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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your admit card and the official CAT exam day instructions are on iimcat.ac.in<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoid mehndi or henna on your hands. Careers360 reports that candidates whose fingerprints cannot be scanned may not be allowed to take the test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCAT slot timings and reporting time<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Slot<\/strong><\/th> Exam time<\/strong><\/th> Reporting time<\/strong><\/th> Gate closing<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Slot 1<\/strong><\/td> 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM<\/td> 7:00 AM<\/td> As printed on admit card<\/td><\/tr> Slot 2<\/strong><\/td> 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM<\/td> 11:00 AM<\/td> As printed on admit card<\/td><\/tr> Slot 3<\/strong><\/td> 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM<\/td> 3:00 PM<\/td> As printed on admit card<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n What to carry to CAT exam<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Prohibited items and dress code<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
CAT exam day instructions inside the hall<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Printable CAT 2026 exam-day checklist<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n