The CAT 2026 registration start date marks the official beginning of the MBA admission journey for aspirants targeting the Indian Institutes of Management and other top B-schools in India. CAT is a highly competitive national-level exam, and timely registration is mandatory to appear for the test. Missing the CAT exam registration window in 2026 means losing an entire admission year.
Understanding the CAT 2026 registration date, application process, fees, and key deadlines early helps aspirants avoid last-minute errors and align their preparation strategy well in advance.
CAT 2026 Registration Start Date & Important Timeline
As per recent CAT trends and official notifications, the CAT 2026 registration start date is expected to fall in the first week of August 2026, shortly after the release of the official notification in mid-July 2026 by the Indian Institutes of Management. The CAT 2026 registration last date is likely to be in the third week of September 2026.
Candidates should complete the CAT 2026 application process early, as the portal experiences heavy traffic close to the deadline. Along with registration dates, aspirants must also track related milestones, such as admit card release and exam dates, to plan preparation effectively.
The CAT exam registration 2026 timeline sets the pace for the entire admission cycle, from form filling to interview calls.
CAT 2026 Important Dates (Tentative)
| Event | Date |
| CAT 2026 Notification Release | Mid-July 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Registration Start Date | 1st Week of August 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Registration Last Date | 3rd Week of September 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | Last Week of September 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date | 29 November 2026 |
Where to Apply: CAT 2026 Official Website
Candidates can complete the CAT 2026 application process only through the official CAT portal managed by the Indian Institutes of Management.
- The CAT 2026 official website is iimcat.ac.in, where the registration link will be activated on the CAT 2026 registration start date.
No offline forms or third-party portals are accepted for CAT exam registration 2026; applications submitted elsewhere are considered invalid.
CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria (Quick Overview)
Before proceeding with the CAT 2026 application form, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria prescribed by the Indian Institutes of Management.
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD categories). Candidates belonging to the EWS and NC-OBC categories must also meet the 50% requirement.
Final-year undergraduate students are eligible to apply under the CAT exam registration 2026, provided they submit proof of degree completion at the time of admission.
There is no age limit to apply. Candidates with professional qualifications such as CA, CS, or CMA are also eligible to register for CAT 2026.
Documents Required for CAT 2026 Registration
- During CAT 2026 registration, candidates must upload specific documents in the prescribed format on the official portal of the Indian Institutes of Management.
- A recent passport-size photograph and signature are mandatory for all applicants.
- Candidates applying under reserved categories must upload valid SC/ST/NC-OBC/EWS/PwD certificates.
- Final-year students may be required to submit a degree completion certificate at a later stage.
- Incorrect file size, format, or unclear documents can lead to rejection of the CAT 2026 application form, so documents should be prepared in advance.
CAT 2026 Application Fees (Category-Wise)
The CAT 2026 application form can be submitted only after the registration fee is paid. The CAT exam registration 2026 fee must be paid online using a debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI.
The fee is non-refundable under all circumstances, including if the form is rejected or you are absent from the exam.
CAT 2026 Application Fee Structure
| Category | Application Fee |
| General / EWS / NC-OBC | ₹2,600 |
| SC / ST / PwD | ₹1,300 |
Candidates should download the payment receipt after completing the CAT 2026 registration.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for CAT 2026 Online
The CAT 2026 registration process is completely online. It must be completed through the official portal managed by the Indian Institutes of Management. Below is the correct step-by-step method to apply online for CAT 2026:
- Visit the official website – Go to iimcat.ac.in on the CAT 2026 registration start date.
- New Candidate Registration – Enter name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number to generate login credentials.
- Log in to the CAT portal – Use the User ID and password sent via email/SMS.
- Fill personal details – Enter personal information, category, nationality, and communication address carefully.
- Add academic details – Provide Class 10, Class 12, and graduation details as required in the CAT 2026 application form.
- Work experience & IIM selection – Fill work experience (if any) and select preferred IIM programs.
- Choose test cities – Select multiple exam city preferences in order.
- Upload documents – Upload photograph, signature, and category certificates in the prescribed format.
- Pay application fee – Complete online payment to finalise CAT exam registration 2026.
- Submit & download – Submit the form and save the confirmation PDF for future reference.
CAT 2026 Application Correction Window
After the CAT 2026 registration window closes, the Indian Institutes of Management will activate a limited CAT 2026 application correction window, expected in the last week of September 2026. During this period, candidates can edit specific fields such as photograph, signature, and test city preferences.
