The IIM Indore is conducting CAT 2026; it is expected on 29 November 2026. The Registration process for CAT 2026 is likely to start in the 1 week of August 2026 on its official website - iimcat.ac.in.
- As per the previous years, it is expected that CAT 2026 registration will begin around 2nd - 4th August 2026.
- For CAT 2026 registration, candidates must create a profile, fill in personal and academic details, and pay the application fee online.
- The expected fee is ₹2,500 for General category and ₹1,250 for SC, ST, and PwD candidates.
- To be eligible for the CAT 2026, a general category candidate must have a bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks, and 45% for SC/ST/PwD.
CAT 2025 recorded around 2.95 lakh registrations, with approximately 2.58 lakh candidates appeared for the exam, leading to an attendance rate of 87.46%. - iimcat.ac.in
Related Links:
- CAT Login 2026: Registration (Soon), How to Download Admit Card and Result
- CAT Eligibility Criteria 2026, Age Limit, Educational Qualification, Reservation Policy
- CAT 2026 Exam Dates: Registration, Exam on November 29, Check iimcat.ac.in
CAT Registration Important Dates 2026
| Expected Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Last week of June 2026 | CAT 2026 Official Website Live |
| Last week of July 2026 | CAT 2026 Notification Release |
| 2 August 2026 | CAT 2026 Registration Start Date |
| Third week of September 2026 | CAT 2026 Registration Last Date |
| First week of October 2026 | Application Correction Window |
| Second week of November 2026 | CAT 2026 Admit Card Release |
| Second week of November 2026 | CAT 2026 Mock Test Release |
| 29 November 2026 (Sunday) | CAT 2026 Exam Date |
| First week of December 2026 | Answer Key Release |
| Second week of December 2026 | Objection Window |
| Third week of December 2026 | Final Answer Key |
| Between 19–28 December 2026 | CAT 2026 Result |
CAT Registration Timeline
The CAT registration window typically remains open for about 6–7 weeks.
| Year | Registration Start | Registration End | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAT 2025 | 1 Aug 2025 | 20 Sept 2025 | ~50 days |
| CAT 2024 | 1 Aug 2024 | 13 Sept 2024 | ~44 days |
| CAT 2023 | 2 Aug 2023 | 13 Sept 2023 | ~42 days |
| CAT 2022 | 3 Aug 2022 | 21 Sept 2022 | ~49 days |
Ques. What is the last date for CAT registration?
Ans. The exam dates of the CAT 2026 are not yet released. The IIM Indore is expected to released the notification in the last week of July 2026, and the CAT Registration 2026 is likely to begin from 2 August 2026 to last week of September 2026.
Before filling out the CAT online form you must keep the following points in mind
There are few things that you should keep in mind before filling out the CAT Application Form.
- Keep documents ready: Prepare all the scanned copies of required documents as per their required specifications.
- Enter details exactly as per official records: Your name and date of birth must match the Class 10 certificate to avoid verification issues during admission at B-School.
- Use a dedicated email ID and mobile number: Keep a dedicated phone number and email address, as all the Important updates will be communicated on them.
- Store login credentials safely: Save the generated user ID and password in a secure place to avoid losing access to the application portal.
- Enter academic details carefully: Include total marks across all subjects (not best-of-five) and correctly convert CGPA to percentage using your university’s formula.
- Report work experience correctly: Only full-time work experience after graduation should be included in the form.
- Use recommended browsers: Make sure you use Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge for better compatibility.
- Ensure a stable internet connection: This helps avoid OTP delays, document upload errors, and payment failures.
- Avoid last-minute registration: Portal traffic increases near the deadline, which tend to cause server overload and technical glitches.
How to register for a CAT exam?
Once the CAT application form is released, students must follow the steps listed below.
- Visit the official website of CAT 2025 at iimcat.ac.in.
- On the homepage, click on the “Register” button to begin the registration process.
- Register using your personal and contact details and generate login credentials.
- Log in to the CAT portal and fill out the CAT application form.
- Upload all the required documents.
- Pay the CAT application fee as prescribed by IIM Indore.
- Review and submit the CAT application form and download the CAT confirmation page for future reference.
