Registration for the CAT exam began at 10 am on August 3, 2026. Eligible candidates can complete the application process through the CAT official website, iimcat.ac.in.

The registration window will remain open until 5 pm on September 15, 2026. The Common Admission Test will be conducted on November 29, 2026.

Candidates should keep their academic details, photograph, signature and applicable certificates ready before starting. They should also review every entry before paying the fee because changes are not allowed after final submission.

CAT Exam Date 2026 and Important Deadlines

The main CAT 2026 dates are:

• Registration begins: August 3, 2026, at 10 am
• Registration closes: September 15, 2026, at 5 pm
• Admit card download begins: November 4, 2026
• CAT exam date: November 29, 2026

The test will be conducted in three sessions at centres spread across nearly 170 test cities.

Step 1: Create an Account on the CAT Official Website

Visit iimcat.ac.in and select the New Candidate Registration option.

Candidates must provide their name, email address and mobile number. An OTP will be sent to the registered email address and phone number for verification.

After verification, candidates can use the generated user ID and password to log in and continue the CAT registration process.

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Step 2: Enter Personal and Academic Details

After logging in, fill in the required personal information carefully.

Candidates must also enter academic details from Class 10 onwards. Those with professional experience should add the relevant employment information in the work-experience section.

The name and date of birth entered in the form should match the candidate’s official records. Candidates should review all spellings, marks and dates before proceeding.

The application can be saved and completed later, provided it is submitted before the deadline.

Step 3: Upload the Required Documents

Candidates should keep the following items ready:

• A recent passport-size photograph with a white background
• A scanned signature
• Academic information from Class 10 onwards
• SC, ST or PwBD certificate, where applicable
• Work-experience details, if applicable

Files must follow the size and format instructions displayed on the registration portal. Reserved-category candidates must upload the applicable certificate during registration.

Step 4: Select IIM Programmes and Test Cities

Applicants must select the IIM programmes for which they want to be considered.

They can also choose five preferred test cities in order of preference. However, selecting a city does not guarantee that it will be allotted. The examination authority will allot one of the preferred cities based on availability. When none of the chosen cities is available, a nearby test city may be assigned. Candidates should therefore select all five options carefully rather than entering the same region without considering travel arrangements.

Step 5: Pay the CAT Registration Fee

The application fee for CAT 2026 is:

• ₹2,700 for General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates
• ₹1,350 for SC, ST and PwBD candidates

Candidates need to pay the fee only once, regardless of how many participating IIM programmes they select. The registration fee is non-refundable.

Applicants should confirm that their personal information, academic records, programme choices and test-city preferences are correct before making the payment.

Step 6: Review and Submit the Application

Preview the completed application before accepting the declaration and paying the fee. Once the payment is completed and the form is submitted, candidates will not be allowed to change the submitted information through the regular application process. Download and save the completed application or confirmation page. Candidates should also keep their CAT login details secure because they will need them to access later updates and download the admit card.

Who Can Apply for the Common Admission Test?

Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks or an equivalent CGPA. The minimum requirement is 45% for SC, ST and PwBD applicants. Final-year students and candidates waiting for their graduation results may also apply, subject to the admission conditions of participating institutes.

Why Candidates Should Apply Early

Completing the CAT registration process early gives candidates time to resolve document, login or payment-related problems before the deadline.

It also allows them to review programme selections and test-city preferences without rushing through the form. However, applying early does not guarantee a candidate’s first-choice examination city because allocations depend on centre availability.

Candidates should rely on the CAT official website for announcements about registration, admit cards, exam centres or changes to the schedule.

The CAT exam will take place on November 29, 2026. Applicants should complete and submit their forms before 5 pm on September 15.