CAT 2026: Facial Recognition Failure Won't Stop Entry, IIM Indore Confirms Manual ID Verification

Candidates appearing for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 can take the examination even if facial recognition technology fails to verify their identity. IIM Indore Director Himanshu Rai has clarified that a failed facial scan alone will not prevent candidates from entering the examination centre on November 29, 2026. Candidates must carry their printed CAT 2026 admit card and a valid photo ID proof to the examination centre. If the facial recognition system fails to detect a candidate's face or reports a mismatch, examination staff will conduct manual identity verification using these documents.

CAT 2026: What Happens if Facial Recognition Fails?

According to the clarification issued by IIM Indore Director Himanshu Rai, candidates will not be denied entry solely because of a facial recognition failure. If the technology cannot recognise a candidate's face or generates an identity mismatch, authorised examination staff can manually verify the candidate's identity using the printed admit card and valid photo ID. Even candidates whose facial scans are successfully recognised will still need to complete the regular document verification process.

Documents Required for CAT 2026 Exam

Candidates should make sure they carry the following documents when reporting to their allotted examination centre:

• Printed CAT 2026 admit card: A physical copy of the downloaded admit card.
• Valid photo ID proof: An accepted government-issued or other permitted photo identity document.

Candidates should carefully check the reporting time, examination centre address and other instructions mentioned on their individual admit cards.

CAT 2026 Admit Card Does Not Mention Facial Recognition

The CAT 2026 admit card does not specifically mention facial recognition as a mandatory entry requirement. Candidates are advised to follow the examination instructions printed on their respective admit cards and arrive at the centre within the prescribed reporting time. The manual verification provision ensures that technical issues with facial recognition do not unnecessarily affect candidates' participation in the examination.

IIM Indore Testing Facial Recognition Technology for the First Time

1. IIM Indore is introducing facial recognition technology at CAT examination centres for the first time in 2026. 
2. The institute plans to evaluate the technology's performance after the examination before deciding whether to continue using it in future editions of CAT.
3. The clarification provides reassurance to candidates concerned about possible facial recognition errors on examination day.
4. CAT 2026 will be conducted on November 29, 2026. Candidates should keep their printed admit cards and valid photo ID documents ready and follow all instructions issued by the examination authorities.