The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 registration window opens on August 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM IST on the official portal iimcat.ac.in. If you are planning an MBA from an Indian Institute of Management (IIM) or a top B-school in 2027, this is the first and most important deadline on your calendar. Missing the registration period means you cannot appear for CAT 2026 at all—there is no late registration or offline form.
This guide covers everything Indian aspirants need: the direct registration link, last date, category-wise fees, eligibility, documents, city preferences, correction window, and practical tips to avoid common mistakes. Whether you are a final-year B.Com student in Jaipur, a working professional in Delhi, or a graduate from an Arts background exploring management, use this page as your single reference before you apply. For a broader overview of the exam itself, visit the CAT exam page on CollegeDwar.
CAT 2026 Registration: Key Dates at a Glance
According to the official CAT 2026 Information Bulletin released around July 25–26, 2026, the entire admission cycle follows a fixed timeline. Bookmark these dates and set reminders at least one week before each deadline.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| CAT 2026 Notification | July 25–26, 2026 |
| Registration Opens | August 3, 2026 (10:00 AM) |
| Registration Closes | September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Form Correction Window | Expected from September 27, 2026 |
| Admit Card Download | November 4 to November 29, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date | November 29, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Result Declaration | First week of January 2027 (expected) |
| Score Validity | Until December 31, 2027 |
Action tip: Register in the first week of August rather than waiting until September 15. Early registration reduces server-load issues and gives you time to fix document or payment errors calmly.
Direct Link to Register for CAT 2026
The only legitimate registration portal is the official CAT website:
- Official website: https://iimcat.ac.in
- Registration tab: Click “New Candidate Registration” once the window opens on August 3 at 10 AM
- Login: Use the user ID and password created during initial registration for all future steps
Beware of fake websites, Telegram channels, or third-party “agents” claiming to register on your behalf. IIMs never authorize paid intermediaries for CAT application submission. Always verify the URL reads iimcat.ac.in before entering personal or payment details.
Who Conducts CAT 2026?
CAT is conducted on a rotational basis by one of the 21 IIMs. For CAT 2026, IIM Indore is the coordinating institute. The exam is a national-level computer-based test (CBT) accepted by all IIMs and hundreds of other MBA programmes—including FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, IIT management departments, and IIFT.
CAT 2026 Registration Fee: Category-Wise Breakdown
The registration fee is paid online during application submission. It is non-refundable, regardless of whether you appear for the exam or how many IIMs you select in the form.
| Category | Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| General / EWS / NC-OBC | ₹2,700 |
| SC / ST / PwBD | ₹1,350 |
You pay the fee only once, even if you apply to multiple participating IIMs and courses within the same registration. Accepted payment modes typically include credit card, debit card, net banking, and UPI.
Documents Required for Fee Concession Categories
SC, ST, and PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) candidates must upload valid category or disability certificates at the time of registration. Failure to upload complete documents may lead to disqualification from the entire admission process—not just CAT registration.
NC-OBC and EWS candidates who applied for a fresh certificate on or after April 1, 2026, but have not received it yet may upload an undertaking along with the older certificate and proof of application to the issuing authority, as specified in the official bulletin.
Eligibility Criteria for CAT 2026
Before you start registration, confirm that you meet the minimum eligibility. IIMs verify credentials at multiple stages—shortlisting, WAT/GD/PI, and final admission.
Educational Qualification
- Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA from a recognised university
- 45% marks for SC, ST, and PwBD category candidates
- Final-year students may apply, provided they complete their degree and meet the minimum marks before the B-school’s admission deadline
- Professional qualifications such as CA, CS, CMA, and equivalent credentials recognised by the Ministry of Education are also accepted
There is no upper age limit and no restriction on the number of attempts, though each year requires a fresh registration and fee payment.
Can Arts Graduates Apply for CAT?
