10 Common CAT Form Filling Mistakes to Avoid Rejection on the D-day!

Overview: Check out the common CAT form filling mistakes to avoid rejection on the D-day. Learn how to accurately fill out your CAT form, from matching name spellings to converting CGPA to percentage, ensuring a smooth admission process.

The Common Admission Test is one of the leading and most popular MBA entrance exams, whose scorecard is valid for admission to IIMs and other top B-schools.

The CAT 2026 exam is scheduled to be conducted on 29th November 2026 by IIM Kozhikode, and the last date to fill the CAT application form is 13th Sep 2026.

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Filling out the CAT form accurately plays a major role in your admission chances at IIMs. Errors in the form can raise questions during interviews or even affect your shortlist.

Many candidates rush through the form and overlook small but important details that could later cost them. 

Here we will cover the common mistakes to avoid during the CAT form filling process confidently and correctly. Learning from actual experiences helps prevent issues that come up later during the interview process.

CAT 2026 Exam Date & Schedule  

When is CAT Exam 2026, and which IIM will conduct CAT 2026?

According to the CAT 2026 notification, the exam will be conducted by IIM Kozhikode in three sessions on 29th November 2026. Important CAT 2026 date details are tabulated. 

CAT Exam 2026 Events	CAT Entrance Exam Important Dates
CAT 2026 Exam Official Notification	July 27th 2026
CAT 2026 Registration Date Opens	1st  August 2026
CAT 2026 Application Form's Last Date	13th September 2026
CAT 2026 Exam Admit Card Release Date	5th November 2026 to 30th November 2026
CAT 2026 Registration Fees	INR 1300 (Reserved categories) INR 2600 (Other categories)
CAT 2065 Exam Date	30 November 2026 (Last Sunday)
Official Website	iimcat.ac.in

Start Your CAT 2026 Registration Here- Direct Link

What are the Common CAT Form Filling Mistakes? 

Here are the most frequent mistakes candidates make:

• Incorrect spelling or a mismatch of personal details, like name.
• Mistakes in entering academic marks, including additional subjects.
• Using the wrong method to convert CGPA to a percentage.
• Selecting test centres based on the current location instead of the test day location.
• Choosing too few colleges or programs instead of selecting all.
• Misreporting work experience or including internships.
• Believing myths about form submission timing or slot allocation.
• Not using official help resources when in doubt.

Understanding and avoiding these CAT form-filling mistakes will improve your CAT exam application quality and reduce complications during interviews.

Check Now: CAT 2026 Registration Guide

5+ Common CAT Form Filling Mistakes to Avoid

Here are the common mistakes to avoid during CAT form-filling process:

#1: CAT Form Filling Mistakes: Match Name Spellings Exactly

Your name must match exactly as shown in official documents such as the 10th mark sheet, 12th mark sheet, and Aadhaar card. This includes both your first name and last name. 

Many students make spelling errors or use nicknames, causing discrepancies that can create problems later during document verification.

If your name on the CAT form does not match your certificates, interviewers might question your identity or authenticity. 

Use the exact spelling from one of your government-issued or educational documents to avoid any risk.

Check | CAT 2026 Slot Timings

#2 CAT Form Filling Mistakes: Enter Academic Marks Accurately

Make sure you record your academic marks exactly as they appear in your mark sheets. This includes every subject listed, whether mandatory or additional. For example, if you had six subjects in 12th grade because mathematics was an extra subject, you must enter marks for all six.

The CAT form instructions clearly state you cannot skip any subjects shown on your certificates. Missing out on any subject or entering incorrect marks will lead to inconsistencies flagged during evaluation.

Checklist:

• Enter marks for all subjects listed on the mark sheets
• Do not leave out additional/elective subjects
• Double-check marks against original documents

These details are fundamental because incorrect academic data can affect scoring or lead to further scrutiny during the selection process.

Practice Now: Previous Year Papers for CAT

# 3. CAT Form Filling Mistakes: Converting CGPA to Percentage

If your results are in CGPA, you must convert them into percentages when filling out the form. This applies to marks from the 10th, 12th, and graduation levels. Forms do not typically accept CGPA scores directly, so this step is necessary.

Neglecting to convert your grades properly may cause confusion or errors in evaluating your profile.

Use Your University’s Conversion Formula

Do not simply multiply your CGPA by 10 by default. First, verify whether your university provides a specific conversion formula. Many universities publish official guidance on how to convert CGPA to percentages.

If your university does not provide a formula, then multiplying by 10 is a reasonable standard method. However, blindly applying this multiplier without verifying official guidelines can lead to incorrect data submission.

Personal Experience with DU’s Conversion Change

For example, a student at Delhi University (DU) initially multiplied the graduation CGPA by 10. A few days later, DU announced the official formula to multiply CGPA by 9.5. This discrepancy caused a mismatch in marks entered on the CAT form.

The correction process involved:

1. Identifying the official university conversion formula after form submission.
2. Recognising that the submitted percentage was incorrect compared to university guidelines.
3. Explaining and rectifying the error during the IIM Ahmedabad interview stage.

This example shows how verifying university guidelines beforehand can prevent unnecessary complications.

Read More: CAT 2026 syllabus 

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#4 CAT Form Filling Mistakes: Choosing the Right Test Centre

Many students select a test centre near their current residence when they fill out the CAT form. This can be a mistake if they plan to be elsewhere when the exam takes place, usually in November.

