CAT 2026 Registration Last Date: September 15, 2026
CAT Exam

CAT 2026 Registration Last Date: September 15, 2026

CAT 2026 Notification

July 26, 2026

CAT 2026 Registration Starts

August 3, 2026

CAT 2026 Registration Last Date

September 15, 2026

CAT 2026 Admit Card

November 4, 2026

CAT 2026 Exam Date

November 29, 2026

CAT 2026 Result

First week of January 2027

Quick Summary

  • CAT 2026 registration is open from August 3 to September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM. The application fee is ₹2,700 for General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates and ₹1,350 for SC, ST and PwD candidates. CAT 2026 will be conducted on November 29, 2026, with the admit card scheduled for November 4. Eligible candidates can apply online through the official CAT website.

If you are planning to appear for CAT 2026, the most important deadline to remember right now is the CAT 2026 Registration Last Date: September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM IST. The registration process started on August 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM, and applications are being accepted through the official CAT website. The CAT 2026 examination is scheduled for November 29, 2026, in three sessions across approximately 170 test cities in India.

As of August 12, 2026, CAT 2026 registration is open. Candidates should not wait for the final day to complete the application because the form requires personal information, academic details, work-experience information where applicable, programme preferences, test-city choices, document uploads and fee payment.

The CAT 2026 Registration Last Date is particularly important because simply creating an account or partially filling the application does not mean that the application has been successfully submitted. Candidates must complete the form, pay the prescribed application fee and submit the application before the deadline.

The official CAT website is the safest place to check the latest notification, application instructions, admit-card updates and other examination announcements. Candidates should use only the official portal for registration and avoid third-party websites asking for CAT login credentials or payment details.

Official CAT Website — iimcat.ac.in

CAT 2026 Registration Last Date: Quick Answer

The CAT 2026 Registration Last Date is September 15, 2026, up to 5:00 PM IST. Registration began on August 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM. The examination will be conducted on November 29, 2026.

Here is the CAT 2026 schedule currently available:

CAT 2026 EventDate / Time
CAT 2026 NotificationJuly 26, 2026
CAT 2026 Registration StartsAugust 3, 2026, 10:00 AM
CAT 2026 Registration Last DateSeptember 15, 2026, 5:00 PM
CAT 2026 Admit CardNovember 4, 2026
CAT 2026 Exam DateNovember 29, 2026
CAT 2026 ResultFirst week of January 2027, tentatively
CAT 2026 Score ValidityUp to December 31, 2027

The admit card is scheduled to become available from November 4, 2026, and the CAT 2026 result is expected in the first week of January 2027 according to the published examination schedule.

There is currently no reason to assume that the September 15 deadline will automatically be extended. Candidates should therefore treat September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM as the final deadline and complete the application well in advance.

Is CAT 2026 Registration Open Now?

Yes. CAT 2026 registration is currently open as of August 12, 2026.

The application window opened on August 3 at 10:00 AM and will remain open until September 15 at 5:00 PM. The examination authority has announced the schedule through the CAT 2026 notification.

This means candidates currently have time to prepare their documents, verify their academic information and submit the application carefully. However, waiting until the last few hours is not advisable.

A CAT application involves more than entering your name and paying a fee. You may need to enter Class 10 and Class 12 details, graduation information, professional qualifications, work experience, category information, programme preferences and test-city preferences. An incorrect entry can create problems later.

The better approach is simple: complete the application early, review every section and save your confirmation details after successful payment.

CAT 2026 Registration Last Date and Exam Date

The relationship between the registration deadline and examination date is important for planning.

The CAT 2026 Registration Last Date is September 15, 2026, while the examination is scheduled for November 29, 2026.

That gives candidates roughly two and a half months between the application deadline and the examination. This period should not be treated as extra registration time. Once September 15 passes, the focus should shift completely towards preparation, mock tests, revision and exam strategy.

The CAT 2026 exam will be conducted in three sessions on November 29 across approximately 170 test cities.

For an aspirant who has not yet registered, the sensible sequence is:

  • Complete CAT registration before September 15.

  • Verify the confirmation of successful submission.

  • Continue preparation without waiting for the admit card.

  • Track official CAT announcements.

  • Download the admit card when it becomes available.

