CAT Registration 2026: Direct Link, Last Date, Fees & Step-by-Step Application Process

CAT application 2026 is the first major step for candidates who are planning to pursue an MBA degree from any top IIM or any top B-school in India. The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore has announced the official CAT 2026 notification. The CAT registration 2026 window will open on Monday, 3rd August, 2026, for lakhs of students across the country.

In this article, we will guide you through the process, including the direct registration link, important dates, fee structure, eligibility, documents required, and a simple step-by-step guide to fill the CAT 2026 application form without any errors.

CAT 2026 Registration: Highlights

Before we go deeper, here is a snapshot of the CAT exam 2026 registration process so you know exactly what you're working with.

Particulars	Details
Exam Name	Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026
Conducting Body	IIM Indore
CAT 2026 Notification Release	July 26, 2026
CAT Registration 2026 Start Date	August 3, 2026 (10:00 AM)
CAT Exam 2026 Registration Last Date	September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM)
Form Correction Window	Expected September 24–27, 2026
Admit Card Release	November 4, 2026
CAT Exam Date 2026	November 29, 2026 (Sunday)
Result Declaration	December 24, 2026 (Tentative)
Official Website	iimcat.ac.in
Mode of Application	Online only

Keep this table bookmarked, as it will save you from checking multiple websites again and again.

CAT 2026 Registration Date: When Does It Start and End?

This is one of the most searched questions every year, and for a valid reason, because if you miss the window, you'll have to wait an entire year for the next CAT application. You can also pursue an online MBA from top online universities in India.

According to the official CAT 2026 notification released by IIM Indore, the CAT 2026 registration starts on the 3rd of August 2026 at 10:00 AM. Candidates will get six weeks to complete the process, as the last date to register for the CAT Exam 2026 is September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM.

Every year, thousands of candidates try to register in the last two or three days, and the website often slows down due to heavy traffic. Try to complete the CAT application process in the first 2 weeks, so you have time to correct mistakes, upload documents properly, and avoid last-minute payment failures.

There will be a correction window that opens a few days after registration closes (expected around September 24-27, 2026) where you can fix limited details such as test city preference or category information. But this window is not for big corrections, so the best thing is to get it right the first time.

CAT 2026 Notification: What It Confirms

The CAT notification is released by IIM, as this year they are the conducting body. IIM Indore released the CAT 2026 notification and information bulletin.

CAT 2026 notification confirms:

• Official CAT 2026 Exam Date – Sunday, 29 November 2026
• Start and end dates of registration with exact times
• Registration fee (category-wise)
• Eligibility criteria and reservation policy
• Admit card and result timelines
• Helpdesk details for candidate queries

CAT 2026 will be conducted in three slots across India, and the scores will be accepted by all the 22 IIMs and more than 1,000 B-schools, including FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, IIT Bombay, and IIT Delhi.

CAT 2026 Registration Fee: Category-Wise Breakup

Money matters, so let's get straight to it. The CAT 2026 registration fee varies depending on which category you belong to.

Category	CAT Exam Registration Fee 2026
General / EWS / NC-OBC	Rs. 2,700
SC / ST / PwD	Rs. 1,350

A few important points about the fee:

• The fee is to be paid online only, through debit card, credit card, net banking or UPI.
• The CAT registration fee is non-refundable and non-transferable in any case, so please verify your details before processing payment.
• If your payment fails but the amount is deducted from your bank account, do not panic and do not make the payment again immediately. Wait for the amount to auto-reverse (usually takes 5 to 7 working days). If it does not, reach out to the CAT helpdesk with your transaction details.
• Please keep a screenshot or PDF of the payment confirmation and receipt until your admission process is completed.

CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

Before you start filling the CAT application form, make sure you actually meet the eligibility bar. There is no change in eligibility criteria for CAT 2026 compared to previous years.

Minimum Qualification

• A bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) from a recognized university.
• Professional degrees like CA, CS, ICWA (CMA), or Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India with the requisite marks are also eligible.
• Students in the final year of a bachelor's degree program may also apply. If they are shortlisted, their admission will be provisional pending submission of evidence that they have completed their degree.
• Age Limit: No age limit to appear for CAT. Apply whether you are a fresh graduate or you have 10 years of work experience.

