CAT Registration 2026: Dates, Fees, Complete Step-by-Step Process & Eligibility

CAT Registration 2026 is the first and most critical step in your IIM admission journey. Every year, nearly 3 lakh aspirants complete their CAT registration for the Common Admission Test (CAT) — India's most competitive management entrance exam — conducted by one of the IIMs on a rotational basis. For CAT 2026, based on historical patterns, CAT registration is expected to open on August 1, 2026 at iimcat.ac.in and close by mid-September 2026. Missing the CAT registration deadline means waiting another full year. This comprehensive guide walks you through every aspect of CAT registration — from eligibility and fees to the exact step-by-step process, document specifications, and the form correction window — so you can complete your registration error-free.

When does CAT 2026 Registration Start?

CAT 2026 registration is expected to open on August 1, 2026, based on the CAT 2025 pattern. The official notification will be released in mid-July 2026. CAT registration typically closes in mid-to-late September. The exam is expected on November 29, 2026. Visit iimcat.ac.in for official updates once the notification is released.

CAT 2026 Registration Overview

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is India's premier MBA entrance examination, accepted by all 21 IIMs and over 1,200 other B-schools across the country. CAT is conducted annually, with the exam held by one of the IIMs on a rotational basis. For CAT 2025, IIM Kozhikode was the convener — and based on the rotation pattern, a similar arrangement is expected for CAT 2026.

CAT 2026 Important Dates & Timeline

While the official CAT 2026 notification has not been released yet, we can predict the CAT registration timeline accurately based on CAT 2025 dates. The CAT exam has followed a consistent schedule over the past several years.

What is the CAT 2026 exam date? CAT 2026 is expected on November 29, 2026 (the last Sunday of November). The exam will be conducted in 3 slots — Morning (8:30–10:30 AM), Afternoon (12:30–2:30 PM), and Evening (4:30–6:30 PM). CAT registration opens in August and closes in September. The official date will be confirmed in the July 2026 notification.

Pro Tip: CAT 2025 saw its registration deadline extended from September 13 to September 20. While deadline extensions are not guaranteed, they have become a pattern. Still, do not rely on extensions — complete your CAT registration in the first week itself to avoid last-minute technical glitches and server overload.

CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Understanding the eligibility criteria before beginning CAT registration ensures you do not waste time or fees on an application that may be rejected later. Here is the complete eligibility breakdown for CAT 2026.

CAT 2026 Registration Fees

Payment methods accepted during CAT registration: Credit card, debit card, net banking, and UPI. The CAT registration fee is non-refundable once paid — even if you do not appear for the exam. There is no late fee structure; if you miss the deadline, you simply cannot complete CAT registration for that year's exam.

Important: Always take a screenshot of the payment confirmation page after completing CAT registration. If there is a payment failure or double deduction, the screenshot serves as proof for resolving disputes with the CAT helpdesk (cathelpdesk@iimcat.ac.in).

Step-by-Step CAT 2026 Registration Process

The entire CAT registration is completed online at iimcat.ac.in. The process takes approximately 20–30 minutes if you have all documents ready. Here is the exact step-by-step CAT registration process.

Documents Required for CAT 2026 Registration

Photo & Signature Specifications for CAT 2026

One of the most common reasons for CAT registration issues is incorrect photo and signature uploads. Here are the exact specifications mandated by the CAT conducting body.

Photograph Specifications

Signature Specifications

Test City Preferences & Exam Centers

CAT 2026 will be conducted across 170+ cities at 350+ exam centres across India. During registration, you must select a minimum of 6 preferred test cities in order of priority.

CAT 2026 Form Correction Window

After the cat registration window closes, IIM opens a short form correction window — typically 3-4 days — where candidates can make limited changes to their submitted application.

What Can Be Edited During Correction Window

CAT Registration Statistics (2021–2025)

Understanding registration trends helps you gauge the competition level and plan your preparation accordingly.

CAT 2026 Exam Day Schedule

You cannot choose your slot — it is assigned by the system based on your registration. The difficulty level and questions are normalised across all three slots to ensure fairness. Your slot will be printed on your admit card, available for download in early November.

What Happens After CAT 2026 Registration?

IIMs & Colleges Accepting CAT 2026 Scores

CAT scores are accepted by all 21 IIMs and over 1,200 B-schools across India. Here are the top institutions by category.

Common CAT Registration Mistakes to Avoid

1. Spelling Your Name Wrong

Your name on the CAT form must exactly match your Class 10 certificate and government ID. Even minor spelling differences can cause issues during admission verification. Double-check before submitting.

2. Uploading Wrong Photo/Signature Format

The most common rejection reason. Use only JPEG format within the specified dimensions (photo: 30x45mm, max 80KB; signature: 80x35mm). Digital signatures, selfies, and group photos are strictly rejected.

3. Using an Inactive Email or Mobile Number

All official communications — including admit card alerts, result notifications, and IIM shortlists — are sent to the registered email and mobile. Using an inactive or rarely checked contact means you could miss critical updates.

4. Selecting Only Metro Cities for Test Centers

Metro city centres fill up fast. If all your 6 preferences are metros, you risk being assigned a distant city. Include 2-3 nearby smaller cities as backup options.

5. Waiting Until the Last Day to Register

The CAT website consistently crashes on the last 2-3 days due to heavy traffic. Register in the first week to avoid technical issues. In CAT 2025, the deadline was extended by 7 days partly because of server issues near the deadline.

6. Not Saving the Confirmation Page

After successful registration and payment, always screenshot or print the confirmation page. This is your proof of registration and contains your registration number, which you will need for all future communications.

7. Entering Wrong Academic Details

Incorrect percentage or CGPA entries can lead to eligibility issues during IIM admission. Always enter marks exactly as they appear on your official marksheet. If your university uses CGPA, follow their official conversion formula.

CAT 2026 Registration Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure you have everything ready before the registration window opens in August 2026.