  • Use the final weeks for mock tests, revision and test-taking strategy.

CAT 2026 Registration Fees

The CAT 2026 application fee has increased compared with the previous cycle.

For CAT 2026, the application fee is:

Candidate CategoryCAT 2026 Registration Fee
General₹2,700
EWS₹2,700
NC-OBC₹2,700
SC₹1,350
ST₹1,350
PwD / PwBD₹1,350

Current 2026 reporting based on the CAT notification confirms a fee of ₹2,700 for General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates and ₹1,350 for SC, ST and PwD candidates. The fee is non-refundable.

Candidates should check their category carefully before submitting the application. Category information is not something that should be selected casually because the CAT application is used for subsequent admission-related processes.

The registration fee is paid during the online application process. Candidates should retain the payment confirmation and application confirmation for future reference.

Has the CAT Registration Fee Increased in 2026?

Yes. The CAT 2026 fee is higher than the previous cycle.

The fee for General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates is ₹2,700, while the fee for SC, ST and PwD candidates is ₹1,350. Current reports identify this as an increase of ₹100 for the higher-fee category and ₹50 for the reserved-category fee compared with CAT 2025.

The increase in fee does not change the registration deadline. Candidates must still submit the completed application and payment by September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM.

Who Can Apply for CAT 2026?

CAT 2026 is open to eligible graduates, final-year undergraduate students and candidates holding certain recognised professional qualifications.

The standard academic requirement is a bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA from a recognised university or institution. For SC, ST and PwD/PwBD candidates, the minimum requirement is 45%.

Candidates who are currently in the final year of their bachelor's degree can also apply, subject to the conditions specified by the CAT authorities.

Candidates with recognised professional qualifications such as CA, CS, CMA/ICWA and certain other eligible qualifications can also be considered under the CAT eligibility rules.

There is no upper age limit for appearing in CAT.

However, eligibility for CAT does not mean automatic admission to an IIM. Each IIM has its own admission policy and may consider several factors beyond the CAT percentile, including academic performance, work experience, diversity-related factors and performance in subsequent selection stages.

Can Final-Year Students Apply for CAT 2026?

Yes. Final-year bachelor's degree students can apply for CAT 2026.

A final-year student does not need to wait until the degree is formally awarded before appearing for CAT. However, such candidates must satisfy the applicable academic and graduation requirements within the prescribed timeline.

Candidates awaiting their graduation results may also be eligible under the conditions specified in the CAT notification.

If you are a final-year student, enter your academic information exactly according to the instructions provided in the CAT application. Do not estimate or manufacture marks that have not been officially declared.

CAT 2026 Registration Process

The CAT 2026 application is completed online through the official CAT website.

The broad process involves creating a CAT account, entering personal and academic details, providing work-experience information where applicable, selecting programmes and test-city preferences, uploading required documents, paying the application fee and submitting the form.

Candidates should keep sufficient time for the process rather than treating it as a five-minute form.

Create Your CAT 2026 Account

Start by visiting the official CAT website and selecting the registration option.

You will need to provide basic information such as your name, date of birth, email address and mobile number as required by the registration portal.

Use an email address and mobile number that you will be able to access throughout the admission cycle. These details may be used for important communication.

Do not use an email ID that you rarely check.

Do not share your CAT password or OTP with another person.

Fill in Personal Details

After creating the account, candidates need to enter their personal and communication details.

This information should be entered exactly as required by the CAT application instructions and supporting documents.

Before moving to the next section, check:

  • Name spelling

  • Date of birth

  • Gender

  • Category

  • Communication details

  • Mobile number

  • Email address

  • Emergency contact information, where required

A small spelling error can become difficult to correct later, so the preview stage should be taken seriously.

Enter Academic Details

The application requires candidates to provide information about their educational background.

This can include:

  • Class 10 details

  • Class 12 or equivalent details

  • Bachelor's degree details

  • Master's degree details, where applicable

  • Professional qualification details, where applicable

Candidates should use their official academic records while completing these sections.

Do not enter marks based on memory when the marksheet is available.

If your university uses CGPA rather than percentage, follow the CAT instructions and your institution's prescribed conversion method rather than inventing your own percentage.

Enter Work Experience

Candidates with eligible work experience should provide the relevant employment information accurately.

