CAT 2026 Exam Day Guidelines: What Candidates Should Carry, Dress Code, & Reporting Time

With registration for the Common Admission Test closing September 15 and the exam itself scheduled for November 29, candidates would do well to start locking in exam-day logistics early because CAT centres are notoriously strict, and even a small slip-up can cost you your shot at the exam entirely. Here's a complete, practical breakdown of everything to carry, wear, and avoid on CAT 2026 exam day.

Reporting Time 

CAT 2026 will be conducted in three sessions, following the pattern used in recent years:

Session	Indicative Timing
Session 1	8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Session 2	12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Session 3	4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Documents You Must Carry

1. Printed CAT 2026 admit card 

2. One original photo ID proof such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, voter ID, or driving licence. The name and photo must clearly match your admit card details.
3. Carry the same photo you uploaded during registration; centres sometimes require an extra copy for the attendance sheet.

CAT 2026 Dress Code

Category	Guideline
Clothing	Simple, comfortable outfits; avoid heavy jackets or multi-pocket clothing
Footwear	Slippers or sandals preferred; avoid thick-soled shoes or metal buckles
Jewellery	No metallic jewellery, watches (digital or analog), or accessories
Pockets	Outfits with multiple pockets are not permitted
Headgear	Caps, scarves, and hats are prohibited unless required for religious or medical reasons

What You Cannot Bring Into the Exam Centre

Leave the following at home or locked in your vehicle, most centres offer no safe storage, and anything left outside the gate is entirely at your own risk:

• Mobile phones, smartwatches, and any wearable device
• Bluetooth devices, earphones, and other electronic gadgets
• Calculators or any electronic aid
• Study material, notes, or printed reference sheets
• Wallets or bags beyond what's essential (most centres restrict even bags)
• Any digital or analog watch

Quick Pre-Exam Checklist

Use this the night before to avoid last-minute scrambling:

• Two printed copies of admit card 
• One original photo ID matching admit card details
• Extra passport-size photograph
• Simple, pocket-free/minimal-pocket outfit laid out
• Slippers or simple footwear
• No watch, jewellery, or electronic device packed for the day
• Route and travel time to the centre confirmed in advance
• Alarm set with enough buffer for at least 90 minutes' reporting time