The CAT Exam Day Guidelines 2026 explain the rules candidates must follow before entering the examination centre, during the test, and while leaving the exam hall. The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 is scheduled to be conducted on November 29, 2026, by IIM Indore in three sessions.
Candidates must carry a printed copy of their CAT 2026 admit card and an original, valid photo identity document, follow the reporting time mentioned on their hall ticket, and avoid carrying prohibited items such as mobile phones, smartwatches and calculators. They should also verify their examination centre address and read all instructions printed on the admit card before leaving home.
This guide covers the CAT 2026 exam day instructions, reporting time, documents required, dress code, prohibited items, examination hall rules, last-minute preparation tips and frequently asked questions.
CAT Exam Day Guidelines 2026: Important Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination | Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 |
| Conducting institute | IIM Indore |
| CAT exam date 2026 | November 29, 2026 |
| Examination mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Number of sessions | Three |
| Examination duration | 120 minutes |
| Sections | VARC, DILR and QA |
| Admit card | Printed copy recommended; follow official instructions |
| Photo ID | Original, valid photo identity document as permitted by the exam authority |
| Official website | iimcat.ac.in |
Candidates should treat the instructions on their individual CAT admit card and the official CAT website as the final authority for reporting time, entry requirements and permitted items.
CAT 2026 Exam Date and Slot Timings
The CAT 2026 examination will be conducted on November 29, 2026, in three sessions. Candidates should check their individual slot and reporting time on the admit card.
| CAT 2026 exam slot | Reported exam timing |
|---|---|
| Slot 1 | 8:30 AM–10:30 AM |
| Slot 2 | 12:30 PM–2:30 PM |
| Slot 3 | 4:30 PM–6:30 PM |
These are the reported examination session timings. Your admit card should be used to confirm your allotted slot, reporting time and gate-closing time.
Important: Reaching the centre at the examination start time is not sufficient. Candidates should arrive according to the reporting schedule printed on their admit card. Entry may not be permitted after the specified gate-closing time.
CAT Exam Day Guidelines 2026: Do’s and Don’ts
Candidates should follow these essential CAT exam day rules to avoid last-minute problems.
Do’s for CAT Exam Day
- Download and print your CAT 2026 admit card in advance.
- Carry an original photo ID accepted under the official instructions.
- Check your examination centre address and plan your route.
- Reach the centre before the reporting and gate-closing deadlines.
- Read the instructions printed on your admit card.
- Follow the directions given by invigilators and examination staff.
- Use only the computer and permitted materials provided at the centre.
- Follow the rules for rough work, biometric verification and identity checks.
- Keep calm and manage your time carefully during the examination.
Don’ts for CAT Exam Day
- Do not arrive late or assume that late entry will be allowed.
- Do not carry mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators or other prohibited electronic devices.
- Do not bring unnecessary bags or valuables.
- Do not rely on a digital admit card unless the official instructions explicitly permit it.
- Do not sign or mark the admit card in advance if the instructions require signing in front of an invigilator.
- Do not communicate with other candidates during the examination.
- Do not use unauthorised materials or attempt to bypass examination rules.
- Do not leave the examination room without following the invigilator’s instructions.
Documents Required for CAT Exam Day 2026
Candidates should prepare the required documents before travelling to the CAT examination centre.
1. Printed CAT 2026 Admit Card
The CAT admit card contains your examination date, test slot, reporting time and centre address. Download it from the official CAT website and check that all details are legible.
If the admit card instructions require a photograph to be affixed or the document to be signed in the presence of an invigilator, follow those instructions exactly.
2. Original Photo Identity Proof
Carry an original, valid photo ID accepted under the official CAT 2026 examination instructions. Common identity documents include:
- Aadhaar card
- Passport
- Voter ID
- Driving licence
- PAN card
The list above is a general reference, not a substitute for the official accepted-ID list. Confirm the permitted documents before exam day. Do not assume a photocopy or a digital version will be accepted in place of the required original.
3. Additional Documents, If Specifically Required
Check your admit card for any additional document requirements or special instructions applicable to your examination centre or circumstances.
Quick checklist: Keep your printed admit card and original accepted photo ID together the night before the exam.
CAT Exam Day Reporting Time 2026: When Should You Reach the Centre?
Your CAT 2026 admit card will specify the reporting time and other entry instructions for your examination slot. Plan to arrive well before the gate-closing deadline.
Candidates should not confuse the reporting time with the examination start time. Reporting may involve identity verification, security checks, biometric procedures and other entry formalities.
How to Plan Your Journey to the CAT Exam Centre
- Check the full examination centre address on your admit card.
- Search for the exact location using a reliable map service.
- Estimate travel time and identify an alternative route.
- Account for traffic, parking and public transport delays.
- Leave early enough to reach the centre before the specified reporting deadline.
If you are unfamiliar with the location, consider checking the route a day before the examination.
What Happens If You Reach the CAT Exam Centre Late?