You should select the exam centre based on where you expect to stay during the test month, not your present location. This avoids difficulties on exam day with travel or last-minute changes.

Changing Test Centre After Allotment Is Difficult

Once the CAT exam centres are allotted, making any changes is very hard. Many students try to shift centres later but find it nearly impossible due to strict rules and high demand.

Be thoughtful when selecting your test centre. Consider your location plans, travel feasibility, and nearby options carefully before finalising the choice on the form.

#5. CAT Form Filling Mistakes: Choosing the right College and Program Selection

The CAT form lets you choose IIMs and their different programs where you want admission consideration. Some candidates hesitate to select many options, fearing it will signal indecision.

Why Choose All Available Colleges and Programs?

• There is no extra cost for selecting multiple colleges or programs.
• You never know which institutions or programs will admit you after the results.
• Keeping options open increases your chances of getting shortlisted.
• For example, IIM Ahmedabad offers two programs: the flagship MBA and the FABM agriculture program. Selecting both is common and does not cause negative assumptions.

Some students worry interviewers will question the choice to select multiple programs, but this rarely happens.

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What Happens During the Interview?

• Interview panels mostly do not ask why you applied to multiple programs.
• If asked, a simple and honest answer like “I wanted to keep my options open” is perfectly acceptable.
• Interviewers understand candidates want to maximise opportunities.

Best practice is to select all colleges and programs, then decide later which offers to accept.

FAQ on Program Selection:

• Will I be judged for applying to many programs? No.
• Are there additional fees for each selection? No.
• Can I reject offers after CAT results? Yes.

#6 CAT Form Filling Mistakes: Providing Correct Work-Experience Details

Only full-time work after graduation qualifies. Internships, apprenticeships, articleships, or any training before graduation are not valid as work experience on the CAT form.

Mentioning Family Business or Self-Employment

If you run a business or are self-employed, you can mention this as work experience. For family business involvement, mention this only if you have supporting documents.

You must be ready to produce proof during interviews, such as:

• Incorporation deed if you own the business
• Bank statements showing transactions
• Official company letterhead confirming your role and duration

Lack of valid documents can lead to serious consequences.

Check | CAT 2026 Exam Day Guidelines

Risks of False Claims

If you receive extra points because of claimed work experience but cannot prove it later, you risk disqualification from the interview process and the admission cycle altogether.

Checklist to Include Work Experience:

1. Confirm full-time experience after graduation
2. Gather official proof documents
3. Avoid listing internships or pre-graduation roles
4. Only mention family business if supported by verifiable documents

Honesty and documentation are crucial with work experience to avoid issues.

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Ignore Myths About CAT Form Filling Timing and Slot Allocation

• Myth: Filling the form early or late affects your exam slot.
• Myth: Which IIM conducts CAT affects slot assignment or paper difficulty.

Both are false. Slot allocation is random and out of any candidate’s control.

Recommended Approach

Fill the form when you have verified all details and documents. Maintain a calm mindset to avoid avoidable mistakes. Have a family member or friend review the form before submission to catch errors you might miss.

Check | CAT Previous Year Papers with Solutions

Seek Help When Uncertain During CAT Form Filling Process

Here are the options that you can choose if you get stuck while filling the CAT application form:

Use CAT Helpline and Official Resources

If you are unsure about eligibility criteria, work experience, or other details, use the helpline and email IDs provided on the official CAT website. Reaching out directly to CAT officials can save you from submitting incorrect information.

Watch Official Video Tutorials and Read FAQs

The CAT website offers videos on how to fill out the CAT exam form properly. Additionally, the Registration FAQs document answers the most common queries. Checking these resources before filling the form reduces the odds of mistakes.

What to Do If You Make a Mistake in Your CAT Application Form 2026?

Minor mistakes like small differences in graduation percentage often do not impact the shortlist. For example, entering 87% instead of 83% by the university formula might not change your cutoff.

However, major errors, especially false claims in work experience, can cause disqualification.

How Mistakes Are Addressed During Interviews?

• IIMs cross-check CAT form details with the interview form.
• Administrative officers notice discrepancies, not the professors doing the interview.
• You will be asked to explain and can update your details then.

Personal Experience in Correcting a Graduation Percentage?

• The candidate noticed the official conversion formula was announced late.
• They explained the difference during an IIM Ahmedabad interview.
• This clarification did not affect the interview outcome.

Steps to rectify mistakes:

1. Identify the discrepancy early
2. Wait until you receive the interview form from IIMs
3. Provide the correct information when requested
4. Offer a truthful explanation
5. Keep supporting documents handy

This process allows you to fix minor errors without fear.

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Key Tips to Avoid CAT Form Filling Mistakes

• Ensure to Match personal details exactly as per official documents.
• Enter all academic marks, including additional subjects, consciously and precisely.
• Verify your university’s CGPA-to-percentage formula before converting.
• Select the CAT test centres based on your location during exam time.
• Choose all CAT exam colleges and programs to keep your options open.
• Report only verifiable full-time post-graduation work experience
• Ignore myths about form timing and test slots
• Use the CAT official helpline and resources when in doubt

Double-check your documents and data carefully to avoid last-minute issues.

Conclusion

Filling out the CAT form correctly is the most essential step for a smooth admission process and avoiding unwanted surprises during interviews.

Taking your time, verifying details, and seeking help when needed make a big difference in avoiding CAT form filling mistakes.

If you have any doubts, leave a comment or reach out to official CAT support immediately. Best of luck with your CAT preparation and form submission journey!