The CAT Registration 2026 process is now open. You can complete your CAT 2026 application form on the official website from 10:00 AM on August 3, 2026, to 5:00 PM on September 15, 2026.
The CAT 2026 registration process includes creating your account, verifying your email ID and mobile number through OTP, filling the application form, uploading the required documents, and paying the application fee online.
You do not need to complete the application form in one sitting. After registering, you can save your progress and log in again later to complete the remaining sections.
However, once you submit the application form and make the payment, you cannot edit any information.
This guide explains how to register for CAT 2026, which documents you should have ready, how OTP verification works, and the steps to complete your application without mistakes.
CAT Registration 2026: Highlights
Here are the quick highlights of CAT 2026 registration shared below:
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam | CAT 2026 |
| Conducting Body | IIM Indore |
| Registration Status | Open Now |
| CAT Registration Start Date | August 3, 2026 (10:00 AM) |
| CAT Registration Last Date | September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Mode of Registration | Online |
| Official Website | iimcat.ac.in |
| Login Credentials | User ID and Password generated after registration |
| OTP Verification | Mobile number and email ID (India); Email only (Overseas candidates) |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date | November 29, 2026 |
CAT Registration 2026 Important Dates
If you are planning to appear for CAT this year, complete your registration within the official application window. Waiting until the last day may lead to payment or server-related issues.
| Events | Dates |
| CAT 2026 Notification Release Date | July 25, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Registration Starts | August 3, 2026 (10:00 am) |
| CAT Registration 2026 Ends | September 15, 2026 (5:00 pm) |
| Admit Card Release Date | November 4, 2026 |
| CAT Exam Date 2026 | November 29, 2026 |
Things to Remember before You Register for CAT 2026
Before you begin filling the CAT application form, make sure you complete a few important checks. This will help you finish the registration process smoothly.
Check Your Eligibility
Before registering, confirm that you meet the CAT 2026 eligibility requirements. It is advisable to verify your eligibility before proceeding with the application form.
Use Your Own Email ID and Mobile Number
You should use a valid and unique email address and mobile number while registering.
All future communication regarding CAT 2026, including login credentials, updates and admission-related information, will be sent to these registered contact details.
Domestic candidates will verify their email ID and mobile number using OTPs. Overseas candidates will receive OTP only on their registered email address.
Keep All Required Information Ready
The CAT application form contains multiple sections. Before starting, collect all the necessary academic, personal and work-related information so that you can complete the application without interruptions.
Mandatory Fields Cannot Be Left Blank
Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are compulsory. You must fill these fields before moving to the next section or submitting your application.
Keep Your Photograph and Signature Ready
You will need scanned copies of your recent passport-size photograph and signature for uploading during the application process.
The photograph should not be older than six months and must have a white background. Since the same photograph may be required on the examination day, keep a few printed copies safely after uploading.
Documents Required for CAT Registration 2026
Keeping your documents ready before starting the application form can save time and reduce errors. The list of documents required for CAT 2026 registration:
- Valid email address
- Active mobile number
- Class 10 mark sheet and certificate
- Class 12 mark sheet
- Graduation details and marks
- Master’s degree details (if applicable)
- Professional qualification details (if applicable)
- Work experience details (if applicable)
- Passport-size photograph
- Signature
- Valid EWS/NC-OBC/SC/ST certificate (if applicable)
- PwBD certificate (if applicable)
- Emergency contact mobile number
- Address details for communication and permanent residence
How to Register for CAT 2026?
The CAT registration process is completed in three stages:
- Register as a new candidate to generate your User ID and Password.
- Log in using the generated credentials and complete the application form.
- Pay the application fee and submit the form.
Once payment is completed successfully, your CAT 2026 registration is considered complete.
Step 1: Register as a New Candidate
Visit the official CAT website and click on New Candidate Registration.
The registration page will ask you to enter basic personal information to create your account. Make sure all details are entered carefully because they cannot be changed after submission. You will have to provide:
- Candidate’s name (exactly as mentioned in your Class 10 certificate)
- Date of birth
- Valid email address
- Valid mobile number
If you enter incorrect information at this stage, you may face problems during the admission process later. Therefore, verify every detail before proceeding.
Mobile Number Guidelines
- While entering your mobile number, follow these instructions.
- Indian mobile numbers must contain 10 digits.
- Overseas candidates should enter their country code before the mobile number.
- Do not use symbols such as +, -, or (0) while entering the number.
- Make sure the mobile number remains active throughout the admission process because important updates will be sent to it.
