The CAT 2026 Application Process is the first official step toward securing admission into India’s top IIMs and leading B-schools. Based on previous trends, the CAT 2026 registration date is expected in early August 2026, with the official notification likely in late July 2026 on the CAT 2026 official website.
The CAT 2026 online registration window is expected to close by mid-September 2026, and the exam will likely be held on the last Sunday of November 2026.
Since most details cannot be changed after submission, candidates must complete the CAT 2026 application process carefully, ensuring accuracy in personal, academic, and work experience details to avoid disqualification during verification.
CAT 2026 Important Dates (Expected Timeline)
Understanding the timeline is crucial for completing the CAT 2026 application process without errors. As expected, the CAT 2026 registration date will likely begin in early August 2026, after the notification is released on the CAT 2026 official website in late July 2026. The CAT 2026 online registration window is expected to close by mid-September 2026.
CAT 2026 Important Dates (Expected)
| Event | Expected Timeline |
| CAT 2026 Notification | Late July 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Registration Start | Early August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | Mid–September 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date | Last Sunday of November 2026 |
Candidates must complete the CAT 2026 application process before the deadline.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fill the CAT 2026 Application Form
The CAT 2026 application process is conducted entirely online via the official website (iimcat.ac.in). Follow these structured steps to complete the CAT 2026 application process correctly.
Step 1: New Registration
Visit iimcat.ac.in and click on “New Registration.” Enter name, date of birth, nationality, email ID, and mobile number. Verify via OTP and create login credentials.
Step 2: Fill Personal Details
Enter full name (as per 10th certificate), parents’ details, category, nationality, address, and emergency contact. Accuracy here is critical in the CAT 2026 application process.
Step 3: Academic Qualifications
Provide details of 10th, 12th, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s (if applicable), and professional qualifications.
If the CGPA conversion formula is not provided by your university, use: (CGPA / Maximum CGPA) × 100.
Round aggregate percentage to two decimal places.
Step 4: Work Experience
Mention only full-time paid experience calculated up to 31 July 2026.
Do NOT include internships, articleship, part-time work, or pre-graduation projects.
Step 5: Select Programs & Interview Cities
Choose preferred IIM programs. For CAP IIMs, the same interview city must be selected.
Step 6: Choose Exam Centres
Select preferred test cities in order of priority. Allotment depends on availability.
Step 7: Pay the CAT 2026 Application Fees
| Category | CAT 2026 Application Fees |
| General / EWS / NC-OBC | ₹2,600 |
| SC / ST / PwD | ₹1,300 |
Complete payment to finalize the CAT 2026 application process.
Documents Required for CAT 2026 Registration
Uploading the correct documents is mandatory during CAT 2026 online registration on the CAT 2026 official website. Candidates must keep scanned copies of their documents ready before starting the form.
Mandatory Documents Required for CAT 2026
- Passport-sized photograph (JPG/JPEG format, 4KB–50KB)
- Scanned signature (JPG/JPEG format, 1KB–12KB)
- Aadhaar Card / PAN Card (Identity proof)
- Class 10 and 12 mark sheets
- Graduation certificate and mark sheets
- Category certificate (SC/ST/NC-OBC/EWS/PwD, if applicable)
- Work experience documents (if applicable)
Incorrect file formats or oversized files can delay the CAT 2026 application process, so follow the specifications strictly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in CAT 2026 Application Form
Errors during the CAT 2026 application process can lead to rejection during verification. Since most fields cannot be edited later, candidates must avoid the common mistakes highlighted in official guidelines.
Key Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect CGPA to Percentage Conversion
- Use the official university formula. If none is provided, apply: (CGPA / Maximum CGPA) × 100.
- Wrong Aggregate Calculation
- Calculate the total marks for all subjects and round to two decimal places.
- Including Internships as Work Experience
- Only full-time paid experience until 31 July 2026 is valid.
- Name Mismatch with 10th Certificate
- Uploading Incorrect Photo/Signature Format
Careful review before final submission ensures a smooth CAT 2026 application process.
