KPSC CAT 2026 Admit Card Instructions: Defective Photo/Signature

The Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC) has released crucial instructions for candidates appearing in the CAT 2026 examinations, specifically addressing those whose applications were initially withheld due to defective Photo/Signature. This notification outlines the essential steps candidates must follow to ensure their Admit Card is valid for entry to the test centre. It’s imperative for affected candidates to meticulously follow these guidelines to avoid any issues on exam day.

Admit Card Overview

Important Instructions for Defective Photo/Signature

Candidates whose applications were withheld due to issues with their Photo/Signature are still eligible to attend the CAT 2026 examinations, provided they adhere to the following conditions:

1. Affix Recent Photograph: A recent passport-size photograph must be affixed on the downloaded Admit Card. This should be done once the Admit Card is available on the candidate portal.
2. Attestation by Gazetted Officer: The Admit Card, with the new photograph affixed, must be duly attested by a Gazetted Officer of either State or Central Government.
3. Officer’s Details: Ensure that the Name, Designation, and official seal of the attesting Officer are clearly visible on the attested Admit Card.
4. Signature Attestation: The candidate must affix their signature in the presence of the attesting officer in the designated space on the Admit Card. This signature also needs to be attested by the Gazetted Officer.
5. Handover at Test Centre: The duly attested Admit Card must be handed over to the invigilator at the test centre on the day of the examination.
6. Keep a Photocopy: Candidates are advised to keep an additional photocopy of the attested Admit Card for their personal records.

How to Get Your Admit Card Attested

The attestation process is critical for validating your admit card if you have a defective photo or signature. Here’s a detailed guide:

• Identify a Gazetted Officer: A Gazetted Officer is a public servant whose appointment is published in the Gazette of India or any state gazette. Examples include: Group A/B officers, doctors, engineers, principals of government schools/colleges, police officers (of specific ranks), etc.
• Prepare Your Admit Card: Download your Admit Card from the KPSC candidate portal once it’s available. Affix a recent passport-size photograph in the specified area.
• Visit the Officer: Carry your Admit Card (with photo affixed), a valid photo ID (like Aadhaar card, PAN card, Driving License), and any other supporting documents.
• Get Photo Attested: Request the Gazetted Officer to attest your photograph on the Admit Card. They will typically sign across the photo and the Admit Card, and affix their official seal.
• Sign in Officer’s Presence: Sign in the designated signature space on the Admit Card in front of the Gazetted Officer.
• Get Signature Attested: Ask the officer to attest your signature as well, again with their signature and official seal.
• Verify Details: Before leaving, ensure the officer’s Name, Designation, and official seal are clearly visible and legible on the Admit Card.

Documents Required on Exam Day

On the day of the CAT 2026 examination, candidates must carry the following:

• Attested Admit Card: The downloaded Admit Card with a recent passport-size photograph affixed, duly attested by a Gazetted Officer, along with your attested signature.
• Valid Photo Identity Proof: (AI-Enhanced) Although not explicitly mentioned in this specific notice, it is a standard requirement for all government examinations to carry an original, valid photo identity proof. This could include:
  • Aadhaar Card / E-Aadhaar with a photograph
  • PAN Card
  • Passport
  • Driving License
  • Voter ID Card
  • College/University ID Card (if applicable and valid)
• Additional Photocopy: An extra photocopy of the attested Admit Card for your records.

Exam Day Checklist

To ensure a smooth examination experience, keep the following in mind:

• Reach the test centre well in advance of the reporting time.
• Handover the original, duly attested Admit Card to the invigilator as instructed.
• Carry only the permissible items into the examination hall (usually Admit Card, ID proof, and a pen).
• Do NOT carry any electronic gadgets, study material, or unauthorized items.
• Follow all instructions given by the invigilators strictly.

Common Issues & Solutions for Admit Card Attestation

1. Difficulty finding a Gazetted Officer:
* Solution: Start early. Reach out to local government offices (e.g., Tehsildar office, Post Office (Gazetted Post Master), government hospitals, schools, or colleges). Many bank managers also hold gazetted status.

2. Officer unavailable or unwilling to attest:
* Solution: Politely explain the urgency and show them the official notification. If one officer is unavailable, try another. Keep adequate time to visit multiple officers if needed.

3. Photo/Signature clarity issues even after attestation:
* Solution: Ensure the photograph is clear, recent, and taken against a light background. For signatures, use a dark ink pen and sign clearly within the box. If still unclear, consult the KPSC helpdesk before the exam.

4. What if I forget to get it attested?
* Solution: The notification explicitly states attestation is a condition for eligibility for those with defective photo/signature. Without proper attestation, you might be denied entry. It’s crucial not to forget this step.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: I had a defective photo/signature, but I already downloaded my Admit Card. Do I need to follow these instructions?

A: Yes, if your application was withheld due to defective Photo/Signature, you MUST follow these instructions precisely, even if you managed to download an Admit Card. The attestation process validates your eligibility for the exam.

Q2: What exactly is a Gazetted Officer?

A: A Gazetted Officer is a public servant whose appointment is published in the official gazette of the government (Central or State). They hold significant authority, and their signatures are legally recognized for attesting documents. Examples include Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ officers in government services, doctors in government hospitals, principals of government schools/colleges, etc.

Q3: Can I get my Admit Card attested by a private school principal or a bank manager?

A: The notification specifically mentions a ‘Gazetted Officer of State or Central Govt.’ While some bank managers might be Gazetted Officers, a private school principal typically is not. It’s safest to get it attested by an officer clearly falling under the government gazetted category.

Q4: Do I need to carry any other ID proof along with the attested Admit Card?

A: Yes, it is a standard practice for all government exams to carry an original, valid photo identity proof (e.g., Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Driving License, Voter ID) in addition to your Admit Card. This helps verify your identity at the test centre.

Q5: My photograph on the Admit Card is perfectly fine. Do I still need to get it attested?

A: No, these specific instructions are only for candidates whose applications were withheld due to ‘defective Photo/Signature’. If your photo/signature was accepted without issues, you do not need to follow this attestation process.

Q6: What if the attesting officer’s seal is not available?

A: The notification explicitly states that the ‘office seal of the attesting Officer must be clearly visible’. You must ensure the officer affixes their official seal. Without it, your attestation might be deemed incomplete.

Q7: Can I use an old passport-size photograph for affixing on the Admit Card?

A: The notification specifies ‘a recent passport-size photograph’. It is advisable to use a photograph taken within the last 3-6 months to ensure it clearly reflects your current appearance and avoids any potential issues during verification.

Q8: What if I forget to take an additional photocopy of the attested Admit Card?

A: While not mandatory for entry, keeping an additional photocopy is for your records. It’s a good practice for future reference, but its absence will not prevent you from appearing for the exam if your original attested Admit Card is in order.