Work experience can be relevant during IIM shortlisting, but the CAT form should not be used to inflate experience.

Internships, projects and other activities should not automatically be treated as full-time professional work experience.

The application instructions should be followed carefully regarding what qualifies as work experience and the date on which it is calculated.

Keep supporting documents such as appointment letters, experience certificates, relieving letters or salary records available if an institute later asks for verification.

Select IIM Programmes

The CAT application also includes programme preferences.

Candidates should carefully review the programmes offered by the participating IIMs and select the programmes for which they wish to be considered.

This is an important part of the application because admission policies are institute-specific.

Do not assume that every IIM follows exactly the same shortlisting formula.

The CAT score is an important component, but individual IIMs decide their own admission policies.

Select CAT Test Cities

CAT 2026 candidates can select five preferred test cities during registration.

The examination is scheduled across approximately 170 cities. The final city allocation depends on availability and administrative considerations. If the preferred cities cannot be allotted, the examination authority may assign another nearby city.

Choose cities based on actual convenience rather than simply selecting locations because they are popular.

For example, if you live in Lucknow and can easily travel there, putting Lucknow high on the preference list is more practical than selecting a distant metropolitan city simply because it appears more frequently in coaching discussions.

Remember that selecting a city is not the same as selecting a particular test centre. The exact centre address will be provided later through the admit card.

Upload Required Documents

Candidates should prepare their documents before starting the application.

Commonly required information or documents include:

  • Recent passport-size photograph

  • Scanned signature

  • Class 10 academic information

  • Class 12 academic information

  • Graduation details

  • Category certificate, where applicable

  • PwD/PwBD documentation, where applicable

  • Work-experience details, where applicable

  • Relevant professional qualification information, where applicable

Current CAT 2026 registration guidance also highlights the need to keep academic documents, category documentation and payment facilities ready before beginning the application.

The exact upload specifications should always be checked in the current CAT registration portal because file size, format and image requirements can be updated by the examination authority.

Pay the CAT 2026 Application Fee

After completing the application, candidates need to make the applicable payment.

The current CAT 2026 fee is ₹2,700 for General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates and ₹1,350 for SC, ST and PwD candidates.

Before making payment, use the application preview to verify your information.

After payment, make sure the transaction is successful and that the application has been submitted successfully.

A payment attempt that fails should not be treated as a completed application.

Save the Confirmation

Once the application is successfully submitted, save the confirmation page and payment details.

It is also sensible to maintain one folder containing:

  • CAT User ID

  • CAT password

  • Application confirmation

  • Payment receipt

  • Uploaded photograph

  • Uploaded signature

  • Academic documents

  • Category certificate, if applicable

This can save considerable time later when the admit card and subsequent admission processes begin.

Documents Required for CAT 2026 Registration

Preparing documents before opening the form can make the process much smoother.

The exact requirements should always be checked on the official CAT portal, but candidates should generally keep the following information ready:

Document / InformationWho Should Keep It Ready?
Recent photographAll candidates
Scanned signatureAll candidates
Class 10 marksheet/detailsAll candidates
Class 12 marksheet/detailsApplicable candidates
Graduation marksheets/detailsGraduates
Final-year academic informationFinal-year students
Category certificateSC/ST/NC-OBC/EWS candidates where applicable
PwD/PwBD documentationCandidates applying under the applicable category
Work-experience recordsCandidates with eligible work experience
Professional qualification detailsCandidates using eligible professional qualifications
Payment methodAll candidates

A common mistake is to begin registration first and search for documents while the form is open in another tab.

A better approach is to collect everything before starting.

CAT 2026 Photograph and Signature Requirements

Photograph and signature uploads are among the most common sources of application errors in management entrance examinations.

Candidates should not assume that any old passport photograph will automatically work.

Use a recent photograph and follow the dimensions, format, background and file-size requirements displayed in the CAT 2026 application instructions.

The same principle applies to the signature.

Before uploading:

  • Check that the image is clear.

  • Make sure the photograph is recent.

  • Make sure the face is clearly visible.

  • Check the background requirements.

  • Confirm the permitted file format.

  • Confirm the maximum file size.

  • Ensure the signature is readable.

  • Avoid blurry or cropped files.

