CAT 2026 Registration

IIM began the CAT 2026 registration process. Candidates who want to appear for the CAT in 2026 can fill out the application form online by visiting the official IIM CAT website. CAT is a prestigious national-level MBA entrance exam. This exam is important for students seeking admission into top management programs offered by IIM and other of India's best private MBA colleges. Students must be well-informed about the CAT 2026 registration date, and all required documents to ensure a smooth application process and full preparation for the exam.

Key Dates for CAT 2026 Registration 

The registration process for CAT 2026 is a critical step in the management degree journey. Below are the crucial dates for CAT 2026 that students need to remember:

Particulars	Date
Start Date	August 1, 2026
Last date to apply for CAT 2026	September 13, 2026

Students must complete their registration by the CAT 2026 application form's last date to ensure a smooth application. Sticking to these dates is crucial, as late registration is generally not acceptable. Failure to do so could result in a missed opportunity to appear in the exam.

CAT 2026 Registration Fees

The CAT 2026 application fee varies depending on the student's category. Understanding and preparing for this fee is important to ensure successful registration. Please see the fee breakdown below:

• Rs. 1250 for SC, ST, and PwD candidates
• Other Candidates: Rs. 2500

Students must pay the registration fee as the last step in completing their application process. Failure to pay the fee will result in the rejection of the application, as the registration becomes invalid without payment. Completing this step is important to secure a position for the exam.

Documents Required for CAT Registration in 2026

Before starting the CAT 2026 registration process, students must collect and prepare the necessary documents. The official notification provides a comprehensive list of required documents. These documents must be ready for students:

• The registration process requires a valid email ID and phone number, which are crucial for communication and verification.
• Photo: a recent past port size photo that sticks to the specification is required.
• Signature: A scanned image of the student's signature in the specific format and size required.
• Category certificate: Students who apply under reserved categories such as SC, ST, OBC, or PWD must possess a valid category certificate to get a fee concession.
• Academic details: Mark sheets and certificates from classes 10th, 12th, and graduation are important for verifying educational qualification.
• Work experience: Students with work experience should submit an offer letter with details such as the company name, duration, and role.
• Identification proof: To verify identity, a government-issued ID, such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card, or passport, is necessary. 

Students must ensure that all documents are in order and meet the required specifications to prevent any delay or rejection of the registration form. 

How to register for CAT 2026?

The registration process for CAT involves various steps. Check below for a detailed guide that will help students complete each stage effectively: 

1. Verify the official IIM CAT website for 2026: Go to the official website. All registration and exam updates are on this platform.

2. Create a user profile.

• To begin the process, click on the registration button.
• Enter your details, like your name, date of birth, email address, and phone number. Your registered mobile number will receive the OTP. This is used for verification. 
• To complete your profile creation, enter this OTP.

3. Fill in all the details in the application form. 

• Login using your credentials, which you must have received on your email and phone number. 
• Complete the application form by filling in personal details like name, gender, nationality, and category. Provide the academic details, such as marks obtained in classes 10th, 12th, and graduation.
• Students must also include details of their work experience. This work experience must specify the name of the company, duration, and role. 

4. Upload the required documents. 

• Upload scanned images of the photo, signature, and category certificate. 
• Make sure that all uploaded documents have the format and size specified by the CAT authority. 
• Students will have their application form rejected if they miss this.

5. Select preferred test cities. 

• Students can choose up to six test cities in order of preference. This choice will determine your exam location. 
• Choose your priority location first for your convenience. 

6. Pay the registration fee. 

• Students must pay the registration fee using available payment methods, such as credit card, debit card, or net banking.
• You can save the payment receipt as proof of payment for your records. This receipt may be required for future reference. 

7. Submit the application form.

• To avoid rejection, review all the information you've entered in the application form.
• Submit the form and take a printout of the confirmation page. This confirmation will serve as proof of your successful registration. 

What to Do After Completing CAT 2026 Registration 

After registration for CAT 2026, students must focus on the following steps to ensure that they are well-prepared for the exam: 

Download the CAT 2026 admit card: The admit card will be available to download from the official website only. This will be released before the exam. Keep an eye out for any updates and the exact release date on the website.

CAT 2026 Preparation Tips: Start your exam preparation by checking the syllabus and making a study timetable. You must use a good source of study material. You should consider participating in coaching classes or online courses to enhance your preparation further. Practice with mock tests and solve previous years. Use the question paper to familiarize yourself with the exam format and enhance your time management abilities.

Stay updated: You must regularly visit the official website for any updates or notifications related to the exam. Staying informed will help you be aware of any changes or new information that could affect your exam preparation. 

 Follow the CAT exam day instructions: On exam day, carefully read and adhere to the instructions provided on the admit card. Ensure that you bring all the required documents, such as an admit card and proof of valid ID, to the exam center.

The CAT 2026 registration process is important for students who want to study management at a business school in India. By sticking to the registration deadline, submitting all the required documents, and following the detailed application process, students can ensure a smooth and successful registration. Staying updated and having effective preparation will enhance your chances of success in the exam.