The CAT 2026 registration is expected to begin on August 1, 2026, based on previous years’ trends. Although the official notification has not been released yet, it is expected around July 27, 2026, with the registration window likely to remain open till September 20, 2026, based on past trends.
Candidates planning to appear for the CAT exam should start preparing the required documents and keep an eye on the official website for the latest updates.
The expected CAT 2026 registration fee is likely to remain the same as last year. It is expected to be INR 2,600 for General/OBC/EWS candidates and INR 1,300 for SC/ST/PwD candidates.
Registering early can help candidates avoid last-minute technical issues. This helps them complete the application process smoothly.
This article covers the expected CAT registration date 2026, past registration trends, registration fees, and important points every candidate should know before the application window opens.
CAT 2026 Registration Date (Expected)
Based on previous years’ trends, the CAT registration process is expected to begin in the first week of August 2026. Since these dates are expected and have not been officially announced, candidates should regularly check the official CAT website for confirmation.
| Events | Date (Expected) |
| CAT 2026 Notification | July 27, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Registration Starts | August 1, 2026 |
| CAT Registration 2026 Ends | September 20, 2026 |
| CAT Exam Date 2026 | Last Week of November 2026 |
Why is CAT 2026 Registration Expected on August 1?
The CAT registration schedule has remained fairly consistent over the last few years. The application window generally opens during the first week of August, while the notification is released in the last week of July.
Based on the previous year’s trends, we have shared the CAT registration expected dates below:
- Notification around July 27, 2026
- Registration may begin on August 1, 2026
- The application process may continue till September 2026
This gives aspirants nearly seven weeks to complete the application process.
CAT Registration Dates: Past Year Trends
The expected CAT 2026 registration schedule is based on the previous years’ timelines. As seen below, the registration process has consistently started during the first week of August, making August 1, 2026, a reasonable expected date.
| CAT Exam | Registration Start | Registration End |
| CAT 2025 | August 1, 2025 | September 20, 2025 |
| CAT 2024 | August 1, 2024 | September 20, 2024 |
| CAT 2023 | August 2, 2023 | September 20, 2023 |
| CAT 2022 | August 3, 2022 | September 21, 2022 |
| CAT 2021 | August 4, 2021 | September 22, 2021 |
What Should Candidates Do Before CAT 2026 Registration Begins?
Candidates should complete all the necessary preparations beforehand for smooth CAT 2026 registration. This helps avoid mistakes during the application process.
Having these documents ready makes the registration process much faster. They should keep the following documents ready:
- Valid email ID
- Active mobile number
- Passport-size photograph
- Signature
- Graduation details
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- PwD certificate (if applicable)
- Work experience details (if any)
- Valid ID proof
Expected CAT 2026 Registration Fees
The CAT 2026 application fee has not been announced yet. However, it is expected to remain unchanged from last year.
Candidates will likely be able to pay the fee using: Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, and UPI. The application is considered complete only after successful fee payment.
| Category | CAT application fees (Expected) |
| SC, ST and PwD candidates | Rs 1300 |
| Other candidates | Rs 2600 |
How to Register for CAT 2026?
The CAT application process involves multiple steps, such as registration, login, form filling, document uploading, fee payment, and more.
Once the application window opens, candidates can complete the CAT 2026 registration process online. Check below how to register for CAT 2026 without any hassles.
- Visit the official CAT website.
- Click on New Candidate Registration.
- Register using your name, email ID, mobile number, and date of birth.
- Receive your User ID and Password on your registered Email ID/Mobile Number.
- Log in using the generated credentials.
- Fill in personal, academic, and other required details.
- Upload the required documents in the prescribed format.
- Select your preferred test cities.
- Pay the application fee through the prescribed payment gateway.
- Preview the form carefully before final submission.
- After successful submission, candidates will receive a confirmation message on their registered email ID.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During CAT Registration
Many students lose valuable time because of avoidable errors while filling out the CAT application form. Hence, you must always review the application carefully before clicking the final submit button. Some common mistakes include:
- Entering incorrect personal details
- Uploading blurred photographs or signatures
- Providing incorrect academic information
- Choosing the wrong test city
- Using an inactive email ID or mobile number
- Waiting until the last day to submit the application
Will There Be a CAT 2026 Application Correction Window?
Yes, based on previous years, a limited application correction window is expected after the CAT registration process closes. Candidates are usually allowed to edit only selected fields, such as:
- Photograph
- Signature
- Test city preferences
Other details generally cannot be changed after the final submission. Therefore, candidates should fill out the application form carefully during the initial registration process.
CAT Registration 2026: Final-Year Students Can Also Apply
Candidates pursuing the final year of their bachelor’s degree are also eligible to register for CAT 2026. While filling the application form, they should:
- Select the correct academic status.
- Enter accurate academic details.
- Complete their graduation within the timeline prescribed by participating institutes.
- Final-year students should also keep all college-related documents ready for future admission processes.
CAT 2026 Registration: Key Tips for Aspirants
Before the CAT registration window opens, keep these points in mind:
- Do not wait until the last week to register.
- Keep scanned documents ready in the prescribed format.
- Use an email ID and mobile number that remain active throughout the admission process.
- Double-check all academic details before submission.
- Save the application confirmation and payment receipt for future reference.
- Regularly check the official website for notifications and important announcements.
Conclusion
The CAT 2026 registration is expected to begin on August 1, 2026, while the official notification is likely to be released around July 27, 2026, based on previous years’ trends.
Although these dates are yet to be officially confirmed, aspirants should start preparing all the necessary documents and complete the CAT registration as soon as the application window opens.
While timely registration is important, your CAT score ultimately depends on consistent preparation.
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