CAT 2026 Registration Guide
Official dates, eligibility, category-wise fees, documents, form-filling steps and the confirmed exam pattern—explained in simple language so that you can submit the application without last-minute confusion.
CAT 2026 registration in one minute
CAT 2026 registration opened on 3 August 2026 at 10:00 AM IST and will close on 15 September 2026 at 5:00 PM IST. IIM Indore will conduct the computer-based exam on 29 November 2026 in three sessions. The registration fee is ₹2,700 for General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates and ₹1,350 for SC, ST and PwBD candidates.
A bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA is required; the minimum is 45% for SC, ST and PwD candidates. Final-year students and candidates awaiting their graduation result can also apply provisionally.
Deadline desk
CAT 2026 important dates
These dates come from the official CAT 2026 notification and information bulletin.
10:00 AM IST
5:00 PM IST
The CAT authority may announce a limited application-edit window after registration. Exact correction dates and editable fields should be checked only on iimcat.ac.in. Complete the first submission carefully instead of depending on a correction window.
Eligibility gates
Who can apply for CAT 2026?
CAT accepts candidates from different academic backgrounds. Your graduation status and marks matter more than your stream.
Completed bachelor’s degree
General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates need at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA. SC, ST and PwD candidates need at least 45%.
Final-year students
You can apply if you are appearing in the final year of a bachelor’s degree or have completed degree requirements and are awaiting the result.
Professional qualification
Candidates who completed CA, CS, ICWA or CMA, or FIAI with the required percentage can also meet the stated qualification route.
Any graduation stream
Engineering, science, commerce, arts, management and other recognized bachelor’s backgrounds can apply. CAT does not require only a BBA or B.Com degree.
How to calculate graduation percentage from CGPA
Use the conversion method certified by your university or institution. Do not automatically multiply every CGPA by 9.5 or 10. If the university confirms that it has no conversion scheme, follow the equivalence rule stated in the official CAT eligibility document. You can use the CGPA to Percentage Calculator to check your working, but enter the number in the CAT form only after matching it with your university rule or conversion certificate.
Is there an age limit?
The CAT 2026 eligibility document does not prescribe a separate upper age limit. A candidate who meets the qualification conditions can apply. However, each programme and institute can publish its own admission conditions, so always check the programme selected in your form.
Important eligibility difference
Being eligible to write CAT does not guarantee an IIM interview or admission. Each IIM publishes its own shortlisting policy and may consider CAT score, section-wise performance, school and graduation records, work experience, diversity factors and interview performance.
Payment receipt
CAT 2026 registration fees
The category-wise fee has increased from the previous cycle, so use the CAT 2026 amount shown below.
The official advertisement says that the registration fee is paid only once, irrespective of the number of institutes for which you apply through the CAT form. A candidate belonging to more than one category should follow the category and certificate rules shown in the official application.
- Use a stable internet connection during payment.
- Do not refresh the payment page or press the back button while the transaction is processing.
- If money is debited but the status is unclear, first check the application dashboard and official payment instructions before paying again.
- Save the successful transaction receipt and final application PDF.
CAT is only one part of an MBA application budget. Mocks, travel, interview calls and separate non-IIM college forms may create extra costs. Use the Student Budget Planner if you want to estimate the complete preparation and admission expense before spending on courses.
Document packing list
Documents and details required for CAT 2026
Prepare the information before logging in. This reduces spelling, percentage and upload mistakes.
Use your own unique contact details and keep them active through the admission process.
Use it to match your name and date of birth exactly.
Keep Class 10, Class 12, diploma if applicable, graduation and postgraduate marks ready.
Keep an official CGPA-to-percentage rule or certificate if your marks are in grades.
JPG or JPEG, as per the dimensions and file limit in the live registration guide.
JPG or JPEG. The official guide specifies 80 mm by 35 mm and a maximum of 80 KB.
SC, ST, NC-OBC or EWS certificate in the prescribed form, wherever applicable.
Disability certificate, scribe affidavit or authorization form as applicable to your case.