CAT Eligibility 2026
The CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria has not been released yet, so as per the official CAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria, the candidates must meet the provided eligibility criteria in order to apply for the CAT 2026.
| Eligibility Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or institution incorporated by an Act of Parliament/State Legislature or declared as a Deemed University under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956 |
| Minimum Marks (General / EWS / NC-OBC) | At least 50% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA |
| Minimum Marks (SC / ST / PwD) | At least 45% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA |
| Final Year Candidates | Candidates in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree or awaiting results are eligible to apply |
| Condition for Final Year Candidates | Must submit a certificate from the Principal/Registrar confirming completion of degree requirements before the deadline specified by the respective IIM |
| Professional Degree Holders | Candidates with CA, CS, ICWA (CMA), or Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India (FIAI) with required marks are eligible |
| CGPA / Grade Conversion | Conversion to a percentage will follow the method certified by the respective university/institution |
| If CGPA Conversion Not Provided | Percentage calculated using the formula: (CGPA ÷ Maximum CGPA) × 100 |
| Reservation Policy | SC – 15%, ST – 7.5%, NC-OBC – 27%, EWS – up to 10%, PwD – 5% seats reserved |
| PwD Definition | Candidates with at least 40% benchmark disability as defined under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 |
| Eligibility Verification | IIMs may verify eligibility at different stages of the selection process |
| Important Note | Meeting minimum eligibility does not guarantee shortlisting for admission to IIMs |
Ques. Am I eligible if I'm in my final year of graduation (graduating in 2026 or 2027)?
Ans. Yes, final years graduation students can apply for CAT 2026. Candidates who are currently in the final years of their graduation or are waiting for their results can register for the exam.
But IIM has set some important conditions:
- The candidates must complete their graduation and submit proof of eligibility before the admission deadline set by the respective college.
- During the admission process, candidates are required to submit a certificate from their university stating that they have completed their degree.
Ques. How is the percentage/CGPA calculated for eligibility? What if my university uses CGPA?
Ans. For CAT 2026, candidates must calculate their graduation marks as a percentage based on their university’s official conversion rule.
- Use the official CGPA-to-percentage conversion formula provided by your university or institute.
- If no conversion formula is available, divide the CGPA by the maximum CGPA and multiply by 100 to get the percentage.
Ques. I have less than 50% in graduation (General category). Can I still apply?
Ans. No, for the General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates, the minimum graduation percentage required for CAT eligibility is 50% or an equivalent CGPA.
If a General category candidate has less than 50% marks in graduation, they will not be eligible for admission to IIMs through CAT.
Ques. Does having academic gaps (e.g., drop years after 12th or between graduation) affect eligibility?
Ans. No, having a academic gap or drop year do not affect your CAT eligibility. Candidates can still apply for the exam.
However, candidates should keep the following points in mind:
- Academic gaps may be questioned during the Personal Interview (PI) stage.
- Candidates should be prepared to explain the reason for the gap.
CAT Registration 2026
The CAT 2026 registration will be conducted online through iimcat.ac.in and will remain open for around 45–50 days, giving aspirants nearly 6–7 weeks to complete the application process.
As per the CAT 2025 registration trends, In CAT 2026 it is expected that 3.05 -3.15 lakh candidates will register, out of which around 2.65-2.75 lakh are likely to appear for the exam.
CAT Registrations 2025
The attendance rate was around 87.46%, meaning about 37,000 candidates did not appear despite registering.
| Metric | Number of Candidates |
|---|---|
| Total Registered Candidates | 2.95 lakh |
| Total Candidates Appeared | 2.58 lakh |
Source: CAT 2025 Result Notification
CAT 2025 Registration Data by Gender
- Male candidates formed about 62–63% of total registrations.
- Female participation was around 37%, showing gradual improvement in gender diversity in MBA entrance exams.
- All registered transgender candidates appeared for the exam.
| Gender | Registered Candidates | Appeared Candidates |
|---|---|---|
| Female | 1.10 lakh | 0.97 lakh |
| Male | 1.85 lakh | 1.61 lakh |
| Transgender | 9 | 9 |
| Total | 2.95 lakh | 2.58 lakh |
Source: CAT 2025 Result Notification
CAT 2025 Registration Data by Category
| Category | Percentage of Registrations | Approx. Number of Candidates |
|---|---|---|
| General | 65.76% | ~1,93,900 |
| EWS | 5.26% | ~15,500 |
| NC-OBC | 17.82% | ~52,600 |
| SC | 8.78% | ~25,900 |
| ST | 2.38% | ~7,000 |
| PwD (Across categories) | 0.49% | ~1,450 |
Check: CAT 2025 Registrations Drop to 2.95 Lakh from 3.29 Lakh
Source: CAT 2025 Result Notification
CAT Registration Document Required 2026
Students must keep the following documents ready while filling out the CAT application form.
