Candidates appearing for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 will undergo an AI-based facial recognition check as part of the identity verification process. The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore, which is conducting the exam, is introducing this technology across all examination centres for the first time.
Himanshu Rai, the director of IIM Indore, stated that the system is being implemented on an experimental basis this year to assess its accuracy and identify necessary technical improvements. He emphasized that the AI mechanism will function solely to match the candidate present at the centre with the photograph submitted during the application process. According to the director, the institute will not store any database of student information.
The AI-based check will serve as an additional layer of security rather than a replacement for existing procedures. Physical verification of admit cards by examination officials will continue as it has in previous years. Rai assured candidates that there is no risk of being denied entry to a centre due to potential technical glitches or failures in the facial recognition system.
The decision to implement these technological interventions was made by the CAT Committee. The examination is scheduled to be held on November 29, with approximately 2.89 lakh candidates registered for this year's test.
Key facts
- The CAT 2026 examination is scheduled to take place on November 29.
- A total of 2.89 lakh candidates have registered for the exam this year.
- The AI-based facial recognition will be implemented across all examination centres.
- Physical verification of admit cards remains mandatory for all candidates.
- IIM Indore director Himanshu Rai confirmed that no candidate database will be stored.
Why it matters
The introduction of AI at examination centres aligns with IIM Indore’s ongoing integration of artificial intelligence across its academic frameworks. The initiative aims to ensure that students are prepared to adapt to an evolving technological landscape, as AI has become an integral component of various academic programmes at the institute.
Background
IIM Indore is the institution responsible for conducting the Common Admission Test for the 2026 cycle.
Source: Indian Express, Hindustan Times
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