Candidates must keep all the CAT Documents Required 2026 ready before starting the online application process.
The required documents for CAT 2026 registration include academic mark sheets, government photo ID proofs and category scanned images on the official application portal.
- Class 10, 12 and graduation records are required during CAT 2026 registration.
- Candidates should upload passport size photo which should be under 80 KB and a scanned signature in the prescribed format.
- Category and PwD certificates are mandatory for candidates claiming CAT 2026 reservation benefits.
- Candidates should verify all documents before CAT 2026 registration as incorrect uploads or missing certificates may affect the application or exam day verification.
- Candidates need to carry printed CAT 2026 admit card and the original photo ID used during registration on exam day which is on 29 November 2026.
- Digital ID proofs and DigiLocker copies will not be accepted at the CAT 2026 exam centre.
Registration starts from August 3 to September 15, 2026, on the Official IIM CAT Website.
Related Articles:
- CAT Notification 2026: Check Dates, Download PDF @iimcat.ac.in 2026 and Application Form
- CAT Registration 2026 - Check How to Apply @iimcat.ac.in, Eligibility Criteria, Document Required and Fees
- CAT Documents Upload Guidelines: Check Photo Size, Dimension and Format
Key Summary
- PwD candidates using a scribe must carry the Disability Certificate and Scribe Affidavit on the CAT 2026 exam day.
- Mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, bags and metal jewellery are prohibited inside the CAT 2026 exam hall.
- Candidates should carry two A4 size printouts of the CAT 2026 Admit Card and report before the prescribed reporting time.
- Candidates with a name mismatch must carry valid government issued name change proof for verification at the exam centre.
- A writing pad and pen will be provided at the CAT 2026 exam centre and must be returned before leaving.
CAT 2026 Documents Required for Registration
Candidates need to carry these documents given below for registration of CAT 2026:
- Recent Passport-size photograph
- Scanned Signature
- Valid Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar / PAN / Passport / Voter ID / Driving Licence)
- Class 10 Marksheet / Certificate
- Class 12 / Diploma Marksheet
- Graduation Marksheets + Degree / Provisional Certificate
- Final-Year / Bonafide / Enrollment Certificate
- Category Certificate (SC/ST)
- NC-OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) Certificate
- EWS Certificate
- PwD / Disability Certificate (or UDID)
- Work Experience Proof (offer letters, payslips, etc.)
- Name Change Proof (if applicable)
- Active Email ID & Mobile Number
- Payment details (UPI / Net Banking / Debit or Credit Card)
Specifications of Documents Required for CAT Registration 2026
| Document | Dimensions / Size | File Format | Maximum File Size | Other Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Photograph | Approx. 1200 × 1200 pixels (or 35 mm × 45 mm / 30 mm × 45 mm) | JPG / JPEG | Usually ≤ 80 KB (some sources mention up to 1 MB) | Colour photo, white or light background, recent (not older than 6 months), front-facing, eyes open, full face clearly visible (~80% face coverage), no selfie, no filters, no cap/sunglasses |
| Signature | Approx. 80 mm × 35 mm | JPG / JPEG | ≤ 80 KB | Black (or dark blue) ink on plain white paper, clear and legible, scanned properly (not photographed with phone if possible) |
| Category Certificate (SC / ST / NC-OBC / EWS) | As per official format | ≤ 200 KB (sometimes up to 300 KB) | Self-attested scanned copy issued by competent authority; NC-OBC must be issued on or after 1 April 2026 | |
| PwD / Disability Certificate | As per official format | ≤ 200 KB (sometimes up to 300 KB) | Valid certificate showing minimum 40% benchmark disability (UDID preferred if available) |
Also Check:
- How to Apply for CAT 2026: Registration Guide for MBA Aspirants
- CAT 2026 Application Fee: Category-Wise Fee Structure and Payment Modes
According to a Reddit discussion, candidates provided clarification on EWS eligibility while filling the CAT 2026 registration form. The discussion indicated that an applicant's own income cannot be excluded while determining EWS eligibility.
