CAT 2026 Registration Started: Apply Online at iimcat.ac.in Before September 15

Quick answer

CAT 2026 registration has started at iimcat.ac.in. The registration window opened on August 3, 2026 at 10:00 AM and will close on September 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM. CAT 2026 will be conducted by IIM Indore on November 29, 2026.

Students should apply only through the official CAT portal. Do not rely on unofficial form links, social media screenshots or coaching forwarded messages for payment or login details.

CAT 2026 registration key dates

How to apply for CAT 2026

The CAT 2026 application process is online. Candidates should complete the form slowly and cross-check every section before final submission because small errors in personal details, academic marks, category selection or document upload can create avoidable stress later.

A clean application process starts with the official website, a working email ID, a reachable mobile number, accurate academic records and properly formatted documents.

• Visit the official CAT website: iimcat.ac.in.
• Register with a valid email ID and mobile number.
• Log in with the generated credentials.
• Fill personal details, category details, academic records and work experience, if any.
• Upload photograph, signature and required certificates in the specified format.
• Select preferred test cities carefully.
• Review the complete form before payment.
• Pay the application fee and save the confirmation page.

CAT 2026 application fee

The reported CAT 2026 application fee is Rs. 2,700 for General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates and Rs. 1,350 for SC, ST and PwD candidates. Candidates should confirm the exact amount displayed on the official portal before payment.

The fee has increased compared with earlier years, so students should avoid old fee screenshots and rely only on the current CAT 2026 application form.

Documents to keep ready before filling the CAT form

Most CAT registration mistakes happen because students begin the form without documents ready. Before applying, create a small folder with your scanned files and academic details so the form can be completed in one focused sitting.

• Recent passport-size photograph in the required format.
• Scanned signature in the required format.
• Class 10 marks details.
• Class 12 marks details.
• Graduation marks, CGPA conversion details or final-year information.
• Category certificate, EWS certificate or PwD certificate, if applicable.
• Work experience details, if applicable.
• Payment method for online fee submission.

Who can apply for CAT 2026?

Candidates with a bachelor's degree and the required minimum marks can apply for CAT 2026. The commonly reported eligibility requirement is at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA for General category candidates and at least 45% marks for SC, ST and PwD candidates. Final-year students can also apply subject to official conditions.

Eligibility for appearing in CAT and final admission eligibility at IIMs or other MBA colleges can be different. Candidates should check both the CAT eligibility rule and the admission policy of each target institute.

CAT 2026 form mistakes to avoid

Registration is not difficult, but careless mistakes can create problems. The safest approach is to complete the form early, review every field and keep proof of submission after payment.

• Do not upload a blurred or old photograph.
• Do not enter marks or CGPA without checking official mark sheets.
• Do not choose a category unless you have the required certificate.
• Do not wait until September 15, 2026 to submit the form.
• Do not use unofficial websites for payment.
• Do not ignore confirmation emails or payment receipts.
• Do not pick test cities casually; choose cities you can realistically travel to.

What should aspirants do after registering?

After registration, the preparation priority should shift from planning to execution. CAT 2026 is on November 29, so aspirants should use August for form completion, pending basics and sectional discipline, September for syllabus consolidation, October for full mocks and November for revision plus exam-day simulation.

The registration start also gives students a psychological deadline. Once the form is submitted, every mock should be reviewed seriously because the exam date is fixed and the remaining weeks are limited.

Sources and verification links

Use the official CAT website as the final source for registration, login, payment, admit card and exam-day instructions. News reports are helpful for summaries, but candidates should complete the application only through the official portal.