The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore will conduct the CAT 2026 examination on November 29, 2026.

For the first time, IIM Indore will test AI-based facial recognition at examination centres as an additional layer of identity verification alongside existing manual checking procedures.

  • The AI-based facial recognition system will operate alongside manual identity checks at CAT 2026 exam centres.
  • Candidates will still have to present their CAT 2026 admit card and a valid photo ID for physical verification.
  • IIM Indore will use the technology on an experimental basis, and the technical specifications and software provider have not been disclosed.
  • Candidates will not be denied entry if the AI system fails to scan or recognise their faces. Manual verification by exam officials will remain the primary method of confirming identity.

IIM Indore will review the technology's performance after the examination before deciding whether to introduce it permanently in future CAT editions. The institute has not yet confirmed any long-term implementation plan.

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CAT 2026 AI Based Facial Recognition

CAT 2026 AI Facial Recognition: Key Details

Particulars Details
Conducting Institute IIM Indore
Examination CAT 2026
Exam Date November 29, 2026
New Technology AI-Based Facial Recognition
Purpose Candidate Identity Verification
Verification Method AI Facial Recognition + Manual Checking
Implementation Experimental Trial
Entry if AI Fails Manual Verification Will Be Accepted
Future Implementation Decision After Reviewing Trial Results

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How Will AI-Based Facial Recognition Work at CAT 2026 Exam Centres?

Under the new verification arrangement, the AI-based facial recognition tool will work alongside the existing entry checks at CAT 2026 exam centres.

Candidates will continue to undergo manual identity verification, with examination officials matching their faces against the photographs on their admit cards and valid photo ID documents.

IIM Indore has clarified that the software will operate on an experimental basis this year. The institute has not disclosed the specific technical specifications or the name of the technology provider.

Candidates do not need to complete any separate AI-based verification process before reaching the examination centre. The existing admit card and photo ID requirements will continue to apply.

CAT 2026: Existing vs New Identity Verification Process

Verification Parameter Existing Process CAT 2026 Trial
Photograph Verification Manual checking by exam officials Manual checking continues alongside AI
Identity Confirmation Admit card and valid photo ID Admit card, valid photo ID and AI facial scan
Technology Used Physical verification AI-based facial recognition
Technical Failure Manual verification Manual verification remains the deciding factor
Entry Restrictions Subject to identity verification AI failure alone will not lead to denial of entry

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Will Candidates Be Denied Entry if AI Facial Recognition Fails?

No. Candidates will not be denied entry solely because the AI-based facial recognition system fails to scan or match their faces.

IIM Indore Director Himanshu Rai has clarified that manual verification will remain the deciding factor for entry clearance. This means candidates can complete the existing identity verification process even if the facial recognition software encounters a technical error or fails to recognise them.

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CAT Percentile Predictor

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CAT 2026 AI Facial Recognition Trial: Will It Continue in Future Exams?

IIM Indore will evaluate the performance and operational effectiveness of the facial recognition technology after CAT 2026. The institute will review how accurately the software identifies candidates and how it performs alongside manual verification.

Any decision to adopt the technology permanently in future CAT examinations will depend on the outcome of this trial. Officials have not confirmed its continued use in upcoming examination cycles.

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CAT 2026 Registration Statistics

Particulars CAT 2026 CAT 2025
Registered Candidates 2,89,961 Approximately 2.95 lakh
Exam Date November 29, 2026 November 30, 2025
Number of Exam Slots 3 3

CAT Previous Year Question Papers PDF: Overview and Pattern (2020–2025)

CAT Exam Year Total Questions Exam Pattern Overall Difficulty Best For
CAT 2025 68 Latest Pattern Difficult Final Revision & Latest Pattern
CAT 2024 68 Latest Pattern Moderate to Difficult Mock Test Practice
CAT 2023 66 Current Pattern Difficult Advanced Practice
CAT 2022 66 Current Pattern Moderate Concept Building
CAT 2021 66 Current Pattern Moderate Speed & Accuracy
CAT 2020 76 Pattern Transition Moderate Understanding Pattern Changes

Related Link: Check the detailed CAT Exam Pattern 2026 to understand section-wise marking, question types, and the latest paper structure before attempting these previous year papers.

CAT 2026: FAQs

Ques. Will CAT 2026 use AI-based facial recognition at exam centres?

Ans. Yes. IIM Indore will test AI-based facial recognition at CAT 2026 examination centres as an additional identity verification measure.

Ques. Will candidates be denied entry if facial recognition fails?

Ans. No. Candidates will not be denied entry if the AI system fails to recognise their faces. Manual identity verification will remain the primary method.

Ques. Is AI-based facial recognition mandatory for CAT 2026 candidates?

Ans. The system will operate as an experimental verification measure. Candidates must continue to follow the existing admit card and photo ID verification requirements.

Ques. Will IIM Indore continue AI facial recognition in CAT 2027?

Ans. IIM Indore has not confirmed permanent implementation. The decision will depend on the technology's performance during the CAT 2026 trial.