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CAT Application Form 2026
The CAT Application Form 2026 is now available for candidates seeking admission to MBA and other management programmes offered by the 22 IIMs. The registration process is conducted online through the official CAT website. Candidates must complete the application by filling in their personal and academic details, uploading the required documents, selecting their preferred test cities, and paying the application fee.
As per the official CAT 2026 notification PDF, the registration window is open from 3 August 2026 (10:00 AM) to 15 September 2026 (5:00 PM), and the CAT 2026 exam will be held on 29 November 2026 in three sessions.
In this article, you'll find the CAT 2026 registration dates, documents required, application fee, step-by-step registration process, and important instructions to help you complete the application form accurately.
Download CAT 2026 Notification PDF
CAT Application Form Dates
Candidates should keep track of all important CAT 2026 registration events.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| CAT 2026 Registration Starts | 3 August 2026 (10:00 AM) |
| Last Date to Submit Application | 15 September 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| CAT Admit Card Release | 4 November 2026 |
| Last Date to Download Admit Card | 29 November 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date | 29 November 2026 (Sunday) |
| Expected Result Date | First Week of January 2027 |
The registration window remains open for around six weeks. Candidates are advised not to wait until the last day, as heavy traffic may lead to technical issues.
Documents Required for CAT Registration 2026
Before filling out the CAT Application Form 2026, candidates should keep all the required documents and information ready. This will help you complete the registration process smoothly and avoid last-minute errors.
Personal Documents
Keep the following personal details ready before starting your CAT registration:
- Valid Email ID
- Active Mobile Number
- Recent Passport-size Colour Photograph
- Scanned Signature
Academic Documents
You will need to enter your academic details while filling out the application form. Keep the following documents handy:
- Class 10 Marksheet
- Class 12 Marksheet
- Graduation Mark Sheets
- Graduation Certificate (if the degree is completed)
- Final-Year Graduation Details (for candidates appearing in the final year)
Category Certificates (If Applicable)
Candidates applying under reserved categories must upload the relevant certificate during the registration process.
The accepted category certificates include:
- SC Certificate
- ST Certificate
- NC-OBC Certificate
- EWS Certificate
- PwBD Certificate
Note: For CAT 2026, NC-OBC certificates must be issued on or after 1 April 2026, while EWS certificates should be valid for the 2026–27 academic year. Candidates awaiting a fresh NC-OBC or EWS certificate can upload the prescribed undertaking along with the previous certificate and acknowledgement of application, as mentioned in the official notification.
Documents Checklist for CAT Registration 2026
| Document | Applicable For |
|---|---|
| Passport-size Photograph | All Candidates |
| Scanned Signature | All Candidates |
| Class 10 & 12 Mark Sheets | All Candidates |
| Graduation Mark Sheets/Certificate | All Candidates |
| Category Certificate (SC/ST/NC-OBC/EWS) | Reserved Category Candidates |
| PwBD Certificate | PwBD Candidates |
| Work Experience Details (if applicable) | Candidates with Work Experience |
How to Fill the CAT Application Form 2026
The CAT application process is simple if you follow each step carefully.
Step 1: Register Online
Visit the official CAT website and click on "New Candidate Registration." Enter your name, date of birth, email ID, mobile number, and country. After OTP verification, your login credentials will be generated.
Step 2: Login to Your Account
Use the generated User ID and Password to access the CAT application dashboard.
Step 3: Fill Personal Information
Enter your personal details, including:
- Name
- Date of Birth
- Gender
- Nationality
- Category
- Address
- Parent's Details
Ensure that all information matches your official documents.
Step 4: Enter Academic Details
Provide details of:
- Class 10
- Class 12
- Graduation
- Professional qualifications (if applicable)
Candidates appearing in the final year of graduation are also eligible to apply, provided they meet the eligibility conditions specified by the IIMs.
Step 5: Add Work Experience
Candidates with work experience should enter their employer name, joining date, and work experience duration. Freshers can skip this section.
Step 6: Select Preferred Test Cities
Choose five preferred test cities from the available list. One city will be allotted based on availability. If none of the preferred cities are available, a nearby city may be assigned.
Step 7: Upload Documents
Upload the scanned photograph, signature, and category certificate (if applicable) in the prescribed format.
Step 8: Pay the Application Fee
Complete the payment using the available online payment methods and submit the application. After successful payment, download and save the confirmation page for future reference.
CAT Application Fee 2026 and Payment Process
The CAT application fee depends on the candidate's category.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General | ₹2,700 |
| EWS | ₹2,700 |
| NC-OBC | ₹2,700 |
| SC | ₹1,350 |
| ST | ₹1,350 |
| PwBD | ₹1,350 |
Note: The registration fee needs to be paid only once, irrespective of the number of IIMs selected. The application fee is non-refundable under any circumstances.
Payment Modes
Candidates can pay the CAT application fee using:
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Net Banking
- UPI
- Other online payment options available on the CAT portal
After successful payment, candidates should keep a copy of the payment receipt and application confirmation for future reference.
Mistakes to Avoid While Filling CAT Registration Form
Many candidates make avoidable mistakes during registration that may create problems later in the IIM admission process. Keep these points in mind before submitting the form.
- Enter correct personal details: Ensure your name, date of birth, and parent's name exactly match your official documents.
- Choose the correct category: Category changes are not allowed after registration, so verify your reservation category carefully before submission.
- Upload valid documents: Make sure your photograph, signature, and certificates are clear and uploaded in the required format.
- Verify academic information: Double-check your marks, CGPA, passing year, and university details.
- Select test cities wisely: Choose cities that are convenient for you, as the final allotment depends on availability.
- Avoid last-minute registration: Applying early helps you avoid payment failures and website congestion.
- Review the form before submission: Carefully check every section before clicking the final submit button, as many details cannot be edited later.
CAT Application Form 2026: Conclusion
The CAT Application Form 2026 is the first and most important step for candidates planning to secure admission to the IIMs and other leading MBA colleges in India. Before starting the CAT registration process, applicants should keep all the required documents ready, verify their academic details, select their preferred test cities carefully, and complete the application well before the deadline. Applying early also helps avoid last-minute technical issues and payment failures.
Candidates should carefully review every section of the CAT Registration 2026 form before submitting it, as many details cannot be changed later. Following the official guidelines, uploading the correct documents, and paying the application fee successfully will ensure a smooth registration process. Once the application is submitted, candidates should save the confirmation page and continue their CAT 2026 preparation with a focused study plan and regular mock tests.
