CAT 2026 Registration Last Date Extended
September 15, 2026 was the previous last date for CAT 2026. But now that date has been extended to 22 September 2026. This gives one more week to CAT aspirants to complete their unfinished form or register fresh in case they missed the date. The registration process started on August 3, and the Common Admission Test will be held on November 29, 2026. The CAT 2026 registration form is available online through the official CAT website. Candidates must complete the form, upload the required documents, select their test cities and pay the applicable registration fee before the revised deadline.
Is CAT 2026 Registration Last Date Extended?
Yes, the CAT 2026 registration last date has been extended to September 22, 2026, up to 5:00 PM IST. The original deadline was September 15, 2026.
The CAT 2026 registration process began on August 3 at 10:00 AM. With the extension, candidates who could not complete their applications before the original deadline now have an additional opportunity to register.
CAT 2026 Registration Details | Date/Time |
Registration starts | August 3, 2026, 10:00 AM |
Original last date | September 15, 2026, 5:00 PM |
Extended last date | September 22, 2026, 5:00 PM |
Admit card download starts | November 4, 2026 |
CAT 2026 exam date | November 29, 2026 |
Candidates should remember that completing the form means more than creating an account. The application must be filled in full, the documents must be uploaded correctly and the registration fee must be paid before submission.
The CAT 2026 exam is scheduled for November 29, 2026.
CAT 2026 Registration Extended Date: Previous Year Trends
CAT registration deadlines have been extended in previous years as well. The table below shows the registration start dates, original deadlines and extended deadlines for the last few CAT cycles.
CAT Year | Registration Start Date | Original Registration Last Date | Extended Registration Last Date |
CAT 2026 | August 3, 2026 | September 15, 2026 | September 22, 2026 |
CAT 2025 | August 1, 2025 | September 13, 2025 | September 20, 2025 |
CAT 2024 | August 1, 2024 | September 13, 2024 | September 20, 2024 |
CAT 2023 | August 2, 2023 | September 13, 2023 | September 21, 2023 |
CAT 2022 | August 3, 2022 | September 14, 2022 | September 21, 2022 |
CAT 2021 | August 4, 2021 | September 15, 2021 | September 22, 2021 |
The previous-year pattern shows that registration extensions have been provided several times. However, candidates should not assume that the deadline will always be extended further. The extended CAT 2026 deadline should be treated as the final date unless the conducting authority announces another change.
How to Apply for CAT 2026 Before the Extended Deadline?
Candidates can complete the CAT 2026 registration process online. If you have not filled out the form yet, keep your academic details and documents ready before starting.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the official CAT website
Go to the official CAT 2026 website and click on the registration link.
Step 2: Create your account
Enter the required basic details, mobile number and email ID. Complete the verification process and create your login credentials.
Step 3: Fill in personal details
Enter your name, date of birth, category and other personal information carefully. Make sure the details match your official documents.
Step 4: Add academic details
Enter your Class 10, Class 12 and graduation details. Candidates with work experience can also provide their relevant employment details.
Step 5: Upload documents
Upload the required photograph, signature and category or PwD certificates, wherever applicable. Check the prescribed specifications before uploading.
Step 6: Select test cities and programmes
Choose your 5 preferred test cities and provide the required programme preferences.
Step 7: Pay the CAT registration fee
Pay the applicable fee through the available online payment options.
Step 8: Review and submit the form
Check every section before submitting the application. After submission, save the confirmation details for future reference.
Candidates should use a valid email ID and mobile number throughout the registration process, as these details are used for official communication.
CAT 2026 Registration Fees and Documents Required
The CAT 2026 registration fee depends on the candidate's category. General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates have to pay ₹2,700, while SC, ST and PwD candidates have to pay ₹1,350. The fee is paid online while submitting the application.
Category | CAT 2026 Registration Fee |
General/EWS/NC-OBC | ₹2,700 |
SC/ST/PwD | ₹1,350 |
Before starting the CAT registration process, candidates should keep the following details and documents ready:
- Valid email ID and mobile number
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Scanned signature
- Class 10 academic details
- Class 12 academic details
- Graduation details
- Category certificate, if applicable
- PwD certificate, if applicable
- Work experience details, if applicable
Candidates should also check their category certificates carefully before entering the information in the form. A mistake in category or academic details can create problems during the admission process.
The photograph and signature need to meet the specifications mentioned in the CAT application guidelines. Candidates are also advised to review the uploaded documents before submitting the form.
Why CAT 2026 Registration Extended?
- The main reason for this extension might be half-finished forms or payments not completed by candidates after filling in all the details. Or, if one or two documents are missing in the candidate's profile, this extension would give the chance to CAT aspirants.
- The CAT 2026 registration deadline has already been extended from September 15 to September 22. While previous CAT cycles have also seen deadline extensions, candidates should not wait for another extension.
- There is no advantage in delaying the application once the required documents and details are ready. Last-minute registration can also become difficult if there are payment issues, website traffic or errors while uploading documents.
- Therefore, candidates who are yet to register should complete the CAT 2026 application before 5:00 PM on September 22, 2026. The official CAT website should be used for registration and payment rather than relying on third-party links.
CAT 2026 Registration Last Date Extended: Conclusion
The CAT 2026 registration date has been extended to September 22, 2026, at 5:00 PM, giving candidates additional time to complete their applications. Candidates who missed the original September 15 deadline or left their applications incomplete should use this opportunity to finish the registration process without waiting until the final hours.
Before submitting the CAT 2026 application form, carefully verify your personal information, academic details, category, uploaded documents, test-city choices and payment status. Treat September 22 as the final CAT 2026 registration deadline unless another official announcement is made, and complete the application as early as possible.
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