IIMs will conduct CAT 2026 on Sunday, 29 November 2026, in three sessions. Candidates must carry a printed admit card and an original photo ID; a digital ID on the phone is not a safe option.
Source: CAT 2026 Information Bulletin (p.1), IIM Indore
- The admit card is downloadable from 4 to 29 November 2026 on iimcat.ac.in, as per the official bulletin.
- In CAT 2025, the centre accepted only a printed A4 admit card with the photograph affixed, plus an original photo ID.
- Phones are not allowed inside the exam lab, so a DigiLocker or mobile copy of an ID cannot be shown there.
- CAT 2026 will be held in about 170 test cities, and results are likely in the first week of January 2027.
- CAT 2026 Dress Code-What to Wear, Documents to Carry and Exam Day Guidelines
- PwD Scribe Guideline for CAT Exam 2026
Is Digital ID Proof Accepted at the CAT 2026 Test Centre?
No official notice so far allows a digital ID for CAT 2026. The 2026 exam-day instructions will be printed on the admit card from 4 November. Until then, follow the CAT 2025 rules, which asked for an original physical ID.
| Document form | Safe to rely on? |
|---|---|
| Original physical photo ID | Yes, required at the lab entrance |
| DigiLocker or mParivahan copy on phone | No, phones are not allowed inside |
| Screenshot or PDF of ID | No |
| Photocopy of ID | Only as a backup, not a replacement |
| Admit card on phone | No, a printed A4 copy is needed |
Students should check the instruction page of the admit card on 4 November. If IIM Indore changes any rule, it will appear there first.
Check: CAT 2026 Admit Card: 5 Things Candidates Should Check Before November 4
CAT 2026 Exam Day Documents Checklist
Three things decide entry: the printed admit card, the affixed photograph and an original photo ID. The table below lists everything to pack.
| Document | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Admit card | A4 printout, all pages; download from 4 Nov | Official window |
| Photograph | Paste on the admit card as instructed | As per CAT 2025 |
| Original photo ID | One valid ID (list below) | As per CAT 2025 |
| Name change proof | Gazette, affidavit or marriage certificate, if names differ | Advisory |
| PwBD documents | Disability certificate and signed Scribe Affidavit, if using a scribe | As per CAT 2025 |
Source: CAT 2026 Information Bulletin (p.5), admit card window and test centres
Check: CAT 2026 Login: Login at iimcat.ac.in, Forgot Password and Admit Card Download
CAT 2026 Valid Photo ID Proofs
CAT 2025 accepted seven types of photo ID. IIMs have not released the 2026 list yet, so treat this as tentative, as per CAT 2025.
| Photo ID | Accepted in CAT 2025? |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar card | Yes |
| PAN card | Yes |
| Passport | Yes |
| Voter ID | Yes |
| Driving licence | Yes |
| College ID | Yes |
| Employer ID | Yes |
Government IDs such as Aadhaar, PAN and passport are the safest choice. The name and photo on the ID must match the admit card. Carry the same ID details you entered during registration where possible.
Check:
- CAT Previous Year Question Papers with Solutions
- CAT Preparation 2026: Study Plan, Mock Tests and Topper Tips
What If the Name on the ID Does Not Match the Admit Card?
A mismatch can stop entry at the gate. Candidates should act as soon as the admit card is out on 4 November, which leaves 25 days to fix errors.
- Carry a government-issued name change document, such as a gazette notification, affidavit or marriage certificate.
- Report admit card errors to the CAT helpdesk at 1800 210 0175.
- Check the photo, name, test centre and session on every page of the printout.
Items Not Allowed at the CAT 2026 Test Centre
Only the admit card, photo ID and authorised items enter the exam lab. The centre gives each candidate a pen and scribble pad, and the test has an on-screen calculator.
| Item | Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Mobile phone, smartwatch, fitness band | No |
| Physical calculator | No, an on-screen calculator is given |
| Bags, wallets, books and notes | No |
| Own pen and paper | No, the centre provides both |
| Water bottle (transparent) | Check the admit card instructions |
In CAT 2025, gates closed 15 minutes before each session. Reporting times of 7:00 AM, 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM are tentative, as per CAT 2025, until the admit card confirms them.
Also Check: CAT Exam Pattern 2026 | CAT Percentile Predictor | CAT 2026 Exam | CAT Answer Key
CAT 2026 Exam Day Documents FAQs
Ques. Is a digital ID proof accepted at the CAT 2026 test centre?
Ans. No official rule allows it. Phones are not allowed inside the lab, so carry an original physical photo ID.
Ques. Can I show the CAT 2026 admit card on my phone?
Ans. No. CAT 2025 accepted only a printed A4 admit card with the photo affixed. Expect the same for 2026.
Ques. Which ID proofs were valid for CAT?
Ans. CAT 2025 accepted Aadhaar, PAN, passport, voter ID, driving licence, college ID and employer ID.
Ques. Is a photocopy of my ID enough?
Ans. No. A photocopy can only be a backup. The original ID is checked at the lab entrance.
Ques. When can I download the CAT 2026 admit card?
Ans. From 4 November to 29 November 2026 on iimcat.ac.in, as per the official bulletin.
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