CAT Application Form 2026: Registration Date, Fees — Explained

CAT 2026 is the primary gateway for admission into the 21 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and over 1,200 other top-tier business schools across India. While the official notification for CAT 2026 is typically released in the last week of July, candidates must prepare their documentation and eligibility checks well in advance. The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a computer-based exam that tests quantitative ability, verbal ability, and logical reasoning. Successfully navigating the registration process is the first critical step toward securing a seat in an MBA or PGDM program for the 2027-29 batch.

CAT 2026 Quick Overview

When will the CAT 2026 Registration Start?

As per the historical trends of the last decade, the CAT 2026 registration process is expected to begin in the first week of August 2026. The organizing IIM—which rotates every year among the top institutes like IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, or Calcutta—will release the official media release by July 30, 2026. The application window usually remains open for 45 to 50 days, providing ample time for candidates to complete their profiles. However, historical data shows a massive surge in traffic during the final 48 hours, often leading to server slowdowns; therefore, completing the registration by the first week of September is highly recommended.

The registration process is entirely online. Candidates must create a unique User ID and Password on the official portal. This ID remains valid for the entire admission cycle, including result downloading and individual IIM interview calls. If you are also planning for other management exams, you may want to check our /mba-entrance-exams-calendar-2026 for a complete timeline of XAT, SNAP, and NMAT.

Who is Eligible to Apply for CAT 2026?

Eligibility for CAT 2026 is strictly defined by academic performance and degree status. Candidates must meet the following criteria to avoid disqualification during the document verification stage:

• Educational Qualification: You must hold a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university or educational institution.
• Minimum Marks (General/OBC/EWS): A minimum of 50% aggregate marks or an equivalent CGPA is mandatory.
• Minimum Marks (SC/ST/PwD): A minimum of 45% aggregate marks is required for candidates belonging to reserved categories.
• Final Year Students: Candidates appearing for the final year of their Bachelor’s degree, or those awaiting results, are eligible to apply. If selected, such candidates must provide a certificate from the Principal/Registrar of their institution stating they have completed all requirements for the degree.
• Professional Degrees: Candidates with professional degrees like CA, CS, or ICWA (CMA) are also eligible, provided they meet the minimum percentage requirements.

There is no age limit for appearing in CAT 2026. Whether you are a fresh graduate or a working professional with 10 years of experience, the eligibility remains the same. The calculation of the percentage of marks is based on the practice followed by the university from which the candidate has obtained the degree. If the university has no scheme for converting CGPA into equivalent marks, the relative merit will be established by dividing the candidate's CGPA by the maximum possible CGPA and multiplying the result by 100.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fill CAT 2026 Application Form

The CAT application is a multi-stage process. Errors in the personal details or academic section can lead to the rejection of the application or issues during the IIM interview shortlisting. Follow these steps for an error-free submission:

Step 1: Registration for User ID and Password

Visit iimcat.ac.in and click on 'New Candidate Registration'. You will need to provide your Name, Date of Birth, Email Address, and Mobile Number. Ensure the mobile number and email are active, as all future communications, including the OTP for registration, will be sent there. Once validated via OTP, you will receive your unique User ID and Password on your registered email.

Step 2: Filling the Application Form

Log in using the provided credentials. The form is divided into six distinct sections:

1. Personal Details: Enter your father’s/guardian’s name, category, gender, and nationality. If applying under the PwD category, you must upload the relevant medical certificate.
2. Academics: This is the most detailed section. You must enter marks for Class 10, Class 12, Bachelor’s Degree, and any Master’s or Professional degrees. For Class 10 and 12, include all subjects mentioned on the marksheet, not just the 'best five'.
3. Work Experience: Only full-time, post-graduation work experience is counted. Internships, articleships, or part-time jobs are not considered. Enter the duration in days for each organization you have worked for up to July 31, 2026.
4. Programmes: Here, you select the IIMs and the specific programs (e.g., PGP, PGP-ABM, PGP-HRM) you wish to apply for. You must also select the interview city for each IIM. There is no additional fee for selecting multiple IIM programs.
5. Test City: You can select six preferred test cities. The IIMs attempt to allot the first preference, but it is subject to availability.
6. Payment: The final step is the online payment of the application fee.

