The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 is one of the most competitive MBA entrance exams in India. Conducted annually for admission into the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and many other top B-schools, CAT attracts more than 3 lakh aspirants every year.

If you are planning to appear for CAT 2026, understanding the registration process and application steps is extremely important to avoid mistakes during form submission.

This guide explains the complete CAT 2026 registration process step-by-step.

CAT 2026 Registration Overview

Particular	Details
Exam Name	CAT 2026
Conducting Body	IIM Indore (Rotational basis)
Registration Mode	Online
Expected Registration Start	August 2026
Last Date to Apply	September 2026
Official Website	https://iimcat.ac.in
Exam Date	29 November 2026

Documents Required for CAT Registration

Before starting the application process, keep the following documents ready:

Personal Documents

Valid Email ID
Mobile Number
Passport size photograph
Scanned signature

Academic Documents

Class 10 marksheet
Class 12 marksheet
Graduation details

Category Documents (if applicable)

SC/ST/OBC certificate
EWS certificate
PwD certificate

Having these documents ready helps complete the form quickly without errors.

Step-by-Step CAT 2026 Registration Process

Follow these steps carefully to apply for CAT 2026.

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Go to the official CAT portal:

👉 https://iimcat.ac.in

Click on “New Candidate Registration”.

Step 2: Create Login Credentials

You must register using:

Name
Date of Birth
Email ID
Mobile Number

After submitting these details, you will receive:

User ID
Password

These credentials will be used for all future logins.

Step 3: Login to the Application Portal

Use your User ID and password to log in to the CAT application dashboard.

The application form is divided into multiple sections.

Step 4: Fill Personal Information

Provide details such as:

Name of candidate
Date of birth
Gender
Category
Nationality
Address

Ensure the details match your official documents.

Step 5: Enter Academic Details

Fill your educational qualifications including:

Class 10 marks
Class 12 marks
Graduation details
Current year of graduation (if applicable)

Candidates in the final year of graduation are also eligible to apply.

Step 6: Work Experience (If Any)

Candidates with professional experience must enter:

Company name
Role
Duration of employment

Work experience is considered during IIM selection and interview rounds.

Step 7: Select Preferred Test Cities

You can choose up to six test cities based on your convenience.

CAT exam centers are available in 150+ cities across India.

Step 8: Upload Required Documents

Upload the following scanned documents:

Document	Format	Size
Photograph	JPG/JPEG	80 KB
Signature	JPG/JPEG	80 KB
Category Certificate	PDF	As specified

Ensure images are clear and properly cropped.

Step 9: Pay the Application Fee

The CAT registration fee is usually:

Category	Fee
General / OBC	₹2400
SC / ST / PwD	₹1200

Payment can be made through:

Debit card
Credit card
Net banking
UPI

Step 10: Submit and Save Confirmation

After completing all sections:

Review the application carefully
Click Submit
Download the confirmation page

Keep a copy for future reference.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During CAT Registration

Many candidates make errors while filling the form. Avoid these mistakes:

❌ Incorrect spelling of name
❌ Uploading unclear photograph
❌ Selecting wrong category
❌ Choosing limited exam cities

Always review the form before final submission.

What Happens After CAT Registration?

After completing the registration process:

Admit card will be released in October 2026
CAT exam will be conducted in November 2026
Results are usually declared in December or January

Shortlisted candidates are then invited for:

Personal Interview (PI)
Written Ability Test (WAT)
Group Discussion (GD)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When will CAT 2026 registration start?

CAT registration is expected to begin in August 2026.

Can final year students apply for CAT?

Yes, final year graduation students are eligible.

Can I edit my CAT application after submission?

Some details can be corrected during the application correction window.

How many times can I appear for CAT?

There is no limit on the number of attempts for CAT.

CAT 2026 Registration Process – Step-by-Step Guide