Reservation Criteria

• SC candidates: 15% of seats reserved
• ST candidates: 7.5% seats reserved 
• NC-OBC candidates: 27% of seats reserved (non-creamy layer)
• EWS candidates: Reservation of up to 10% seats
• Candidates with Disabilities (PwD): 5% seats are reserved

CGPA Conversion: In case your college does not have an official percentage to CGPA conversion formula, you can use a CGPA converter to calculate your CGPA in just 2 seconds.

CAT Exam Registration 2026: Step-by-Step Application Process

Now let us come to the part you actually came here for: how to fill the CAT 2026 application form in the right way, in steps.

Step 1: Visit the Official Website and Register

Visit the official CAT website, iimcat.ac.in, and click on the registration link when it opens. You will have to provide simple details like your name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number to create your User ID and password.

Check your email ID and messages regularly, as you will get all the CAT login credentials, admit card alerts, and result notifications.

Step 2: Log In With Your Credentials

After your User ID and password have been created, log back into the CAT portal with these details to complete the application form.

Step 3: Fill the CAT 2026 Application Form

This is the main section of the CAT 2026 application form and is divided into the following parts:

1. Personal Information: Name, date of birth, gender, category, nationality, address, and identification details.
2. Academic Details: Marks/percentage in Class 10, Class 12, and graduation, along with your degree, specialization, and year of passing.
3. Work Experience (if any): Name of Company, Designation, Duration of Employment. This section is optional but relevant if you have work experience, as some IIMs give weightage to work experience.
4. Programme Selection: From the participating institutes, choose the MBA/PGP programs that you are interested in.
5. Test City Preference: You will be prompted to choose 5 preferred test cities from a drop-down list. We shall assign one of these to you based on availability, so please choose wisely and list the options that are most convenient for you.
6. Declaration: Verify that the information you have given is correct and true.

Step 4: Upload Photograph and Signature

You will need to upload:

• Recent passport-size photograph as per prescribed format.
• Signature (scanned with size usually 80 mm x 35 mm and size less than 80 KB)

Please ensure both are clear and recent and comply with the specifications laid out in the CAT information bulletin; blurry or oversized files are one of the most common reasons applications get stuck.

Step 5: Pay the Registration Fee

Select your preferred mode of payment (credit card/debit card/net banking/UPI) and pay. Once the payment is successful, you will receive a confirmation message and a payment receipt. Download and save it immediately.

Step 6: Download and Save the Confirmation Page

After you have successfully registered, download the confirmation page and keep a digital copy and a printout. You will require details from this later, especially when you download your admit card.

Documents Required for CAT Registration 2026

Before you begin the CAT 2026 application process, keep the following documents ready so you don’t have to rush midway:

• Valid e-mail ID and mobile number (active during the examination process)
• Photograph as per specifications (latest passport size)
• Scanned signature
• 10th and 12th Marksheets
• Bachelor’s degree/provisional certificate & mark sheets
• Category certificate (EWS/NC-OBC/SC/ST), if required
• PwD certificate, if any
• Proof of work experience, if you are claiming work experience points

CAT Registration 2026 Direct Link

The CAT registration 2026 link is hosted only on the official website — iimcat.ac.in. Always apply directly through this website and avoid third-party links or unofficial portals that claim to offer a "shortcut" registration process. CAT never asks for registration through any app or third-party agent, so be cautious of scams during this period.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Filling the CAT 2026 Application Form

A large number of applications get flagged or delayed every year because of avoidable errors. Here's what to watch out for:

• Entering the wrong category: Generally, once submitted, category changes are not allowed after the correction window closes.
• Uploading photos/signatures in the wrong format or size: Follow the exact specifications given in the bulletin at all times.
• Selecting test cities carelessly: City assignment is based on availability. If you are willing to travel, don’t just choose your hometown; add feasible alternatives.
• Mismatched name spelling: Your name should be exactly as it appears on your Class 10 certificate, as it becomes your primary identity proof throughout the process.
• Paying the fee twice due to slow internet: If the payment gateway takes a long time to load, wait and try again. Check your bank statement before trying to pay again.
• Ignoring the confirmation email: Always check that you have received your registration confirmation, and if you haven’t, contact the CAT helpdesk immediately.

Why CAT Registration 2026 Matters for Your MBA Journey

CAT is the most important entrance exam for MBA admission in IIMs and other top business schools in India. Filling up the CAT application correctly and without any mistakes is not just a formality but has a major part in determining your allotment of test cities, your details on the admit card, and finally, the exam center. Getting this step right will set the tone for the rest of your MBA admission journey, so treat your registration with the same seriousness you will do your CAT preparation.