Email Address Guidelines
Use an email address that belongs only to you. Your registered email ID will be used to send:
- User ID
- Password
- Registration confirmation
- Application confirmation
- Future CAT-related communication
- Avoid using an email address that you may stop using during the admission process.
OTP Verification Process
After entering your registration details, click Generate OTP. You will first complete the CAPTCHA verification. After that, an OTP will be sent for verification.
For Candidates in India: You will receive OTP verification for your registered mobile number and email address. Once the OTP is verified successfully, your registration is completed and your login credentials are sent to your registered contact details.
For Overseas Candidates: OTP verification is completed through the registered email address only. After successful verification, both the User ID and Password are shared through email.
CAPTCHA Verification: During registration, you will also see a CAPTCHA on your screen. Enter the characters exactly as displayed. If the text is not clear, refresh the CAPTCHA image and enter the new characters correctly before proceeding.
Declaration
Before submitting the registration form, you must accept the declaration. By selecting “I Agree”, you confirm that all information entered by you is true and accurate.
Providing incorrect or misleading information may result in the cancellation of your candidature during the examination or admission process.
CAT 2026 Registration Successful: What Happens Next?
After successfully submitting the registration form, you will receive your login credentials within a few minutes. Domestic candidates will receive:
- User ID through email
- Password through SMS
- Registration confirmation through email
If you do not receive the email immediately, check your Spam or Junk folder before trying again. Once you receive the User ID and Password, your first stage of CAT registration is complete.
Recommended Browsers for CAT Registration 2026
To avoid technical issues while filling the application form, use any of the recommended browsers.
| Browser | Supported Version |
| Mozilla Firefox | Version 134–151 |
| Google Chrome | Version 126–149 |
| Microsoft Edge | Version 126–149 |
Step 2: Log in to Complete Your CAT 2026 Application Form
After receiving your User ID and Password, visit the CAT 2026 portal and log in as a Registered Candidate. Once you sign in, your basic registration details will be displayed on the Applicant Details page.
Click on “Go to Application” to start filling the CAT application form.
If you are unable to complete the form in one session, you can save your progress and log in later. You can do this as many times as you want until you submit the application. However, after the final submission and payment, no information can be edited.
CAT Application Form 2026: Sections You Need to Complete
The CAT application form is divided into six sections. You must complete each section carefully and click Save & Next before moving to the next page.
The six sections are:
- Personal Details
- Academics
- Work Experience
- Programmes
- Test City
- Declaration and Payment
Personal Details
This section contains your identity and communication details. Your name and date of birth will already appear based on the information provided during registration. You will have to enter the following information:
- Father’s or Guardian’s name
- Mother’s or Guardian’s name
- Spouse’s name (if applicable)
- Gender
- Nationality
- Category
- Communication address
- Permanent address
- Alternate email address (if available)
- Emergency contact number
- Category Details
If you belong to EWS, NC-OBC, SC or ST, you must provide the required category information in the CAT application form. You will also need to upload a valid certificate issued by the competent authority in PDF format. Ensure that the certificate details entered in the form match the uploaded document.
PwBD Candidates
If you are applying under the Person with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) category, you will have to provide additional information, including:
- Disability status
- Percentage of disability
- UDID number
- Disability category
- Wheelchair support requirement
- Scribe requirement
You must also upload a valid disability certificate in PDF format. If you require a scribe during the examination, you will have to arrange one yourself and complete the required affidavit as prescribed for CAT 2026.
Emergency Contact Details
While filling the application form, you must provide an emergency mobile number.
This number should be different from your registered mobile number and preferably belong to a close family member or someone who can be contacted during an emergency.
Upload Photograph and Signature
You must upload scanned copies of your passport-size photograph and signature during the application process. Keep these points in mind:
| Particulars | Details |
| Photograph | Recent passport-size photograph Not older than six months White background JPG or JPEG format Maximum file size: 80 KB Minimum resolution: 150 pixels per inch Image dimensions: 1200 × 1200 pixels Keep multiple printed copies of the same photograph because you may need it on the examination day. |
| Signature | JPG or JPEG format Maximum file size: 80 KB Minimum resolution: 150 pixels per inch Dimensions: 80 mm × 35 mm Upload only a clear scanned image of your signature. |
Academic Details
In this section, you will enter your educational qualifications. Depending on your academic background, you may need to provide details for:
- Class 10 or equivalent
- Class 12 or equivalent
- Diploma (if applicable)
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree (if applicable)
- Professional qualifications such as CA, CS or CMA (if applicable)
Bachelor’s Degree Details
If you are currently pursuing your bachelor’s degree, provide:
- Current year of study
- Current semester
- Aggregate marks obtained so far
If you have already graduated, enter your final aggregate percentage according to your university’s calculation method.
