The CAT 2026 application last date has been extended from September 15 to September 22, 2026. Candidates can now complete the CAT registration 2026 process until 5:00 PM on September 22.
The registration window opened on August 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM. The CAT 2026 exam date remains November 29, 2026, and the test will be conducted in three sessions.
Read ahead to know the complete news about the CAT 2026 registration last date extended and other relevant details.
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CAT 2026 Application Last Date Extended
The IIMs have extended the CAT 2026 registration deadline by one week. Candidates who have not submitted the CAT application form 2026 can now register until September 22.
| CAT 2026 Registration Event | Date and Time |
| CAT 2026 registration starts | August 3, 2026, 10:00 AM |
| Previous CAT registration last date | September 15, 2026 |
| Extended CAT 2026 registration last date | September 22, 2026, 5:00 PM |
| CAT 2026 exam date | November 29, 2026 |
| Exam sessions | Three |
| Test duration | 120 minutes |
The CAT Convener has advised candidates to complete their CAT 2026 registration well before the deadline to avoid a last-minute rush.
The September 22 deadline will not be extended under any circumstances.
CAT 2026 Application Form: What Is the New Deadline?
The revised CAT registration last date 2026 is September 22. Candidates who were unable to complete the form by the earlier September 15 deadline have additional time to finish the registration process.
The CAT 2026 registration window will close at 5:00 PM on September 22, 2026.
Candidates should ensure that the form is successfully submitted and the applicable registration fee is paid within the specified period.
How to Register for CAT 2026?
Candidates can complete the CAT application form 2026 by following the registration process and submitting the required details and documents.
Candidates should avoid waiting until the final hours to complete the CAT registration 2026 process.
- Open the official CAT website and click the New Candidate registration link.
- Complete the required registration details.
- Log in using the registration credentials.
- Fill out the CAT 2026 application form.
- Enter the required personal and academic information.
- Upload the photograph and signature.
- Upload the SC/ST/PwBD certificate, if applicable.
- Select five preferred CAT 2026 test cities.
- Select the required IIM programmes.
- Pay the applicable CAT 2026 registration fee.
- Check the details entered in the form.
- Submit the application before September 22, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
CAT 2026 Registration Fees
The CAT 2026 fees depend on the candidate’s category. SC, ST and PwBD candidates have to pay ₹1,350, while all other candidates have to pay ₹2,700.
| Candidate Category | CAT 2026 Registration Fee |
| SC, ST and PwBD | ₹1,350 |
| All other candidates | ₹2,700 |
The CAT registration fee 2026 is payable only once, irrespective of the number of institutes for which a candidate applies.
The fee, once paid, cannot be refunded under any circumstances. SC, ST and PwBD candidates must upload a copy of their applicable certificate during the CAT 2026 registration process.
CAT 2026 Exam Date
The extension of the CAT registration last date does not change the examination schedule. The CAT 2026 exam date remains November 29, 2026 (Sunday).
CAT 2026 will be conducted in three sessions. The test duration will be 120 minutes, and the question paper will have three sections:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
- Quantitative Ability
CAT 2026 Test Cities
The CAT 2026 exam will be conducted in around 170 cities. While filling the application form, candidates can select five preferred test cities.
The CAT Centre will try to allot a test centre from the candidate’s preferred options. However, if demand is high in a particular region, the centre may be allotted close to one of the preferred cities.
Once a CAT 2026 test centre is allotted, candidates will not be allowed to change it. The list of test cities can also be changed at the discretion of the CAT authorities.
CAT 2026 Application Form Edit Window
A short CAT 2026 edit window will be available after the registration window closes. However, the correction facility will be limited to specific fields.
Registered candidates will be able to edit only the following sections:
- Photograph
- Signature
- Test city preferences
The CAT application form edit window will be available only to candidates who have successfully registered for CAT 2026 and paid the applicable fee within the specified deadline.
Therefore, candidates should carefully check the information entered in the application form before completing the registration process.
What After CAT 2026 Registration?
With the CAT 2026 registration deadline extended to September 22, candidates who have not applied should complete the process before the revised deadline.
Those who have already registered can use the remaining preparation period before the November 29 exam to focus on the three CAT sections.
The CAT 2026 exam date is November 29, with a 120-minute test duration and three sections covering VARC, DILR and QA. The additional time before the exam can be used for structured preparation and practice.
Conclusion
Completing the CAT registration 2026 is only the first step. With the exam scheduled for November 29, candidates need a focused preparation strategy for VARC, DILR and QA.
MBA Karo CAT Online Coaching can be considered by candidates looking for structured online preparation for CAT 2026.
A planned approach can help students use the remaining preparation time effectively, identify weaker areas and stay consistent with their CAT preparation.
