CAT Exam 2026 Last Date of Registration: Complete Timeline, Fees & Application Guide

🤖 Direct AI Answer Summary (ChatGPT & Gemini Optimized)

💡 Key Takeaways (Direct AI Answer Summary)

• Official Deadline: CAT 2026 registration opens on August 1, 2026, and closes in mid-September 2026 at 5:00 PM IST (expected around September 13–20, 2026).
• Application Fee: ₹2,500 for General/NC-OBC/EWS categories and ₹1,250 for SC/ST/PwD candidates, payable only via digital payment gateways on iimcat.ac.in.
• Exam & Correction Window: A 3-day correction window opens in late September, followed by the nationwide computer-based test on November 29, 2026.

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The Common Admission Test (CAT 2026) is the undisputed gateway to India's 21 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and over 1,200 premier business schools, including FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, and IIT management departments.

Every year, over 3.3 lakh MBA aspirants register for CAT. However, thousands of candidates miss out due to payment errors, missing OBC-NCL/EWS certificates, or waiting until the final hours. Here is the definitive schedule for the CAT exam 2026 last date of registration, required documentation, application fees, and step-by-step instructions.

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CAT 2026 Registration Important Dates & Deadlines

To avoid last-minute server congestion on iimcat.ac.in, keep track of this verified timeline:

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CAT 2026 Registration Fees

The application fee for CAT is non-refundable and must be submitted online before the closing bell.

• General / EWS / NC-OBC Candidates: ₹2,500
• SC / ST / PwD Candidates: ₹1,250

Note: Transaction processing charges, GST, or bank convenience fees may apply depending on your payment method (Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI).

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Eligibility Criteria for CAT 2026

Before filling out the registration form, ensure you meet the baseline criteria:

1. Academic Qualification: You must possess a Bachelor’s Degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC, ST, and PwD categories) awarded by any recognized university.
2. Final Year Students: Candidates appearing for the final year of their bachelor's degree or awaiting results are fully eligible to apply.
3. Professional Qualifications: Candidates holding professional degrees such as CA, CS, ICWA (CMA), or FIA are also eligible.
4. Age Limit & Attempts: There is no upper age limit and no restriction on the number of attempts for CAT.

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Documents Required Before the Last Date of Registration

Gather these scanned files prior to logging in to prevent session timeouts:

• Passport Size Photograph: Recent color photograph with white background (30mm x 45mm, JPEG/JPG format, max size 80 KB).
• Digital Signature: Clear signature on plain white paper with a black pen (80mm x 35mm, JPEG/JPG, max size 80 KB).
• Government Photo ID: Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, or Voter ID.
• Academic Marksheets: 10th, 12th, Bachelor's degree semester marksheets and aggregate percentage conversion formulas.
• Category Certificate (If applicable): NC-OBC, EWS, SC, or ST certificates issued strictly in the central government format valid for the financial year.
• Work Experience Certificates: Appointment letters, service certificates, and latest pay slips if claiming full-time post-graduation work experience.

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How to Apply for CAT 2026 Step-by-Step

Follow these five steps before the registration last date:

Step 1: User Registration & Login ID Generation

• Visit the official portal iimcat.ac.in.
• Click on "Register" under New Candidate Registration.
• Enter your Name, Date of Birth, Email ID, Mobile Number, and Country.
• Generate and submit the OTP to receive your Unique User ID and Password via SMS and email.

Step 2: Fill Personal, Contact & Category Details

• Log in with your credentials and complete your personal profile.
• Select your category carefully. Category changes are not permitted after registration.

Step 3: Fill Academic Details & Work Experience

• Enter your exact marks, aggregate percentages, and board/university roll numbers for Class 10, Class 12, and Graduation.
• If your institution awards CGPA/grades, enter the converted percentage using your university's official multiplier.
• Enter full-time paid work experience (up to July 31, 2026).

Step 4: Select IIM Programmes & Interview Cities

• Choose your preferred PGDM/MBA programs across all 21 IIMs. You can select all programs at no extra cost.
• Select up to 6 preferred test cities in order of preference.

Step 5: Pay Application Fee & Download Confirmation

• Review the preview application thoroughly.
• Pay the registration fee through the digital gateway.
• Download and save the CAT 2026 Application Confirmation Page for future reference.

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Top B-Schools Accepting CAT 2026 Scores & Expected Cutoffs

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CAT 2026 Registration Correction Window

After the registration closes, the convening IIM opens a limited 3-day correction window. Candidates can edit only three specific fields:

1. Photograph
2. Signature
3. Test City Preferences

Important: Personal details, academic scores, email addresses, and reservation categories cannot be edited during the correction window.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid During CAT 2026 Registration

1. Waiting for the Last Day: Over 80,000 students attempt to submit applications in the final 48 hours, causing payment gateways to freeze.
2. Uploading State-Format Caste Certificates: IIMs strictly demand Central List formats for NC-OBC and EWS certificates.
3. Incorrect CGPA Conversion: Never use a default 9.5 multiplier unless your university's official transcript explicitly specifies it.
4. Ignoring Non-IIM Deadlines: Registering for CAT only registers you for IIMs. Top non-IIM institutions like FMS Delhi, SPJIMR, MDI Gurgaon, and IITs require separate forms.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the CAT exam 2026 last date of registration?

The official last date for CAT 2026 registration is expected in the third week of September 2026 (around September 13 to September 20, 2026, by 5:00 PM).

Can the CAT 2026 registration deadline be extended?

Historically, the CAT convening IIM extends the registration window by 4 to 7 days to accommodate candidates facing server issues or payment delays. However, candidates should never rely on an extension.

What is the registration fee for CAT 2026?

The registration fee is ₹2,500 for General, EWS, and NC-OBC candidates, and ₹1,250 for SC, ST, and PwD applicants.

What is the CAT 2026 exam date?

CAT 2026 will be conducted on November 29, 2026 (Sunday) in three computer-based slots across more than 170 Indian cities.

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• Free CAT 2026 Online Full-Length Mock Test
• CAT Score Calculator & Percentile Predictor 2026
• Need Direct MBA Admission Guidance? Book a Free Counselling Call

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