The CAT 2026 online registration window will remain open until September 15, 2026, giving candidates ample time to complete their applications. Applicants are advised not to wait until the last date and should complete the registration process well in advance to avoid technical issues caused by heavy traffic on the portal.

Candidates can submit their application forms by visiting the official CAT website, where both the new candidate registration and candidate login facilities have been activated.

CAT 2026 Registration Now Open

The registration process for CAT 2026 has begun under the supervision of IIM Indore, the conducting institute for this year's examination.

Candidates seeking admission to prestigious management institutes, including the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other participating B-schools, can now complete the online application process.

The application window will remain active until September 15, 2026.

Application Fee for CAT 2026

Applicants must pay the prescribed application fee according to their category while submitting the online application.

The category-wise application fee is provided below.

The application fee is non-refundable, and candidates must complete the payment through the available online payment methods to successfully submit the application form.

How to Apply for CAT 2026

Candidates should follow the steps below to complete the CAT 2026 application form.

Step 1: New Candidate Registration

Visit the official CAT website and click on "Register" under the New Candidate Registration section.

Enter the required information, including:

• Candidate's Name

• Date of Birth

• Email Address

• Mobile Number

• Country

Step 2: OTP Verification

After submitting the basic details, an OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to the registered mobile number and email address.

Candidates must verify both contact details by entering the OTP to activate their registration.

Step 3: Login to the Candidate Portal

Once registration is completed, candidates can log in to the CAT candidate dashboard using the User ID and Password generated during registration.

Step 4: Complete the Application Form

Candidates are required to fill the following sections of the application form one by one:

• Personal Details

• Academic Qualifications

• Work Experience

• Programme Preferences

• CAT Test City Preferences

• Declaration

Applicants are advised to save the information after completing each section before proceeding to the next.

Step 5: Upload Required Documents

Candidates must upload scanned copies of the required documents in the prescribed format.

The documents include:

• Recent Passport-size Photograph

• Candidate's Signature

• Category Certificate (if applicable)

• PwBD Certificate (if applicable)

Only documents that meet the prescribed size and format specifications should be uploaded.

Step 6: Preview and Final Submission

Before submitting the application, candidates should carefully review all the information entered using the Preview option.

After confirming that all details are correct, applicants must:

• Accept the declaration.

• Pay the application fee through the online payment gateway.

• Submit the completed application form.

Candidates should download and save a copy of the submitted application form and payment receipt for future reference.

Documents Required for CAT 2026 Registration

Applicants should keep the following documents and information ready before beginning the registration process:

• Valid Email Address

• Active Mobile Number

• Passport-size Photograph

• Scanned Signature

• Class 10 Mark Sheet

• Class 12 Mark Sheet

• Graduation Details

• Work Experience Details (if applicable)

• Category Certificate (for reserved category candidates)

• PwBD Certificate (if applicable)

• Valid Identity Details

• Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking or UPI for fee payment

Having these documents ready beforehand will help candidates complete the application process smoothly.

Direct Registration Link Active

The CAT 2026 registration portal is now active for both:

• New Candidate Registration

• Existing Candidate Login

Candidates can access the application portal through the official CAT website and complete the registration process before the deadline.

Important Points Candidates Should Remember

• Registration will remain open until September 15, 2026.

• The application fee is non-refundable.

• Ensure that all uploaded documents meet the prescribed specifications.

• Verify all personal, academic and contact details carefully before final submission.

• Save a copy of the submitted application form and payment receipt.

• Submit the application well before the closing date to avoid last-minute server congestion.

Why CAT 2026 Is Important

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of India's most competitive management entrance examinations and serves as the gateway to admission into the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) as well as several prestigious government and private business schools across the country.

A strong CAT score can significantly improve a candidate's chances of securing admission to leading MBA, PGDM and other postgraduate management programmes.

Conclusion

With the CAT 2026 registration process now underway, eligible management aspirants should complete their applications before the September 15 deadline. Candidates are advised to keep all necessary documents ready, verify every detail carefully, upload the required certificates in the prescribed format, and pay the applicable application fee to successfully complete the registration process. Since CAT scores are accepted by the IIMs and numerous top management institutions across India, timely registration is the first step toward pursuing a premier management education.