Source: Reddit
In another Reddit discussion, candidates informed which PwD certificate to upload during CAT 2026 registration, and another user suggested that the Swawlamban (UDID) disability certificate is sufficient while uploading the state disability certificate along with it is optional.
Source: Reddit
Documents Required for CAT 2026 Registration: Download Category Certificate and Forms PDFs
| Form/ Certificate | |
|---|---|
| Authorization Form | Download |
| Scribe Affidavit | Download |
| Identification Affidavit | Download |
| Final Year Certificate | Download |
| NC-OBC Certificate | Download |
| SC/ ST Certificate | Download |
| EWS Certificate | Download |
| Disability Certificate (PwD)- Form V | Download |
| Disability Certificate (PwD)- Form VI | Download |
| Disability Certificate (PwD)- Form VII | Download |
Ques. Can candidates upload documents in PNG or mobile photo format for CAT 2026 registration?
Ans. No. CAT 2026 registration requires documents in the prescribed file format, such as JPG/JPEG for photographs and signatures and PDF for category and PwD certificates. Candidates should also ensure that the uploaded files meet the specified size limits.
Ques. Is a provisional degree certificate accepted for CAT 2026 registration?
Ans. Yes. Candidates who have completed graduation but have not yet received the final degree certificate can upload a provisional degree certificate. Final-year candidates can submit a bonafide or enrollment certificate along with the available semester/year-wise marksheets, as applicable.
CAT 2026 Documents Required on Exam Day
Candidates are required to bring some important documents compulsorily to the exam hall to appear for the CAT 2026 exam. Here is a list of essential CAT documents required on the exam day:
- CAT 2026 Admit Card
- Valid Original Photo ID Proof
- Passport-size Photograph(s)
- PwD / Disability Certificate
- Scribe Authorization / Affidavit
- Medical Certificate (if applicable)
- Name Change Proof (if applicable)
CAT 2026 Documents Required: Admit Card
The CAT 2026 admit card is mandatory for appearing in the examination and without the admit card will not allow candidates to enter the examination hall.
- CAT 2026 Admit Card should be downloaded from the official website before appearing for the exam.
- Candidate should bring a printout of CAT 2026 Admit Card at the time of examination.
- Candidates should verify that all details printed on the CAT 2026 admit card are correct and clearly visible.
- Candidates must ensure that the following details are clearly printed on the CAT 2026 admit card:
- Candidate’s Name
- Application Number / Registration Number
- Date of Birth
- Photograph and Signature
- Category and PwD Status
- Date of the Exam (29 November 2026)
- Exam Session / Slot
- Reporting Time
- Entry Time and Gate Closing Time
- Exam Centre Name, Address and City
CAT 2026 Documents Required: Government-issued Photo ID Card
Candidates must carry one original government-issued photo ID for identity verification at the CAT 2026 exam centre.
- The candidates are advised to bring their original photo ID at the exam center, as any photocopied or digital copy of the photo ID will not be considered.
- The name and photograph on the photo ID card should be exactly the same as on the CAT 2026 Admit Card.
- A College ID may be accepted if it has a clear photograph and matches the details on the CAT 2026 Admit Card but it is not the preferred ID.
- An Employer ID is generally not accepted for CAT 2026 verification.
- Following documents are considered valid as photo IDs:
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Passport
- Voter ID
- Driving Licence.
Other Documents Required on CAT 2026 Exam Day
Some candidates may need to carry additional documents along with the CAT 2026 Admit Card and original photo ID.
- Scribe Affidavit and Medical/Disability Certificate:
- PwD candidates must carry a valid Disability Certificate or UDID issued by the competent authority.
- Candidates using a scribe must carry the Scribe Affidavit or authorization letter as per IIM CAT guidelines.
- These documents will be verified before entry to the CAT 2026 examination centre.
- Documents Related to Name Change:
- Candidates with a name mismatch between the admit card, photo ID and application must carry valid legal proof.
- Accepted documents include the Gazette notification, Affidavit, Marriage Certificate, Divorce Decree, or another government-issued name change document.