Documents Required for CAT 2026 Registration

Before you begin the application, ensure you have scanned copies of the following documents in the prescribed format. Incorrect file sizes or blurry uploads are common reasons for form rejection.

• Passport Size Photograph: Recent color photo with a white background. Dimensions: 30mm (width) x 45mm (height). Format: .jpg or .jpeg. File size: Less than 80KB.
• Signature: Clearly visible signature on a white background. Dimensions: 80mm (width) x 35mm (height). Format: .jpg or .jpeg. File size: Less than 80KB.
• Category Certificate: If applying under SC, ST, or NC-OBC categories, download the certificate template from the CAT website, get it signed by the competent authority, and upload it as a PDF.
• PwD Certificate: Candidates applying under the Person with Disability category must upload a PDF of their disability certificate.
• Academic Transcripts: While you don't upload marksheet scans, you need them physically present to enter exact percentages and CGPA.

CAT 2026 Application Fee Structure

The application fee for CAT 2026 is non-refundable and must be paid through the online payment gateway using Credit Cards, Debit Cards, or Net Banking. The fee includes the cost of the exam and the application to all 21 IIMs.

Please note that additional gateway charges (GST and processing fees) may apply depending on the bank and payment method used. Always save the payment successful page and the transaction ID for future reference.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in CAT 2026 Registration

Even small errors can lead to complications during the final admission stages. Based on candidate feedback from previous years, avoid these common pitfalls:

• Incorrect Name Entry: Your name must exactly match the name on your Class 10 Certificate. Do not add prefixes like Mr., Ms., or Dr.
• Category Selection Errors: You cannot change your category once the registration window closes. If you select 'General' but belong to 'OBC', you will not get reservation benefits. If you select 'SC' but cannot produce a certificate, your candidature will be cancelled.
• Work Experience Calculation: Do not include experience gained before graduation. For example, if you completed your degree in June 2024, only work experience from July 2024 onwards is valid.
• CGPA Conversion: Do not use a generic formula like (CGPA * 9.5). Use only the specific conversion formula provided by your university. If your university does not provide one, follow the IIM's default method mentioned in the official brochure.
• Photo Quality: Avoid 'selfies' or photos with dark backgrounds. The face should occupy 70-80% of the photo area.

Understanding the CAT 2026 Correction Window

A few days after the registration deadline, IIMs typically open a Correction Window for 2-3 days. During this period, candidates can edit specific fields in their submitted application form. However, not all fields are editable. Usually, you can only change your Photograph, Signature, and Test City Preferences. You cannot change your name, date of birth, email ID, or academic marks. Because of these limitations, the initial submission must be as accurate as possible. If you realize you made a major error in your marks or category after the registration is closed, the only solution is often to register again with a new email ID before the deadline, though this requires paying the fee again.

What Happens After Submitting the CAT Form?

Once you submit the form and the registration window closes, your focus should shift entirely to the exam. The IIMs will verify the data on a preliminary basis. In the last week of October 2026, the CAT 2026 Admit Card will be released. This document will contain your allotted test center, reporting time, and exam slot (Morning, Forenoon, or Afternoon). You must carry a printed color copy of the admit card and a valid photo ID (Aadhar, PAN, Voter ID) to the exam center on November 29, 2026. For those looking for study materials, our /cat-syllabus-2026 provides a breakdown of the most important topics to cover.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Checks to complete before you apply

Submitting the CAT 2026 application form correctly is the first crucial step towards your MBA dream. Ensure you have all documents ready, avoid last-minute rushes, and double-check all details before final submission. Good luck with your preparation!

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