Current CAT 2026 application guidance specifically advises candidates to keep a recent photograph and scanned signature ready before beginning registration.

Do not rely on an old image specification found in a CAT article from another year. Always compare the requirements against the current 2026 registration portal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid Before the CAT 2026 Registration Last Date

The deadline is not the only thing candidates need to worry about.

Several mistakes can occur during application, especially when candidates rush through the form.

Entering the Wrong Category

Category information should be selected carefully.

If you belong to a reserved category, make sure your certificate and details satisfy the applicable CAT requirements.

Do not select a category simply because you expect a lower qualifying threshold.

Using an Incorrect Name

Use your official educational documents as the reference when entering your name.

If your name appears differently across documents, resolve the discrepancy according to the instructions applicable to the CAT application rather than casually choosing a preferred spelling.

Entering Incorrect Academic Marks

Do not guess your percentage.

Use your marksheets and the conversion rules applicable to your university or board.

Academic information can later be used by IIMs during admission evaluation, so accuracy matters.

Treating Internship as Work Experience

Candidates sometimes include every internship, project or part-time activity as professional work experience.

That is not a safe approach.

Only enter experience according to the definition and instructions provided in the CAT application.

Selecting Test Cities Without Checking Travel

Candidates should select cities they can realistically reach on examination day.

Your final centre is allotted by the examination authority, so test-city preferences should be chosen thoughtfully.

Waiting Until September 15

This is perhaps the most avoidable mistake.

If you know you will appear for CAT 2026, there is little benefit in waiting until the afternoon of September 15.

A website slowdown, payment problem, document issue or incorrect entry can turn a manageable task into a stressful one.

The safest approach is to finish registration well before the CAT 2026 Registration Last Date.

Assuming the Deadline Means Midnight

It does not.

The official deadline is 5:00 PM on September 15, 2026.

That means candidates should not interpret September 15 as “the entire day until 11:59 PM.”

What Happens After CAT 2026 Registration?

Completing the application is only the beginning of the CAT journey.

After the CAT 2026 Registration Last Date, the next major milestone is the admit card.

The CAT 2026 admit card is scheduled to be released on November 4, 2026. Candidates can download it through the official CAT portal and should carefully verify the centre, date, session and other details.

The examination will then take place on November 29, 2026.

The result is tentatively scheduled for the first week of January 2027.

This creates a useful timeline for preparation.

StageTimeline
RegistrationAugust 3 – September 15, 2026
PreparationContinue throughout the registration period and after it
Admit CardNovember 4, 2026
CAT ExamNovember 29, 2026
ResultFirst week of January 2027, tentatively
IIM Admission ProcessAfter result, according to individual IIM schedules

CAT 2026 Exam Pattern

CAT 2026 is scheduled as a computer-based examination with three sections:

  • Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

  • Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

  • Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

The currently published CAT 2026 pattern contains 68 questions, with 24 questions in VARC, 22 in DILR and 22 in QA. Each section has a 40-minute time limit, giving a total examination duration of 120 minutes for the standard test.

SectionQuestionsTime
VARC2440 minutes
DILR2240 minutes
QA2240 minutes
Total68120 minutes

The section timers are separate, meaning candidates cannot freely move between sections once a section's allotted time has ended.

The paper contains both multiple-choice questions and Type-In-The-Answer questions. Wrong MCQ answers attract negative marking, while TITA questions do not carry the same negative marking mechanism.

Candidates should still check the official CAT information bulletin and admit-card instructions for any final instructions issued by the examination authority.

CAT 2026 Syllabus

The CAT does not operate on a school-style syllabus with a fixed list of every question type that will appear.

Instead, preparation is generally organised around the three sections.

VARC

VARC focuses heavily on reading comprehension and verbal ability.

Important preparation areas include:

  • Reading comprehension

  • Para summaries

  • Para jumbles

  • Odd sentence questions

  • Sentence completion and related verbal reasoning

  • Critical reading

  • Inference

  • Main idea

  • Author's tone

  • Argument structure

Reading comprehension deserves consistent attention because CAT passages can test not just factual recall but interpretation, inference and the ability to distinguish between what a passage states and what a candidate assumes.

DILR

DILR combines logical reasoning with data interpretation.