Use the prescribed proforma if your graduation result or final year is pending and the form asks for it.
Organization, role and exact joining and leaving dates for eligible full-time experience.
Read the eligibility of each IIM programme before selecting it.
Choose five different cities in genuine preference order.
Photograph and signature upload
The registration guide asks for photograph and signature images in JPG or JPEG format and states that each file should not exceed 80 KB. It also gives a photo canvas limit of 1200 by 1200 pixels and a signature dimension of 80 mm by 35 mm. Check the text beside the actual upload field before submission because the portal instruction is the final reference.
Academic marks entry
Enter aggregate marks as required by the form, not only your favourite or highest-scoring subjects. If you first need to verify the arithmetic, use the Marks Percentage Calculator and then compare the result with the method followed by your board or university.
Work-experience entry
Follow the CAT registration guide when calculating experience. Do not inflate the number by adding internships, articleship, part-time work, academic projects or experience before graduation if the guide excludes them. Keep employer dates consistent with your supporting records.
Application route
How to fill the CAT 2026 application form
Keep around 45 to 60 interruption-free minutes after your files and academic details are ready.
- Open the official websiteGo to iimcat.ac.in. Avoid forms shared through advertisements, messages or unofficial lookalike pages.
- Create a new candidate accountSelect the new-registration option. Enter your name exactly as printed on the Class 10 or SSC certificate, along with date of birth, email and mobile number.
- Complete OTP verificationVerify the contact details and safely store the generated User ID and password. Do not share the OTP or login with coaching groups.
- Fill personal and contact detailsEnter gender, nationality, address and category carefully. Category changes can be restricted later, so verify the certificate first.
- Add academic informationEnter Class 10, Class 12, diploma, bachelor’s, master’s and professional qualification details wherever applicable. Use the university-certified conversion method for CGPA.
- Enter eligible work experienceAdd only the experience allowed by the registration guide. Match employer names and dates with your official records.
- Select IIM programmesChoose the programmes for which you want to be considered. Read programme-specific eligibility instead of selecting every option blindly.
- Choose interview and test citiesSelect interview locations where requested and give five different CAT test-city preferences in a practical order.
- Upload documentsUpload the photograph, signature and applicable category, disability or final-year certificates in the required format and size.
- Preview the full formCheck name, date of birth, category, marks, graduation status, programme choices, work experience and uploaded files. Ask one trusted person to recheck numbers if needed.
- Pay the registration feeComplete online payment and wait for the portal to return a successful status. Do not close the page in the middle of processing.
- Save proof of submissionDownload the completed application PDF and payment receipt. Keep a copy in email or cloud storage as well as on your device.
How to choose five CAT test cities
The registration guide allows five different city preferences. Put the city you can reach most easily first. Then add nearby cities with reliable transport and accommodation. Do not select a faraway city only because someone says it has an easier paper—CAT sessions are normalized, and no city offers a guaranteed advantage.
How to choose IIM programmes
Programme names may look similar but can have different degree, subject, work-experience or other conditions. Open the institute’s admission policy before opting in. Selecting a programme in the CAT form does not guarantee that you meet every later admission requirement.
Exam control room
CAT 2026 exam pattern: what is officially confirmed?
This table separates confirmed notification facts from details that should be checked in the official mock and test-day instructions.
| Pattern point | CAT 2026 detail | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mode | Computer-based test at allotted test centres | Confirmed |
| Total duration | 120 minutes | Confirmed |
| Sections | VARC, DILR and QA | Confirmed |
| Section time | Exactly 40 minutes for each section | Confirmed |
| Exam sessions | Three sessions on 29 November 2026 | Confirmed |
| Total questions | Check the official CAT 2026 mock or test instructions when released | Do not assume |
| MCQ and non-MCQ mix | Verify the exact mix in the official mock | Check official mock |
| Marking and negative marks | Follow the official instructions displayed for CAT 2026 | Check instructions |
VARC
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
Reading, comprehension, argument and verbal reasoning skills.
DILR
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
Set selection, tables, arrangements, cases and logical analysis.
