IIM Indore to Pilot AI Facial Recognition at CAT 2026 Test Centres

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore has announced the implementation of AI-based facial recognition technology at test centres for the upcoming Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026. Scheduled for November 29, 2026, the national-level entrance examination will feature this new digital verification tool as an additional security measure to supplement existing entry protocols.

While the introduction of this technology marks a significant shift in the examination's administrative process, officials have clarified that it will function alongside, rather than replace, traditional verification methods. Candidates will still be required to undergo manual identity validation, which involves presenting their official CAT 2026 admit card and a valid government-issued photo identification document to exam centre staff.

Operational Details and Candidate Assurance

IIM Indore has categorised the deployment of the facial recognition software as an experimental initiative for the current cycle. Although the institute has not disclosed specific technical details or the identity of the software providers, it has provided clear guidelines regarding the role of this technology on exam day. The primary objective is to enhance the integrity of the identification process at the point of entry.

Addressing potential concerns regarding technical malfunctions, IIM Indore Director Himanshu Rai stated that no student will be denied entry to the examination hall due to a failure or error within the AI system. The institute has emphasised that manual verification by invigilators remains the definitive process for granting entry. This policy is designed to ensure that any unforeseen software glitches do not disrupt a candidate's ability to sit for the exam.

Future Outlook and Registration Statistics

The decision to adopt this technology permanently will be determined following a comprehensive review of its performance and operational efficacy after the conclusion of the CAT 2026 testing window. Officials have noted that the use of AI in this capacity is currently a pilot project and does not represent a finalised, long-term policy for future examination cycles.

For the 2026 cycle, the examination has recorded 2,89,961 registrations. This figure represents a marginal decrease compared to the approximately 2.95 lakh applications received during the previous year. As the November 29 date approaches, candidates are reminded to adhere to standard exam-day requirements, which include carrying a printed hard copy of their admit card and a valid photo ID as specified in the official guidelines.