Preparation can include:

  • Tables

  • Charts

  • Graphs

  • Arrangements

  • Games and tournaments

  • Distribution problems

  • Selection problems

  • Scheduling

  • Networks

  • Sets

  • Caselets

  • Logical conditions

DILR is often less about memorising formulas and more about recognising the underlying structure of a set.

Quantitative Aptitude

QA includes mathematics commonly associated with arithmetic, algebra, geometry and related areas.

Important preparation topics include:

  • Percentages

  • Profit and loss

  • Simple and compound interest

  • Ratios

  • Proportions

  • Averages

  • Time and work

  • Time, speed and distance

  • Mixtures and allegations

  • Number systems

  • Algebra

  • Equations

  • Functions

  • Geometry

  • Mensuration

  • Permutation and combination

  • Probability

A strong QA strategy is not simply to complete every possible topic. Candidates should identify their strengths, weaknesses and the topics that produce the highest return during practice.

How Should You Prepare Before CAT 2026?

The period after registration should be treated differently from the early preparation phase.

If you are already comfortable with the fundamentals, the priority should increasingly move towards application, speed and accuracy.

If your fundamentals are weak, do not rush into full-length mocks without fixing the underlying concepts.

A useful preparation cycle is:

Concept building → Topic practice → Sectional tests → Full-length mocks → Analysis → Revision → More mocks

The analysis stage is particularly important.

Taking a mock test and immediately opening another mock without analysing mistakes does not provide the same value as understanding why questions were missed.

For every mock, ask:

  • Did I misunderstand the question?

  • Did I make a calculation error?

  • Did I choose the wrong question?

  • Did I spend too much time on a difficult question?

  • Was the concept weak?

  • Was my reading speed too slow?

  • Did I panic after getting two questions wrong?

  • Did I fail to identify an easier set?

The answers will tell you more about your CAT strategy than the raw score alone.

How Much Time Is Left After the CAT 2026 Registration Last Date?

The registration deadline is September 15, while CAT 2026 is scheduled for November 29.

That means candidates have a substantial final preparation window after registration closes.

However, the exact number of days should not become an excuse to postpone preparation.

A candidate who is registering in August should already have a preparation plan.

A practical timeline could look like this:

August: Build and Strengthen

Focus on concepts, weak areas and consistent practice.

Candidates who are already prepared can begin increasing the frequency of sectional tests.

September: Shift Towards Application

Complete registration before September 15 and increase the number of timed tests.

Begin identifying which types of questions you should attempt and which types you should leave.

October: Mock-Test Intensive Phase

Full-length mocks become increasingly important.

The objective should not be to collect the largest possible number of mock scores.

The objective should be to understand your performance.

Analyse every test carefully.

November: Exam Simulation

As November progresses, practice under conditions similar to the actual exam.

Work on:

  • Timing

  • Question selection

  • Accuracy

  • Stamina

  • Sectional strategy

  • Test-day routine

The admit card is scheduled for November 4, so candidates should also confirm their allotted centre and plan their travel accordingly.

Does Registering Early Improve Your CAT Score?

Registering early does not directly increase your CAT score.

There is no academic advantage in the act of submitting the form early.

However, early registration can reduce administrative risk.

Candidates who complete the application early have more time to:

  • Correct an obvious application mistake if an official correction facility is provided.

  • Resolve payment problems.

  • Verify uploaded documents.

  • Organise preparation without worrying about the deadline.

  • Keep their login credentials safe.

  • Avoid last-minute technical pressure.

Early registration may also help candidates manage their test-city preferences before the application window closes, although final allocation depends on the examination authority and availability.

So, registering early is not a shortcut to a higher percentile. It is simply good risk management.

Can You Register After the CAT 2026 Registration Last Date?

Candidates should not plan on registering after September 15.

The officially announced deadline is September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Unless the examination authority subsequently publishes an extension or a new registration opportunity, applications must be completed within the announced window.

This distinction matters because previous CAT cycles have sometimes seen changes or extensions, but candidates should never assume that a previous year's extension will automatically happen again.

Historical behaviour is not an official promise.

For CAT 2026, the safest rule is:

Treat September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM as the final deadline.

If the authorities announce any extension later, candidates can act on that official announcement.

