CAT Registration 2026: Application Form, Last Date, Fees & Step-by-Step Guide

CAT 2026 registration is the first official step toward securing admission to the IIMs and over 1,300 top B-schools in India. The registration process for CAT 2026 is entirely online and will be available at the official website iimcat.ac.in. Based on previous year trends, CAT 2026 registration is expected to open on August 1, 2026 and close around September 20, 2026. Missing the registration deadline means waiting a full year for the next opportunity, so candidates must plan in advance.

CAT 2026 Registration – Key Details

CAT 2026 Registration Dates (Expected)

All dates are tentative and will be confirmed upon official notification at iimcat.ac.in.

CAT 2026 Application Fee

Important: The application fee is completely non-refundable. Double-check all details before submitting the form.

Step-by-Step Guide to CAT 2026 Registration

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Go to iimcat.ac.in. Ensure you are on the correct website to avoid fraudulent portals.

Step 2: Create a New Account

Click on "New Candidate Registration" and provide:

• Full name (as on government ID)

• Date of birth

• Valid mobile number

• Active email ID

• Nationality

Verify your email and mobile number, then set a secure password.

Step 3: Fill the Application Form

Log in with your credentials and fill in:

• Personal details (name, address, contact)

• Educational qualifications (graduation stream, marks, year)

• Work experience details (if any)

• Category information (General/OBC/SC/ST/PwD)

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

Ensure all scans are clear and legible to avoid rejection.

Step 5: Select Preferred Test Cities

Choose up to 5 exam cities in order of preference. Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis. It is advisable to include realistic and nearby options.

Step 6: Select IIM Programmes

During registration, you can select the IIM programmes and other participating institutes you wish to apply to. Review the participating institute list carefully.

Step 7: Pay the Application Fee

Pay the registration fee using:

• Net Banking

• Credit Card / Debit Card

• UPI

No cash or offline payment is accepted. Save the payment receipt and transaction ID.

Step 8: Submit and Download Confirmation

After successful payment, submit the form and download the registration confirmation page. This serves as proof of successful registration.

BUY NOW: All the Latest CAT Exam Books 2026 

Practice Comprehensively with Oswaal360 Online Courses for CAT 2026 Exam

Practice Now with Free Oswaal360 Online Mock Test for CAT 2026 Exam

Are You a Teacher? Apply for FREE CAT Specimen Books For Teachers from our end.

Other Recommended Books | Study Materials

Documents to Keep Ready Before Registration

CAT 2026 Application Form Correction

If you make an error in the application form, a correction window is typically provided in the last week of September 2026. However, not all fields may be editable. Key points:

• Name changes are usually not allowed after submission.

• Category, educational details, and city preferences may be editable during the correction window.

• Some corrections may require a nominal additional fee.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During CAT Registration