7 Critical Things Every CAT Exam Aspirant Must Know after Downloading the Admit Card
Common Admission Test 2026 ( CAT )
CAT 2026 admit card download
6 Nov '26 - 29 Nov '26
CAT 2026 admir card will be released on Novemnber 6, 2026. It has been delayed by 2 days. Once the CAT admit card is released, candidates must download it soon and check it thoroughlly. Check on this page, 7 Critical Things Every CAT Exam Aspirant Must Know After Downloading the Admit Card.
7 Critical Things Every CAT Exam Aspirant Must Know after Downloading the Admit Card
Once the CAT 2026 admit card has been released, candidates who registered for the exam will have to give their preparation a final edit. CAT 2026 exam is scheduled on November 29, 2026 and with only three weeks to go, now is the time to speed up practice and analysis of one’s own preparation status, i.e, strength areas, weak areas, topics on which yours scoring more, etc.
CAT admit card 2026 will tell you your exam centre and exam shift. The most important thing to do after downloading the CAT 2026 admit card is to start practicing mock test on the same time as your exam slot timings. This will prepare you for the 2-hour test in the optimum manner. Along with that, here are a few things you must do now.
7 Critical Things Every CAT Exam Aspirant Must Know After Downloading the Admit Card
Last 7-day preparation strategy: Keep the last week before CAT exam only for revision. You can opt for one last CAT mock test and analysis to keep the momentum going. But whatever be the result, do not let it affect your confidence. By the last week of CAT exam you would know the possible score you’ll get, on the basis of preparation and mock test results. The last one week is the time to capitalize on that and keep a calm mind. Sleep well and revise through short notes. If there is any topic you haven’t been able to study, leave it. This is no time to study a new topic.
CAT Exam-day dress code: Keep in mind to wear simple clothes on the exam day. The CAT admit card 2026 will have guidelines related to dress code. Do check. You must avoid the following to avoid trouble during security check.
- Jackets, hoodies, outfits with pockets, closed shoes, boots, caps, hats or any type of headgear.
- Metal accessories and jewellery including belts, wallets, buttons.
- Religious headgear will be allowed with prior permission
CAT Admit card discrepancies: As soon as you download your CAT admit card 2026, check the details mentioned on it and in case of any error, immediately reach out to the IIMCAT helpdesk. Admit card will errors will not be accepted as a valid document for identification.
Toll free number: 1-800-210-0175 (Toll Free)
Items strictly prohibited at CAT centre: Certain items will be prohibited inside the CAT test centre, these include, mobile phones, smartwatches, earphone, headphone, calculator, bluetooth device, bags, jewellery, wallets, books, notebooks, loose sheets or any stationary item.
Reporting time vs exam start time: Reporting time will be 2 hours before the exam start time. Candidates are suppose to reach at the reporting time mentioned in their CAT admit card 2026. The CAT test centre gates will be closed about 15 minutes before exam commencement. Once the gates are closed, no candidate will be allowed to enter under any circumstances. Check below CAT exam timings and reporting time.
| Slot |
Exam Timing |
Reporting Time |
Gate Closing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slot 1 |
8:30 AM - 10:30 AM |
7:00 AM |
8:15 AM |
| Slot 2 |
12:30 PM - 2:30 PM |
11:00 AM |
12:15 PM |
| Slot 3 |
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM |
3:00 PM |
4:15 PM |
Mandatory documents for CAT 2026 exam: Candidates have to carry two hard copies of their admit card with a photo affixed on both. The CAT admit card 2026 print out will have to be in A4 size sheet. Along with the CAT hall ticket, candidates will have to carry any one of the following ID cards in original:
- Aadhaar card
- PAN card
- Voter ID card
- Passport
- Driving License
Exam centre mistakes: Candidates must not wait until the exam day to download their CAT admit card 2026 and check their test centre loction. They should visit their test centre atleast one day before to check the location, distance, time and transportation modes, required to reach there This is critical to avoid last minute delay or any hassle on the exam day. Candidates must note that they will not be allowed to appear for the exam at any centre. So, they must ensure they are familiar with their allotted CAT 2026 test centre before the exam day.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered Yesterday
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Contributor-Level 9
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No, national entrance exams like JEE, CAT, or MAT are not strictly mandatory in all cases for admission to IILM University, Greater Noida. National level entrance exam scores are preferred for direct shortlisting and merit scholarships.
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Yes, for some of them. Bahra lists scholarships based on JEE Main marks and CLAT rank, along with BUSET, CAT, MAT, and CUET percentile scores. I am not sure about NEET, so confirm that with the admissions office.
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
In case of mistakes in the fields mentioned on the CAT admit card, candidates must contact the official CAT helpdesk via email or phone to get it rectified before the exam date.
R
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
Candidates need to log in using their CAT User ID and Password to download CAT admit card. These login credentials are generated at the time of registration.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
No, the Common Admission Test (CAT) admit card cannot be obtained offline. Candidates have to download CAT 2026 admit card from the official website.
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
Yes. Candidates must preserve their admit card safely. It is a mandatory document required for identity verification during the Writing Ability Test (WAT), Personal Interview (PI) rounds, and final admission stages at the institutes.
J
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
No. The examination authorities do not accept any requests to change the allotted exam venue, test city, or timing slot. The details printed on your CAT admit card are final.
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Yes, you can download the PDF on your smartphone. However, it is better to use a laptop or desktop computer to prevent any layout errors and to ensure you can print a clean copy easily.
V
Contributor-Level 7
Vipra Shrivastava is MA in English Literature from Delhi University with extensive experience in content writing of over 14 years. She has been handling content for Management, Accounting and Commerce streams for 8
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