Registration for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 is open, giving aspiring management students their annual window to apply for MBA and other postgraduate programmes at the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). According to the official CAT 2026 Registration Guide, the application process will close at 5 pm on September 15, 2026, and candidates must complete every step on the official website, iimcat.ac.in, before the deadline.
CAT is one of India’s most competitive management entrance exams, and its registration process requires candidates to create a login, fill in a detailed application form, upload documents and pay the fee, all within the given window. Applicants are advised to review every field carefully, since the form cannot be edited once it has been submitted.
CAT 2026 Registration: Key Dates and Where to Apply
The CAT 2026 application window closes at 5 pm on September 15, 2026. Candidates seeking admission to management programmes at the IIMs must register within this deadline through the official CAT website, iimcat.ac.in.
The broader registration process involves four core stages: creating a User ID and password, filling out the application form, uploading the required documents, and completing the online payment. Candidates should check all the details they enter carefully before final submission, since changes are not permitted afterward.
CAT 2026 Registration: How to Apply
Candidates can follow these steps to complete the CAT 2026 application:
- Visit the official website at iimcat.ac.in.
- Click “Register” under the New Candidate Registration section.
- Enter the required details, including name, date of birth, email address and mobile number.
- Generate and validate the OTP to create the User ID and password.
- Log in as a registered candidate and click “Go to Application.”
- Fill in the six sections: Personal Details, Academics, Work Experience, Programmes, Test City and Declaration.
- Upload the required photograph, signature and applicable certificates.
CAT 2026 Application Fee and Test City Selection
As part of the application, candidates can select five different test cities in order of preference. One of these will be allotted to each candidate, subject to availability.
The CAT 2026 application fee is Rs 2,700 for General, EWS and NC-OBC category candidates, and Rs 1,350 for SC, ST and PwBD category candidates.
What Happens After Payment
Before making the payment, candidates must preview their application and verify that all the information entered is accurate. Once the payment is successfully completed, a confirmation email and SMS will be sent to the candidate.
Candidates are advised to save the payment transaction number for future reference, as it may be required for any queries related to the application.
Why This Matters
With the CAT 2026 registration window closing on September 15, candidates who have not yet applied have a limited number of days left to complete the process. Since the application form does not allow edits after submission, aspirants are encouraged to keep their documents, category certificates and test city preferences ready in advance, register early, and avoid a last-minute rush on the official website.
