CAT 2026 registration is expected to begin in the first week of August 2026, with the detailed schedule to be announced through the official notification in the last week of July 2026.

The CAT 2026 registration and application process will involve initial registration, filling out the application form, uploading required documents, and payment of the application fee. During the process, candidates will also need to select their preferred IIMs and MBA programmes for shortlisting in the PI rounds.

The CAT 2026 exam is tentatively scheduled for November 29, 2026.

Application process

The CAT 2026 registration and application submission process will be conducted online. Candidates have to register for the exam from the official website of CAT.

Check below the CAT registration and application process for 2026:

1. Visit the official website: iimcat.ac.in.
2. Click on ‘New Registration’.
3. Enter your name, date of birth, nationality, phone number, and email ID to register.
4. Log in with the ID received in the email to fill out the CAT application form.
5. Enter personal and academic details.
6. Upload a recent passport-sized photo and scanned signature.
7. Select preferred courses and IIMs.
8. Choose test city preferences from the drop-down menu.
9. Pay the CAT application fee via credit/debit card or net banking.

Note: Candidates can select up to six cities for the allotment of the CAT exam center in the application form.

Application fees 

The application fees for the CAT examination vary for candidates belonging to the various categories. However, candidates have to pay the fees using the different modes of payment best suited to them.

Modes of payment

The fees of the application form for the CAT examination are to be paid online using the various modes of payment best suited to the candidates. The candidates can use modes of payment like Online Net Banking/Credit Card/ Debit Card/ UPI id etc.

Candidates also have to choose 6 examination centers during the registration process.