How to Apply for CAT 2026: Registration Guide for MBA Aspirants

CAT 2026 registration opens at iimcat.ac.in — applying takes six steps and 20–30 minutes if your documents are ready.

The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 official notification is expected on July 24, 2026. Registration typically opens in August and closes in September. Every year, over three lakh students register for CAT to secure admission into IIMs and more than 1,200 B-schools across India. Completing the form correctly the first time saves you from rejection and avoids relying on the limited post-registration correction window.

• Official portal: iimcat.ac.in — no third-party platform accepts CAT 2026 applications.
• Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD students).
• Application fee: ₹2,400 for General/EWS/OBC-NCL; ₹1,200 for SC/ST/PwD categories.
• Registration window: Open for approximately 4–6 weeks — apply early to avoid last-minute server delays.
• Test city preference: Select up to six cities in order of preference during registration.

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CAT 2026 Registration Overview

CAT 2026 is expected to be conducted in November 2026 by one of the IIMs on a rotational basis. The process is entirely online through iimcat.ac.in. No registration through offline or third-party websites is accepted. The table below summarises key details based on previous cycles.

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Eligibility Criteria for CAT 2026

Confirm your eligibility before filling the form. Ineligible applications are rejected at any stage — including after the exam — and the fee is not refunded.

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Documents Required for CAT 2026 Registration

Keep the following documents ready in digital format before starting your application. Uploading an incorrect file size or format is the most common cause of form errors.

• Photograph: Recent passport-size photo; JPEG format; size between 20 KB and 50 KB.
• Signature: On white paper in blue or black ink; JPEG format; size between 10 KB and 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.
• Category certificate: SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwD certificate issued by a competent authority (if applicable).
• Work experience documents: Employment letters or certificates if claiming work experience for B-school shortlisting (optional at registration stage).

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How to Apply for CAT 2026: Step-by-Step Process

Follow these six steps at iimcat.ac.in once registration opens officially:

Step 1 — Open the registration page. Go to iimcat.ac.in and click “CAT 2026 Registration” on the homepage. This link activates only after the registration window opens officially following the July 24, 2026 notification.

Step 2 — Create a new account. Click “New Registration.” Enter your name exactly as it appears on your Class 10 certificate, your date of birth, a valid mobile number, and an active email address. An OTP is sent to both — verify them to activate your login credentials.

Step 3 — Fill the application form. Log in with the User ID and password sent to your email. Complete all sections of the form:

• Personal details: Name, date of birth, gender, nationality, category.
• Academic details: Class 10, 12, and graduation percentages; enter figures exactly as on your marksheets.
• Work experience: Add total months of post-graduation work experience if applicable; leave blank if fresher.
• Programme selection: Choose up to five IIM programmes and any non-IIM B-school programmes you wish to apply to.
• Test city preferences: Select up to six cities in order of preference for your exam slot.

Step 4 — Upload photo and signature. Upload scanned copies that meet the size and format requirements. A blurry or oversized file is flagged during verification and may delay your application.

Step 5 — Pay the application fee. Proceed to the payment gateway and pay via credit card, debit card, or net banking. Note your transaction ID immediately — you will need it if a payment dispute arises. The fee is non-refundable.

Step 6 — Submit and save the confirmation. After payment is confirmed, click “Final Submit.” Download and save your CAT 2026 registration confirmation page — this is your proof of successful application and is required for all future correspondence.

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CAT 2026 Application Fee

The fee is paid online during registration and is non-refundable in all circumstances. The table below is based on the CAT 2025 fee structure; the 2026 fee is expected to remain unchanged.

Payment is accepted via net banking, credit card, or debit card. Save your payment receipt — the transaction ID is required if you contact the helpdesk about a payment issue.

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CAT 2026 Important Dates for Application

The dates below are expected dates based on the CAT 2025 cycle. Confirm all dates at iimcat.ac.in once the official notification is out on July 24, 2026.