Candidates who arrive after the specified gate-closing time may be denied entry. Do not assume that a delay caused by traffic or transport problems will automatically qualify you for an exception.
The safest approach is to follow the reporting time on your admit card and keep sufficient travel time in reserve.
CAT Exam Dress Code 2026
Candidates frequently search for the CAT 2026 dress code to understand what they can wear to the examination centre.
Candidates should follow the official instructions provided for CAT 2026 rather than relying on general dress-code rules circulated online. Unless a specific restriction is announced, choose simple, comfortable clothing that allows you to complete the entry and security-check process without difficulty.
What Should You Wear for CAT 2026?
- Wear comfortable clothes suitable for sitting through the examination.
- Choose footwear that is easy to manage during security checks.
- Avoid unnecessary accessories that may slow down entry procedures.
- Follow any specific clothing or footwear restrictions mentioned in the official instructions.
Are There Any Restrictions on Shoes, Jewellery or Accessories?
Do not assume that a particular item is either permitted or prohibited without checking the current instructions. If the official guidelines specify restrictions on footwear, jewellery, accessories or other clothing items, follow them carefully.
Important: Do not rely on unverified social media posts claiming that a particular type of clothing is compulsory or banned for CAT 2026.
Things Not Allowed in the CAT Exam Centre 2026
Candidates should avoid bringing items that could violate examination security rules or delay entry.
| Item | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Mobile phones | Do not carry them into the examination area; follow centre instructions for personal belongings. |
| Smartwatches and electronic wearables | Avoid carrying them unless explicitly permitted. |
| Calculators | Do not bring a physical calculator unless the official instructions specifically allow it. |
| Tablets, laptops and other gadgets | Do not bring them into the examination area. |
| Bags and luggage | Avoid bringing them; storage facilities may not be available. |
| Books, notes and loose study material | Do not carry them into the examination hall unless expressly permitted. |
| Unauthorised stationery | Use only materials permitted by the examination authority. |
| Other restricted items | Follow the prohibited-items list in the official instructions. |
This is a precautionary list, not an exhaustive official inventory. Candidates should check the CAT 2026 admit card and examination guidelines for the exact restrictions and any arrangements for personal belongings.
CAT 2026 Examination Hall Instructions
Once inside the examination centre, candidates must follow the invigilator’s instructions and the examination rules.
Before the Test Begins
- Complete the required identity and security checks.
- Follow the instructions for locating your assigned lab or workstation.
- Sit at the workstation allotted to you.
- Check the computer screen and notify the invigilator if you notice a technical problem.
- Listen carefully to the instructions before the test starts.
During the CAT Examination
The CAT 2026 examination is scheduled to last 120 minutes, divided into three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).
Candidates should be aware of the following examination rules:
- Each section has a prescribed time limit.
- Candidates cannot freely switch between sections while a section is in progress.
- Follow the on-screen instructions for navigating questions and submitting answers.
- Do not communicate with other candidates.
- Do not use unauthorised devices, notes or external assistance.
- Raise your hand and seek assistance from the invigilator if you face a technical issue.
The CAT 2026 test structure provides 40 minutes per section under the announced 120-minute pattern. Candidates belonging to an eligible PwD category with approved accommodations should check the applicable examination instructions for their allotted duration.
Before Leaving the Examination Hall
Follow the invigilator’s directions for completing the examination and leaving the workstation. Return any rough-work sheets, writing pads or other materials supplied by the examination staff as instructed.
Do not remove examination materials or leave before completing the required formalities.
CAT Exam Day Checklist 2026: What to Do the Night Before
A simple checklist can help you avoid unnecessary stress on the morning of the examination.
Documents and Essentials
- Printed CAT 2026 admit card
- Original accepted photo identity document
- Any additional document explicitly required by the official instructions
- Examination centre address saved or noted
Travel Preparation
- Checked the route to the examination centre
- Estimated travel time and possible delays
- Planned departure according to the reporting time
- Identified an alternative route, if necessary
Personal Preparation
- Prepared comfortable clothing
- Avoided packing unnecessary electronic devices or bags
- Set an alarm and planned adequate sleep
- Reviewed the examination instructions
- Avoided intensive last-minute studying
CAT 2026 Last-Minute Preparation Tips for Exam Day
The final day is best used for staying composed and protecting the preparation you have already completed.
1. Avoid Learning Entirely New Topics
Do not attempt to cover multiple unfamiliar concepts at the last minute. If you revise, focus on familiar formulas, reading strategies and key concepts.
2. Keep Your Mock-Test Learnings in Mind
Review the mistakes you repeatedly made during mock tests. Focus on question selection, time management and avoiding unnecessary calculation errors.
3. Do Not Compare Your Preparation With Other Candidates
Discussions about mock scores or expected percentiles can increase anxiety without improving your performance. Concentrate on your own strategy.
4. Plan Your Section-Wise Time Management
CAT has separate time limits for VARC, DILR and QA. Practise making sensible question-selection decisions within each section instead of expecting to attempt every question.
