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

CAT 2026 registration is expected to begin in the first week of August 2026 on the official website iimcat.ac.in, based on the CAT 2025 schedule.

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to MBA and other management programmes at IIMs and over 1,200 participating institutes across India. The CAT 2026 application process is entirely online and includes personal and academic details entry, document upload, exam city preference selection, and fee payment.

• CAT 2026 registration is expected to open in August 2026 on iimcat.ac.in.
• The application fee is expected to be Rs. 2,400 for General, EWS, and OBC-NCL students and Rs. 1,200 for SC, ST, and PwD students.
• Students can select up to 3 exam city preferences during registration.
• The registration window typically stays open for 5 to 6 weeks.
• Final year graduation students are eligible to apply for CAT 2026.
• CAT 2026 is expected to be held in November 2026.

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CAT 2026 Expected Registration Dates

The official notification is expected in late July 2026. All dates below are based on the CAT 2025 schedule and will be confirmed once iimcat.ac.in releases the official calendar.

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

The CAT 2026 registration process is fully online. Follow these steps once the window opens on iimcat.ac.in:

1. Visit the official CAT 2026 website: Go to iimcat.ac.in and click on the "Register" or "New Registration" link on the homepage.
2. Create your account: Enter your name, date of birth, valid email address, and mobile number. You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile for verification.
3. Verify your mobile number: Enter the OTP to confirm registration. Your login credentials will be sent to your registered email address.
4. Fill in personal details: Log in and complete the application form with your father’s name, mother’s name, permanent address, nationality, gender, and category.
5. Enter academic details: Provide details of your Class 10, Class 12, and graduation (or final year enrollment) including institution name, year of passing, and percentage or CGPA.
6. Upload required documents: Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and any applicable category or PwD certificates in the format and size specified on the form.
7. Select exam city preferences: Choose up to 3 city preferences for your CAT 2026 test centre. City allotment is subject to seat availability.
8. Pay the application fee: Pay online through net banking, credit card, debit card, or UPI. Save the payment receipt as proof of transaction.
9. Submit the form and download confirmation: Review all details carefully before final submission. Download and save the application confirmation page for future reference.

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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.

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

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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.