Is There a CAT 2026 Form Correction Window?

Candidates should distinguish between the application deadline and any later correction facility.

Some current CAT 2026 education portals have reported an expected correction period in September for limited application fields. However, because the exact correction facility and editable fields are controlled by the CAT authorities, candidates should not use an expected correction window as a reason to submit inaccurate information.

The safest approach is to get the application right before payment and final submission.

Do not deliberately enter incorrect information assuming it can be fixed later.

CAT 2026 Registration for Reserved Category Candidates

Reserved-category candidates should pay particular attention to the documentation requirements.

The CAT 2026 fee is ₹1,350 for SC, ST and PwD candidates, compared with ₹2,700 for General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates.

Eligibility requirements also differ in the minimum qualifying graduation percentage, with 45% specified for SC, ST and PwD candidates compared with 50% for other candidates.

Candidates applying under a reservation category should ensure that their certificates and category information satisfy the requirements specified in the CAT notification.

Do not wait until the final day to discover that a required certificate is unavailable or contains inconsistent information.

CAT 2026 for Working Professionals

Working professionals can apply for CAT 2026 if they satisfy the eligibility criteria.

Work experience is entered separately in the application and can become relevant during IIM admission processes.

However, candidates should understand that work experience is not a substitute for CAT preparation.

A candidate with two years of work experience still needs a strong CAT performance if the target institutes and programmes require competitive scores.

At the same time, work experience can form part of the broader profile considered by IIMs, and each institute has its own admission criteria.

Working professionals should therefore focus on two things simultaneously:

  1. Enter accurate employment information in the CAT application.

  2. Build a preparation schedule that fits around their working hours.

CAT 2026 for Freshers

Freshers are fully capable of applying for CAT 2026 if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Lack of work experience does not prevent a candidate from appearing for CAT.

However, a fresher should understand that IIM selection is not based solely on CAT percentile. Academic history, diversity factors, work experience and institute-specific selection policies can influence shortlisting and final selection.

For freshers, the best controllable factor is the CAT preparation itself.

Focus on:

  • Strong fundamentals

  • High accuracy

  • Regular mocks

  • Good reading habits

  • Interview preparation after the exam

  • Accurate academic information in the application

What Is the CAT 2026 Exam Date?

The CAT 2026 exam date is November 29, 2026.

The exam is scheduled for Sunday and will be conducted in three sessions across approximately 170 test cities.

Candidates should not assume their exact exam session yet.

The session, reporting time and exact examination centre will be available through the admit card.

Which IIM Is Conducting CAT 2026?

CAT 2026 is being conducted by IIM Indore.

The responsibility for CAT has historically rotated among the older IIMs, and IIM Indore is the conducting institute for the 2026 examination cycle. Current 2026 reporting identifies IIM Indore as the confirmed conducting institute.

The conducting institute is responsible for administering the examination, but candidates should not assume that knowing the conducting IIM allows them to predict the exact difficulty of the paper.

CAT difficulty cannot be reliably forecast from the name of the conducting IIM alone.

How Many IIMs Accept CAT Scores?

CAT is the principal entrance examination used for admission to postgraduate management programmes at the IIMs.

The 2026 notification covers the 21 IIMs and also allows CAT scores to be used by listed non-IIM institutions.

Apart from the IIMs, CAT scores are accepted by a number of other management institutes.

However, the fact that a college accepts CAT does not mean that the admission process is identical to that of the IIMs.

Every institute can define its own:

  • Minimum percentile

  • Sectional requirements

  • Shortlisting criteria

  • Academic weightage

  • Work-experience weightage

  • Interview process

  • Final selection formula

Candidates should therefore check the individual admission policy of every college they are seriously considering.

CAT Score Is Not the Same as IIM Admission

This is an important distinction for CAT aspirants.

CAT is an entrance examination, not the complete IIM admission process.

A strong percentile may help you become eligible for consideration, but an IIM may use additional factors when deciding whom to shortlist and whom to admit.

Therefore, preparation should not end with the CAT exam.

After CAT, candidates should be prepared for:

  • Personal interviews

  • Written assessment components where applicable

  • Academic questions

  • Current affairs

  • Work-experience questions

  • Questions about career goals

  • Questions about the chosen programme

  • Questions based on the candidate's academic background

The exact process varies from institute to institute.