| Document | Specifications / Requirements |
|---|---|
| Photograph | Not more than 6 months oldWhite/off-white background30mm x 45mmMax 1 MBJPEG, JPG format |
| Signature | Max size: 80 KBDimensions: 80mm x 35mmJPEG, JPG format |
| Category Certificate | Required if applicableAccepted formats: SC-ST / NC-OBC / EWS |
| Disability Certificate | Required if applicableAccepted formats: PwD Form V / VI / VII |
| Academic Details | 10th, 12th, Graduation, Master’s/Professional Degree. Convert CGPA/Grades to percentage |
| Work Experience | Full-time only. After graduation till 31 July 2025 |
Also Read:
CAT Registration Fees 2026
The CAT 2026 application fee is expected to remain similar to the CAT 2025 fee structure, as determined by the IIMs. The fee must be paid online while submitting the application form on the official portal.
| Category | Expected CAT 2026 Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / EWS / NC-OBC | ₹2600 |
| SC / ST / PwD | ₹1300 |
Ques. Is the fee the same regardless of how many IIMs or programs I apply to?
Ans. For the CAT 2026, the application fee remains the same regardless of how many IIMs or programs you select in the application form.
Once the fee is paid, candidates can select multiple programs offered by IIM, while filling out the CAT application form
Ques. How and when do I pay the fee?
Ans. The candidates must pay the CAT 2026 application fee online during the final stage of the application form.
Make sure to complete all the sections of the application form, review carefully before submitting, the proceed to payment page.
You can pay by: Debit Card, Credit card, Net Banking, UPI/Digital Wallets.
Ques. Is the fee refundable?
Ans. No, the CAT application fees is non-refundable under any circumstances, once the payment is successfully completed.
You cannot request a refund even if you submit the incorrect information in the application form, or decide not to take the CAT 2026 exam.
CAT 2026 Application Errors and Problems
Many candidates face errors and problems, while filling out the CAT Application Form.
Most CAT application errors fall into three main categories, technical glitches, data entry mistakes, and payment issues.
Discussions on platforms like Reddit and Quora show that problems like OTP validation errors, payment failures, and duplicate registration messages are common, often caused by browser issues or heavy traffic on the portal.
| Error / Problem | Real Candidate Statement (Shortened) | Quick Solution / Advice |
|---|---|---|
| OTP Validation Error | “Tried to validate OTP which is not generated...” - Reddit | Incognito mode, switch browser, clear cache; retry or call helpline. |
| Work-Ex Dates Error | “Showing enter correct dates even though correct...” - Reddit | Re-enter slowly; multiple tries or helpline. |
| Wrong Graduation Completion Date | “Put May 2025 instead of July... Will I be disqualified?” - Reddit | Re-register (new email) or explain at interview with proof. |
| Wrong Academic Marks / % | “Messed up... entered wrong %” - Reddit | Re-register; carry originals to explain at PI. |
| Wrong Graduation Percentage | “Accidentally entered 73.6% instead of 71.6%” - Reddit | Re-register or explain with documents at interview. |
| Wrong 10th Board Name | “Filled 10th board wrongly but marks accurate... Disqualification?” - Quora | Unlikely disqualification; explain at verification with certificate. |
| Wrong Organisation / Designation | “Entered wrong organisation name & designation” | Re-register or show proofs at interview. |
| Payment Failure | “Payment failing...” | Retry with different method/browser; desktop preferred. |
| Duplicate / Already Registered | “Says already registered when trying new...” - Reddit | Use Forgot Password; contact helpline if needed. |
Source: Reddit
Important Instructions For CAT Registration 2026
Prepare a checklist in advance, fill the form slowly over 2–3 days, get a friend/parent to double-check, and submit early. One small error can cost ₹2,600 + time. Start preparing documents now so you’re ready when the form opens in August 2026.
One of the LinkedIn expert (Amit Rohra, 2025): “Personal Info – Match your name with your Class 10/12 certificate – Use an active email ID & mobile number (valid till Apr 2026). Academic Records – Enter marks correctly (check CGPA vs % conversion rules).”
Source: LinkedIn
Mistakes to Avoid While Filing CAT Registration Form 2026
While registering for CAT 2025 many candidates made some mistakes, One Reddit user (2025): “I messed up in filling my cat form… Correction window doesn’t allow you change marks. And even if you have to do a new registration, that 6 will hurt for no reason.”
Here are some common mistakes to avoid while filling out the CAT 2026 Registration Form.
- Name/DOB mismatch with Class 10 certificate: Permanent error; forces fresh registration + re-payment.