5. Get Adequate Sleep
Avoid staying awake late into the night to revise. Being alert can help you read questions carefully and make better decisions during the examination.
6. Eat Normally and Stay Hydrated
Have your usual meal before leaving, subject to your personal routine and the centre’s instructions. Avoid unnecessary changes to your diet on exam day.
What Should You Do If There Is a Problem on CAT Exam Day?
Unexpected problems can occur even when candidates prepare carefully. Follow the official process instead of relying on assumptions.
If You Lose Your Admit Card
Try to access and reprint your admit card from the official CAT portal if the facility is available. Contact the official helpdesk if you cannot access it. Do not assume a mobile screenshot will be accepted.
If You Forget Your Photo ID
Contact the examination staff or official helpdesk immediately for guidance. Acceptance of alternative documents depends on the official rules, so do not assume that a photocopy or digital document will be sufficient.
If Your Admit Card Details Are Incorrect
Contact the CAT helpdesk as soon as possible and follow the official instructions for resolving the discrepancy. Do not wait until you reach the examination centre.
If Your Computer Stops Working
Raise your hand and notify the invigilator. Do not attempt to fix the workstation yourself or communicate with other candidates. Follow the instructions provided by the examination staff.
If You Reach the Centre Late
Report to the examination staff and follow their directions. Entry after gate closure is not guaranteed, so plan your travel to avoid this situation.
For official updates, visit iimcat.ac.in.
CAT Exam Day Guidelines 2026: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the CAT exam day guidelines for 2026?
Candidates should carry their printed admit card and an original accepted photo ID, reach the centre according to the reporting time, avoid prohibited items and follow all instructions provided by the examination authority.
2. When is the CAT 2026 exam?
CAT 2026 is scheduled for November 29, 2026. Candidates should confirm their individual examination slot and reporting time on their admit card.
3. What documents should I carry for CAT 2026?
Carry a printed CAT 2026 admit card and an original photo ID accepted under the official instructions. Carry any additional documents only if specifically required.
4. What is the reporting time for CAT 2026?
The reporting time depends on the candidate’s allotted examination slot and is provided on the admit card. Candidates should arrive before the specified gate-closing time.
5. Is there a dress code for CAT 2026?
Candidates should follow the official CAT 2026 instructions for clothing, footwear and accessories. Wear comfortable clothing and avoid relying on unverified online claims about dress-code restrictions.
6. Are mobile phones allowed inside the CAT exam centre?
Candidates should not take mobile phones or other prohibited electronic devices into the examination area. Follow the official instructions regarding personal belongings and storage facilities.
7. Can I carry a calculator to the CAT examination centre?
Candidates should not carry a physical calculator unless the official CAT instructions explicitly permit it. Follow the examination rules regarding permitted tools and on-screen functionality.
8. Can I carry a digital copy of the CAT admit card?
Candidates should prepare a printed admit card and follow the official instructions. Do not rely on a digital copy on a mobile phone unless the examination authority explicitly permits it.
9. Can I change my CAT exam centre after the admit card is issued?
Candidates should not assume that the examination centre can be changed after allotment. Check the official CAT instructions and contact the helpdesk if you have a genuine concern.
10. What happens if I reach the CAT exam centre after gate closing?
Late entry may not be permitted. Candidates should follow the gate-closing time on their admit card and plan their journey with sufficient time to spare.
11. Can I leave the CAT exam hall before the test ends?
Candidates should follow the examination rules and invigilator instructions regarding leaving the hall. Do not assume that early exit is permitted.
12. What should I do if I face a technical issue during CAT 2026?
Notify the invigilator immediately by following the centre’s procedure. Do not attempt unauthorised troubleshooting or seek help from other candidates.
13. What is the duration of CAT 2026?
The announced CAT 2026 examination duration is 120 minutes, with three sections: VARC, DILR and QA. Candidates should check the official instructions for their applicable test duration and any approved accommodations.
14. Where can I check the official CAT 2026 exam day instructions?
Candidates should check their admit card and the official CAT website, iimcat.ac.in, for the latest instructions and announcements.
Final CAT 2026 Exam Day Checklist
Before leaving home on November 29, 2026, confirm the following:
- I have my printed CAT admit card.
- I have an original, accepted photo ID.
- I know my examination slot and reporting time.
- I have checked the complete examination centre address.
- I have planned my route and departure time.
- I have checked the official dress code and prohibited-items instructions.
- I am carrying no unauthorised electronic devices or study materials.
- I understand the examination rules and section-wise time limits.
Conclusion: Following the CAT Exam Day Guidelines 2026 can help candidates avoid preventable entry problems and focus on their performance. Keep your admit card and accepted photo ID ready, reach the examination centre before the prescribed deadline, avoid prohibited items and follow the invigilator’s instructions. Most importantly, check the official CAT website and your admit card for the final rules applicable to your examination slot.
For further preparation, explore CAT mock tests, CAT previous year question papers, CAT exam analysis and CAT preparation strategies on Career Launcher.