How to Register for CAT 2026: Step-by-Step Application Guide 

The CAT 2026 registration process will begin on August 3, 2026 (10:00 AM IST) and continue until September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM IST).

During this period, you can complete the online application, upload the required documents, choose your preferred test cities, and pay the application fee. 

As per the latest update, the application fee has also been revised. The CAT 2026 application fee will be INR 2700 (INR 1350 for SC, ST, and PwBD category).

Since the application window remains open for a limited time, you must complete your registration before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.

Eligible and interested candidates should fill out the CAT application form by the deadline to participate in the exam.

The CAT registration 2026 will begin at iimcat.ac.in. Here is the quick overview of the CAT exam application process:

• Register to generate a unique User ID and Password. 
• Log in with the generated User ID and Password to fill in the form. 
• Submit the application form after entering the details.
• Make an online payment to complete the registration and application process 

 

Candidates should always check the official website for all the latest updates. Read on to know how to register for the CAT 2026 exam and other relevant details.

CAT 2026 Registration Highlights

Here are the highlights of the CAT 2026 registration process for reference purposes:

Particulars	Details
Exam Name	Common Admission Test
Exam Conducting Body	IIM
Eligibility	Graduation
Registration Starts	August 3, 2026 (10:00 AM IST)
Registration Ends	September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM IST)
Mode of Registration	Online
General/EWS/OBC Fee	₹2,700
SC/ST/PwBD Fee	₹1,350
Official Website	https://iimcat.ac.in/

CAT 2026 Registration Dates

The CAT 2026 notification has been announced. The registration process will begin on August 3, 2026.

Candidates should regularly check the portal for all details about registration dates, the application correction window, admit card release, and exam date. 

Filling the form early can help you avoid website traffic issues at the last minute. Check the CAT registration date 2026 shared below:

Events	Dates
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

Who Can Apply for CAT 2026? Eligibility Criteria Explained

Candidates should check whether they are eligible before applying. This includes academic qualifications, minimum required marks, and other details.

Failing to fulfil any eligibility criteria will lead to the disqualification of their candidature. Check the detailed CAT eligibility criteria tabulated below:

Particulars	Details
Basic Qualification	Bachelor’s Degree
Minimum Marks in Bachelor’s degree for General/OBC category	50%
Minimum Marks in Bachelor’s degree for SC/ST category	45%
Professional Qualifications	CA/CS/ICWA (CMA)/Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India (FIAI)
Age Limit	Not Specified
Number of Attempts	No Limit
Work Experience	Not Mandatory

Documents Required for CAT 2026 Registration

Candidates should keep all important documents ready before starting the CAT registration process. This makes CAT form-filling easier and faster. Here is the list of documents required for CAT registration:

• Valid email ID and mobile number
• Scanned Copy of passport-size photograph
• Scanned Copy of Signature
• Valid EWS/NC-OBC/SC/ST Certificate (PDF)
• Valid PwD Certificate (PDF)
• Work experience details
• Valid ID proof
• Graduation marks, etc.

CAT 2026 Registration Fees for General, OBC, SC/ST and PwD Candidates

The CAT application fee has been revised for the 2026 admission cycle. The fee must be paid online while submitting the application form. Once the payment is successfully completed, it cannot be refunded.

Candidates need to pay the CAT registration fee to submit the form successfully. The fee amount is different for general and reserved category students.

You can pay the application fees through Debit card, Credit card, Net banking, or UPI. Candidates can check CAT registration fees for General, OBC, SC/ST, and other categories.

Category	CAT application fees
SC, ST and PwD candidates	Rs 1350
Other candidates	Rs 2700

Step-by-Step Process to Fill the CAT 2026 Application Form

The CAT 2026 application form can be filled out online. You need to visit the official CAT website to complete the application process.

Here is the step-by-step process to fill out the CAT application form without any hassles:

Registration for User ID and Password 

1. Go to the official website at https://iimcat.ac.in and click the ‘Register’ button under the New Candidate Registration header.
2. Next, create your user profile, and the registration form window will open.
3. Enter the following information in the CAT registration form:

• Name of Candidate
• Date of Birth
• Email Address
• Mobile Number

 

Generate the OTP by clicking on the Generate OTP button to complete the registration process.

