The CAT Registration 2026 process is scheduled to begin on August 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM IST.
Candidates planning to appear for the CAT 2026 exam should complete the online application within the registration window.
This year, the CAT registration fee has been revised to ₹2,700 for General, EWS and OBC candidates, while SC, ST and PwBD candidates need to pay ₹1,350. The CAT Registration last date is September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM IST).
The CAT application process will be conducted online through the official portal. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree, including final-year students, can apply if they meet the eligibility criteria.
This CAT Registration 2026 Live Updates page will bring you every important update on the registration process, fees, documents required, correction window, admit card, and other official announcements.
What’s New in CAT Registration 2026?
- CAT Registration 2026 begins on August 3, 2026 at 10:00 AM IST.
- The CAT Registration last date is September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM IST).
- CAT 2026 application fee has been increased to ₹2,700 for General/EWS/OBC candidates.
- SC, ST and PwBD candidates need to pay ₹1,350 as the application fee.
- Registration will be available only in online mode.
- Final-year graduation students are also eligible to apply.
- The admit card is scheduled to be released on November 4, 2026.
- CAT 2026 is scheduled to be conducted on November 29, 2026.
CAT Registration 2026 Live Updates
CAT Registration 2026 Live Updates: Has CAT registration started?
Answer: The CAT 2026 registration window is scheduled to open on August 3, 2026 at 10:00 AM IST. Candidates can complete the online application through the official CAT website once the registration link is activated.
CAT Registration Live Updates: What is the CAT Registration last date?
Answer: The CAT Registration last date is September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM IST). Candidates should avoid waiting until the final day to complete the application.
CAT 2026 Registration Live Updates: What is the CAT registration fee?
Answer: The CAT application fee is ₹2,700 for General, EWS and OBC candidates, while SC, ST and PwBD candidates have to pay ₹1,350.
CAT Application Form 2026 Live Updates: Who can apply for CAT 2026?
Answer: Candidates holding a bachelor’s degree are eligible to apply. Final-year students can also register. There is no upper age limit and no restriction on the number of attempts as per CAT eligibility criteria.
CAT 2026 Application Form Live Updates: Registration Trends Over the Past Years
| CAT Year | Number of Registered Candidates | Number of Candidates Appeared | Attendance Rate |
| 2025 | 2.95 lakh | 2.58 lakh | 86% |
| 2024 | 3.29 Lakh | 2.93 Lakh | 89% |
| 2023 | 3.28 Lakh | 2.88 Lakh | 88% |
| 2022 | 2.55 Lakh | 2.22 Lakh | 87% |
| 2021 | 2.30 Lakh | 1.92 Lakh | 83% |
| 2020 | 2.27 Lakh | 1.90 Lakh | 83.5% |
CAT Registration Live Updates: Can final-year students register?
Answer: Yes. Final-year bachelor’s degree students are eligible to apply. However, they must complete their degree within the timeline specified by the participating institutes.
CAT 2026 Registration Live Updates: Where can candidates register?
Answer: The CAT application form will be available through the official CAT website after the registration portal becomes active.
CAT Registration 2026 Live Updates: What documents should you keep ready?
Answer: The list of documents required for CAT 2026 registration:
- Valid email ID
- Mobile number
- Passport-size photograph
- Signature
- Graduation details
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- PwBD certificate (if applicable)
- Work experience details
- Valid ID proof
CAT Registration Live Updates: How do you create a CAT login ID?
Answer: Candidates need to register using their name, date of birth, email ID and mobile number. After OTP verification, a User ID and Password will be generated for completing the application.
CAT 2026 Registration Live Updates: What details need to be filled in the application form?
Answer: The CAT application form 2026 includes:
- Personal details
- Academic information
- Work experience
- Document upload
- Programme selection
- Test city preferences
- Declaration and fee payment
CAT Registration 2026 Live Updates: What is the CAT Registration last date for fee payment?
Answer: The application fee must also be paid before the CAT Registration last date, which is September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM IST). Without successful payment, the registration process will remain incomplete.
CAT Application Form 2026 Live Updates: Which payment methods are available?
Answer: Candidates can pay the application fee through Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking or UPI.
CAT 2026 Registration Live Updates: Can candidates edit the application form later?
Answer: Yes. After the CAT registration process closes, a limited correction window will be available for successfully registered candidates. Only the following details can be edited:
- Photograph
- Signature
- Test city preferences
CAT Registration 2026 Live Updates: What mistakes should candidates avoid?
Answer: Common mistakes include:
- Incorrect spelling of personal details
- Wrong graduation marks
- Uploading unclear photographs
- Invalid category certificates
- Incorrect test city preference
- Using inactive email ID or mobile number
CAT Registration Live Updates: When will the admit card be released?
Answer: The CAT 2026 admit card is scheduled to be released on November 4, 2026.
CAT 2026 Registration Live Updates: When will the CAT exam be conducted?
Answer: CAT 2026 is scheduled to be held on November 29, 2026.
CAT Registration 2026 Live Updates: Why should you complete the application early?
Answer: Completing the application well before the CAT Registration last date helps you avoid heavy website traffic, payment failures and last-minute technical issues.
CAT Application Form 2026 Live Updates: What happens after successful registration?
Answer: After successful submission, candidates will receive an application confirmation. They should regularly check their dashboard and email for updates regarding the correction window, admit card and examination instructions.
CAT 2026 Registration Live Updates: Is there any age limit for CAT?
Answer: No. There is no upper age limit for appearing in the CAT examination.
CAT Registration 2026 Live Updates: Is work experience mandatory?
Answer: No. Work experience is not mandatory to register for CAT 2026.
CAT Registration Live Updates: How many candidates register for CAT every year?
Answer: CAT continues to witness high participation. In recent years, registrations have ranged from 2.27 lakh to 3.29 lakh, highlighting the intense competition for admission to top management institutes.
CAT 2026 Application Form Live Updates: What should candidates do before the CAT Registration last date?
Answer: Before the CAT Registration last date, candidates should verify all details, upload the correct documents, complete the fee payment, and save the confirmation page for future reference.
CAT Registration 2026 Live Updates: Can repeat candidates apply for CAT 2026?
Answer: Yes. Candidates who appeared for CAT in previous years can register again. They should submit a fresh application using their latest academic, personal, and work experience details, if applicable.
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CAT Registration Live Updates: What image format should be used for photograph and signature?
Answer: Both the photograph and signature should be uploaded in .jpg or .jpeg format. The file size should not exceed 80 KB. Candidates should ensure that the images are clear and uploaded in the prescribed format.
CAT 2026 Registration Live Updates: Can candidates change their test city after submitting the application?
Answer: Yes, but only during the application correction window. Candidates who complete the registration and fee payment before the CAT Registration last date can edit their test city preferences, along with the photograph and signature, within the specified edit window.
CAT Application Form 2026 Live Updates: What should you do after submitting the application form?
Answer: After successful submission, download or save the application confirmation and regularly check your registered email ID and candidate dashboard for updates related to the correction window, admit card, and examination instructions.
CAT Registration Live Updates: Why is the CAT Registration last date important?
Answer: The CAT Registration last date, September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM IST), is the final opportunity to complete the application and fee payment. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted, so candidates should complete the registration well in advance.