QA
Quantitative Ability
Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number properties and related quantitative skills.
Section timer
40 minutes each
The official press release says candidates cannot switch from one section to another while answering.
Error checkpoint
Common CAT application mistakes to avoid
Most form problems are small, but a small error in identity, category or marks can become serious later.
What if there is a mistake after submission?
First read the official CAT announcement and candidate dashboard. If a correction window opens, it may allow changes only in selected fields and for a limited time. Do not create a second application or make another payment unless the official helpdesk specifically instructs you to do so.
After submission
What to do after CAT 2026 registration
The form is only the entry gate. Your score will depend on preparation, mocks, question selection and calm execution.
- Save the application PDF, payment receipt, User ID and password in two safe places.
- Check that the photograph, category and programme choices are visible correctly in the submitted form.
- Watch the official website for edit-window, mock-test and admit-card announcements.
- Build a weekly plan for VARC, DILR and QA instead of watching random strategy videos.
- Start sectional tests and full mocks early enough to analyse every mistake.
- Download the admit card after 4 November and verify name, photo, test city, session and reporting instructions.
Compare useful YouTube channels for Quant, DILR, VARC and mock analysis. Read CAT YouTube guide → Before buying a CAT course
Compare paid MBA entrance preparation options and choose according to your weak areas. Compare paid courses → Strengthen aptitude basics
Use topic-focused resources if arithmetic or logical reasoning fundamentals are weak. Open aptitude guide → Still deciding about an MBA?
Compare job, M.Tech and MBA routes before committing time and money. Read career comparison →
Visible answer desk
Frequently asked questions about CAT 2026
All answers are open and visible—no accordion or click is required.
When is the CAT 2026 registration last date?
The official deadline is 15 September 2026 at 5:00 PM IST. Submit earlier to leave time for upload or payment problems.
What is the CAT 2026 exam date?
CAT 2026 will be held on Sunday, 29 November 2026 in three sessions.
What is the CAT 2026 application fee?
The fee is ₹2,700 for General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates. It is ₹1,350 for SC, ST and PwBD candidates.
Can a final-year student apply for CAT 2026?
Yes. A candidate appearing in the final year or awaiting the bachelor’s result can apply provisionally, subject to the certificates and later deadlines required by the admitting institute.
Can a student with a backlog apply?
CAT eligibility depends on meeting the degree and percentage conditions by the relevant stage. If your result or degree is incomplete, read the final-year and provisional-admission conditions carefully and check the selected IIM’s policy.
Is work experience compulsory for CAT?
No. Work experience is not compulsory for CAT registration. It may be considered separately by some institutes during admission shortlisting.
How many CAT test cities can I select?
The CAT 2026 registration guide allows five different test-city preferences. Allotment depends on availability and administrative feasibility.
Can I edit the CAT form after payment?
Do not assume that every field will remain editable. If the authority announces a correction window, it may cover only limited fields. Follow the candidate dashboard and official notice.
How long is the CAT 2026 exam?
The official press release confirms 120 minutes in total, with exactly 40 minutes for each of the three sections.
How many questions will CAT 2026 have?
The exact CAT 2026 question count should be checked in the official mock and exam instructions. Previous-year counts are useful for practice but should not be presented as a confirmed 2026 fact.
Which website should I use for registration?
Use only iimcat.ac.in for registration, official notices, admit card and CAT updates.
Does CAT registration guarantee IIM admission?
No. Registration only lets an eligible candidate take CAT. Every IIM has a separate shortlisting and admission policy.
Official source shelf
CAT 2026 official links
Use these primary sources if any date, certificate or upload instruction changes after this article is published.
Final advice
CAT registration is not difficult when your documents, marks and programme choices are ready. The risky part is rushing. Match your name with the Class 10 certificate, use the correct university percentage rule, verify your category document, review every digit and save the successful application PDF.
After submission, shift your attention from form updates to steady preparation. Follow the official CAT website for administrative changes and use mocks to improve your own accuracy, speed and question selection.
