CAT 2026 Registration: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore has officially announced the schedule for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026. According to the official information bulletin, the CAT 2026 registration window will open on August 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM and remain active until September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Eligible candidates can complete the online application process through the official CAT website.
CAT is the gateway to admission into MBA and management programmes offered by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and several other participating B-schools across India. Candidates are advised to complete their registration well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 |
| Conducting Institute | IIM Indore |
| Registration Starts | August 3, 2026 (10:00 AM) |
| Last Date to Apply | September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Registration Mode | Online |
| Official Website | iimcat.ac.in |
| Admit Card Release | November 4 to November 29, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date | November 29, 2026 |
| Result Date | First Week of January 2027 (Expected) |
As per the official notification, the CAT 2026 application process begins on August 3, 2026, and closes on September 15, 2026. During registration, candidates must provide personal, academic, and communication details, upload the required documents, and pay the application fee online.
Applicants should use a valid email ID and mobile number, as all important communication related to CAT 2026 will be sent through these registered contact details.
The CAT 2026 registration fee varies according to the candidate's category.
| Category | Registration Fee |
| SC/ST/PwBD | ₹1,350 |
| All Other Categories | ₹2,700 |
The registration fee is payable only once, irrespective of the number of IIMs or participating institutions selected. Candidates should note that the application fee is non-refundable under any circumstances.
The CAT 2026 application form will be available on the official CAT portal once the registration window opens.
Candidates should complete the registration only through the official portal and avoid unofficial websites.
Follow these steps to complete the CAT 2026 registration process:
Visit the official CAT website.
Click on New Candidate Registration.
Register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
Verify the OTP and create your login credentials.
Log in and fill in personal, academic, and work experience details.
Upload the required documents, photograph, and signature.
Select your preferred management programmes and five preferred test cities.
Pay the application fee through the available online payment options.
Submit the application form and download the confirmation page for future reference.
Candidates applying for CAT 2026 must satisfy at least one of the following eligibility conditions:
Hold a Bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA.
Candidates belonging to SC, ST, and PwBD categories require a minimum of 45% marks.
Final-year undergraduate students are also eligible to apply.
Candidates who have completed professional qualifications such as CA, CS, CMA (ICWA), or FIAI can also register, provided they meet the prescribed eligibility requirements.
Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee admission or shortlisting by any IIM.
Before starting the registration process, candidates should keep the following documents ready:
Passport-size photograph
Signature
Class 10 and Class 12 certificates
Graduation mark sheets or degree certificate
Category certificate (if applicable)
PwBD certificate (if applicable)
Valid photo ID
Active email ID and mobile number
Debit card, credit card, UPI, or net banking details for fee payment
Candidates should verify all the information entered in the application form before final submission, as incorrect details may affect the admission process. Those applying under reserved categories should upload the required certificates in the prescribed format. Since no category changes are permitted after registration closes, applicants must fill out the form carefully.