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CAT 2026 Registration Process: Step-by-Step Guide, Eligibility, Documents & Fees

Every year, lakhs of MBA aspirants take the Common Admission Test (CAT) to compete for seats at the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other leading B-schools such as FMS, SPJIMR, MDI Gurgaon, IMI Delhi, and IIT MBA programs. For many candidates, CAT is more than an entrance exam—it's the first step toward a rewarding management career. The CAT Application Form 2026 is expected to be available from August 1 to September 20, 2026, giving candidates approximately seven weeks to complete their applications. However, many aspirants lose valuable time—or worse, make application errors—due to confusion regarding eligibility, documents, and the registration process.

This comprehensive guide explains How to Fill CAT Form, eligibility requirements, important dates, required documents, CAT Login 2026, application fees, the CAT Application Correction Window, and common mistakes to avoid.

    CAT 2026 Important Dates (Expected)
    Event Expected Date
    CAT 2026 Notification Release Last Week of July 2026
    Registration Begins August 1, 2026
    CAT Registration Last Date September 20, 2026
    CAT Application Correction Window Last Week of September 2026
    Admit Card Release First Week of November 2026
    CAT 2026 Exam Date November 29, 2026 (Sunday)
    Result Declaration Third/Fourth Week of December 2026

    Disclaimer: The dates above are based on previous CAT notification trends and will be confirmed once the official notification is released.

    CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

    Before filling out the application form, candidates should ensure they satisfy the eligibility requirements.

    Basic Eligibility Requirements
  • Must possess a Bachelor's degree from a recognized university.
  • General, EWS, and OBC candidates must secure a minimum of 50% aggregate marks (or equivalent CGPA).
  • SC, ST, and PwD candidates must secure at least 45% aggregate marks.
  • Final-year undergraduate students are eligible to apply, provided they complete their degree within the prescribed timeline.
  • There is no upper age limit for appearing in CAT.
  • There is no restriction on the number of attempts.
    • CAT Registration Checklist

    Preparing your documents in advance makes the registration process faster and helps avoid last-minute errors.

    Mandatory Documents Required
  • Class 10 marksheet and certificate
  • Class 12 marksheet and certificate
  • Graduation marksheets (all semesters/years)
  • Graduation certificate (if available)
  • Work experience details (if applicable)
  • Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS)
  • PwD certificate (if applicable)
  • Passport-size photograph (scanned)
  • Signature (scanned)
  • Valid email address
  • Active mobile number
  • Government-issued photo ID details
    • Recommended Preparation

    Create a dedicated folder containing:

  • Passport-size photograph
  • Signature
  • Academic documents
  • Category certificates
  • Resume (optional)

    • Having all files organised beforehand significantly reduces the chances of errors during registration.

    How to Fill CAT Form: Step-by-Step Registration Process

    The CAT registration process is conducted entirely online. Follow these steps carefully to complete the CAT Application Form 2026.

    Step 1: Create Your CAT Login 2026

    Once registrations begin, visit the official CAT website.

    Click on "New Candidate Registration" and enter:

  • Full Name
  • Date of Birth
  • Email ID
  • Mobile Number
  • Country of Residence

    • After successful verification, your CAT Login 2026 credentials (User ID and Password) will be sent to your registered email ID and mobile number.

    Important Tip: Ensure your name exactly matches your Class 10 marksheet.

    Step 2: Fill Personal & Academic Details

    Log in using your CAT Login credentials and complete the application form.

    Personal Information

  • Gender
  • Nationality
  • Category
  • Address
  • Emergency Contact Details

    • Academic Information

  • Class 10 Marks
  • Class 12 Marks
  • Graduation Details
  • University Name
  • Year of Passing
  • Percentage/CGPA

    Work Experience (if applicable)

  • Employer Name
  • Designation
  • Duration of Employment

    • Review every detail carefully before proceeding.

    Step 3: Select CAT Exam Centres & Test City Preferences

    Candidates must select their preferred CAT Exam Centres during the application process.

    Tips for Choosing CAT Test City Preference

  • Choose cities close to your residence whenever possible.
  • Fill all available preference options carefully.
  • Register early to improve your chances of getting your preferred exam centre.
  • Avoid selecting only highly crowded metropolitan cities if nearby alternatives are available.

    • Popular CAT Test City Preference options often fill up quickly as the registration deadline approaches.

    Step 4: Upload Scanned Documents

    Upload the following documents according to the specifications mentioned in the official notification:

  • Passport-size Photograph
  • Signature

    • Ensure that:

  • Images are clear and not blurred.
  • The photograph has a plain background.
  • The signature is made using blue or black ink.
  • File size and dimensions meet the prescribed guidelines.

    • Incorrect uploads may delay the application process.

    Step 5: Pay the CAT Application Fee

    After reviewing your application, proceed to the payment section.

    Category Expected Fee
    General / OBC / EWS ₹2,600
    SC / ST / PwD ₹1,300

    Payment can generally be made using:

  • Debit Card
  • Credit Card
  • Net Banking
  • UPI
  • Other online payment methods

    • After successful payment:

  • Download the confirmation page.
  • Save the payment receipt.
  • Keep a copy of the completed application form.
    • CAT Application Correction Window

    After the registration process closes, the conducting IIM usually opens a CAT Application Correction Window for a limited period.

    This facility allows candidates to modify certain fields in their application form. However, not every detail can be edited.

    Typically, candidates may be allowed to make corrections to:

  • Photograph
  • Signature
  • Selected personal details (as permitted)
  • Test city preferences (only if allowed by the official notification)

    • Certain information—such as your name, registered email ID, or other critical details—may not be editable after final submission.

    Best Practice: Do not rely on the correction window. Review every section carefully before submitting your application.

    Important Mistakes to Avoid

    Even well-prepared candidates sometimes make avoidable registration mistakes.

  • Entering an Incorrect Name
  • Using Incorrect CGPA Conversion
  • Waiting Until the Last Day
  • Uploading Incorrect Documents
  • Using an Inactive Email ID
  • Skipping the Final Review

    • The CAT 2026 registration process is straightforward when approached systematically. Preparing your documents in advance, understanding the eligibility criteria, and completing the CAT Application Form 2026 well before the deadline can help you avoid unnecessary stress.

    With CAT 2026 expected to be conducted on November 29, 2026, aspirants should ideally complete their registrations during the initial weeks of the application window. Early registration not only minimizes technical issues but also improves the chances of securing your preferred CAT Exam Centres.

    Whether you're filling the form for the first time or are a repeat aspirant, following this guide on How to Fill CAT Form and keeping a complete CAT Registration Checklist will help ensure a smooth application process.

    Start your MBA journey with confidence—register early, prepare consistently, and take the first step toward India's top business schools.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will CAT 2026 registration begin?

The CAT 2026 registration process is expected to begin on August 1, 2026, subject to the official notification.

The expected CAT Registration Last Date is September 20, 2026. Candidates should complete the application well before the deadline to avoid technical issues.

Yes. Final-year undergraduate students who complete their degree within the prescribed timeline are eligible to apply.

The expected application fee is ₹2,600 for General/OBC/EWS candidates and ₹1,300 for SC/ST/PwD candidates.

Yes. A limited CAT Application Correction Window is usually provided after registrations close. However, only selected fields can be edited, so candidates should carefully review their application before final submission.

Yes. Work experience is not mandatory for CAT registration. Fresh graduates and final-year students can also apply if they satisfy the eligibility criteria.