CAT 2026 to Introduce AI Face Recognition at Exam Centres

IIM Indore introduces AI-based facial recognition as an additional identity check at CAT 2026 centres, while retaining manual verification and allowing entry despite facial scanning failures.

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore is introducing artificial intelligence (AI)-based facial recognition at examination centres for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026, scheduled for November 29. The technology will serve as an additional identity verification measure alongside the existing manual checking process, marking its first use in the national-level management entrance examination.

IIM Indore Director Himanshu Rai confirms that the facial recognition system will operate on an experimental basis this year. The initiative aims to assess whether AI can support faster candidate identification and improve the efficiency of entry procedures, particularly when large numbers of applicants arrive at examination centres.

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Under the proposed arrangement, candidates will continue to present their printed CAT 2026 admit cards to examination officials for identity verification. The AI-based system will perform an additional facial matching check, while human officials will retain responsibility for confirming candidates' identities.

Rai clarifies that candidates will not be denied entry if the AI system fails to recognise their faces or generates a mismatch. The technology will not replace the existing verification procedure, and a technical failure will not prevent an eligible candidate from appearing for the examination.

The institute has not disclosed the specific AI software, technology provider or backend system being used for the initiative. The facial recognition facility is intended as an experimental addition rather than a mandatory replacement for conventional identity checks.

The institute plans to examine the system's performance after the examination through diagnostic data and operational assessments. The review will help determine its accuracy, effectiveness and potential to reduce the time required for identity verification at examination centres.

Depending on the findings, IIM Indore may refine the technology and consider expanding its role in future examination cycles. The institute has also been using AI-based tools for classroom attendance since last year and is now extending its experimentation to the CAT examination process.

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IIM Indore is conducting CAT 2026 on November 29 across three examination sessions. The entrance test has recorded 2, 89,961 registrations this year, compared with approximately 2.95 lakh registrations in the previous cycle.

Candidates must carry a printed copy of their admit cards and valid photo identification to their allotted examination centres. They should also follow the reporting time and other instructions mentioned on their respective admit cards.

The introduction of AI-based facial recognition reflects an experimental effort to integrate technology into large-scale examination administration while retaining human oversight for candidate verification.