CAT 2026 Registration (Application Form): Dates, Fees, Documents & How to Apply

Overview: CAT 2026 registration is expected to open in August 2026 (tentative). This page covers the latest CAT 2026 application process, fees, documents, and common form-filling mistakesso you can apply smoothly on the official CAT website.

CAT 2026 Registration: Quick Summary

• Mode: Online only on the official CAT website (no offline forms).
• Expected timeline: Notification in July 2026 and registration in August 2026 (tentative).
• Test city preferences: You will be asked to select preferred test cities. As per the latest official advertisement (CAT 2025), candidates could choose five test cities CAT 2026 will confirm the number in the official guide.
• Fee: The registration fee is released with the official notification. (Last year’s official fee was ₹1300 for SC/ST/PwD and ₹2600 for other categories.)
• Before you apply: Keep your photo, signature and category certificates ready, and verify all details carefully before final submission.

Note: All dates and rules mentioned as “tentative” will be updated as soon as CAT 2026 releases the official notification/registration guide.

Download FREE Study Material for CAT 2026 by Supergrads

Aspirants are advised to complete their registration well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.

Latest Updates about IIMs/CAT Exam

To simplify the MBA admission process, four leading Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have introduced a Joint Admission Process (JAP) for the 2026-2027 academic session. This initiative is designed to benefit MBA aspirants by streamlining a typically complex application procedure.

• Joint Admission Process (JAP) 2026: Four IIMs—IIM Kashipur, IIM Raipur, IIM Ranchi, and IIM Tiruchirappalli—have collaborated to launch a single admission process for their MBA programs.
• IIM Raipur will act as the coordinating institute, managing the entire JAP for all four participating IIMs.
• Candidates can now apply to all four of these IIMs through a single, unified application window after their CAT 2025 results are declared.
• The new process is intended to reduce administrative duplication, save time for applicants, and increase transparency in the admission journey.

Start Your CAT 2026 Registration Here- Direct Link

Read More: What is the Difference Between CAP, SAP and JAP Admission Process?

CAT 2026 Registration Last Dates & Deadline

The CAT entrance exam and CAT registration 2026 details are listed below. Please note: CAT 2026 dates are tentative and will be updated once the official notification is released.

Event	CAT 2026 (Tentative)	CAT 2025 (Official – for reference)
Official Notification	Third week of July 2026	—
Registration Opens	1st week of August 2026	01 Aug 2025 (10:00 am)
Last Date to Apply	Third week of September 2026	13 Sep 2025 (5:00 pm)
Admit Card Download	November 2026	05 Nov–30 Nov 2025
Exam Date	Last Sunday of November 2026	30 Nov 2025
Registration Fees	₹1300 (SC/ST/PwD), ₹2600 (Others)	₹1300 (SC/ST/PwD), ₹2600 (Others)
Official Website	iimcat.ac.in	iimcat.ac.in

Note: CAT may revise timelines (including deadline extensions) depending on operational requirements. Always treat iimcat.ac.in as the final source of truth.

How To Fill Out CAT 2026 Registration Form?

How to Apply for CAT Exam 2026? Once the IIM CAT registration 2026 date is out, the next step is to fill out the CAT exam form 2026. The process will be completed on the official CAT exam website.

To ensure you don’t miss the deadline, keep an eye on the last date for CAT registration 2026, as it will be crucial for completing the application process on time. Here are the steps to follow to register for the CAT exam online

You must complete the CAT exam form date 2026 carefully before the deadline.

Step 1- CAT Registration 2026 and OTP Verification

• Share your primary details, such as name, date of birth, email address, and phone number, to generate a unique ID and corresponding password for the website. 
• For the first step of the CAT exam registration 2026, you will need to provide an email address and phone number to be successfully verified through an OTP. 
• Subsequently, all official communication regarding the CAT exam 2026 will be conducted via this number and email only. 
• Once logged in, you can complete the CAT registration form details in the next step.

Check | CAT 2026 Slot Timings

Step 2 - Access the CAT Exam Form Date 2026 & Fill in Details 

Log in using the credentials you received at your registered email address and via SMS on your phone after completing the CAT registration 2026. The CAT application form 2026 is divided into six sections, namely,

• Personal Details 
• Academics 
• Work Experience 
• Programs 
• Test City 
• Payment 

Note* Each contains mandatory sections that must be fulfilled. Once you have entered your basic CAT application form 2026 details, you can upload your signature, photograph, and category certificates. 

Refer to | CAT Preparation Books 2026

Step 3 - Instructions for CAT Application Form 2026 Photo Size & Signature 

The CAT application form 2026 photo size must be within 1200 pixels x 1200 pixels. Additionally, the scanned image of your signature must lie within 80mm X 35mm. 

