The CAT 2026 registration process will begin on August 3, 2026 and will close on September 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM through the official CAT website.
Candidates need to complete the online application by registering, providing accurate details, uploading documents, and paying the CAT 2026 application fee at iimcat.ac.in.
| Direct Link to Register for CAT 2026 (From August 3, 2026) |
- CAT 2026 registration is fully online process and it takes about one hour with all documents ready.
- The CAT 2026 application fee is INR 2700 for General/EWS/OBC NCL and INR 1350 for SC/ST/PwD candidates.
- Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks for general and 45% for SC/ST/PwD categories or be in the final year to apply.
- You should apply early to avoid last minute server issues during the 4- 6 week registration period.
- Students should verify all details before final submission as it will be used throughout the CAT 2026 admission process.
- Up to five test cities can be selected in order of preference during the CAT 2026 registration process.
Related Articles:
- CAT 2026: Exam Date, Registration, Application Form, Eligibility, Syllabus
- CAT Registration 2026: Check How to Apply @iimcat.ac.in, Eligibility Criteria, Document Required and Fees
Key Summary
- The CAT examination will have a 120 minute duration across three sections.
- CAT 2026 scores will be accepted by all 21 IIMs and 1,200+ B-schools across India.
- Applicants can choose IIM programmes, interview preferences and up to five exam cities while submitting the application.
CAT 2026 Registration Overview
CAT 2026 will commence on November 29, 2026 by IIM Indore, the convening institute for this year.
- The entire CAT 2026 registration process will be conducted online through iimcat.ac.in.
- Offline applications and registrations through third-party websites will not be accepted.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Exam Full Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 |
| Conducting Body |
IIM Indore (Convening IIM) |
| Official Website | iimcat.ac.in |
| Registration Mode | Online only |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Duration | 2 hours (120 minutes) |
| Sections | VARC, DILR, Quantitative Ability (QA) |
| Accepting Institutions |
21 IIMs and over 1,200 B-schools |
Source: iimcat.ac.in
Related Article: CAT 2026 Application Timeline: Registration, Correction Window, Admit Card and Result Dates
Eligibility Criteria for CAT 2026
Candidates should verify their CAT 2026 eligibility before submitting the application form.
- Ineligible applications may be rejected at any stage, including after the examination.
- The CAT 2026 application fee is non-refundable, even if the application is rejected.
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Qualification |
Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university or institution |
| Minimum Marks- General / EWS / OBC-NCL | 50% aggregate (or equivalent CGPA) |
| Minimum Marks- SC / ST / PwD | 45% aggregate (or equivalent CGPA) |
| Final-Year Students |
Eligible to apply; must submit proof of graduation before joining any programme |
| Age Limit |
No upper or lower age limit |
| Number of Attempts | No restriction on the total number of attempts |
Source: iimcat.ac.in
Related Article: CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Educational Qualification, Minimum Marks, Age Limit
Ques. How many times can candidates attempt CAT?
Ans. There is no restriction on the number of attempts for CAT. Candidates can appear for the examination multiple times, provided they satisfy the CAT 2026 eligibility criteria in the year of application.
Documents Required for CAT 2026 Registration
Candidates need to keep the following documents ready in digital format (scanned) before starting their application. Uploading incorrect file size or format is one of the most common reasons for form errors or rejection.
- Photograph: Recent passport-size colour photo in JPEG format (size: 20 KB – 50 KB).
- Signature: Scanned on white paper with blue/black ink in JPEG format (size: 10 KB – 50 KB).
- Class 10 marksheet: For date of birth verification.
- Class 12 marksheet: For academic profile completion.
- Graduation marksheets / degree certificate: All semester or year-wise marksheets (final-year students can upload available marksheets).
- Category certificate (if applicable): Valid SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwD certificate issued by competent authority.
- Work Experience Documents (optional at registration): Offer letters, experience certificates, or salary slips (these are mainly needed later for IIM shortlisting).
Source: CAT Registration Guide
Related Article: CAT Documents Required 2026: Check Documents Required for CAT Registration and Exam Day
Ques. What photo and signature format is required for CAT 2026 registration?
Ans. Candidates should upload a recent passport-size colour photograph in JPEG format (20 KB–50 KB) and a scanned signature on white paper using blue or black ink in JPEG format (10 KB–50 KB). Uploading files outside the prescribed format or size may result in application errors.
Ques. Is a work experience certificate mandatory for CAT 2026 registration?
Ans. No. Work experience documents are not mandatory for CAT 2026 registration. Candidates with prior work experience can provide relevant details, while supporting documents such as experience certificates or salary slips are generally required later during the admission or interview process, if requested by the participating institutes.
How to Apply for CAT 2026: Step-by-Step Process
Candidates need to follow these steps on the official website iimcat.ac.in once CAT 2026 registration opens on August 3 2026:
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to iimcat.ac.in and click on the “New Registration” or “Register” link. This link will be active after the official notification is released.