Core details such as name, email ID, and academic information are usually not changeable, making accuracy during CAT exam registration 2026 critical.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During CAT 2026 Registration
- Many candidates miss out on appearing for the exam due to avoidable errors during CAT 2026 registration.
- One of the most common mistakes is waiting until the last date of CAT 2026 registration, which often leads to server issues and incomplete submissions.
- Entering incorrect academic scores, uploading blurred photographs or signatures, and selecting unrealistic test city preferences can result in form rejection.
- Candidates must also ensure that category certificates are valid and up to date.
- Carefully reviewing the CAT 2026 application form before final submission is essential to avoid irreversible errors in the CAT 2026 registration.
How CAT 2026 Registration Connects With Your Preparation Strategy
Completing CAT 2026 registration is not just a formality—it sets a clear preparation deadline for aspirants. Once the CAT 2026 registration date is crossed, candidates can align their study plan with the fixed exam timeline, mock schedules, and revision cycles.
Early CAT exam registration 2026 helps aspirants plan section-wise preparation for VARC, DILR, and QA without uncertainty. Registering on time allows focused preparation rather than last-minute stress around the CAT 2026 application form.
How Tarkashastra Helps CAT 2026 Aspirants
Once candidates complete CAT 2026 registration, the real challenge begins—structured and consistent preparation. Tarkashastra supports CAT aspirants at every stage after the CAT 2026 registration start date, helping them convert registration into results.
Tarkashastra offers a well-defined CAT 2026 preparation framework covering VARC, DILR, and Quant, aligned with the official CAT pattern and difficulty level.
Aspirants benefit from concept-focused classes, sectional and full-length CAT mock tests, and detailed performance analysis. Personalised mentoring helps students identify weak areas early and refine their exam strategy.
By syncing preparation milestones with the CAT exam registration 2026 timeline, Tarkashastra ensures aspirants stay disciplined, exam-ready, and confident throughout their CAT 2026 journey.
Related CAT Blogs You May Find Useful
After completing CAT 2026 registration, aspirants should deepen their understanding of the exam through focused reading.
The following related CAT blogs help candidates stay aligned with the exam pattern and post-registration strategy:
- CAT Exam Pattern & Syllabus Explained
- CAT Previous Year Slot-Wise Analysis
- CAT Score vs Percentile Trends
- CAT Response Sheet & Answer Key Guide
These resources complement the 2026 CAT exam registration process and support structured preparation.
Conclusion: Don’t Miss the CAT 2026 Registration Window
The CAT 2026 registration start date is a critical milestone for aspirants aiming for the Indian Institutes of Management and other leading MBA colleges. Timely CAT exam registration 2026 ensures eligibility, reduces last-minute errors, and allows candidates to plan preparation with clarity.
Applicants should track official dates, complete the CAT 2026 application form carefully, and register early. A disciplined start with the right guidance can significantly improve outcomes in CAT 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – CAT 2026 Registration
1. When will CAT 2026 registration start?
The CAT 2026 registration start date is expected to be in the first week of August 2026, after the official notification is released by the Indian Institutes of Management in mid-July.
2. What is the last date to apply for CAT 2026?
The CAT 2026 registration last date is likely to fall in the third week of September 2026. Late applications are not accepted.
3. Where can I apply for CAT 2026?
Candidates must complete the CAT 2026 application online only through the official website iimcat.ac.in. No offline or third-party applications are valid.
4. What is the eligibility for the CAT exam registration 2026?
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD). Final-year students and CA/CS/CMA professionals are also eligible.
5. What documents are required for CAT 2026 registration?
You need a passport-size photograph, signature, and category/PwD certificate (if applicable). An incorrect document format can lead to form rejection.
6. What is the CAT 2026 application fee?
The CAT 2026 application form fee is ₹2,600 for General/EWS/NC-OBC and ₹1,300 for SC/ST/PwD candidates. The fee is non-refundable.
7. Can I edit my CAT 2026 application after submission?
Yes, a limited CAT 2026 application correction window is expected in late September 2026, but only select fields can be edited.
8. How many test cities can I choose during CAT 2026 registration?
Candidates can select multiple preferred test cities during the CAT 2026 registration process, though final allotment depends on availability.
9. What are the most common mistakes during the CAT exam registration 2026?
Waiting until the last day, entering incorrect academic details, uploading unclear documents, and selecting unrealistic test cities are common mistakes.
10. How does Tarkashastra help after CAT 2026 registration?
Tarkashastra provides structured preparation, mocks, performance analysis, and personalised mentoring aligned with the CAT 2026 timeline.
