CAT 2026 exam date – official schedule, paper timing & key updates

CAT 2026 exam day schedule

To ensure a smooth experience on the exam day, candidates must be well-versed with the slot-wise schedule, reporting requirements, and gate closing times. Arriving late can lead to disqualification, so proper planning is essential.

The exam will be conducted in three slots:

• Slot 1: 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM (Reporting by 7:00 AM)
• Slot 2: 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM (Reporting by 11:00 AM)
• Slot 3: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM (Reporting by 3:00 PM)

Entry gates close 15 minutes before the test begins (i.e., 8:15 AM, 12:15 PM, and 4:15 PM for each respective slot). Late entry is strictly prohibited, and no candidate will be allowed inside the exam hall after gate closure.

Important tips

• Reach the center at least 90 minutes before your slot.
• Carry only essential documents: Admit card and a valid photo ID.
• Avoid bringing banned items like electronics and stationery.
• Use the restroom before reporting as breaks are not allowed during the test.
• Stay calm and focused — avoid discussing questions with other candidates before the test begins.

Paper format and duration

CAT exam 2026 is a high-stakes, computer-based management aptitude test designed to evaluate a candidate's problem-solving, time management, and reasoning abilities under pressure. Understanding the exam format not only helps reduce anxiety on test day but also enables smarter preparation, section prioritization, and time allocation. Each year, the paper maintains a core structure with subtle variations in the number of questions and difficulty levels. Here’s everything you need to know about the structure, timing, and marking system for CAT 2026:

• Mode: Computer-based test (CBT)
• Sections:
  ● Verbal ability & reading comprehension (VARC))
  ● Data interpretation & logical reasoning (DILR)
  ● Quantitative aptitude (QA)
  
• Duration: 120 minutes (40 minutes per section)
• Question types: MCQs and non-MCQs (TITA)
• Marking scheme: +3 for correct, -1 for incorrect (MCQs only). No negative marking for TITA questions.
• Section order: Candidates must answer the sections in the fixed order set by the system. Switching between sections is not allowed.
• On-screen calculator: A basic on-screen calculator is available for QA and DILR sections.
• Rough work: Rough sheets will be provided at the center for calculations, which must be returned after the test.

Exam day guidelines

A clear understanding of the exam day protocols ensures a stress-free experience and prevents any unexpected complications. From mandatory documents to strict restrictions on what you can bring, here’s everything you need to know to be fully prepared.

List of mandatory documents

Candidates must carry the following documents to the exam centre:

• CAT admit card (printout)
• Valid photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN card, passport, etc)
• A simple transparent water bottle (if allowed by the center)
• Medical certificate or medicines (if required and declared)

Note: Failure to present any of the required documents may result in disqualification from the exam.

Permissible vs prohibited items

To maintain fairness and security during the exam, certain items are strictly restricted. Here's a clear breakdown:

• Permissible items
  ● Admit card printout with photo affixed (as per instructions))
  ● Government-issued original photo ID
  ● Mask and hand sanitizer (if still required by guidelines)
  ● Scribe support documents (for PwD candidates, if applicable)


• Prohibited items
  ● Mobile phones, smartwatches, digital calculators
  ● Bags, wallets, or purses
  ● Paper, books, notes, rough pads
  ● Pen/pencil or stationery (provided at center)
  ● Food or beverages (except for medical needs)

Other instructions:

• Use the rough sheets provided at the exam center..
• Maintain silence and follow invigilator instructions.
• Do not leave the exam hall before the end of your slot.

Any unfair means, impersonation, or prohibited item use may lead to disqualification understanding of the exam day protocols ensures a stress-free experience and prevents any unexpected complications. From mandatory documents to strict restrictions on what you can bring, here’s everything you need to know to be fully prepared.

Latest official updates & announcements

Staying updated with the latest announcements is crucial to avoid missing any important deadlines or changes related to the CAT 2026 examination process.

• Notification announced on 26th of July 2026
• Registration window from 3rd of August 2026 to September 15, 2026
• Admit card download from 4th of November 2026

Registration and fee payment deadlines:

• Last dates for form submission and payment may change due to technical or administrative reasons.
• Extensions, if any, will be announced only through the official portal.

Change in exam centers (if applicable):

• A few days before the release of the admit card, a city intimation slip may be released.
• In rare cases, the organizing IIM may reassign exam centers due to logistical constraints.
• Candidates will be notified via email or SMS if their center changes.

How to manage time on the CAT 2026 exam date

Time management on the CAT exam day can be the difference between a decent score and a top percentile. With just 40 minutes allocated per section and no option to revisit previous sections, planning how you approach each part of the test is critical. Here are some detailed tips to help you maximize performance under time pressure:

• Arrive early: Reach the exam center at least 90 minutes before your slot to complete verification and settle in without stress..
• Stick to sectional limits: Each section auto-submits after 40 minutes. Practice sticking to this limit in mocks so your pacing feels natural.
• Prioritize easy questions: Start with questions you're confident in to build momentum and avoid early panic.
• Use flag & skip wisely: If unsure, flag the question and move on. Return to flagged questions only if time permits.
• Strategic time blocks:
  ● First 10 minutes:Attempt easy and direct questions
  ● Next 20 minutes: Tackle medium-level or time-consuming problems
  ● Final 10 minutes: Review flagged questions, double-check calculations
• Stay composed: Breathe, don't panic if one section feels tough—it’s the overall balance that matters.