Last updated: September 29, 2026
CAT 2026 is about two months away, and one question decides how you plan your last weeks: what is your CAT slot timing? The exam is on Sunday, November 29, 2026, in three sessions, and IIM Indore assigns each candidate one of them. This guide gives you the exact slot timings, reporting times, sectional limits, and a practical plan for whichever slot you get.
Quick Summary
- CAT 2026 is held on November 29, 2026 in three slots.
- Each slot lasts 120 minutes: 40 minutes per section for general candidates.
- Slot 1 runs 8:30–10:30 AM, Slot 2 runs 12:30–2:30 PM, Slot 3 runs 4:30–6:30 PM.
- You cannot choose your slot. It appears on your admit card, released on November 4, 2026.
- Scores are normalised across slots, so no slot is officially advantaged.
- Reporting time is well before the exam start. Plan to arrive early.
CAT Slot Timing 2026 at a Glance
| Slot | Session | Exam Time | Reporting Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slot 1 | Morning | 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM | 7:00 AM |
| Slot 2 | Afternoon | 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM | 11:00 AM |
| Slot 3 | Evening | 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM | 3:00 PM |
These match the CAT exam timings of recent years. The final details for you, including the gate closing time, are printed on your admit card.
Source: CAT officail website
What Is a CAT Slot?
A slot (also called a shift or session) is the time window in which you take the test. CAT is a computer-based exam with lakhs of applicants, so the IIMs run it in three sessions on the same day across roughly 170 test cities. Every slot follows the same pattern and duration, but each has its own question paper.
CAT Exam Reporting Time and Gate Closing
Your CAT exam time is only part of the picture. You must report well before the test starts, because biometric checks, document verification and seating take time.
- Reporting time: the time you should be at the centre. For all three slots it falls about 90 minutes before the exam starts.
- Gate closing time: after this, entry is not allowed. Reports for Slots 1 and 2 put it about 15 minutes before the start, and your admit card confirms it.
- Exam start time: when your sectional timer begins.
Missing the gate closing time can cost you the attempt. For rules on what you can carry and wear, read our CAT 2026 exam day guidelines.
CAT Paper Timing Inside Each Slot: Sectional Limits
The paper timing is the same in every slot. CAT has three sections with fixed time limits, and you cannot carry unused time from one section to the next.
| Section | Time (General) | Time (PwD/DA candidates) |
|---|---|---|
| VARC | 40 minutes | 60 minutes |
| DILR | 40 minutes | 60 minutes |
| QA | 40 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Total | 120 minutes | 180 minutes |
PwD candidates receive 20 extra minutes per section. Confirm the exact provision in the official Information Bulletin. As in CAT 2025, expect about 68 questions across the three sections.
How Is Your CAT Slot Decided?
Can you choose your slot? No. The conducting IIM allots slot and test city, and you can’t pick or swap them.
Where do you find it? In your admit card, which shows your date, slot, reporting time, and centre address.
When? The CAT 2026 admit card is scheduled for November 4, 2026. Download it on release day and print copies. See our CAT 2026 important dates for the full calendar.
Does Your CAT Slot Affect Your Percentile?
Not by design. The IIMs normalise scores across slots to account for differences in paper difficulty, so a tougher slot shouldn’t hurt you. Rather than trusting slot rumours, focus on what you control. For a data-based look, see our guide to slot-wise difficulty.
Prepare for Your CAT Slot Timing
Once you know your slot, align your body clock to it. From about three weeks before the exam, take your full-length mocks at your exact slot time. Our free CAT mock tests make this easy.
- Slot 1 (morning): Sleep early, and practise waking at 4:30–5:00 AM. Your brain should be sharp at 8:30.
- Slot 2 (afternoon): Eat a light meal before you leave, since you’ll be at the centre through lunchtime.
- Slot 3 (evening): Avoid a long morning revision session that leaves you drained by 4:30 PM.
Sample exam-morning timeline (adjust for your travel time):
| Step | Slot 1 | Slot 2 | Slot 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wake up | 4:30 AM | 8:00 AM | 8:30 AM |
| Leave home | 5:30 AM | 9:30 AM | 1:30 PM |
| Reach centre | By 7:00 AM | By 11:00 AM | By 3:00 PM |
| Exam starts | 8:30 AM | 12:30 PM | 4:30 PM |
Use the CAT 2025 previous year papers with a strict 40-minute sectional timer to build the same rhythm you’ll need on the day.
Common Mistakes About CAT Slot Timing
- Assuming reporting time equals exam time.
- Relying on old CAT 2025 timings without checking the admit card.
- Treating one slot as “luckier” and letting it affect your confidence.
- Practising mocks at random hours, then facing an 8:30 AM start.
- Skipping a trial trip to the centre.
FAQs on CAT Slot Timing
What is the CAT slot timing for 2026?
Slot 1 is 8:30–10:30 AM, Slot 2 is 12:30–2:30 PM, and Slot 3 is 4:30–6:30 PM on November 29, 2026.
How long is each CAT slot?
Each slot lasts 120 minutes, with 40 minutes per section for general candidates.
Can I choose my CAT slot?
No. The conducting IIM assigns your slot and test city, and it appears on your admit card.
When will I know my CAT 2026 slot?
When the admit card is released on November 4, 2026.
What is the reporting time for each slot?
Slot 1 at 7:00 AM, Slot 2 at 11:00 AM, and Slot 3 at 3:00 PM. Confirm the times on your admit card.
Is any CAT slot easier?
No slot is officially easier. Scores are normalised across slots to balance difficulty.
Can I change my slot?
Slots are generally not changeable, so plan your schedule around the one you receive.
What extra time do PwD candidates get?
PwD candidates get 20 extra minutes per section. Verify the details in the Information Bulletin.
Conclusion
Knowing your CAT slot timing turns exam day from a guess into a plan. The three slots (8:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 4:30 PM) share the same 120-minute structure, and normalisation keeps the contest fair. Download your admit card on November 4, note your reporting time, and start practising at your slot’s hours. Then sharpen your speed with free CAT mocks, and check the response sheet guide after the exam.
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