If CAT 2026 is on your MBA target list, this is the stage where you should stop planning and get your application done. The registration window is now open, and candidates have until September 15, 2026, at 5 PM to submit the form. The exam is scheduled for November 29, 2026, and will be conducted by IIM Indore in three sessions across around 170 test cities.
The application itself is not complicated, but small mistakes in personal details, academic information, photographs or category documents can create unnecessary trouble later. Here is what you need to know before submitting your form.
CAT 2026 Registration: Important Dates
The CAT 2026 registration process started on August 3, 2026, at 10 AM. The last date to apply is September 15, 2026, at 5 PM. Candidates should avoid waiting for the final day, especially because payment or website issues can become stressful when thousands of applicants are trying to submit their forms.
The cat 2026 registration date is important not only for completing the application but also because details such as category and academic information need to be entered carefully. Before making the final submission, check every section once again.
CAT 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| CAT 2026 Registration Begins | August 3, 2026 |
| Registration Last Date | September 15, 2026 |
| Admit Card | November 4, 2026 onwards |
| CAT Exam | November 29, 2026 |
| Expected Result | First week of January 2027 |
CAT Exam Date 2026 and Exam Schedule
So, when is cat exam 2026? The test will be held on November 29, 2026, in three sessions. Admit cards are scheduled to be available from November 4, 2026.
For students balancing college, internships or final-year studies with preparation, knowing the cat 2026 exam date early gives you a clear preparation deadline. You now have a fixed date to work backwards from instead of preparing around an uncertain timeline.
The cat exam 2026 registration date and the exam date should both be marked on your calendar. Missing the application deadline means you cannot simply register later because you are ready to take the test.
CAT Registration Fees 2026
The cat registration fees have increased this year. General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates need to pay ₹2,700, while SC, ST and PwD candidates need to pay ₹1,350.
The fee is paid once during the application process, regardless of how many IIM programmes or participating institutes you intend to apply to through your CAT score. The fee is non-refundable, so check your details before making the final payment.
What Documents Do You Need for CAT 2026 Registration?
Before starting cat registration 2026, keep your documents and details ready. This makes the form-filling process much smoother.
You should have:
- Recent passport-size photograph in the prescribed format
- Signature image
- Class 10 and Class 12 academic details
- Graduation marksheets or current academic details
- Valid government ID details
- Category certificate, if applicable
- PwD certificate, wherever applicable
- Details of academic qualifications and work experience, if any
Candidates in the final year of graduation can also apply, subject to the eligibility conditions mentioned in the official notification.
Mistakes to Avoid While Filling CAT Exam Registration 2026
The biggest mistake is treating the form as something you can finish in a hurry. Read every section before clicking submit.
- First, check your name, date of birth, category and academic information against your official documents. A mismatch can create problems during later stages of admission.
- Second, upload the photograph and signature exactly as required. Do not use an old, unclear or heavily edited photograph simply because it is available on your phone.
- Third, enter your graduation marks carefully. If your university uses CGPA, follow the applicable conversion instructions instead of making your own calculation.
- Fourth, choose your preferred test cities thoughtfully. Candidates can select five preferred cities, but the final allotment is subject to availability.
- Finally, do not assume that paying the fee means your application is automatically complete. Check the final confirmation and save a copy of the submitted application for your records.
CAT 2026 Registration Last Date: Don’t Wait Until September 15
The cat exam 2026 registration last date is September 15, 2026, at 5 PM. That deadline may look far away, but delaying the application has little benefit.
Once the form is submitted, your focus should shift completely to preparation. The cat exam 2026 is not an exam you can prepare for effectively in the final few weeks. A steady routine across VARC, DILR and Quantitative Ability is far more useful than last-minute studying.
Why CAT 2026 Registration Matters
The cat entrance exam 2026 is the main entrance route for admission to the IIMs and is also accepted by several other management institutes. However, taking the exam is only the first step. Your CAT score, academic profile, category, work experience and the individual selection criteria of institutes can all influence your admission journey.
That is why applying early is useful. Once your cat exam date 2026 is confirmed and your application is out of the way, you can concentrate on mocks, revision and identifying the colleges you want to target.
Final Checklist Before You Submit
Before completing cat exam registration 2026, take five minutes to verify everything once more:
✓ Personal details match your documents
✓ Academic marks are entered correctly
✓ Category information and certificates are valid
✓ Photograph and signature meet the required specifications
✓ Test-city preferences are selected carefully
✓ Payment has been completed
✓ Confirmation page and application details are saved
CAT 2026: What Should You Do Now?
The registration form is just the first step. Once you’ve submitted your application, your focus should shift to preparing smartly for the CAT exam 2026. Use the time ahead to strengthen your basics, take regular mocks, analyse your mistakes and work on the sections where you’re losing marks.
For an MBA aspirant, the cat exam date 2026 is more than just a date on the calendar, it gives you a clear deadline to measure your preparation against. The earlier you settle into a consistent routine, the more comfortable you’ll feel when the actual exam arrives.
And if you’re unsure about your preparation strategy, college choices or what to do next, The Top Percentile can help you make more informed decisions throughout your MBA journey.
Need personalised guidance for CAT 2026? Explore The Top Percentile and take the next step with the right guidance.