These documents must not exceed 80KB and must be in .jpg or .jpeg format. The image should be clear and not less than 150px/inch, as required during CAT registration 2026.

In the Academic details, you'll be required to share a document that certifies each level of qualification: 

• SSC/10th/Equivalent Details 
• HSC/12th/Equivalent/Diploma Course Details 
• Bachelor's Degree Details 
• Master's Degree Details 
• Other Professional Degree Details 

All CGPAs and marks obtained at these levels must be converted into percentages using the formulas adopted by the respective institutions. 

Ensure you know it and make the accurate equivalence so that you won't be disqualified even after clearing the exam. 

Note: The original mark sheets will be required during the interview. Obtain them in advance to avoid anxiety at the next exam stage. 

Practice Now: Previous Year Papers for CAT

Step 4 - Enter your Work Experience

Only full-time work experience after graduation is counted. Enter your work experience in days as on 31 July of the registration year. (As per the latest official Registration Guide for CAT 2025, the cut-off was 31 July 2025; CAT 2026 will confirm the exact cut-off date in its official guide.)

• Do not include part-time/project/internship/articleship/pre-graduation experience as “work experience”.
• If you had a break, enter it under “Break in Experience (in days)”. If there is no break, enter 0.
• Next, select your preferred programmes. Use “Select All” only if you genuinely want to apply to all listed programmes.
• Choose Interview City for each programme carefully before clicking Save & Next.

Test City Preference: In the “Test City” section, you will be asked to select your preferred test cities.

• Select any five different test cities in order of preference (no repetition).
• After the last date of registration, one among the 5 preferred test cities is allotted (subject to availability).
• In rare cases, if none of the preferred cities are available, a nearby test city may be allotted.

Tip: Always follow the latest CAT 2026 Registration Guide for the final rules and cut-offs.

Check Now |  CAT Previous Year Cut-offs

Step 5 - CAT 2026 Registration Fee Payment for Different Categories

The CAT registration fees vary according to different student categories. You will be required to pay one of the two:

• INR 1300 (SC/ST and PwD)
• INR 2600 (Other categories)

Step 6: CAT 2026 Registration Fees: Mode of Payment

Here are the different modes of payment that you can choose to pay CAT exam fees:

Payment Mode	Transaction Charges
Credit Card	1.20% of the transaction amount (minimum Rs 5)
Credit Card (American Express)	2.85% of the transaction amount (minimum Rs 5)
Debit Card (Master/Visa)	0.75% of the transaction amount for amounts up to Rs 2000 (minimum Rs 5) 0.90% of the transaction amount for amounts above Rs 2000
Net Banking	Rs 20 per transaction
Other Payment Methods	PayU, BillDesk, and Paytm

Note* Preview the information you entered before paying the CAT exam fees and confirm your CAT registration 2026 form by making the payment.  

Step 7 - Final Submission 

All your CAT exam details have been filled out at this stage, and the CAT registration form is now complete.

• You will receive a confirmation email once you have completed the 2026 CAT application form. 
• Sign up by filling out the CAT application form 2026 as soon as the process begins.
• Click on the CAT registration 2026 link to download for future reference. 

Know More | Subjects to be Covered in CAT 2026

CAT 2026 Registration: Eligibility Criteria 

Now that you have learnt about the CAT 2026 registration date, you must know the basic requirements for the CAT exam, which are as follows: 

• A bachelor's degree or equivalent from a recognized university with a minimum of 50% marks (with 5% relaxation for SC/ ST/ PwD). 
• You can apply during your final year of UG. In this case, you must submit a certificate from your college or university stating that you meet the required criteria. 
• There is no age limit for the 2026 CAT exam. 
• If you’re a candidate without work experience, you need not worry! Lack of work experience does not lead to disqualification.
• However, this may play a role during selection and impact your ability to join the IIM. 
• You will also be eligible if you’ve completed a professional degree like CS, CA or ICWA.

Note*: Interested in getting all the details regarding eligibility? Explore the CAT eligibility criteria for various IIMs in detail here.

Check Now: QA Free Resources for CAT + OMETs

CAT 2026 Registration for Reserved Categories

If you belong to a reserved category (SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwD), you are eligible for certain relaxations during the CAT registration and admission process. 

It's important to understand these guidelines and provide the correct documentation to avail of these benefits.

