CAT 2026: Candidates to Undergo AI-Based Facial Recognition Checks at All Exam Centres

The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 will introduce AI-based facial recognition technology to verify candidates' identities at examination centres across the country. The initiative, being implemented by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore, aims to strengthen examination security and minimise the possibility of impersonation.

According to IIM Indore Director Himanshu Rai, the facial recognition system will be introduced for the first time in CAT and will operate alongside the existing physical identity verification process.

Candidates will still have to present their CAT 2026 admit cards for verification by examination officials. The AI-based technology will serve as an additional authentication mechanism rather than replacing the traditional checking procedure.CAT 2026 is scheduled to take place on November 29, 2026, in three sessions.

How Will AI-Based Facial Recognition Work in CAT 2026?

Under the new arrangement, the AI-powered system will compare the faces of candidates arriving at examination centres with the photographs they submitted during the CAT application process.The technology is intended to provide an additional layer of identity authentication and help examination authorities identify possible cases of impersonation.

However, IIM Indore has clarified that the system will initially be introduced on an experimental basis. Its performance and accuracy will be evaluated after the examination to determine whether improvements are required.The institute will also compare the results generated by the facial recognition software with the findings of physical verification conducted by examination personnel.

CAT 2026 Candidates Will Not Be Denied Entry Due to AI Errors

One of the major concerns surrounding facial recognition technology is the possibility of genuine candidates facing difficulties because of technical glitches or incorrect identification.Addressing these concerns, IIM Indore Director Himanshu Rai has assured candidates that the AI system will not become a barrier to entering examination centres.

Physical verification through the admit card will continue as before. Therefore, even if the facial recognition software fails to identify a candidate correctly, the candidate will not be denied entry solely because of that mismatch.

The institute is also assessing whether the technology can eventually make identity verification faster, particularly during periods when large numbers of candidates enter examination centres simultaneously.

Will CAT 2026 Candidates' Facial Data Be Stored?

The introduction of AI-based facial recognition has also raised questions about candidates' privacy and the handling of their personal information.Clarifying the issue, Rai said that the technology would use photographs already submitted by candidates during the application process. According to his explanation, the system would be used specifically to match the candidate appearing at the examination centre with the photograph available in the application records.

He also stated that no separate database of students would be stored for this purpose.However, the institute has not publicly disclosed detailed technical specifications of the facial recognition software or a separate data-retention policy.

CAT 2026 Exam Date and Important Details

IIM Indore is organising CAT 2026, which serves as an entrance examination for admission to postgraduate management programmes at the Indian Institutes of Management and several other participating business schools.

Here are the important examination details:

The official CAT 2026 media release also confirms that additional security measures, including face matching and mobile jammers at selected locations, have been planned for the examination.

Media Release_Admit Card_04-11-2026+2

CAT 2026: What Should Candidates Keep in Mind?

Candidates appearing for CAT 2026 should continue following the existing examination-day instructions.

• Download and print the CAT 2026 admit card from the official website.
• Carry the required original photo identity document.
• Ensure that the photograph and personal details submitted during registration are accurate.
• Reach the examination centre within the reporting time mentioned on the admit card.
• Cooperate with both physical and technology-assisted identity verification procedures.

The introduction of AI-based facial recognition marks a technological addition to CAT's examination security arrangements. However, the existing physical verification process will remain in place for CAT 2026.