Yes. CAT does not restrict applicants by undergraduate stream. Graduates from BA, B.Com, B.Sc, BBA, engineering, or professional courses are equally eligible if they meet the percentage requirement. A student who completed a programme such as Bachelor of Arts Tourism Studies can absolutely register for CAT and pursue an MBA in tourism, hospitality, or general management.
Graduates from colleges across Rajasthan—including institutions like Government Arts College Katrathal Sikar, Rajasthan College of Arts and Science Sikar, and Government Arts College Kota—regularly appear for CAT alongside students from metro cities. Your college name does not affect eligibility; your percentile and profile do.
Documents Checklist Before You Register
Keep scanned copies ready in the correct format to avoid session timeouts on the portal.
- Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets
- Graduation mark sheets and degree/provisional certificate (if available)
- Valid photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, passport, driving licence, etc.)
- Recent passport-size photograph (JPG/JPEG, white background, under 80 KB)
- Scanned signature on white paper with dark ink (JPG/JPEG, under 80 KB)
- Category certificate (SC/ST/NC-OBC/EWS) if applicable
- PwBD certificate if applicable
- Work experience documents (appointment letter, experience certificate) if claiming work ex
Photograph and Signature Specifications
Upload errors are among the top reasons applications get flagged. Follow these rules strictly:
- Use JPG or JPEG format only for both photo and signature
- Keep each file below 80 KB; compress if needed using free online tools
- Photo must be recent, colour, and taken against a plain white background
- Signature must be clear, on white paper, scanned—not photographed at an angle
- Preserve the same photograph; it may be required during GD/PI and final admission
How to Fill CAT 2026 Registration Form: Step-by-Step
The registration process has four broad phases: account creation, profile filling, document upload and payment, and final submission. Allow 45–60 minutes in one sitting.
Phase 1: Create Login Credentials
Visit iimcat.ac.in and click “New Candidate Registration.” Enter your name exactly as on Class 10 certificate, date of birth, email address, and mobile number. Verify both email and phone via OTP. These credentials remain active until admission season ends—do not use a temporary email.
Phase 2: Fill Personal and Academic Details
Enter personal information (address, category, PwBD status if applicable), academic history (10th, 12th, graduation percentages/CGPA), and work experience if any. Double-check spelling of your name and date of birth—corrections later are limited.
Phase 3: Select Test Cities and IIM Preferences
You must choose five test cities in order of preference from the dropdown menu. After registration closes, you will be allotted one city from your list, subject to seat availability. If none of your five cities are available—a rare situation—you may be assigned a nearby city.
CAT 2026 will be held across nearly 170 test cities in three sessions on November 29, 2026. List your current city first, then add nearby alternatives. For example, a Sikar-based aspirant might prefer Jaipur, then Delhi, Gurugram, Kota, and Ajmer.
Phase 4: Upload Documents and Pay Fee
Upload photograph, signature, and category/PwBD certificates where applicable. Review every field on the preview page. Pay ₹2,700 or ₹1,350 as per your category. Download and save the confirmation page and payment receipt immediately.
CAT 2026 Form Correction Window
A limited correction window is expected around September 27, 2026. During this period, you may edit certain fields such as test city preferences, photograph, signature, and some academic details. However, category and personal details like name and date of birth generally cannot be changed after final submission. Treat the first submission as final for critical identity fields.
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern: What You Are Registering For
Understanding the exam structure helps you plan preparation from the day you register. CAT 2026 is expected to follow the recent 2-hour CBT pattern with three timed sections.
| Section | Full Name | Expected Questions | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| VARC | Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | ~24 | 40 minutes |
| DILR | Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | ~20–22 | 40 minutes |
| QA | Quantitative Ability | ~22 | 40 minutes |
Marking scheme: +3 marks for each correct answer, −1 mark for incorrect MCQs, and no negative marking for Type In The Answer (TITA) questions. The exam is conducted in English across three slots on a single day.