Relaxation in Eligibility for Reserved Categories

Following the Government of India guidelines, seats are reserved for the following categories:

• SC (Scheduled Castes): 15% of the seats are typically reserved.
• ST (Scheduled Tribes): 7.5% of the seats are usually reserved.
• OBC-NCL (Other Backward Classes - Non-Creamy Layer): 27% of the seats are generally reserved for candidates belonging to the non-creamy layer.
• PwD (Persons with Disabilities): 5% of the seats are reserved for candidates with benchmark disabilities (at least 40% disability).

Join Now: CAT Online Coaching 2026

Documents Required for CAT 2026 Registration

Before you start your CAT 2026 registration, keep the following details and scanned documents ready. Requirements can vary slightly each year, so always follow the upload instructions shown on the official CAT portal while applying.

Basic details you must keep handy

• Valid email ID and mobile number (active throughout the admission cycle)
• Class 10 & 12 details (board, year, marks/CGPA)
• Graduation details (university, degree, marks/CGPA, year)
• Work experience details (if applicable)
• Final year status (if applicable)

Scanned uploads (as applicable)

• Recent passport-size photograph (as per portal specifications)
• Signature (as per portal specifications)
• Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS, if applicable)
• PwD/DA certificate (if applicable)
• Any additional certificates asked by the portal (only if applicable)

Upload Checklist: Avoid These Common Mistakes

• Uploading a blurry / cropped photo or signature (rejected/flagged easily).
• Using a photo with filters, shadows, or low contrast.
• Signature not matching your usual signature style (avoid stylised edits).
• Certificates uploaded that are unclear / incomplete or not in the format the portal accepts.
• Name/DOB mismatch across your form and certificates (double-check before final submission).

Pro tip: Use the exact file size/format/dimensions shown on the CAT application portal at the time of upload. If the portal rejects a file, re-scan and upload again instead of forcing a low-quality image.

Check | CAT Exam Top Colleges 2026

Use SuperGrads Free Resources 2026 Strategically

CAT VARC Mock Test 2026	Attempt a Free Mock test
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Technical Issues Faced During CAT 2026 Registration Process

Registering for the CAT online at iimcat.ac.in can sometimes result in issues. Here are common issues and how to troubleshoot:

Issue	Problem Description	Solution
Login Problems	Wrong username/password.	Double-check your username and password. Use the "Forgot Password" option to reset it.
CAT Exam Form 2026 Issues	Missing mandatory information, incorrect data formats.	Read all instructions carefully. Ensure all required fields are filled accurately and in the specified format. Match info to your documents.
Upload Fails	Pictures or documents are too big or in the wrong format.	Ensure files are within the specified size limit (in KB) and in the correct format (JPG/JPEG for images, PDF for documents). Try again later if the website is busy.
Payment Problems	The money is not going through, and there is no payment confirmation.	Check your bank account for any issues. Wait for a reasonable amount of time for confirmation. If it fails, try again later or use a different payment method.
Website Slow or Not Working	The site is taking a long time to load or is inaccessible.	Be patient and try accessing the website during off-peak hours (early morning or late at night). Check your internet connection. Refresh the page.
No OTP or Email	You didn't receive the One-Time Password (OTP) or the registration confirmation email.	Check your spam or junk folder. Verify that you entered your mobile number and email address correctly. Try requesting the OTP again. If the issue persists, contact the CAT Helpdesk.
Need Help? Contacting CAT	You require assistance with a technical issue.	Website: Look for a "Helpdesk" or "Contact Us" link on iimcat.ac.in.<br>Email: Find the official support email address in the CAT information bulletin.<br>Phone: Check if a helpline number is provided in the official notification.
Information for Helpdesk	What to provide when contacting support.	Have your Registration ID (if applicable), a detailed description of the error, and a screenshot of the problem ready.
Using the Right Tools	Ensuring compatibility for a smoother experience.	Browser: Use the latest versions of recommended browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. Avoid older versions.<br>Files: Only upload images in JPG/JPEG format and documents in PDF format. Ensure files are not too large.

Why are These Documents so Important?

If you don't upload the correct certificate or if it's unclear, you may not be eligible for the benefits to which you're entitled. Take your time and ensure everything is correct when you register. Keep a copy of all the papers you upload.

Category	What Certificate Do You Need	Who Should Give It To You	Important Things to Remember
SC/ST	Caste/Tribe Certificate	Government official (like Tehsildar, District Magistrate)	Ensure that your caste/tribe is listed on the government registry.
OBC-NCL	Caste Certificate saying you belong to the "Non-Creamy Layer"	Government official (same as above)	Must say "Non-Creamy Layer." Should be recent (usually within the last year).
EWS	Income and Asset Certificate	Designated government authority	Shows your family's income and assets are below a certain limit. Should be valid.
PwD	Disability Certificate	The government authorizes the medical board	Clearly states the type and how much disability you have (at least 40%).