Master’s and Professional Degrees
If you have completed or are pursuing a master’s degree, enter the relevant academic information. Candidates holding professional qualifications such as CA, CS, CMA or equivalent can also provide those details in the application form.
Work Experience
If you have full-time work experience after graduation, mention it in this section. Your work experience should be calculated up to July 31, 2026. Only full-time work completed after graduation should be entered. Internship, part-time or training experience should not be included unless considered full-time employment.
Programme Selection
CAT scores are accepted for admission to different management programmes offered by the participating IIMs. While filling the application form, you can choose the programmes for which you wish to be considered. You can either:
Select individual programmes, or
Use the Select All option to choose all available programmes.
Test City Preferences
You can select five different test cities in order of preference. After the registration window closes, one test city will be allotted based on availability. If none of your preferred cities is available, you may be allotted a nearby test city. Remember:
- Select five different cities.
- The same city cannot be selected more than once.
CAT Application Fee 2026
The application fee can be paid only through the online payment gateway available during CAT 2026 registration. The CAT application fee varies according to your category.
| Category | Application Fee |
| General, EWS, NC-OBC | ₹2,700 |
| SC, ST, PwBD | ₹1,350 |
CAT Application Fee Payment Process
After reviewing your application form, proceed to the payment page. Before making the payment:
- Preview your complete application form.
- Confirm that every detail entered is correct.
- Accept the declaration.
Once you click Submit, you will be redirected to the payment gateway powered by BillDesk. After a successful transaction:
- A payment confirmation message will appear on the screen.
- A Payment Transaction Number will be generated.
- Save this transaction number for future reference.
After successful payment, your CAT application will be submitted. You must note that No changes can be made after the application form is submitted successfully.
CAT Application Form Confirmation
Within a few minutes after successful payment, you will receive an application confirmation email and a confirmation SMS. The confirmation email may also include important updates related to future events, such as the admit card download schedule.
Download Your Submitted Application Form: Once your CAT application is submitted successfully, you can log in anytime to access the Download Application option.
CAT Application Form 2026: Forgot Your User ID or Password?: If you forget your login credentials, click on the Forgot User ID/Password option available on the login page. Your login details will be sent to your registered email address, allowing you to access your account again.
CAT 2026 Helpdesk and Grievance Portal
If you face any difficulty during CAT registration, payment or document upload, you can raise a ticket through the Grievance Portal available inside your registered candidate login.
You can follow these steps:
- Create a new ticket
- Select the relevant issue
- Describe your problem clearly
- Upload up to three supporting documents
The support team generally responds within two working days. Keep your User ID or Payment Transaction Number ready before contacting the support team.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During CAT Registration 2026
Many candidates make small mistakes while filling the application form, which may create problems later. Avoid these errors while completing your registration. Some of the CAT form-filling mistakes are as follows:
- Enter your name exactly as it appears in your Class 10 certificate.
- Use only your own mobile number and email address.
- Verify the OTP carefully before proceeding.
- Keep all documents ready before starting the application.
- Upload a recent passport-size photograph with a white background.
- Ensure that category and PwBD certificates are valid before uploading.
- Choose your test city preferences carefully.
- Preview the complete application form before payment.
- Save your payment transaction number.
- Download the submitted application form after successful submission.
Conclusion
The CAT Registration 2026 process is straightforward if you keep your documents ready and complete each section carefully. Verify every detail before making the payment because the application form cannot be edited after submission. Completing your registration well before the last date also helps you avoid last-minute technical issues.
Once your registration is complete, shift your focus to preparation. If you are aiming for a high percentile, MBA KARO CAT Online Coaching can help you with structured study plans, expert mentorship, recorded classes, mock tests, and performance analysis designed according to the latest CAT exam pattern.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Is CAT Registration 2026 open now?
Yes. The CAT 2026 registration window is open from 10:00 AM on August 3, 2026, and will remain open until 5:00 PM on September 15, 2026.
Q. Can I edit my CAT application form after payment?
No. Once you submit the application form and complete the payment, you cannot make any changes.
Q. Can I complete the CAT application form in multiple sessions?
Yes. You can save your progress and log in again later before the final submission.
Q. How many test cities can I choose?
You can select five different test cities in order of preference.
Q. Is OTP verification mandatory?
Yes. Domestic candidates must complete OTP verification using their registered mobile number and email address. Overseas candidates complete verification through email.
Q. What happens after successful registration?
You will receive your login credentials and later, after successful application submission and payment, an application confirmation through email and SMS.