CAT 2026 Form Correction Window
After the CAT 2026 application process closes, a limited CAT 2026 form correction window is usually opened for 2–3 days. Only specific fields, such as contact details or minor academic corrections, may be editable. Major changes are not allowed.
Candidates must log in to the CAT 2026 official website, review their form carefully, and submit corrections within the short window. After this period, no changes can be made in the CAT 2026 online registration form.
After Registration: What Should You Do Next?
Completing the CAT 2026 application process is only the first step. After successful CAT 2026 online registration, candidates should immediately shift focus to preparation.
Review the latest CAT syllabus and exam pattern to understand section-wise weightage. Start full-length mock tests to assess strengths and weaknesses. Analyse previous year slot trends to refine strategy.
Early preparation after the CAT 2026 registration date ensures better time management and accuracy, which are critical for securing a high percentile.
Related CAT Blogs You Should Read
To strengthen your preparation after completing the CAT 2026 application process, refer to these detailed guides on Tarkashastra:
- CAT 2025 Slot 1 Analysis – Difficulty & Good Attempts
- CAT 2025 Slot 2 Analysis – VARC, DILR & Quant Breakdown
- CAT 2025 Slot 3 Analysis – Cut-offs & Student Reactions
- CAT Response Sheet Guide – How to Calculate Your Score
These blogs help you understand exam trends, expected percentiles, and preparation strategy beyond the CAT 2026 online registration stage.
Why Choose Tarkashastra for CAT 2026 Preparation?
Filling the CAT 2026 application process correctly is only step one. Cracking CAT 2026 requires structured preparation, expert mentorship, and consistent performance analysis.
At Tarkashastra, we guide students beyond the CAT 2026 online registration by offering:
- Section-wise CAT preparation (VARC, DILR, Quant)
- Full-length mock tests with detailed analytics
- Personalised strategy sessions
- Error-free form guidance during the CAT 2026 registration date
- GDPI preparation after results
Our mentors ensure students not only complete the CAT 2026 application process accurately but also build a data-driven preparation plan aligned with percentile targets.
If you’re serious about converting IIM calls, structured guidance makes the difference between attempting CAT and cracking CAT.
Conclusion
The CAT 2026 application process demands accuracy, timely action, and careful document submission. From tracking the CAT 2026 registration date to completing the CAT 2026 online registration, every step must be executed without errors.
Submit your form early, verify your academic and personal details twice, and keep the required documents ready before you start. Once the CAT 2026 application process is complete, shift full focus to preparation.
A smooth registration combined with strategic preparation significantly increases your chances of securing top IIM calls in CAT 2026.
FAQs – CAT 2026 Application Process
1. When will the CAT 2026 application process start?
The CAT 2026 application process is expected to begin in early August 2026, after the official notification is released on iimcat.ac.in in late July 2026.
2. What is the last date for CAT 2026 online registration?
The last date to complete the CAT 2026 online registration is expected to fall in mid-September 2026.
3. What is the CAT 2026 application fee?
The CAT 2026 application fees are ₹2,600 for General/EWS/NC-OBC candidates and ₹1,300 for SC/ST/PwD candidates.
4. Can I edit the CAT 2026 application form after submission?
Major changes are not allowed after submission. A limited CAT 2026 form correction window (2–3 days) may open for minor edits.
5. What documents are required for CAT 2026 registration?
Candidates need a passport-size photograph, signature, Aadhaar/PAN, academic mark sheets, category certificate (if applicable), and work experience documents (if applicable).
6. How should CGPA be converted to a percentage in CAT 2026?
If no official formula is provided by your university, use: (CGPA / Maximum CGPA) × 100.
7. Can internships be included as work experience in CAT 2026?
No. Only full-time paid work experience up to 31 July 2026 is valid.
8. Where can I fill out the CAT 2026 application form?
The CAT 2026 application form can only be filled out on the official website: iimcat.ac.in.
9. How many exam centres can I choose during CAT 2026 registration?
Candidates can select multiple preferred test cities in order of priority. Final allotment depends on availability.
10. What should I do after completing the CAT 2026 application process?
After registration, candidates should begin preparation by reviewing the syllabus, understanding the exam pattern, and taking full-length mock tests.