Check Now: How to Crack CAT exam in 2026?

Download the List of Documents to Carry on the CAT Exam Day

Errors to Avoid During CAT 2026 Registration Process

Here are the points you should keep in mind while filling out the CAT exam 2026application form:

Errors to Avoid in CAT Application Process	Details
Email and Mobile Number	You should have a functional mobile number and email ID for easy communication.
Test City Selection	Please choose your CAT exam centre city very carefully. Once the exam centre is allotted, no changes are allowed.
Exam Center Preference	Selecting your city as the first CAT exam centre and ensuring easy access on exam day is advised.
IIM Selection	Choose IIMs carefully, as you will only be eligible for WAT-PI at the selected IIMs.
IIM Interview Cities	Select interview cities for IIMs carefully, considering that only two options are available for each IIM.
Academic Scores	Enter accurate academic scores for classes 10, 12, and Graduation. If applicable, include information about PG or professional degrees.
Work Experience	Enter work experience details accurately, as they will be reviewed to shortlist students for WAT-PI.
Certificates	Upload valid caste/PwD/Scribe certificates. Fake certificates can lead to being barred from the exam.
Fee Payment	Ensure the fee payment is successful and that an email acknowledgement is received. Incomplete payments will prevent form submission and the issuance of admit cards.

CAT 2026 Registration for International Candidates

For the 2026 CAT exam (expected in November 2026), here's what international candidates need to know:

Who Qualifies as an International Candidate?

International candidates include:

• Foreign Nationals: Citizens of countries other than India.
• NRIs (Non-Resident Indians): Indian citizens residing outside India.
• PIOs (Persons of Indian Origin): Individuals of Indian origin holding passports of other countries.

Check Now: VARC Free Resources for CAT + OMETs

Is there a separate process for the CAT 2026 Registration?

Generally, international candidates, including NRIs and PIOs, follow the same online registration process as Indian candidates through the official CAT website (iimcat.ac.in).

You will need to create an account, fill in your personal and academic details, upload the required documents, and pay the registration fee.

Check: CAT Cut Off for Various IIMs

Required Documents for Foreign Applicants, As per CAT Registration 2026

While the basic documents are similar to those of Indian candidates, you might need a few additional items:

• Valid Passport: As proof of identity and nationality.
• Visa (if applicable): Depending on your country of origin and the regulations in place at the time of admission.
• Equivalent Degree Certificate: If your bachelor's degree is from a foreign university, you might need to provide an equivalence certificate from a recognized Indian authority.
• Scanned copies of mark sheets and degree certificates.

Check Now: CAT exam is for what purpose? Get Details Here!

Test Centres Available for International Candidates

CAT is primarily conducted in test centres across India. In the past, there have been no specific international test centres for the CAT exam. You would likely need to travel to India to take the test. 

However, some IIMs and other Indian B-schools also accept GMAT scores for international applicants. If you are unable to travel to India, applying through the GMAT route to those specific institutes might be an option.

 Check the individual IIM and B-school websites for their specific admission criteria for international students.

Check Now: How to prepare for CAT exam at Home 2026?

What Currency/Payment Methods Are Accepted for CAT Registration 2026?

The CAT registration fee is usually mentioned in Indian Rupees (INR). International candidates will have to pay this fee online using methods like:

• Credit/Debit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and other major credit cards are usually accepted.
• Net Banking: If you have an Indian bank account.
• Other online payment gateways are provided on the CAT website.

You will need to check with your bank about any international transaction charges that might apply. The fee for the general category is typically around INR 2,500, and it's INR 1,250 for reserved categories (if applicable to you based on your PIO/NRI status – confirm the specifics on the CAT website).

Check Now: How to Prepare for CAT in 5 months?

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CAT Registration Trends Over the Years

Here's a look at CAT registration trends from 2018 to 2024:

Year	Registered Candidates (Approx.)	Appeared Candidates (Approx.)	% Change in Registrations (YoY)	Notable Trends in Demographics & Competition
2018	2,41,000	2,09,405	+4.3%	A steady increase in female participation is observed.
2019	2,44,169	2,09,926	+1.2%	Continued rise in female candidates. The majority are still from an engineering background, but increasing diversity.
2020	2,27,835	1,90,144	-6.60%	A slight dip is likely due to the initial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated uncertainties.
2021	2,29,969	1,91,660	+0.9%	Recovery in application numbers post the first wave of the pandemic.
2022	2,55,501	2,22,184	+11%	A significant jump in registrations indicates renewed interest in the MBA.
2023	3,30,000	2,88,000	+28.6%	Highest registration numbers in recent history, signifying a substantial increase in competition.
2024	3,29,000	2,93,000	-0.30%	Marginal decrease from the record high of 2023, but still a very high number, indicating strong competition. Increase in female candidates to 1.07 Lakh out of 2.93 Lakh appeared.

