If you are planning to appear for CAT 2026, CAT 2026 Registration is now in its final stage.

The registration process started on August 3, 2026, and IIM Indore has extended the original September 15 deadline to September 22, 2026, at 5:00 PM. The CAT 2026 examination is scheduled for November 29, 2026, and will be conducted in three sessions.

That means students who have not completed their application should not treat the deadline casually.

CAT is used for admission processes at the IIMs and is also accepted by many other management institutes. But registering for CAT is only the first step. You also need to understand eligibility, application requirements, test-city selection, fees, exam structure and what happens after registration.

In this guide, we will cover everything important about CAT 2026 Registration, including the latest last date, application fee, eligibility criteria, documents, form-filling process, correction window, exam date and common mistakes.

Latest Update: CAT 2026 registration closes on September 22, 2026, at 5:00 PM. The exam is scheduled for November 29, 2026.

🎓 Apply Now

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CAT 2026 Registration: Quick Overview

Before getting into the detailed process, here are the important details you should know:

IIM Indore is conducting CAT 2026, with the examination scheduled for November 29 in three sessions across around 170 cities.

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1. CAT 2026 Registration Last Date

The most important update for students right now is the revised registration deadline.

The CAT 2026 registration window originally opened on August 3, 2026, with September 15 announced as the last date. IIM Indore subsequently extended the deadline to:

September 22, 2026, 5:00 PM

Candidates who have not submitted their application should complete the process before the revised deadline.

This is especially important because registering is not the same as simply creating an account.

Your application needs to be completed, required information entered, documents uploaded where applicable, and the fee successfully paid.

CAT 2026 Important Dates

The admit card is scheduled to be available from November 4, while the examination will take place on November 29.

Practical advice: Don’t wait for the final few hours. Technical problems, payment issues or incorrect information can create unnecessary stress.

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2. Who Is Eligible for CAT 2026?

Before filling the CAT 2026 application form, check whether you satisfy the basic eligibility requirements.

For CAT 2026, candidates generally need a recognised bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification.

The minimum graduation requirement is:

• 50% marks or equivalent CGPA for General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates
• 45% marks or equivalent CGPA for SC, ST and PwD candidates

Final-year bachelor’s degree students can also apply. Candidates with certain professional qualifications such as CA, CS, CMA and similar recognised qualifications may also be eligible.

Is there an age limit for CAT?

There is no age limit specified for appearing in CAT 2026.

This means CAT is not restricted to candidates who have graduated immediately after Class 12 or students of a particular age group.

However, satisfying CAT eligibility does not automatically guarantee admission to an IIM.

Individual IIMs can have their own admission processes and selection criteria.

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3. CAT 2026 Registration Fee

The application fee has increased for CAT 2026 compared with the previous cycle.

The current fee structure is:

The revised fee has been reported in the CAT 2026 registration information and current exam updates.

Candidates should make sure that they select the correct category while completing the form.

Why should you check your category carefully?

Your category information can affect:

• application fee
• reservation-related requirements
• document requirements
• later admission verification

Therefore, don’t select a category simply because you think it may improve your chances.

Enter information that you can support with valid documents.

Also read : CAT 2026 Last-Month Preparation Strategy: What to Do Before the Exam

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4. How to Fill CAT 2026 Application Form

The CAT registration process may look long because the application collects personal, academic and test-related information.

However, you can make it easier by completing it section by section.

Step 1: Visit the Official CAT Website

Always use the official CAT portal for registration and application-related updates.

Official CAT 2026 Website

Avoid entering personal information or payment details on unofficial websites.

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Step 2: Complete New Candidate Registration

Start the registration process using the details requested by the CAT portal.

You will need a valid:

• mobile number
• email address
• personal information

Use an email address and mobile number that you can access throughout the CAT admission process.

Don’t use someone else’s temporary number simply because it is convenient.

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Step 3: Verify Your Account

After completing the initial registration information, follow the verification instructions provided on the portal.

