CAT 2026 Registration on iimcat.ac.in: Step-by-Step Guide

CAT 2026 registration is done entirely online on iimcat.ac.in in six steps: create an account, fill the form, upload your photo and signature, select test cities, pay the fee, and submit.

The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management for admission to MBA and related postgraduate programmes. The registration window is expected to open in August 2026. You need a valid personal email ID, scanned copies of key documents, and the application fee ready before you begin.

• CAT 2026 registration is expected to open in August 2026 on iimcat.ac.in, based on previous years’ patterns.
• Application fee is Rs 2,400 for General, EWS, and NC-OBC students and Rs 1,200 for SC, ST, and PwD students.
• You need at least 50% marks in graduation (45% for SC, ST, and PwD students) to be eligible.
• Final year graduation students are eligible to apply; admission is subject to meeting the marks requirement on completion.
• You can choose up to six test cities in order of preference during registration.

---

CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Before starting your application, confirm you meet the basic eligibility requirements set by the conducting IIM.

---

Documents Required for CAT 2026 Registration

Keep the following documents in scanned format ready before you open the application form on iimcat.ac.in. Uploading them mid-session can cause timeout errors.

---

How to Register for CAT 2026 on iimcat.ac.in

Follow these six steps in sequence to complete your CAT 2026 registration successfully.

Step 1: Create Your Account

1. Visit the official CAT website at iimcat.ac.in.
2. Click "New Candidate Registration" on the homepage.
3. Enter your full name, personal email ID, and mobile number.
4. Set a strong password and click Submit to receive an OTP on your registered email and phone.
5. Enter the OTP to activate your login account.

Step 2: Log In and Fill the Application Form

1. Log in using your registered email ID and password.
2. Fill in personal details: name, date of birth, gender, category, and correspondence address.
3. Enter academic details including institution names, boards or universities, and percentage or CGPA for Class 10, Class 12, and graduation.
4. Add work experience details if you have professional experience.
5. Select up to six participating institutes you wish to apply to from the available list.

Step 3: Upload Photograph and Signature

1. Upload a recent passport-size photograph in JPEG format (10 KB to 1 MB).
2. Upload a clear signature in JPEG format (10 KB to 1 MB).
3. Both images must be clear and within the specified file size. Blurry uploads are rejected.

Step 4: Select Test Cities

1. Choose up to six test cities in order of preference from the dropdown list.
2. City allotment is confirmed on the CAT 2026 admit card and depends on seat availability at each centre.

Step 5: Pay the Application Fee

1. Navigate to the payment section after completing all form fields.
2. Pay using a credit card, debit card, or net banking. UPI may also be available.
3. Download and save the payment confirmation immediately after the transaction.

Step 6: Submit and Download the Application Summary

1. Review every filled detail carefully before the final submission.
2. Click "Submit" to complete your CAT 2026 application.
3. Download the application summary page and keep a printout for your records.

---

CAT 2026 Application Fee

The CAT 2026 application fee is non-refundable once payment is completed. No fee waiver is available beyond the category-based concession.

Payment is accepted through credit cards, debit cards, and net banking on the iimcat.ac.in portal.

---

CAT 2026 Important Dates

The dates below are based on CAT 2025 patterns and are expected to follow a similar schedule for CAT 2026. Confirm exact dates on iimcat.ac.in once officially announced.

---

Tips to Avoid Errors During CAT 2026 Registration

Small mistakes during registration can cause delays or rejection. Follow these tips to keep your application error-free.

• Use a personal, permanent email ID for registration. All official communications including the admit card link are sent to this address.
• Enter your name exactly as it appears on your Class 10 mark sheet. Spelling mismatches cause verification issues at the exam centre.
• Select your category carefully before paying the fee. Category cannot be changed after submission in most cases.
• Ensure your passport photograph is recent, with a white background and your face clearly visible for at least 75% of the frame.
• Note your application number and login credentials in a secure place immediately after account creation.
• Complete the payment in a single uninterrupted session to avoid failed transaction issues that delay confirmation.
• Submit at least three to four days before the last date to avoid server congestion and technical glitches that occur near deadlines.