Eligible candidates can now submit their CAT 2026 application forms online through the official website. The registration window will remain open until September 15, 2026. Along with opening the application portal, IIM Indore has also released detailed guidelines regarding the registration process, application fee, required documents, image specifications, work experience criteria, and supported payment methods.
Candidates planning to appear for the CAT 2026 examination are advised to complete their registration well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
CAT 2026 Registration: Important Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
|
Exam Name |
Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 |
|
Conducting Institute |
IIM Indore |
|
Registration Begins |
August 3, 2026 |
|
Last Date to Apply |
September 15, 2026 |
|
Mode of Registration |
Online |
|
Official Website |
|
|
Application Fee (General/EWS/NC-OBC) |
₹2,700 |
|
Application Fee (SC/ST/PwBD) |
₹1,350 |
CAT 2026 Registration Window Now Open
The online registration process for CAT 2026 is now live. Candidates seeking admission to MBA and other management programmes offered by IIMs and participating institutions can submit their applications by visiting the official CAT portal.
Applicants belonging to the General, EWS, and NC-OBC categories are required to pay an application fee of ₹2,700, while candidates from the SC, ST, and PwBD categories need to pay ₹1,350.
The application fee is charged only once, irrespective of the number of IIM programmes or interview cities selected by the candidate.
Direct Link for CAT 2026 Registration
Candidates can complete their online registration through the official CAT application portal.
Direct Registration Link: https://cdn.digialm.com/EForms/configuredHtml/32842/101262/Registration.html
How to Apply for CAT 2026?
Candidates must follow the steps below to successfully complete the CAT 2026 application process.
Step 1: New Candidate Registration
- Visit the official CAT website.
- Click on "New Candidate Registration."
- Enter:
- Candidate's Name
- Date of Birth
- Email ID
- Country
- Mobile Number
Step 2: OTP Verification
- Generate the One-Time Password (OTP).
- Verify both the registered mobile number and email address.
Step 3: Receive Login Credentials
After successful verification, candidates will receive:
- User ID
- Password
These credentials will be sent through both SMS and email.
Step 4: Login to Candidate Dashboard
Use the allotted User ID and Password to log in and access the application portal.
Step 5: Complete the Application Form
Candidates need to fill the following six sections carefully:
- Personal Details
- Academic Details
- Work Experience
- Programme Selection
- Test City Preferences
- Declaration
Applicants should save each section after completing it.
Step 6: Upload Required Documents
Upload the following scanned documents:
- Passport-size Photograph
- Signature
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- PwBD Certificate (if applicable)
Ensure all files meet the prescribed specifications.
Step 7: Preview & Pay Application Fee
Before final submission:
- Review all entered information using the Preview option.
- Accept the declaration.
- Complete the online payment through the available payment gateway.
- Submit the application and save the confirmation page.
Higher Secondary (Class 12) Details Required
While filling the CAT application form, candidates must select either:
- 12th/Equivalent, or
- Diploma
Applicants should also provide:
- Stream
- Board/University
- Year of Passing
- Aggregate Percentage
Class 10 Details Required
Candidates must enter the following information exactly as mentioned in their mark sheet:
- Board Name
- Month & Year of Passing
- Maximum Marks
- Marks Obtained
- Overall Percentage
Keep Printed Copies of the Uploaded Photograph
Candidates are advised to retain printed copies of the same passport-size photograph uploaded during registration, as the identical photograph must be pasted on the printed CAT admit card on the examination day.
CAT 2026 Photograph & Signature Upload Guidelines
| Specification | Passport Photograph | Scanned Signature |
|---|---|---|
|
Dimensions |
1200 × 1200 Pixels |
80 mm × 35 mm |
|
File Format |
.jpg / .jpeg |
.jpg / .jpeg |
|
Maximum File Size |
Up to 80 KB |
Up to 80 KB |
|
Minimum Resolution |
150 dpi |
150 dpi |
|
Requirements |
White background; photograph not older than six months |
Clear signature on white paper using black ink |
Work Experience Cut-off Date
Candidates claiming work experience should calculate their total professional experience up to July 31, 2026.
The work experience should be supported with valid employment documents.
Documents Required for CAT 2026 Registration
Applicants should keep the following documents ready before beginning the registration process:
- Class 10 (SSC) Certificate
- Class 12 (HSC) Mark Sheet
- Bachelor's Degree Mark Sheets
- Master's Degree / CA / CS / ICWA Qualification Documents (if applicable)
- Work Experience Certificates
- Joining Letters
- Salary Slips (where applicable)
- Valid Category Certificate
- NC-OBC (Issued on or after April 1, 2026)
- EWS (FY 2026–27)
- SC/ST Certificate
- PwBD Certificate
- Passport-size Photograph
- Scanned Signature
CAT 2026 Application Fee Payment Methods
The application fee must be paid online through the integrated BillDesk Payment Gateway.
Accepted payment methods include:
- Credit Cards
- Visa
- MasterCard
- American Express
- Diners Club
- Debit Cards
- Net Banking
- UPI
- Online Wallets
CAT 2026 Registration Fee
| Candidate Category | Registration Fee |
|---|---|
|
SC / ST / PwBD |
₹1,350 |
|
General / EWS / NC-OBC |
₹2,700 |
Supported Browsers for CAT 2026 Registration
Candidates are advised to use any of the following browsers for a smooth registration experience:
- Mozilla Firefox (Version 134–151)
- Google Chrome (Version 126–149)
- Microsoft Edge (Version 126–149)
Latest Update
As of 10:13 AM IST on August 3, 2026, the CAT 2026 registration portal is officially active. Eligible candidates can now submit their online applications through the official CAT website before the September 15, 2026 deadline.
Conclusion
The opening of the CAT 2026 registration window marks the beginning of the admission process for one of India's most prestigious management entrance examinations. With the application portal now live, aspiring MBA candidates should carefully review the official guidelines, keep all required documents ready, upload images in the prescribed format, and complete the registration well before the closing date. Since the application fee is non-refundable and no extension is guaranteed, candidates are encouraged to submit their forms early and verify every detail before final submission.