- These additional documents are required only when applicable and are not needed for most candidates.
Also Check:
- CAT Scholarship: Check Scholarships Offered by IIMs and Other B Schools
- CAT 2026 Registration: Steps, Fee and Documents
Ques. Will I be allowed to enter the CAT 2026 exam centre with only a digital copy of my admit card or photo ID?
Ans. No. Candidates must carry a printed copy of the CAT 2026 Admit Card along with an original government-issued photo ID. Digital copies or photocopies of the ID are generally not accepted for verification at the exam centre.
Ques. What should candidates do if the name on their CAT 2026 admit card does not match their photo ID?
Ans. Candidates should carry a valid legal name-change document, such as a Gazette notification, marriage certificate, affidavit, or divorce decree, along with the admit card and original photo ID. These documents help verify the candidate's identity during the CAT 2026 examination.
Things Not Allowed Inside CAT 2026 Exam Hall
Candidates are strictly prohibited from carrying the following items inside the CAT 2026 examination hall:
- Watches (including smartwatches, digital watches, and analog watches)
- Mobile phones
- Handbags / bags of any kind
- Pencil boxes / geometry boxes
- Calculators
- Cameras
- Any electronic gadgets
- Headphones / earphones / earpieces
- Log tables
- Study materials, notes, books, or any written content
- Jewellery containing metal
- Wallets (in many centres)
Also Check:
CAT 2026 Exam Hall Guidelines
Candidates must remember the following do’s and don’ts on the CAT 2026 exam day:
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
|
|
Also Check:
CAT 2026 Documents Required: Important Guidelines
Candidates need to follow the guidelines given below for CAT 2026:
- Reach the CAT 2026 examination centre as per the reporting time mentioned on the admit card.
- Candidates are advised to visit the exam centre a day before the examination and a Google Maps link may be available on the admit card.
- Carry two A4 size printed copies of the CAT 2026 Admit Card.
- Show the CAT 2026 Admit Card to the invigilator for verification before entering the examination hall.
- A writing pad and pen will be provided at the examination centre and must be returned before leaving.
- Appearing for the CAT 2026 examination more than once may lead to disqualification and cancellation of candidature.
- Only candidates will be allowed inside the examination centre so Parents, guardians and relatives are not permitted to enter the examination centre.
- Requests to change the CAT 2026 examination centre will not be accepted after the centre has been allotted.
Also Check:
CAT Documents Required 2026: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ques. Can candidates leave the CAT 2026 examination hall before the exam ends?
Ans. No. Candidates are generally not permitted to leave the examination hall before the test concludes. They must follow the instructions of the invigilator and complete all exit formalities before leaving the exam centre.
Ques. Can candidates use different photo IDs for CAT 2026 registration and exam day?
Ans. It is recommended to carry the same original photo ID used during CAT 2026 registration. If a different valid government-issued photo ID is used, the candidate's name and photograph must exactly match the details printed on the CAT 2026 admit card.
Ques. What happens if a candidate forgets to paste the photograph on the CAT 2026 admit card?
Ans. Candidates should paste the same passport-size photograph uploaded during registration on the printed admit card, if instructed. Failing to follow the admit card instructions may delay verification or create issues during entry at the exam centre.
Ques. Can candidates carry a laminated copy of the CAT 2026 admit card?
Ans. Yes. Candidates may carry a laminated or non-laminated A4 printout of the CAT 2026 admit card, provided all details, photograph, barcode, and QR code (if applicable) are clearly visible and readable.
Ques. Can candidates wear a smartwatch or fitness band to the CAT 2026 exam centre?
Ans. No. Smartwatches, fitness bands, digital watches, and other electronic wearable devices are prohibited inside the CAT 2026 examination hall. Candidates should avoid carrying them to the exam centre.
Ques. Can candidates show a DigiLocker version of their photo ID for CAT 2026 verification?
Ans. No. Candidates are generally required to carry the original physical photo ID for identity verification. Digital copies, including DigiLocker documents, may not be accepted at the CAT 2026 exam centre.
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