring the certificate and, if applicable, the scribe documents.
Which items are prohibited at the CAT exam centre?
Phones, watches, calculators, other electronic devices, bags, jewelry and metal items, thick-soled shoes and clothes with large buttons are not allowed. Rough sheets are provided at the centre, so you do not need your own stationery.
Can I change my CAT slot or test centre?
No. Reports say slot and centre changes are not allowed after the admit card is issued. Plan your travel around the centre and slot on your admit card.
Do PwD candidates get extra time in CAT 2026?
Candidates who opted for it at registration get 40 extra minutes spread across the three sections, per reports. Bring your disability certificate and, if you use a scribe, the required affidavit.
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