CAT 2026 Registration Started, Last Date, Eligibility, Form Fees

CAT 2026 registration is now open at iimcat.ac.in. CAT 2026 registration started on August 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM IST. Eligible candidates can complete the application form through the official CAT website. The registration window closes on September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM IST, while the examination is scheduled for November 29, 2026. This guide covers the registration dates, eligibility criteria, required documents, application fee, step-by-step process, and common mistakes candidates should avoid while completing the CAT application form 2026.

CAT 2026 Registration Started?

Yes, CAT registration 2026 is now open. Candidates seeking admission to postgraduate management programmes offered by the IIMs and participating institutes can create an account, upload documents, select programmes and pay the application fee online. Registration is considered complete only after successful payment and final submission.

CAT 2026 Important Dates

The CAT 2026 application form is available on the official website, iimcat.ac.in. Candidates should avoid unofficial portals that request personal details or payment.

CAT 2026 Eligibility Guidelines

Candidates must satisfy the prescribed educational qualification before applying. Final-year students and candidates awaiting graduation results can also register, but their admission remains provisional. Meeting CAT eligibility criteria allows a candidate to take the examination, but every IIM follows a separate shortlisting and admission policy.

CAT Eligibility at a Glance

Important Eligibility Rules

• The degree should be awarded by a recognised university or institution.
• Final-year candidates must submit proof of degree completion within the deadline set by the admitting institute.
• Candidates receiving CGPA must follow their university’s official percentage-conversion formula.
• CAT eligibility does not guarantee an interview call or admission.
• Individual IIMs may consider academics, work experience, diversity, CAT sectional scores and interview performance.

Candidates with foreign, distance-learning or non-standard qualifications should verify degree recognition before paying the application fee.

Documents Required for CAT 2026 Registration

Keeping documents ready before starting the form reduces errors and prevents the session from timing out. Candidates need academic records, scanned images and valid contact details. Reserved-category and PwBD applicants must upload supporting certificates in the prescribed format to claim applicable benefits during the admission process.

CAT 2026 Document Checklist

The photograph, signature and certificates must meet the specified file-size, format and dimension requirements. Category certificates should be valid and issued by an authorised body.

Also Read: Documents Required for CAT 2026 Registration, Check Now

How to Register for CAT 2026 Online?

The CAT application process includes account creation, form completion, document upload, programme selection and fee payment. Candidates should use the same name, date of birth and academic information shown on official records. Review every section carefully because only limited details may be editable after final submission.

Steps to Register for CAT 2026 Online

1. Visit the official CAT website at iimcat.ac.in.
2. Click on New Candidate Registration.
3. Enter your name, date of birth, email address and mobile number.
4. Verify your email address and mobile number using the OTP received.
5. Log in using the generated CAT User ID and password.
6. Fill in your personal and communication details.
7. Enter your Class 10, Class 12 and graduation information.
8. Add your work-experience details, if applicable.
9. Select the IIM programmes for which you want to apply.
10. Choose your preferred CAT exam cities.
11. Upload your photograph, signature and applicable certificates.
12. Review the complete application form carefully.
13. Pay the CAT 2026 registration fee online.
14. Submit the application and download the confirmation page.

Details to Check Before Submission

• Candidate’s name and date of birth
• Category and PwBD status
• Academic marks and CGPA
• Graduation status
• Work-experience duration
• Selected IIM programmes
• Exam-city preferences
• Uploaded documents
• Payment status

Creating an account alone does not complete registration. The application must show a successful payment and submission status.
Also Read: How to fill CAT 2026 Form: Last Date, Eligibility & Documents

What Is the CAT 2026 Registration Fee?

The CAT 2026 form fee depends on the candidate’s category. It is paid once during online registration, regardless of the number of IIM programmes selected. Candidates should confirm their category and application details before payment because the registration fee is generally non-refundable after successful submission.

CAT 2026 Category-Wise Fee

Payment can be completed through the available online payment methods shown on the registration portal. Candidates should download the payment receipt and the submitted application form.

If money is deducted but the form does not show successful payment, candidates should follow the official payment-resolution process instead of making repeated payments immediately.

Mistakes to Avoid While Filling the Form

Most CAT form problems occur because candidates enter data quickly, rely on estimates or wait until the deadline. Small mistakes involving marks, category, programme selection or uploaded certificates can affect application verification. A final review of the entire form is therefore essential before payment and submission.

Common CAT Registration Mistakes

Practical Tips to Avoid Errors

• Enter your name exactly as shown on your Class 10 certificate.
• Use the official university method for CGPA conversion.
• Do not round off marks unless instructed.
• Check whether your NC-OBC community appears in the applicable Central List.
• Do not include internships or part-time work as full-time experience unless permitted.
• Select every IIM programme you genuinely wish to apply for.
• Choose exam cities in a realistic order of preference.
• Review the form for at least 10 minutes before paying.
• Save the application form, fee receipt and login credentials.

Completing the CAT 2026 application early gives candidates enough time to resolve upload, certificate or payment issues. The best approach is to prepare all records first, fill the form using official documents and verify every field before final submission.

CAT 2026 Registration Started: Conclusion

CAT 2026 registration is now open, giving MBA aspirants the opportunity to apply for admission to the IIMs and other participating management institutes. Candidates should carefully verify their eligibility, keep all required documents ready, and complete every section of the application form accurately to avoid unnecessary issues. Submitting the CAT 2026 registration form well before the closing date reduces the chances of facing payment failures, server congestion, or document-upload errors. A careful review before final submission can help ensure a smooth registration process and allow candidates to focus entirely on CAT preparation.