You will receive the User ID and Password at your registered email address and or on the registered mobile number 

Log in to the CAT 2026 Website 

• Using the system-generated User ID and Password to log in as a “Registered Candidate” on the website and fill out the CAT application form.
• Fill out the application form with the following details:
• • Personal Details
  • Document Uploading in the prescribed format.
  • Academics
  • Work Experience 
  • Programmes
  • Test City
  • Declaration
• Next, pay the application fees through the prescribed payment mode.
• Click on the “Preview” button and submit the application form successfully.
• You will also receive a confirmation email stating the successful submission of your CAT 2026 Application within a few minutes 

How to Create a CAT Login ID and Password

The first step of CAT registration is creating a login ID and password. Candidates need to register with the required details as shared below:

1. Candidate’s Name: This should be the same as it appears in the 10th/SSC Certificate. 
2. Date of Birth: Use the calendar icon to select the correct date
3. Email Address: Must be valid and unique. You will receive your User ID at this email address only.
4. Mobile Number: Should be valid and unique. You will receive an OTP to verify your mobile number and your Password as an SMS on this number only. 
5. Generate the OTP by clicking on the Generate OTP button to complete the registration process. 
6. You will be redirected to the CAPTCHA page to complete and submit. 
7. To verify the mobile number, enter the OTP received and press the “Validate the OTP” tab. 
8. After validation, you can submit the registration form.
9. You will receive the User ID and Password at the registered email address and or on the registered mobile number. 

How to Upload a Photo and a Signature in the CAT Form

Uploading the correct image format is crucial during CAT registration. Blurred or incorrect images may lead to rejection of applications.

• Scanned Copy of Passport Size Photograph: The dimensions of the passport-size photo must be within 1200 pixels x 1200 pixels. The document file format should be a .jpg or .jpeg, and the file size should not be more than 80KB each. The photograph should not be more than 6 months old and should have a white background.
• Scanned Copy of Signature: The dimensions of the passport-size photo must be within 80mm X 35mm. The document file format should be a .jpg or .jpeg, and the file size should not be more than 80KB each. 

CAT 2026 Form Filling Mistakes to Avoid

Many students make small mistakes while filling out the CAT form. These errors can create issues later during admission. Some common CAT form mistakes are given below:

• Wrong spelling in personal details
• Incorrect marks entry
• Invalid category certificate
• Blurry photo or signature
• Wrong exam city preference
• Using an inactive email or mobile number

CAT 2026 Application Form Correction Window Explained

After the CAT application form is officially closed, a limited edit window will be available to allow candidates to make corrections to specific sections of their submitted forms.

Those who have successfully registered for CAT 2026 and paid the registration fee are eligible to make changes in the following fields: 

• Photograph
• Signature 
• Test City Preferences

 

It is essential that you carefully review their application and make any necessary updates within the deadline. No further extensions will be given beyond the deadline. 

Final Year Students and CAT 2026 Registration Rules

Students who are in the final year of a bachelor’s degree can also apply for CAT 2026. They need to complete their degree within the deadline outlined by the institutes.

Final year students must keep these things in mind when registering for CAT 2026:

• Select the correct academic status
• Collect all the college documents 
• Submit final marksheets within the deadline as specified by the authorities.

CAT 2026 Registration for Repeat Candidates

Candidates who took the CAT exam earlier can apply again by creating a fresh application for CAT 2026.

Repeat candidates must keep these things in mind when registering for CAT 2026:

• Use the latest information
• Check previous mistakes
• Improve exam city selection
• Upload a fresh photograph and signature

What Happens After CAT Registration is Complete?

After submitting the CAT application form, you should regularly check your candidate’s dashboard and email for all the latest updates.

Here is what’s next after CAT registration:

• Application confirmation
• Correction window updates
• Admit card release
• Exam guidelines

CAT Exam Registration Trends Over the Past Years

Here are the CAT exam registration trends over the years to help you understand the competition clearly:

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%

Conclusion

The CAT 2026 registration process is simple if you follow all the steps carefully. You should keep your documents ready in advance.

Make sure you fill out the form correctly, upload documents, and submit the fees within the deadline. Avoid waiting for the final days to avoid payment problems or technical glitches.

Along with registration, preparation is crucial to scoring well in CAT 2026. If you are looking for expert guidance and CAT-level mock tests, MBA Karo can help you prepare in a structured way.

Their experienced mentors, strategy sessions, and regular practice support help students improve their strategy and target top MBA colleges in India.