CAT 2026: admit card download date changed to 6 November
The CAT 2026 admit card will be available for download from **Friday, 6 November 2026**, rather than the previously announced 4 November date. This is a revised release schedule, not an indication that candidates have already been able to download their hall tickets.
Will the delayed CAT 2026 admit card change your prep plans?
Media reporting on 4 November, citing a fresh release from the IIMs, says admit cards have already been prepared for eligible candidates. However, the candidate download facility will open only on 6 November and stay available through the exam date, 29 November 2026.
| CAT 2026 milestone | Latest position |
|---|---|
| Earlier admit-card opening date | 4 November 2026 (superseded) |
| Revised admit-card download opening | 6 November 2026 |
| Last stated date for downloading | 29 November 2026 |
| Official sample mock test | Available from 6 November 2026 |
| CAT 2026 examination | 29 November 2026, three shifts (unchanged) |
What is new besides the date?
The IIMs also announced that their official mock test with sample questions will be accessible from 6 November. This is primarily a way to practise the on-screen test interface, question navigation and response selection; it should not be treated as a prediction of the actual CAT 2026 questions.
The updated media statement also refers to additional exam-day security, including facial matching and mobile-phone jammers at selected centres. Students should follow the instructions on their individual hall tickets and avoid carrying prohibited devices to the venue.
How should you use this update?
1. Do not confuse 'admit cards generated' with 'download link activated'. The revised opening is 6 November. 2. On or after 6 November, log in to the official CAT candidate portal with your existing User ID and password. Check the examination centre, allotted shift, reporting time, photograph and personal details on your own card. 3. Save and print the admit card, read its exam-centre rules, and keep the required original identification document ready. 4. Try the official mock when it becomes available. Use it to understand navigation and the interface, then continue your regular preparation rather than assuming its sample questions represent the final paper.
Does the CAT exam date change?
No. CAT 2026 remains scheduled for **Sunday, 29 November 2026**, in three sessions. This announcement concerns the admit-card access window and official mock availability, not a rescheduling of the main exam.
Verification note
This update is based on media coverage published on 4 November 2026 that attributes the new dates to an IIM media release. The original CAT website was not accessible for independent automated verification at the time of the check. Students should treat their own CAT candidate login and any later official notice as the final authority if details change again.
Based on a EdexLive (4 Nov 2026), with independent Moneycontrol confirmation; attributed to IIM Indore media release report. Media report, not officially confirmed.
Key facts
| Test date | 29 Nov 2026 |
Source: EdexLive (4 Nov 2026), with independent Moneycontrol confirmation; attributed to IIM Indore media release (media report)