The CAT 2026 registration process will be conducted entirely in online mode through the official CAT website. The registration window will open on August 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM, and close on September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Candidates are advised to complete the registration well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues. Detailed instructions for filling out the application form will be provided in the official CAT Registration Guide.

CAT 2026 Registration Dates

CAT 2026 Registration Fee

Candidates must pay the registration fee online while submitting the application form.

Important Points

• The registration fee is payable only once, irrespective of the number of IIMs or participating institutes the candidate wishes to apply to.
• The registration fee is non-refundable under any circumstances.
• SC, ST, and PwBD candidates must upload valid category certificates while registering.

Test City Selection

During registration, candidates are required to select five preferred test cities from the list available on the CAT application portal.

• Candidates should carefully choose their preferred cities in order of preference.
• After the registration period closes, one of the selected cities will be allotted based on availability.
• If none of the preferred cities can be allotted due to capacity constraints, a nearby test city may be assigned by the CAT authorities.

Test Centres

• CAT 2026 will be conducted in approximately 170 test cities across India.
• The complete list of test cities will be published on the official CAT website.
• The exact test centre name and address will be mentioned on the candidate’s admit card.
• The IIMs reserve the right to add, remove, change, or cancel any test centre or test city and may also change the examination date or session if required.

Category Certificate Requirements

Candidates claiming reservation under NC-OBC or EWS categories must ensure that their certificates meet the prescribed validity requirements.

• NC-OBC certificate: Must be issued on or after April 1, 2026.
• EWS certificate: Must be valid for the 2026–27 financial year and assessed for FY 2025–26.

If candidates have applied for a valid NC-OBC or EWS certificate but have not received it before registration, they may still complete the CAT application by uploading a single PDF containing:

1. A duly filled Undertaking for NC-OBC/EWS Certificate (available on the CAT website).
2. The previously issued NC-OBC/EWS certificate (issued before April 1, 2026).
3. The acknowledgement, communication, or screenshot confirming submission of the application for the new certificate.

Failure to upload all the required documents may result in disqualification from the admission process.

Important Instructions

• Candidates should register only after ensuring they satisfy the CAT 2026 eligibility criteria.
• No change in the candidate’s category will be permitted after the CAT registration process is completed.
• Candidates should retain a copy of their application and payment confirmation for future reference.