CAT 2026 Exam Timing, Slots, Reporting Time & Schedule

CAT 2026 Exam Timing

To all CAT aspirants, there are just 70 days remaining until the CAT 2026 exam. November 29, 2026, is the date of the CAT exam, which will be held in three slots. Once the CAT admit card is released, you will know your CAT exam centre, slot time, reporting time, entry closing time, and exam day instructions. Moreover, the CAT 2026 exam will be conducted in computer-based mode, so you need to be an hour early at the exam centre to get assigned to your system in time.

CAT 2026 Important Dates

CAT 2026 conducting body, IIM Indore, extended the CAT registration from September 15 2026, to September 22, 2026, 5:00 PM. Also, if you have filled the CAT form but the payment is pending, then you have a chance until September 24th 2026, 5:PM. Use this opportunity and register for CAT 2026 early.

Quick note: If you think that just creating a login is registration, then you must hurry up to fill out the main CAT form. Only those who have filled the application form are allowed to open the CAT 2026 fee payment window.

CAT 2026 Exam Timing: Slot-Wise Schedule

CAT 2026 will run in three sessions on November 29. The two-hour examination window remains fixed for each slot.

Your exact slot will appear on your CAT admit card. Therefore, avoid relying only on coaching-site schedules while checking your test-day details.

The three slots also have separate question papers. Your preparation should focus on the common CAT exam pattern rather than trying to predict a particular slot's difficulty.

CAT 2026 Reporting Time and Entry Closing Time

The reporting schedule gives you about 90 minutes before the examination begins. This gap allows time for verification, frisking, biometric checks, and movement to the assigned computer hall.

The entry closing time is the real danger zone. Reaching the centre after that point can mean losing your attempt, even if your exam starts later.

Tip: Visit the centre location once before exam day if the route is unfamiliar. A little travel awareness can save you from a very unnecessary morning panic.

CAT 2026 Exam Duration

The CAT 2026 exam duration is 120 minutes, or exactly two hours. You will answer three sections during this period, with 40 minutes assigned to each section.

• You need extra time for entry, document verification, security checks, biometric procedures, system allocation, and seating. So, you have to reach the allotted CAT exam centre early.
• The centre also provides the required rough-work material, such as the permitted writing surface or notebook. You should not carry your own rough sheets into the examination lab unless the instructions specifically allow them.
• The two-hour timer applies to the test itself. Therefore, do not mistake the entry and system-allocation period for extra answering time.

CAT 2026 Section-Wise Time Limit

CAT 2026 has a sectional time of 40 minutes for each section, making the total answering time 120 minutes. You cannot freely move between sections during the active sectional timer.

You will also get a short on-screen instruction-reading period before answering begins. This should not be treated as additional question-solving time. The exact instructions displayed on your test system should be followed carefully.

For PwD candidates eligible for compensatory time, the applicable additional time will be provided according to CAT rules.

Tip: Do not spend the first few minutes staring at one difficult question. CAT rewards smart decision-making, not heroic battles with one problem.

CAT 2026 Exam Day Schedule and Important Instructions

Exam day can feel intense, but the process becomes much easier when you know what happens. Keep your documents ready the night before and avoid last-minute experiments.

Carry Your CAT Admit Card

• Download and print your CAT 2026 admit card before exam day.
• Check your name, photograph, test centre, reporting time, and slot.
• Carry the required valid photo ID mentioned in the official instructions.
• Read the instructions printed on your admit card carefully.
• Keep the admit card flat and readable instead of folding or damaging it.

CAT admit card will be available from November 4, 2026.

Follow the Dress Code Carefully

• Wear simple and comfortable clothing suitable for a long examination day.
• Avoid clothing or accessories that could create issues during security checks.
• Keep jewellery and unnecessary accessories to a minimum/avoid completely.
• Avoid carrying items that are prohibited inside the examination centre. (Electronic gadgets, metallic items, etc)
• You can take a transparent water bottle and ID proof (Aadhar, PAN, voter, passport, driving license, etc.)
• Wear comfortable footwear because you may spend time waiting during entry procedures.

Reach the Centre Early

• Try reaching around the official reporting time instead of targeting the last entry minute.
• Keep your route and travel time checked before leaving.
• Expect security checks and document verification at the centre.
• Follow instructions from the test-centre staff during lab allocation.
• Keep your admit card and ID easily accessible.

Inside the Examination Lab

• Follow the instructions displayed on your computer screen.
• Check your allotted system before the test begins.
• Use only the rough-work material provided or permitted by the centre.
• Do not attempt to switch sections before the sectional timer allows it.
• Keep your attention on the screen once the test begins.

CAT 2026 Exam Timing: Conclusion

CAT 2026 will be conducted on November 29, 2026, in three slots, with each session lasting 120 minutes. Candidates should carefully check their CAT 2026 exam timing, reporting time, entry closing time and exam centre details on the admit card. Understanding the CAT slot timings in advance can help you plan your travel and reach the centre without last-minute stress.

Along with knowing the CAT 2026 exam schedule, candidates should prepare all required documents and follow the exam-day instructions carefully. Since each section has a 40-minute time limit, understanding the CAT exam pattern and sectional time limits is equally important. Reaching the centre well before the reporting time can help you complete verification and other entry procedures smoothly.