CAT 2026 registration opened today, August 3, 2026, giving management aspirants more than six weeks to complete their applications. IIM Indore is conducting this year’s Common Admission Test, while the online window will remain active until 5 pm on September 15. Candidates must register through the official CAT 2026 website and should avoid waiting for the final evening, when heavy traffic or payment failures can interrupt submission.
The computer-based entrance test will be held on November 29, 2026, in three sessions across nearly 170 cities. CAT scores are used by the Indian Institutes of Management and several other business schools for postgraduate management admissions.
What Has Been Announced For CAT 2026?
The CAT 2026 application form became available at 10 am on Monday. Applicants can create a user profile, enter academic and personal details, choose IIM programmes, select preferred examination cities, upload supporting files, and pay the fee online.
Key dates candidates should save are:
- Registration opened on August 3, 2026, at 10 am.
- Applications close on September 15, 2026, at 5 pm.
- Admit card downloads begin on November 4, 2026.
- CAT 2026 will be held on November 29, 2026.
- Results are expected during the first week of January 2027.
The score will remain valid until December 31, 2027. This gives successful candidates time to use their result during the relevant admission cycle, although every institute may follow its own shortlist, interview and final-selection rules.
An official post from Times Now Careers also confirmed that IIM Indore had opened the application window and asked candidates to apply before September 15.
Who Can Apply And What Will It Cost?
Applicants need a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks or an equivalent CGPA. The qualifying requirement drops to 45% for Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities candidates. Final-year students and graduates awaiting results may also register, provided they meet the admission conditions later.
Candidates with recognised professional qualifications, including CA, CS, ICWA or CMA and FIAI, are also covered under the stated eligibility route. The examination authority will verify category and academic claims, so names, marks and certificate details should match the uploaded records.
The CAT 2026 registration fee is ₹2,700 for General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates. SC, ST and PwBD applicants must pay ₹1,350. The fee is paid once, regardless of how many participating IIM programmes a candidate selects, and it is non-refundable.
Compared with CAT 2025, the fee has increased by ₹100 for the higher-fee group and ₹50 for eligible reserved-category applicants.
How Can Candidates Complete The CAT 2026 Application?
Candidates should first open the CAT portal and select “New Candidate Registration.” They must enter an active email address and mobile number, complete OTP verification and use the generated credentials to access the form.
The next stages cover personal information, Class 10 onwards academic records, work experience, programme choices and test-city preferences. Applicants can choose five cities, but the final allotment depends on seat availability. A nearby city may be assigned when none of the chosen options remain available.
Documents To Keep Ready
A recent passport-size photograph with a white background, scanned signature, academic records, valid category certificate, PwBD certificate, and work-experience details should be prepared before starting. Candidates should preview every entry carefully because changes are generally blocked after the fee is paid and the form is finally submitted.
Photograph quality deserves special attention. A blurred image, unsuitable background, mismatched signature, or expired certificate can create avoidable verification trouble. Saving a copy of the submitted form and payment receipt is also advisable.
What Happens After Registration?
Admit cards are scheduled for release on November 4. CAT 2026 will test Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability through a computer-based paper.
Candidates should use the application period to strengthen weaker sections, take timed mocks and review accuracy rather than chasing attempts alone. Early submission also leaves time to resolve payment or upload problems before closure, a safer choice during a registration season crowded with MBA entrance deadlines.
CAT 2026 FAQs
When Did CAT 2026 Registration Begin?
CAT 2026 registration opened on August 3, 2026, at 10 am through the official portal.
What Is The Last Date To Apply?
Candidates can submit completed applications until September 15, 2026, at 5 pm through the portal.
What Is The CAT 2026 Application Fee?
General, EWS, and NC-OBC applicants pay ₹2700; eligible SC, ST, and PwBD candidates pay ₹1350.
When Will CAT 2026 Be Conducted?
CAT 2026 will be conducted on November 29 across nearly 170 cities in three sessions.
Can Final-Year Students Apply For CAT 2026?
Yes, final-year students and candidates awaiting graduation results may apply under the stated eligibility conditions.
