CAT 2026 Registration Deadline Extended: Apply Online by Sept 22, 2026
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CAT 2026 registration deadline has been extended from September 15 to September 22, 2026, at 5 PM IST. IIM Indore opened the application window on August 3, 2026, giving MBA aspirants more than six weeks to register for the exam. Candidates who have not completed the CAT registration form must apply through iimcat.ac.in before the deadline. The direct link to the application form is attached below in this article.
CAT 2026 Exam Highlights
CAT 2026 exam is scheduled for November 29, 2026, and will be conducted as a computer-based test across 170+ cities in India. The exam evaluates candidates through three sections: VARC, DILR and Quantitative Aptitude. Below is a quick snapshot.
| CAT 2026 Exam Detail | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test 2026 |
| Conducting IIM | IIM Indore |
| CAT Exam Date 2026 | November 29, 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Duration | 120 minutes |
| Total Questions | 66 |
| Sections | VARC, DILR, Quantitative Aptitude |
| Number of Sessions | Approximately 3 |
| Test Cities | 170+ cities |
| Marking Scheme | +3 for correct answers; -1 for incorrect MCQs |
| TITA Questions | No negative marking |
| Participating IIMs | 21 IIMs |
| CAT-Accepting Colleges | 1,300+ institutes |
Prepare for CAT 2026 with the Complete Syllabus
Explore the complete CAT 2026 syllabus, including important topics from VARC, DILR and Quantitative Aptitude, and plan your preparation effectively.
What is CAT Exam 2026 Registration Last Date?
CAT registration will remain open till September 22, 2026. Applicants should complete their registration without fail before the deadline ends. Check the table below to track the important events of the upcoming cycle.
| CAT 2026 Event | Date |
|---|---|
| CAT registration starts | August 3, 2026, at 10 AM |
| CAT registration last date | September 22, 2026 (Extended) |
| CAT registration closing time | 5 PM IST |
| CAT exam date 2026 | November 29, 2026 |
| Expected correction window | First week of October 2026 |
CareerChoice360 Tip: CAT 2026 deadline is now September 22, but don’t wait until the final day. Submit your application early, verify all details and save the confirmation to avoid last-minute issues.
How to Apply for CAT 2026 Online?
To apply for CAT 2026, visit iimcat.ac.in, register as a new candidate, complete the CAT application form, upload the required documents, select test cities, pay the fee, and submit the form online. Follow the below-mentioned steps in order to complete your registration.
Visit the Official CAT Website
Visit iimcat.ac.in, the official CAT website.
Select CAT 2026 Registration
Select the CAT 2026 registration option to begin the application process.
Enter Basic Details
Enter your name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number.
Create Login Credentials
Verify the required details and create your login credentials.
Log In to the Application Portal
Log in to access the CAT registration form.
Fill in Personal and Academic Details
Enter personal, academic, and work-experience details accurately.
Upload Required Documents
Upload the required photograph, signature, and certificates.
Select Test Cities
Select your preferred CAT test cities from the available options.
Pay the Registration Fee
Pay the applicable CAT 2026 registration fee through the available online payment methods.
Review the Application
Review the complete application carefully and verify all entered details.
Submit the Form and Save Confirmation
Submit the form and save the confirmation details for future reference.
Apply Now for CAT 2026
Take the next step toward your dream B-school. Complete your CAT 2026 registration, upload the required documents, pay the application fee, and submit your application before the deadline.
What Is the CAT Registration Fee 2026?
CAT registration fee for 2026 is ₹2,700 for General, EWS, and NC-OBC candidates and ₹1,350 for SC, ST, and PwD candidates.
| Category | CAT 2026 Registration Fees |
|---|---|
| General/EWS/NC-OBC | ₹2,700 |
| SC/ST/PwD | ₹1,350 |
CAT Registration Guide 2026 (Official Link)
Who Is Eligible for CAT 2026 Registration?
Candidates with a bachelor’s degree and at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA can apply for CAT 2026. The minimum requirement is 45% for SC, ST and PwD candidates. Final-year undergraduate students can also register, subject to the conditions prescribed by the CAT authorities. There is no upper age limit for appearing in CAT.
| Eligibility Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university/institution |
| Minimum Marks | 50% or equivalent CGPA for General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates |
| Reserved Categories | 45% or equivalent CGPA for SC, ST and PwD candidates |
| Final-Year Students | Eligible to apply, subject to CAT authority guidelines |
| Age Limit | No upper age limit |
| Number of Attempts | No restriction on the number of attempts |
Understand the CAT 2026 Exam Pattern
Learn about the sections, questions, duration, marking scheme and sectional time limits.
What Documents Are Required for CAT Registration 2026?
Candidates filling the CAT 2026 application form should keep their photograph, signature, academic information, and applicable category or disability certificates ready before starting the registration process. The key information and documents include:
- ✓ Recent passport-size photograph
- ✓ Scanned signature
- ✓ Class 10 details
- ✓ Class 12 details
- ✓ Graduation details and marks
- ✓ Category certificate, wherever applicable
- ✓ PwD/disability certificate, wherever applicable
- ✓ Work experience details, if applicable
- ✓ Valid email ID and mobile number
Start Your CAT 2026 Preparation
Build a focused preparation strategy with CAT study plans, mock tests, previous-year questions and section-wise preparation tips.
CAT 2026 Last-Minute Application Checklist
Plan Your B-School Shortlist
Compare the expected CAT 2026 cutoff for IIMs and top MBA colleges, with overall and sectional percentile trends to plan your B-school shortlist.
Explore Cutoff Trends
Check CAT CutoffCAT 2026 Admit Card
CAT 2026 admit card is scheduled to be released on November 4, 2026. Candidates who successfully complete their CAT registration can download the admit card online through the official website, iimcat.ac.in, using their login credentials.
Stay Updated on CAT Results
Get updates on the CAT 2026 result date, scorecard, percentile and result-checking process once the results are announced.
Result Updates
Check CAT ResultsColleges Accepting CAT Scores in 2026
CAT scores are accepted by all 21 IIMs and several other leading MBA colleges in India. Apart from the IIMs, institutes such as FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, IIFT, IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IMT Ghaziabad, and many other B-schools consider CAT scores for their MBA/PGDM admission process. However, the required percentile and selection criteria vary by institute. Tabulated below are the top colleges accepting CAT scores in 2026.
| College | Program | Expected CAT Cutoff* |
|---|---|---|
| IIMA IIM Ahmedabad | MBA | 80%ile |
| IIMB IIM Bangalore | PGP/MBA | 85%ile |
| IIMC IIM Calcutta | MBA | 85%ile |
| IIML IIM Lucknow | MBA | 90%ile |
| IIMK IIM Kozhikode | PGP | 85%ile |
| IIMI IIM Indore | MBA | 90%ile |
| FMS FMS Delhi | MBA | 98–99+%ile |
| SPJIMR SPJIMR Mumbai | PGDM | 85%ile |
| MDI MDI Gurgaon | PGDM | 94–95%ile |
| IIFT IIFT Delhi/Kolkata | MBA (IB/BA) | 90–95%ile |
| IITD IIT Delhi | MBA | 90%ile+ |
| IITB IIT Bombay (SJMSOM) | MBA | 98%ile+ |
| IMT IMT Ghaziabad | PGDM | 90%ile+ |
| IIMM IIM Mumbai | MBA | 85%ile+ |
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