What Should You Do If You Have Not Registered Yet?

If you are eligible and planning to take CAT 2026, there is no need to panic.

The registration deadline is September 15.

Instead, use a simple checklist.

Before Opening the Form

Keep ready:

  • Email address

  • Mobile number

  • Photograph

  • Signature

  • Class 10 details

  • Class 12 details

  • Graduation details

  • Category documents, if applicable

  • Work-experience information, if applicable

  • Preferred test cities

  • Payment method

While Filling the Form

Check every field before moving forward.

Pay special attention to:

  • Name

  • Date of birth

  • Category

  • Academic marks

  • Graduation details

  • Work experience

  • Programme selections

  • Test-city preferences

  • Document uploads

Before Payment

Use the preview facility.

Read the application from the beginning rather than checking only the last page.

If possible, take a few minutes away from the screen and then review it again.

After Payment

Confirm successful submission.

Save the confirmation page.

Store your CAT login details securely.

Then get back to preparation.

Why You Should Not Wait for the CAT 2026 Registration Last Date

There is a psychological advantage to getting the form out of the way.

Once registration is complete, your attention can return to the actual examination.

More importantly, early completion reduces the chance that a technical problem will occur when the deadline is approaching.

Imagine discovering at 4:30 PM on September 15 that:

  • Your photograph is not uploading.

  • Your payment is failing.

  • Your internet connection is unstable.

  • You entered an academic mark incorrectly.

  • Your category certificate is not available.

  • You forgot to select a programme.

  • You cannot access your registered email.

The deadline gives you no room to solve these problems calmly.

Completing the application earlier turns these risks into manageable administrative tasks.

CAT 2026 Registration Last Date: A Practical Checklist

Before September 15, make sure you can answer “yes” to all of the following:

  • I meet CAT 2026 eligibility requirements.

  • I have created my CAT registration account.

  • I am using my own active email address.

  • I am using an active mobile number.

  • My name and date of birth are correct.

  • My category is correct.

  • My Class 10 information is accurate.

  • My Class 12 information is accurate.

  • My graduation information is accurate.

  • My work experience is entered correctly, if applicable.

  • My photograph meets the current upload specifications.

  • My signature meets the current upload specifications.

  • My category documents are ready, if applicable.

  • I have selected my preferred programmes carefully.

  • I have selected five preferred test cities.

  • I have checked the application preview.

  • I have paid the correct fee.

  • My payment was successful.

  • My application was successfully submitted.

  • I have saved my confirmation page.

  • I have saved my CAT login details.

If all of these are complete, the registration part of your CAT 2026 journey is largely taken care of.

CAT 2026 Registration Last Date: What Candidates Should Remember

The most important date is simple:

September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM IST.

The registration window started on August 3, 2026, and CAT 2026 will be held on November 29, 2026. The admit card is scheduled for November 4, and the result is tentatively expected in the first week of January 2027.

The current CAT 2026 application fee is ₹2,700 for General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates and ₹1,350 for SC, ST and PwD candidates.

The minimum graduation requirement is generally 50% for candidates in the unreserved category and 45% for SC, ST and PwD candidates, with final-year students also eligible subject to the prescribed conditions.

The registration process is online, and candidates should use only the official CAT portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CAT 2026 Registration Last Date?

The CAT 2026 Registration Last Date is September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM IST. Candidates should complete the application and fee payment before this deadline.

When did CAT 2026 registration start?

CAT 2026 registration started on August 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM IST.

What is the CAT 2026 exam date?

CAT 2026 is scheduled for November 29, 2026. The examination will be conducted in three sessions.

What is the CAT 2026 registration fee?

The fee is ₹2,700 for General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates and ₹1,350 for SC, ST and PwD candidates.

Can final-year students apply for CAT 2026?

Yes. Final-year bachelor's degree students can apply, subject to meeting the conditions specified by the CAT authorities.

What is the minimum graduation percentage for CAT 2026?

The standard minimum is 50% marks or equivalent CGPA, while SC, ST and PwD candidates require 45% under the stated eligibility criteria.

Is there any age limit for CAT 2026?

There is no upper age limit for appearing in CAT 2026 under the published eligibility criteria.

