CAT 2026 registration process started on August 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM (IST) and will remain open until September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM (IST). The CAT 2026 exam is scheduled to be held on November 29, 2026 (Sunday) in three sessions. To complete your application, you need to enter your personal and academic details, upload the required documents, and pay the application fee online. Before submitting the form, make sure every detail is accurate, as incorrect or incomplete information may lead to issues during the admission process.

The CAT 2026 application fee is INR 2,700 for candidates belonging to the General, EWS, and NC-OBC categories, while SC, ST, and PwD candidates need to pay INR 1,350.

Before you begin the application process, take some time to understand the registration steps, the list of required documents, and the fee payment process. This article walks you through each stage and also provides the direct link to the official CAT 2026 registration portal, helping you complete your application smoothly.

What Are the Important CAT 2026 Registration Dates?

CAT Exam registration 2026 process will follow a tentative schedule based on the expected timeline. Candidates can refer to the table below to plan their application process efficiently:

You can stay updated through out CAT Exam Dates 2026 page.

How to Complete the CAT 2026 Registration Process?

Check CAT 2026 registration process is given below in detail:

Step 1: Visit the Official website - iimcat.ac.in.

Step 2: Register as a New User:

• Click on "New Candidate Registration" option.
• Enter your name, date of birth, email ID, mobile number, and other details.
• Verify the OTP sent to your mobile and email.
• Upon successful verification, you will receive a User ID and Password.

Step 3: Fill the Application Form

• Log in using the registered User ID and Password.
• Complete the form by entering:
• Personal details
• Academic qualifications
• Work experience (if applicable)
• Programs applied for (select IIMs and courses)
• Preferred test cities (you can select up to 6)

Step 4: Upload Documents

• Upload scanned copies of:
• Passport-size photograph
• Signature
• Category certificate (if applicable)
• PWD/DA certificate (if applicable)
• Ensure the files are in the prescribed size and format.

Step 5: Pay the Application Fee

• Pay the CAT application fee via Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
• Fees (tentative):
• INR 2600 for General/NC-OBC candidates
• INR 1300 for SC/ST/PwD candidates

Step 6: Submit the Application

• Review the entire form carefully.
• Once confirmed, click on 'Submit'.
• Download and save a copy of the confirmation page and application form for future reference.

What Is the CAT 2026 Registration Fee?

The registration fees for CAT 2026 are given below. Candidates have to pay the fee online which is non-refundable after submission.

You can also read more about the increased CAT Exam Fees 2026

What Documents Are Required for CAT 2026 Registration?

Documents required for CAT registration process 2026 are:

• Class 10 marksheet
• Class 12 marksheet
• Graduation marksheets/certificate
• Date of Birth certificate
• Address proof
• Final year certificate from principal, HoD or Director (if applicable)
• Caste category certificate (if applicable)
• PwD category certificate (if applicable)
• Scribe certificate (if applicable)
• Credit/debit card or net banking credentials
• Work experience document

What Are the Photo and Signature Guidelines for CAT 2026 Registration?

Applicants must upload specific documents with proper guidelines along with CAT 2026 application form. Forms submitted without these required documents will be rejected. The guidelines for the documents are given below:

How to Choose Your CAT 2026 Test Cities?

While filling out CAT 2026 application form, candidates must select up to five preferred test cities from a list of around 170 options. The exam authorities will try to allot a test city based on the candidate's preferences, but this depends on seat availability. Applying early increases the chances of getting a preferred test city.

The allotted exam city and centre will be clearly mentioned on the candidate's CAT 2026 admit card. If the CAT authorities provide an application correction window, candidates may be allowed to modify their preferred test city during that period, subject to the permitted changes. Once the admit card is issued, no further changes can be made. Therefore, candidates should carefully select their home city or a nearby location while choosing test centres.

Who Is Eligible to Apply for CAT 2026?

CAT eligibility criteria 2026 outline the academic qualifications and requirements candidates must meet to apply for the exam. They are given below:

• To appear for CAT exam, candidates must have a graduation degree with at least 50% aggregate marks or an equivalent qualification from a UGC-recognized university.
• For SC/ST and PwD candidates, the minimum required score is 45% aggregate.
• Candidates who are in the final year of their bachelor's degree or are awaiting their final results can also apply for CAT 2026, provided they meet the eligibility requirements at the time of admission.
• Candidates with professional qualifications such as CA (ICAI), CS (ICSI), or CMA (ICMAI) are also eligible to apply, provided they fulfil the prescribed eligibility criteria.

For more details, check CAT Eligibility Criteria 2026

Will There Be a CAT 2026 Application Correction Window?

CAT application form correction window was available between October 4 to 7, 2026. It allowed the candidates for modifications to specific fields like photographs, signatures, and test city preferences.

Check the steps to make CAT registration corrections:

• Visit the official CAT website iimcat.ac.in.
• Login: Use your User ID and Password to access your application form.
• Locate the correction link: Click on the "Application Form" or "Edit" link, which becomes available during the correction window.
• Make changes: Edit the allowed fields (e.g., photograph, signature, test city preferences).
• Save and submit: After making changes, save the updated form and re-submit it.

What Should You Keep in Mind While Registering for CAT 2026?

You must note the following things that should be kept in mind during CAT exam registration 2026:

• Use Edge Chromium, Mozilla Firefox (version 56+), or Google Chrome (version 59+) to fill out CAT 2024 application form.
• Avoid using a smartphone. Always use a laptop or desktop for the application process.
• Carefully review all details in the application form before clicking 'submit' or 'save'.
• Remember, once submitted, the form cannot be edited. To make changes, you must register again, refill the form, and repay the fee.
• Save a copy of the application fee receipt and the completed form for future reference.
• Keep CAT registration confirmation email safe until the entire MBA admission process is complete. It's best to print a copy of the email for easy access.

What Mistakes Should You Avoid During CAT 2026 Registration?

It is important to fill CAT 2026 application form carefully, as the correction window allows changes in only limited fields. To avoid mistakes, follow the tips below while completing the form:

• Use an active email ID and mobile number, as all updates and communication will be sent through them.
• Choose your preferred CAT exam cities wisely, as changes will not be allowed after the centre is allotted.
• Select your current city as the top preference to avoid travel issues on exam day.
• List five cities in order of priority, keeping travel convenience in mind.
• Pick IIMs thoughtfully because you will only be considered for the WAT-PI process of those you select in the form.
• Choose interview cities for each IIM wisely, as you can select only two options for every IIM.
• Enter correct academic details for Class 10, 12, and graduation, and mention any PG or professional degree as these details will be reviewed during the WAT-PI process.
• Fill in accurate work experience information, as it plays a role in shortlisting for the WAT-PI round.
• Upload valid documents for caste, PwD, or scribe support. Submitting fake certificates may lead to disqualification.
• Make sure the application fee is paid successfully, and the confirmation email is received. If payment fails, the application will be incomplete and the admit card will not be issued.

How to Check Your CAT 2026 Application Status?

The steps to check CAT application form status are:

• Step 1: Go to the official CAT website at iimcat.ac.in.
• Step 2: Use your registered User ID and password to sign in.
• Step 3: Access your application details to view the current status of your form.
• Step 4: Once you submit your application successfully, you will get a confirmation email.