Top Colleges Accepting CAT 2026 Scores
Your CAT registration opens doors far beyond the 21 IIMs. Leading institutes that consider CAT scores include IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, Indore, Kozhikode, and newer IIMs, along with FMS Delhi, SPJIMR, MDI, IIFT, IIT Bombay (SJMSOM), IIT Delhi, and many private universities.
Explore the full list of participating colleges on the CAT exam page at CollegeDwar to compare programmes, cities, and expected cutoffs before you finalize your B-school target list.
CAT vs Other Entrance Exams: Know Your Options
CAT is the gateway to MBA and PGDM, but it is not the only path in Indian higher education. Design aspirants may target the NID DAT for National Institute of Design programmes. Hospitality-focused students might combine an MBA with credentials such as a Diploma in Culinary Arts for operational roles in hotels and food businesses. Choose the exam that aligns with your career—not every student needs CAT.
Reservation Policy and PwBD Guidelines
CAT follows Government of India reservation norms for IIMs and participating institutions. Categories include NC-OBC, EWS, SC, ST, and PwBD. Each IIM applies these in its admission policy; meeting the CAT cutoff alone does not guarantee a seat.
PwBD candidates should upload the correct benchmark disability certificate. Additional exam time may be provided as per official guidelines in the information bulletin.
Common Registration Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting until September 15: Server crashes and payment failures spike on the last day
- Name mismatch: Using nicknames instead of the name on Class 10 records
- Wrong category: Selecting SC/ST/OBC without a valid certificate leads to disqualification
- Oversized uploads: Files above 80 KB will not upload
- Invalid contact details: Missing OTP verification blocks registration
- Skipping preview: Errors in graduation percentage are hard to fix later
- Third-party websites: Only iimcat.ac.in is official
After Registration: Preparation Timeline
Once registered, shift focus to a structured 16-week preparation plan covering VARC, DILR, and QA. Take at least 15–20 full-length mock tests before November 29. Track section-wise accuracy because sectional time limits prevent compensating a weak area with a strong one.
Parallel to preparation, research B-schools by ROI, placement reports, specializations, and location. An MBA from a tier-2 city campus may suit candidates who want to build careers in regional markets—including Rajasthan's growing education and tourism hubs.
Why CAT 2026 Registration Matters for Indian Aspirants
CAT remains India’s most competitive management entrance exam, with over two lakh registrations in typical years. A strong percentile can unlock IIM calls, scholarships, and corporate roles with packages exceeding ₹20–30 LPA at top institutes. For first-generation graduates from tier-2 and tier-3 cities, CAT offers one of the fairest merit-based routes to leadership careers.
Registration is not merely paperwork—it is your entry into an ecosystem of mock tests, B-school research, and four months of focused preparation before exam day on November 29, 2026.
Payment Failed? What to Do Next
If your payment fails but the amount is debited, do not register again immediately. Wait 24–48 hours and check your bank or UPI app for auto-reversal. If the amount is not refunded, email the CAT helpdesk with your transaction ID, registration user ID, and bank statement screenshot. Keep proof of every payment attempt. Duplicate registrations with the same credentials are blocked, so resolve payment issues through official support channels only.
Mobile and Email: Why They Matter After Registration
IIMs communicate shortlist announcements, interview schedules, and document verification requests via the email and mobile number registered on the CAT portal. Use an email you check daily—not a college ID that may expire. Enable notifications for messages from IIM domains during January–April 2027 when admission offers roll out.
Conclusion
CAT 2026 registration begins on August 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM and closes on September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM at iimcat.ac.in. Pay ₹2,700 (General/EWS/NC-OBC) or ₹1,350 (SC/ST/PwBD), upload documents in the prescribed format, select five test cities wisely, and download your confirmation page. Read the official information bulletin, prepare your documents today, and register early to avoid last-minute stress.
For ongoing updates on the CAT exam, participating colleges, and alternative paths in Arts and design education, bookmark CollegeDwar and check the official portal regularly until admit cards release on November 4, 2026.