- Wrong academic marks or incomplete subject addition (e.g., forgetting additional subjects in 12th or wrong CGPA-to-% conversion): Form rejection or interview scrutiny.
- Photo/Signature wrong size/format: Upload rejection.
- Selecting test cities based on current location (not Nov 2026 location): Travel nightmare; centre change almost impossible.
- Wrong work-ex dates or including internships: Disqualification risk during verification.
- Not selecting enough IIMs/programmes: Missed shortlist opportunities (no extra fee for selecting all).
- Using inactive email/mobile: OTP failure & missing important updates.
- Rushing without final review before payment: No edits after submission (except limited window).
- Entering marks with wrong decimals (e.g., 096.50 instead of 96.50): Rejection.
- Ignoring eligibility criteria before starting: Wasted fee.
CAT 2026 Helpdesk
Since Indian Institute of Management Indore is conducting the CAT 2026, candidates facing issues during registration, payment, or login can contact the official CAT helpdesk.
| Helpdesk Service | Details |
|---|---|
| Official CAT Website | CAT Official Website |
| Helpdesk Email | cathelpdesk@iimcat.ac.in |
| Toll-Free Helpline | 1800-266-3549 / 1800-212-2663 |
| Helpdesk Timings | Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| CAT Conducting Institute | Indian Institute of Management Indore |
| CAT Office Address | CAT Centre, IIM Indore, Prabandh Shikhar, Rau–Pithampur Road, Indore – 453556, Madhya Pradesh |
| Institute Contact Number | +91-731-2439666 / +91-731-2439800 |
| Query Types Handled | Registration issues, OTP problems, payment failure, document upload errors, admit card download issues |
CAT Registration 2026 FAQs
Ques. Can I edit the form after submission?
Ans. Yes, you can edit your application form only in the form correction window period, The IIM Indore will open a form correction window in the 1st week of October 2026.
But you will be able to edit only few details like:
- Photograph
- Signature
- Test city preferences
Other details like name, academic records, category, and work experience generally cannot be changed after submission.
Ques. What are the most common mistakes candidates make during registration?
Ans. The most common mistakes the candidates makes during the CAT registration are:
- Entering incorrect graduation percentage or CGPA conversion
- Using best-of-five marks instead of total marks for Class 10 or 12
- Uploading incorrect photo or signature format
- Selecting the wrong category without valid certificates
- Entering incorrect work experience dates
Ques. How many test cities can I select, and does it affect allotment?
Ans. During the CAT registration 2026, you can select up to 5 preferred test cities in order of priority. The final exam center is allotted on basis of:
- Candidate’s city preferences
- Seat availability at test centers
- Administrative considerations
Choosing multiple nearby cities increases the chances of getting a convenient exam center.
Ques. Is registration first-come, first-served for exam slots/cities?
Ans. No, CAT registration itself is not strictly first-come, first-served. Its always better to apply early, to get a better chance of getting their preferred test city.
Ques. What if I'm a working professional or have a gap year, does it affect registration?
Ans. No. Being a working professional or having a gap year does not affect CAT eligibility or registration.
If you have work experience, then you can mention your employment details in the application form, which may be beneficial during the MBA admission process.
Ques. I'm from a non-engineering background (BA/BCom/BSc/MA). Am I eligible?
Ans. Yes, you are eligible for CAT 2026, candidates from any academic background can apply for CAT as long as they meet the minimum graduation requirements.
Eligible backgrounds include: BA, BCom, BSc, BBA, MA, MSc, or any other Engineering and technical degrees
Ques. Can final-year MA/MSc students or those pursuing another degree apply?
Ans. Yes. Candidates who are currently in the final year of postgraduate programs such as MA or MSc can apply for CAT, provided they already hold a completed bachelor’s degree.
If the bachelor’s degree results are pending, candidates can still apply as final-year students, but they must complete the degree requirements within the timeline specified by the admitting institute.
Comments
Found 2 Comments
Yes, here are some documents you need to submit for CAT registration: Class 10 and 12th mark sheet, Marksheet of graduation or equivalent diploma, Details of work experience, if any, Certificate of category scanned as PDF, in case applicable, List of IIM programs you wish to apply for, List of preferences for exam city and center, and more.
The registration for CAT 2022 exam is expected to begin on August 4, 2022. IIM is going to start the CAT registration window for a duration of 2 months. The last date to register for the CAT exam will be in the last week of September 2022.
For more information, refer to this link: CAT Registration Dates 2022