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The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore has announced a new technology-based identity verification system for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026. For the first time, candidates appearing for the examination will undergo AI-based facial recognition at test centres.
CAT 2026 is scheduled to take place on November 29, 2026. The new system will be introduced as an additional security measure to verify the identity of candidates during the examination process.
How Will AI Face Recognition Work at CAT 2026 Exam Centres?
Under the new arrangement, AI-powered facial recognition technology will be used alongside the existing identity verification process.
Candidates will still need to show their CAT 2026 admit cards and valid photo ID proof to the examination officials. The AI system will provide an additional layer of identity checking by matching candidates' faces with the photographs available in their application records.
IIM Indore Director Himanshu Rai has clarified that the technology is being introduced on an experimental basis. The institute will examine its accuracy and performance before deciding whether it should be used in future examination cycles.
Will Candidates Be Denied Entry If AI Fails to Recognise Their Faces?
No. IIM Indore has clarified that candidates will not be denied entry to the examination centre if the AI-based facial recognition system fails to identify them.
Manual identity verification will continue as before. Examination officials will check the candidate's face against the photograph on the admit card.
The AI system will only work as an additional verification tool and will not replace the existing checking procedure. This measure is intended to ensure that technical errors do not create unnecessary problems for candidates on examination day.
IIM Indore to Review AI Technology After CAT 2026
Since this is the first time AI-based facial recognition is being tested at CAT examination centres, IIM Indore will evaluate its performance after the examination.
The institute will compare the results generated by the AI system with the identity checks conducted by examination officials. This will help determine whether the technology is accurate and whether any improvements are required.
The institute has not disclosed the specific software or technical details of the facial recognition system.
If the experiment produces satisfactory results, the technology may be considered for wider use in future examinations.
CAT 2026 Exam Date and Important Details
IIM Indore will conduct CAT 2026 on November 29, 2026. The examination will be held in three sessions across more than 350 test centres in approximately 170 cities.
A total of 2,89,961 candidates have registered for CAT 2026, compared to approximately 2.95 lakh registrations in the previous year.
CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates appearing for the examination should carry the following documents:
A printed copy of the CAT 2026 admit card.
A valid photo identity proof.
Other documents, if specifically mentioned in the official examination guidelines.
Candidates are advised to check their admit cards carefully and follow all instructions issued by the examination authorities.
Conclusion
The introduction of AI-based facial recognition at CAT 2026 examination centres is an important step towards exploring the use of technology in large-scale entrance examinations.
However, the existing manual verification process will remain in place. IIM Indore will assess the effectiveness of the new system after the examination before considering its future implementation.
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