How to Register for CAT 2026: Steps, Fee Structure and Documents Required

CAT Registration 2026 is now open at iimcat.ac.in. The application window began on August 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM, and will remain open until September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Earlier, IIM Indore released the CAT 2026 notification on July 26, 2026, confirming the registration schedule, exam date, eligibility criteria, and application process.

Candidates seeking admission to the 21 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and 1,600+ MBA colleges accepting CAT scores can now complete the online application by registering on the official website, filling in personal and academic details, uploading the required documents, and paying the application fee

• CAT Registration 2026 is now open at iimcat.ac.in and will close on September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM).
• CAT 2026 exam will be conducted by IIM Indore on November 29, 2026 (Sunday) in three computer-based test (CBT) sessions.
• Application fee is ₹2,700 for General, EWS, and NC-OBC candidates.
• The registration process includes new candidate registration, application form submission, document upload, and online fee payment.
• Candidates should keep a passport-size photograph, scanned signature, academic documents, and category/PwD certificates (if applicable) ready before applying.
• A CAT 2026 application correction window is expected in the fourth week of September 2026, allowing candidates to edit limited fields such as the photograph, signature, and preferred test city.
• CAT scores are accepted by all 21 IIMs and over 1,600 participating management institutes, including FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, and SPJIMR Mumbai.
• SC, ST, and PwD candidates are required to pay ₹1,350.

Related News:

• CAT Registration 2026 Live Updates: Direct Link, Registration Starts on Aug 3 at 10 AM, Fees, Last Date
• CAT Eligibility Criteria 2026, Age Limit, Educational Qualification, Reservation Policy

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CAT 2026 Registration Dates: Key Facts

• As per the official CAT 2026 notification, the CAT registration process began on August 3, 2026 (10:00 AM) and will remain open until September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM). Candidates must complete the online application within this period through the official website, iimcat.ac.in.
• After the registration process concludes, IIM Indore is expected to open a CAT 2026 application correction window in the fourth week of September

How to Register for CAT 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

The CAT 2026 registration process on iimcat.ac.in is completed in three stages: creating login credentials, filling the detailed application form, and paying the registration fee. Following each CAT 2026 registration step carefully reduces the chances of rejection or the need to use the correction window later.

Step 1: Sign-Up on iimcat.ac.in

Visit the official CAT website, iimcat.ac.in, and click on the "Register Now" or "New Registration" link. Enter your full name (as per Class 10 certificate), date of birth, valid email address and mobile number, then complete the CAPTCHA. An OTP is sent to your email and mobile for verification. Once verified, a CAT ID, User ID and password are generated and sent to your registered email.

Step 2: Log In and Fill the Application Form

Log in using the CAT ID, User ID and password received by email.

Step 4: Complete the CAT Application Form

Complete the application form across these sections: personal details (category, gender, address), academic details (Class 10, 12 and graduation marks), work experience (if any), programme and IIM preferences, test city choices (in order of preference), and a final declaration.

Personal Details

• Enter your personal information, including name, parents' details, gender, nationality, and category.
• Reserved category candidates must provide valid certificate details and upload the required PDFs. PwBD candidates need to enter disability details, UDID, scribe/wheelchair requirements (if applicable), and upload the disability certificate.
• Candidates must also provide communication and permanent addresses, an emergency contact number, and upload a scanned photograph, signature, and supporting certificates.

Step 3: Upload Photograph and Signature

• Upload a recent passport-size photograph and a scanned signature as per the specifications given in the CAT 2026 notification.
• Both files must be in JPG or JPEG format, under 80 KB, with a plain white background for the photograph.
• Candidates from reserved categories must also upload a self-attested scanned copy of the relevant certificate in PDF format.

Step 4: Pay the CAT 2026 Registration Fee

• Pay the applicable CAT 2026 application fee, Rs 2,700 for General/EWS/NC-OBC or Rs 1,350 for SC/ST/PwD candidates, using net banking, credit card or debit card.
• Preview the complete form carefully before payment, since no edits are allowed once the fee is paid except through the later correction window.

Step 5: Download the Confirmation Page

• After successful payment, a confirmation page and email are generated.
• Download and save this page, as it serves as proof of successful CAT 2026 registration and will be needed for future reference.

Note: The CAT 2026 correction window, expected in the fourth week of September, allows edits to only three fields: photograph, signature and test city preference. No other section of the form can be changed once submitted.

Candidates can also check: 

• CAT Exam Centers 2025: Check State-wise List of CAT Test Centers
• CAT Syllabus 2026- Download Syllabus PDF, Section-wise Weightage and Preparation Tips

For more details, candidates can:

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CAT 2026 Application Fee Structure

The CAT 2026 application fee is expected to remain the same as CAT 2025, as shown in the table below. The fee is non-refundable once paid and cannot be transferred to another year or exam.

• UPI and Rupay debit cards carry no convenience fee, making them the cheapest way to pay the CAT 2026 registration fee.
• Visa/MasterCard debit transactions above Rs 2,000 cost 0.90% extra, nearly double the sub-Rs 2,000 rate of 0.50%.
• Amex and Diners credit cards attract the highest surcharge at 2.75%, well above the 1.00% charged on Visa, MasterCard and Rupay credit cards.
• Net banking through non-listed banks costs Rs 12 per transaction, slightly cheaper than the Rs 18 charged for HDFC, SBI, ICICI, Axis or Kotak.

Payment is accepted only through online modes — net banking, debit card, credit card, or UPI. No offline or demand draft payment is accepted.

Check: CAT 2026 Registration Fee INR 2,600: Category-Wise Fee, Payment Modes & Deadline

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Documents Required for CAT 2026 Registration

Keep the following documents ready in digital format before starting the application to avoid interruptions during submission.

Physical documents are not required at the time of online registration. However, originals and self-attested copies must be produced during the IIM personal interview or admission process.

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Key Points to Remember During CAT 2026 Registration

• Use a valid and active email address — the admit card and all official communication will be sent to this address.
• Enter your name exactly as it appears on your Class 10 certificate. Any mismatch can create issues at the exam centre.
• Students in the final year of their graduation are eligible to register for CAT 2026.
• There is no age limit for appearing in CAT 2026.
• A brief form correction window usually opens after the registration deadline. Use it to edit allowed fields such as city preferences.
• Take a printout of the payment confirmation — it serves as proof of successful registration until the admit card is released.
• The application fee is non-refundable under all circumstances, including exam cancellation by the student.

What CAT Candidates Are Discussing on Reddit

A recent Reddit discussion highlights the most common concerns among CAT 2026 aspirants before registration begins. Users are advising candidates to keep valid category certificates ready, verify academic details and CGPA calculations, choose test cities carefully, upload documents in the prescribed format, and complete the registration early to avoid last-minute server or payment issues.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During CAT Registration 2026