CAT Registration Trends in Gender, Stream, and Category: A Detailed Analysis

• Gender: There's a noticeable upward trend in the number of female candidates registering and appearing for CAT over the years, though males still constitute the majority. IIMs' gender diversity initiatives likely contribute to this.
• Stream: While a significant portion of applicants are traditionally engineers, there's a gradual increase in candidates from commerce, arts, and science backgrounds, reflecting the growing awareness of MBA benefits across disciplines and IIMs' focus on academic diversity.
• Category: The proportion of candidates across different reserved categories (SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwD) generally aligns with the reservation policies. Awareness and access to information regarding these reservations have remained relatively consistent.

Increasing Competition Insights:

The overall trend, particularly the significant surge in 2023, suggests an intensifying competition for MBA seats in top Business Schools.

With a consistently high number of aspirants and a limited number of seats, securing a good percentile requires rigorous preparation and a strategic approach. The slight dip in 2024 doesn't negate the overall highly competitive landscape.

Download List of Best Books for CAT By Supergrads

Why do More Aspirants Prefer CAT Each Year?

• CAT scores are the primary criterion for admission to the prestigious IIMs and numerous other top-ranked management institutes in India.
• An MBA from a top business school is viewed as a pathway to better job opportunities, higher salary packages, and faster career advancement in the corporate world.
• Preparing for CAT and pursuing an MBA enhances critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills, which employers highly value.
• A desire for financial stability and upward mobility drives many graduates and working professionals towards management education.

Expert Advice on How to Stay Updated During CAT 2026 Registration Window?

Staying informed throughout the CAT registration 2026 window is important to avoid missing deadlines, especially the last date for CAT registration 2026.

This will help you understand new guidelines and ensure a smooth application process when filling the CAT exam form 2026.

The official CAT website, iimcat.ac.in, is your primary and most reliable source of information. You must check it regularly, ideally daily or at least every other day, for announcements, FAQs, essential dates, clarifications, and any changes to the registration process.

In addition to the official website, you can rely on reputable national newspapers (especially education supplements) and official email alerts from the CAT conducting body. 

During registration, ensure you provide a valid and frequently checked email address, as all critical communications will be sent to that address. 

To receive direct updates, look for options to subscribe to email alerts or newsletters on the official CAT website. This ensures you get timely notifications about important events and changes. If available, follow the official social media handles of IIMs or the conducting body for quick updates.

CAT Slot Timings 2026

Following the CAT registration 2026 process, the entrance exam 2026 is likely to be conducted in the following CAT exam time slots.

• Slot 1: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM
• Slot 2: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM
• Slot 3: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM

As a preference, candidates can opt for any of the three available slots.

Read: Complete Details on CAT 2026 Syllabus

Can We Edit CAT 2026 Application Form After Submission?

Yes, but once the CAT registration 2026 is submitted, changes are limited. A brief "CAT Application Form Correction Window" might be offered for specific corrections.

Not all fields may be editable. Check the official CAT guidelines for details. If mistakes are spotted after this window, contact the CAT helpdesk.

Check: SuperGrads CAT Toppers Interview

Download the List of Documents to Carry on the CAT Exam Day

How to Edit CAT 2026 Application Form?

How can I edit the CAT registration form after it has been submitted? The authorities will provide the correction window for the CAT 2026 Application form as per the CAT official schedule. 

Students are given a CAT 2026 registration link, a details form correction window to fix a limited number of errors made while filling in the CAT exam form 2026. The areas where corrections can be made are as follows. 

Please make use of this period if you wish to edit the following: 

• Photo of the candidate 
• Signature of the candidate 
• Test City preferences 

The 3-day period allotted for this task cannot be used to edit anything else. This is why filling out the form carefully and with utmost attention is essential! 

Click Here | Boost your CAT Preparation with Super Grads Coaching

Conclusion

Fill out the CAT 2026 application form to register for the CAT exam 2026. Choose your CAT exam centre very wisely, as no change will be provided after the release of the CAT exam admit card.

Also, read the complete information provided in the CAT exam notification 2026 to ensure accurate CAT registration 2026 link details and avoid errors.

Also Read | Supergrads CAT Toppers List