How many test cities can I select for CAT 2026?

Candidates can select five preferred test cities during CAT 2026 registration. The final allocation depends on availability.

What happens if all five preferred cities are unavailable?

If the preferred cities cannot be allotted because of capacity or other administrative considerations, the examination authority may allot a nearby city.

When will the CAT 2026 admit card be released?

The CAT 2026 admit card is scheduled to be released on November 4, 2026.

When will CAT 2026 results be announced?

The CAT 2026 result is tentatively scheduled for the first week of January 2027.

Can I register for CAT 2026 after September 15?

Candidates should not assume that registration will remain open after September 15. Unless an official extension is announced, September 15 at 5:00 PM should be treated as the final deadline.

Can I fill the CAT form without paying the fee?

Creating an account or saving an incomplete application is not the same as successfully submitting the CAT application. Candidates should ensure that the required fee is paid successfully and that the final application submission is confirmed.

Is the CAT registration fee refundable?

The CAT registration fee is non-refundable according to the published CAT registration information.

Which IIM is conducting CAT 2026?

IIM Indore is conducting CAT 2026.

How many questions will CAT 2026 have?

The currently published CAT 2026 pattern has 68 questions: 24 in VARC, 22 in DILR and 22 in QA.

How long is the CAT 2026 exam?

The standard CAT 2026 examination duration is 120 minutes, divided into three 40-minute sections.

What are the three sections in CAT 2026?

The three sections are VARC, DILR and QA: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude.

Can working professionals apply for CAT 2026?

Yes. Working professionals who satisfy the eligibility criteria can apply. They should accurately enter their eligible work-experience information in the application.

Does work experience guarantee an IIM call?

No. Work experience is only one of the factors that an IIM may consider. Each IIM follows its own admission policy.

Does a high CAT percentile guarantee admission to an IIM?

No. CAT percentile is important, but IIMs may consider academic performance, work experience, diversity-related factors, interviews and other components depending on their individual policies.

Conclusion

The CAT 2026 Registration Last Date is September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM IST, and candidates should treat this as the deadline rather than waiting for a possible extension.

CAT 2026 registration is already open, the examination is scheduled for November 29, 2026, and IIM Indore is conducting the test. The application fee is ₹2,700 for General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates and ₹1,350 for SC, ST and PwD candidates. Eligible candidates generally need 50% in their bachelor's degree, or 45% for SC, ST and PwD candidates, while final-year students can also apply subject to the prescribed conditions.

For an aspirant, the practical takeaway is straightforward: do not leave CAT registration until the final afternoon. Keep your academic records, photograph, signature, category documents and work-experience information ready, complete the form carefully, review it before payment and save your confirmation after submission.

Once the form is successfully submitted, shift your attention back to what ultimately determines your performance — preparation, question selection, accuracy, mock-test analysis and consistency.

The deadline is administrative. The CAT score is academic. Make sure you handle the first one early enough to give yourself full attention for the second.

Official and Reference Sources

For the most current CAT 2026 announcements, candidates should rely on the official CAT portal rather than unofficial registration links. The CAT website itself advises candidates to verify the official domain before sharing personal information or making payments.

CAT Official Website

The 2026 registration dates, exam date and application details have also been reported consistently by current education publications following the release of the CAT 2026 notification.

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Key Takeaways

  • CAT 2026 Registration Last Date: September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
  • Registration Start Date: August 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM.
  • CAT 2026 Exam Date: November 29, 2026.
  • Application Fee: ₹2,700 for General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates; ₹1,350 for SC, ST and PwD candidates.
  • Eligibility: Graduates generally need at least 50% marks, while SC, ST and PwD candidates need 45%.
  • Final-year students: Eligible to apply, subject to CAT's prescribed conditions.
  • Admit Card: Scheduled to be released on November 4, 2026.
  • Exam Pattern: 68 questions across VARC, DILR and QA, with a total duration of 120 minutes.
  • Test Cities: Candidates can select five preferred cities during registration.
  • Conducting Institute: IIM Indore is conducting CAT 2026.
  • Candidates should complete the application well before the CAT 2026 Registration Last Date to avoid last-minute payment, document or submission issues.
  • Registration should be completed only through the official CAT website.

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