Keep your login details safe.

You may need them later for:

• application updates
• admit card
• correction process
• examination-related information

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Step 4: Fill Personal Details

Enter your personal information carefully.

This can include details such as:

• name
• date of birth
• gender
• nationality
• category
• communication details
• address

Check your information before moving to the next section.

A small spelling error may become a problem later if it does not match your official documents.

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5. Enter Your Academic Details Carefully

Academic information is one of the most important parts of the CAT application.

Candidates may need to provide details related to:

• Class 10
• Class 12
• bachelor’s degree
• postgraduate qualification, if applicable
• professional qualification, where relevant

What if you are still in college?

Final-year graduation students can apply, subject to the applicable CAT requirements.

However, you must ensure that your academic status is entered correctly.

Do not mark a degree as completed if you are still studying.

Similarly, don’t enter estimated marks when the application specifically asks for completed academic information.

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6. Select Your Test Cities Carefully

CAT 2026 is scheduled to be conducted in around 170 cities, and candidates can choose their preferred test-city options while completing the application.

This is an important part of the form because your test-centre allocation will be based on the options and availability.

Before submitting your preferences, consider:

• travel distance
• transport availability
• accommodation if required
• familiarity with the city
• travel time on exam day

Don’t select a city just because it sounds convenient on paper.

The actual exam-day journey matters too.

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7. Upload Photograph and Signature Correctly

Document and image requirements should be checked carefully before uploading.

Typically, the application process requires candidates to upload items such as:

• photograph
• signature
• category-related certificates, where applicable
• other documents requested by the application portal

The exact technical specifications should always be checked on the official CAT website before uploading.

This is important because image requirements can include specifications related to:

• file format
• file size
• dimensions
• clarity
• background
• visibility

Don’t resize an image randomly and assume it will be accepted.

Prepare your photograph and signature before beginning the final submission process.

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CAT 2026 Correction Window: What Can Be Changed?

This is an area where candidates should be particularly careful.

IIM Indore has indicated that a limited edit window will be available after registration closes.

According to current information, candidates will be able to make changes in specific fields such as:

• photograph
• signature
• test-city preferences

The correction window does not mean that every field of the submitted application can be changed.

Therefore:

Don’t depend on the correction window.

Instead, review your application before final submission.

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CAT 2026 Exam Date

The CAT 2026 examination is scheduled for:

November 29, 2026

The exam will be conducted in three sessions in computer-based test mode.

The examination is scheduled to take place across around 170 cities.

Candidates should remember that the registration deadline and examination date are two completely different milestones.

Completing the registration does not mean preparation can be postponed until November.

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CAT 2026 Exam Pattern

Understanding the CAT 2026 pattern is important because CAT is not simply about knowing concepts.

The current structure consists of three sections:

1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension — VARC
2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning — DILR
3. Quantitative Ability — QA

The current CAT 2026 structure is based on 68 questions, with 24 in VARC, 22 in DILR and 22 in QA. The total examination duration is 120 minutes, with 40 minutes allocated to each section.

Each correct answer carries three marks, while incorrect MCQs generally attract a one-mark penalty. Non-MCQ/TITA questions do not carry negative marking.

The important point is that the sectional timer matters.

You cannot simply spend 70 minutes on one section and then use the remaining time wherever you want.

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CAT 2026 Syllabus: What Should You Prepare?

Unlike school examinations, CAT preparation is not based on memorising a fixed chapter list.

The three major areas are:

VARC

VARC focuses heavily on reading and comprehension.

Preparation can include:

• Reading Comprehension
• Para Summary
• Para Jumbles
• Sentence-based questions
• Vocabulary
• Verbal reasoning

Reading regularly is useful because CAT passages can cover different subjects and writing styles.

You don’t need to read only business books.

Editorials, long-form articles, essays and quality nonfiction can help build reading comfort.

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DILR

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning requires you to understand information and identify relationships.

