CAT 2026 Registration Process - How to Apply Online in 7 Steps

Kirti Jha

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CAT 2026 Registration

CAT exam 2026 Registration

Every year thousands of MBA candidates prepare for Cat Exam one of the most challenging MBA entrance tests in India, the Common Admission Test (CAT). If you want to get into an IIM or a top B-school, the first thing you need to do is to grasp the CAT 2026 Registration Process.

This guide of CareerChoice360 covers crucial dates, eligibility, fees and CAT 2026 Application Form process in a structured and simple way.

About CAT 2026 Exam

Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national level entrance exam conducted by one of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) every year on a rotational basis. It is the gateway to IIMs and many renowned B-schools such as FSM Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon and others.

In the examination applicants are tested in three sections:

  • Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
  • Logical Reasoning and Data Analysis (LRDI)
  • Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

The CAT 2026 test will be held on Sunday, November 29, 2026 and the registration process will be online through iimcat.ac.in .

CAT Exam Dates 2026

Candidates should remain current with the estimated timetable of CAT 2026:

Event Expected Date (Tentative)
CAT 2026 Official Notification July 2026
Registration Start Date First Week of August 2026
Registration Last Date Third Week of September 2026
Correction Window Post Registration Closing
Admit Card Release October 2026
CAT 2026 Exam Date November 29, 2026
Result Declaration January 2027

Important: Candidates are urged to register before the final date to avoid any technological glitches and to have enough time for any changes, if required.

Read More About CAT Exam 2026

Eligibility Conditions for CAT 2026

Candidates need to review the eligibility criteria before they start filling the CAT 2026 Apply Online application form.

Educational Qualification

Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.

Minimum Grades Required

  • General / EWS / NC-OBC Candidates: 50% marks or equivalent CGPA
  • SC / ST / PwD candidates: Minimum 45% marks or equivalent CGPA

Students of Final Year

Students who are in their final year of graduation can also apply for CAT 2026.

Holders of Professional Degrees

Those having CA, CS or ICWA credentials are also eligible, providing they fulfill the required percentage criteria.

Age Limit & Work Experience

There is no age limit for registering for CAT and work experience is not a prerequisite, but it might be given some weight in the final selection process in certain institutions.

Application Fee for CAT 2026

CAT 2026 expected registration fees:

Category Expected Fee
General / EWS / NC-OBC Rs.2,600
SC / ST / PwD Rs.1,300

Payment Mode

Payments can be made online via:

  • Debit Card
  • Credit Card
  • Online Banking
  • UPI

Note: Application cost is non-refundable.

How to Register for CAT 2026: Stepwise Procedure

Step 1: Visit the official website to begin your process

Visit the official CAT portal iimcat.ac.in .

Step 2: Register

Click on “New Registration” and insert:

  • Valid email ID
  • Cellphone number
  • Passphrase

An OTP will be given to verify your account.

Step 3: Log onto Your Dashboard

After verification, use your registered login details to register and login to access the CAT 2026 Application Form.

Step 4: Fill Out Application Form

Carefully fill out all required sections:

Personal Information

  • First Name
  • D.O.B.
  • Gender
  • Classification
  • Citizenship

Educational Background

  • School name
  • Graduation Stream
  • Marks/CGPA
  • Year died

Relevant Work Experience (If Applicable)

Add organization details and length of job experience.

Best Cities to Test

Candidates can select up to 5 preferred test cities.

Program Options

Choose the IIM programmes you wish to apply to.

Step 5: Submit documents

Upload your personal documents:

  • Passport Photo (JPG/JPEG)
  • Education Documents
  • Signature (JPG/JPEG)
  • Category Certificate (if applicable)

Step 6: Pay application fee

Select your preferred online payment method and pay the complete amount and save the transaction reference number after successful payment.

Step 7: Submit and Download Confirmation Page

Please review all the information you submitted and click “Submit.”

Download and preserve the confirmation page for your records.

Correction Window for CAT 2026

Once the registration process is done, IIM normally provides a time for corrections to candidates to edit certain data in the application form. Candidates should take this chance to correct errors if necessary.

CAT 2026 Registration: Documents Required

Before registering keep the following documents ready:

  • Aadhaar Card/PAN Card/Passport/Driving License
  • Mark sheets of class 10th and 12th
  • Marksheets or graduation certificate
  • Category certificate (if any)
  • PwD certificate (if relevant)
  • Photo size of passport
  • Signature scan

Mistakes to Avoid While Registering for CAT

Avoid these frequent pitfalls:

  • Mistakenly entered date of birth
  • Using someone else's email ID or phone number
  • Choosing the wrong category
  • Uploading blurry documents
  • Using on the last date of application

Significance of Early Registration

Early registration benefits applicants:

  • Get your selected exam city selections
  • Avoiding website traffic and technical problems
  • Take advantage of the adjustment window
  • Stress-free preparation focus

Post Registration in CAT

After registration successful:

Process Details
Admit Card Download 2026
Check Results January 2027
IIM/B-school Shortlisting On the basis of scores and profile
Participate in GD/PI/WAT rounds Selection rounds for admission
Final Merit List Wait for admission confirmation

Stay tuned to CareerChoice360 for all the latest developments pertaining to CAT 2026 registration, admit card, cutoffs, shortlists and MBA admissions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What is the registration date of CAT 2026? ▼

CAT Exams 2026 registration process is expected to start in the first week of August 2026.

Q2. When is the last date of registration of CAT 2026? ▼

The registration deadline is expected in the third week of September 2026.

Q3. Can the students in the last year apply for CAT 2026? ▼

Yes, final year graduation students are applicable.

Q4. Do you need work experience to write CAT? ▼

No, employment experience is not required.