Step 2: Create a new account
- Candidates need to enter their name exactly as it appears on their Class 10 certificate.
- Provide date of birth, valid mobile number and active email ID.
- Candidates need to verify OTPs sent to their email and mobile to generate User ID and Password.
Step 3: Fill the application form.
Log in and complete the following sections carefully:
- Personal details: Name, date of birth, gender, nationality, category, contact information.
- Academic details: Class 10, 12, and graduation percentages; enter figures exactly as on candidates marksheets.
- Work experience: Enter total months of post-qualification work experience (if any). Freshers can leave it blank.
- Test city preferences: Select up to six cities in order of preference.
Step 4: Upload Documents
Upload recent passport-size photograph and signature in the prescribed JPEG format and size (as mentioned in the notification).
Step 5: Pay the application fee.
Pay the fee online (credit/debit card, net banking, UPI, etc.). The fee is non-refundable. Note the transaction ID for reference.
Step 6: Final Submit & Download Confirmation
Review all details, submit the form, and download/save the confirmation page and registration number. These credentials are required for admit card, results, and future login.
Also Read
Ques. Can candidates save the CAT 2026 application form and complete it later?
Ans. Yes. Candidates can save the CAT 2026 application form after completing individual sections and log in later to finish the remaining details before the registration deadline. However, the application will be considered complete only after the fee payment and final submission.
Ques. What payment methods are accepted for the CAT 2026 application fee?
Ans. Candidates are expected to pay the CAT 2026 application fee online using debit cards, credit cards, net banking, UPI, or other digital payment options available on the official portal. Candidates should save the transaction ID and payment receipt for future reference.
CAT 2026 Application Fee
The CAT 2026 application fee must be paid online during the registration process and it is non-refundable under all circumstances.
- The expected CAT 2026 fee is based on the CAT 2025 fee structure and will be confirmed in the official notification.
- Candidates can pay using net banking, credit card, debit card, UPI, and other online payment methods.
- Candidates should save the payment receipt and transaction ID for future reference and payment-related queries.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General | INR 2700 |
| EWS | INR 2700 |
| OBC-NCL | INR 2700 |
| SC | INR 1350 |
| ST | INR 1350 |
| PwD | INR 1350 |
Also Read
Ques. What should candidates do if the CAT 2026 payment fails but the amount is deducted?
Ans. If the CAT 2026 application fee is deducted but the payment status is not updated, candidates should wait for the payment gateway to reconcile the transaction. If the issue persists, candidates should contact the CAT helpdesk with the transaction ID and payment details before attempting another payment.
CAT 2026 Important Dates for Application
The dates below are expected based on recent CAT cycles and current trends. Always confirm the exact dates on the official website iimcat.ac.in after the notification is released.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Release |
July 25, 2026 |
| Registration Opens |
August 3, 2026 (10:00 AM) |
| Last Date to Register |
September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Admit Card Download |
November 4, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Exam |
November 29, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Result |
January 2027 (expected) |
Source: iimcat.ac.in
Also Read
CAT 2026 Application: Reddit Discussion
- According to a Reddit discussion, candidates sought clarification on claiming work experience in the CAT 2026 application after clearing a backlog and work experience from the joining date may be considered valid, provided employment documents are available for verification.
- According to a Reddit discussion, candidates sought clarification on including additional Class 12 subjects while filling the CAT 2026 application form and guidelines vary across B-schools, but including all subjects listed on the marksheet was suggested as a practical approach.
Also Read
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CAT Exam Pattern 2026: Section-wise Pattern, Marking Scheme, Syllabus, Question Paper
-
CAT Syllabus 2026- Download Syllabus PDF, Section-wise Weightage and Preparation Tips
CAT 2026 Application FAQs
Ques. When does CAT 2026 registration open?
Ans. CAT 2026 registration will open on August 3, 2026 and will close at September 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM. Visit iimcat.ac.in for the confirmed date once the notification is live.
Ques. Can final-year students apply for CAT 2026?
Ans. Yes, students in the final year of their graduation are eligible to apply for CAT 2026. You must submit proof of completing your degree before joining any MBA programme if you receive an admission offer.
Ques. How many test cities can I select during CAT 2026 registration?
Ans. You can choose up to five test cities in order of preference. The conducting IIM allots your city based on seat availability — your first preference is not guaranteed.
Ques. Is the CAT 2026 application fee refundable?
Ans. No, the CAT 2026 application fee is non-refundable under all conditions, including form rejection. Review all details carefully before making the payment and submitting.
Ques. What minimum graduation percentage is required for CAT 2026?
Ans. General, EWS, and OBC-NCL students need at least 50% aggregate marks in their graduation degree. SC, ST, and PwD students need at least 45% aggregate marks to be eligible.
Ques. Can I correct my CAT 2026 form after submission?
Ans. A limited correction window is usually provided after registration closes. However, core details like name and date of birth cannot be changed after submission. Fill the form carefully before final submission to avoid errors.
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