Preparation commonly involves:

• tables
• graphs
• charts
• arrangements
• games
• puzzles
• sets
• logical conditions
• data-based reasoning

DILR can feel different from conventional mathematics because the challenge is often deciding how to structure the information before calculating.

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QA

Quantitative Ability includes mathematical concepts commonly associated with school-level mathematics, but CAT tests them through application and time pressure.

Important preparation areas include:

• Arithmetic
• Algebra
• Geometry
• Number System
• Percentages
• Ratio and Proportion
• Profit and Loss
• Time and Work
• Time, Speed and Distance
• Averages
• Mensuration
• Modern Mathematics

The objective should not be to memorise hundreds of formulas.

You need to understand the concept and practise applying it quickly.

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CAT 2026 Registration: 10 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Completing the CAT form is not difficult if you are organised.

But several avoidable mistakes can create problems.

1. Waiting Until the Final Day

The revised deadline is September 22 at 5 PM.

Don’t plan to submit at 4:50 PM.

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2. Entering Incorrect Academic Information

Check your marksheets and certificates before entering academic details.

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3. Uploading Poor-Quality Images

A blurry photograph or unclear signature can create unnecessary issues.

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4. Selecting a Test City Without Thinking

Consider the practical travel requirements.

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5. Choosing the Wrong Category

Only select a category that you can substantiate with valid documentation.

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6. Using an Inaccessible Email Address

Use an email address you regularly check.

Important examination communication can depend on it.

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7. Ignoring the Correction Window Rules

A correction window does not mean every application field can be edited.

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8. Forgetting the Payment Step

Creating an account does not mean your application is complete.

Confirm that the payment and final submission have been successfully completed.

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9. Not Saving Application Details

Keep your application-related information safely stored.

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10. Treating Registration as Preparation

This is perhaps the biggest mistake.

Submitting the CAT form does not improve your preparation.

After registration, your next priority should be understanding the exam structure, identifying weak areas and beginning structured practice.

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What Should You Do After CAT 2026 Registration?

Once the application is submitted, don’t keep checking the registration portal every day without doing anything else.

Your next phase should look something like this:

Step 1: Understand the Pattern

Know the three sections and their time limits.

Step 2: Take a Diagnostic Test

Before creating a long preparation timetable, understand your current level.

Step 3: Identify Weak Areas

You may discover that:

• VARC is comfortable but QA is weak
• QA is strong but DILR takes too much time
• you understand RCs but make too many accuracy mistakes

Your strategy should depend on your actual performance.

Step 4: Start Sectional Practice

Don’t jump directly into full-length mocks every day.

Build sectional strength first.

Step 5: Add Full-Length Mocks

Once your fundamentals improve, start taking full-length CAT-style tests.

Step 6: Analyse Every Mock

A mock test is useful only when you analyse it.

Ask:

• Which questions did I get wrong?
• Which questions took too long?
• Which questions should I have skipped?
• Was the mistake conceptual or due to calculation?
• Did I lose marks because of guessing?
• Which section consumed my confidence?

This analysis can be more useful than simply looking at the final score.

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CAT 2026 Preparation After Registration

With the CAT exam scheduled for November 29, candidates should use the remaining preparation period carefully.

A simple framework can be:

Phase 1 — Concept Building

Strengthen your fundamentals in:

• Arithmetic
• Algebra
• Reading Comprehension
• Logical Reasoning
• Data Interpretation

Phase 2 — Sectional Practice

Start solving timed sectional sets.

Focus on both:

speed + accuracy

rather than speed alone.

Phase 3 — Mock Tests

Gradually introduce full-length tests.

The purpose is not to collect mock-test scores.

The purpose is to understand your exam behaviour.

Phase 4 — Analysis

Maintain a mistake log.

For example:

This makes your preparation measurable.

For CAT preparation and mock-test related content, Aaopadhein can connect readers to relevant exam-preparation resources through Aaopadhein.org where appropriate.

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CAT 2026 Registration vs MBA Admission

One thing every CAT aspirant should understand is:

CAT Registration ≠ MBA Admission

Registering for CAT gives you the opportunity to appear for the examination.

Your CAT score may then be considered by IIMs and other participating management institutes according to their individual admission processes.

The selection process can involve additional factors depending on the institute, such as:

• CAT performance
• academic record
• work experience
• written assessment
• personal interview
• other institute-specific criteria

Therefore, don’t assume that simply registering for CAT automatically means you have applied to every MBA college.

The application processes of individual institutes can be separate.

This distinction becomes particularly important after the CAT result.

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What About IIMs After CAT?

CAT is conducted by one of the IIMs on behalf of the IIM system, but individual IIM admission processes are not necessarily identical.

Each institute can publish its own admission criteria.

Therefore, after the CAT exam, candidates should check the official admission information of the individual IIMs they are targeting.

Don’t rely entirely on one generic “IIM admission criteria” article.

Official institute information should be treated as the final reference for admission requirements.

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CAT 2026 Admit Card

The CAT 2026 admit card is scheduled to become available from November 4, 2026.

Once the admit card is released, candidates should carefully check:

• candidate details
• photograph
• test centre
• exam date
• reporting information
• examination instructions

Don’t wait until exam morning to read the instructions.

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CAT 2026 Exam Day: What Should Students Remember?

Once you reach the examination stage, preparation becomes more than solving questions.

Plan your exam-day logistics in advance.

Check:

• test centre location
• travel route
• reporting requirements
• permitted items
• identification documents
• exam instructions

If your centre is in another city, arrange travel early rather than making a last-minute plan.

A calm exam morning is easier to manage when the logistical details have already been handled.

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Frequently Asked Questions About CAT 2026 Registration

When is the CAT 2026 registration last date?

The revised last date for CAT 2026 registration is September 22, 2026, at 5:00 PM.

When did CAT 2026 registration start?

CAT 2026 registration started on August 3, 2026.

What is the CAT 2026 exam date?

CAT 2026 is scheduled for November 29, 2026.

Who is conducting CAT 2026?

IIM Indore is conducting CAT 2026.

What is the CAT 2026 registration fee?

The fee is ₹2,700 for General/EWS/NC-OBC candidates and ₹1,350 for SC/ST/PwD candidates.

What is the CAT 2026 eligibility percentage?

Candidates generally need at least 50% in their bachelor’s degree, while the requirement is 45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates. Final-year graduation students can also apply subject to the applicable conditions.

Is there an age limit for CAT 2026?

There is no specified age limit for appearing in CAT 2026.

How many sections are there in CAT 2026?

There are three sections:

• VARC
• DILR
• QA

The current pattern has 68 questions and 120 minutes overall, with 40 minutes for each section.

Is there negative marking in CAT?

Yes. Incorrect MCQ responses carry a negative mark under the current pattern. TITA/non-MCQ questions do not carry negative marking.

When will CAT 2026 admit cards be released?

The CAT 2026 admit card is scheduled to be available from November 4, 2026.

Can final-year students apply for CAT 2026?

Yes. Final-year bachelor’s degree students are eligible to apply, subject to the applicable CAT requirements and later completion/documentation requirements.

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Final Takeaway

CAT 2026 Registration is now at the deadline stage.

The revised deadline is September 22, 2026, at 5:00 PM, while the CAT 2026 examination is scheduled for November 29, 2026.

If you are eligible and planning to appear, focus on completing the application accurately rather than rushing through it.

Check your:

• personal information
• academic details
• category
• photograph
• signature
• test-city preferences
• payment
• final submission

After registration, shift your attention toward preparation.

Understand the CAT pattern, identify your weak sections, practise consistently and start analysing your performance instead of simply counting the number of mock tests you have attempted.

And remember one important distinction:

CAT registration gets you into the examination process. Your preparation determines how you use that opportunity.