CAT Registrations 2026 — Percentilers

CAT Exam Guide · · 7 min read
CAT Registrations 2026 — Percentilers

Quick Answer: CAT preparation for 2026: Registrations start August 1st. Learn the full online application process, key dates, fees, and required documents. Get ready to apply!

CAT Registrations 2026 – Complete Guide for IIM Aspirants

Written by Pranshul Verma

July 29, 2026

CAT Registrations 2026

The CAT 2026 registration process is set to begin on 1st August 2026, as officially announced by the exam authorities. The application form will be available on the official website — iimcat.ac.in — where candidates can complete the registration and apply online.

Even if you have appeared for CAT in previous years, you must register as a new user for CAT 2026, as previous login credentials are not valid for the current year.

The CAT 2026 application process includes four main steps: online registration, filling out the application form, uploading required documents, and paying the examination fee. Candidates are advised to read the instructions carefully and complete each step accurately to avoid rejection or delays.

As registration begins, this is also the ideal time to enroll in a reliable CAT online coaching program. Online coaching can help you structure your preparation, access mock tests, and learn time-saving strategies — all from the convenience of your home.

This blog is about to solve all the problems that you are facing while applying for the CAT form.

IM CAT Registration 2026: Highlights

Before diving into the details, let’s look at the key aspects of CAT 2026. These highlights give you a quick overview of the exam and registration structure. Knowing these basic facts will help you navigate the application process with confidence.

FeatureDetails
Exam NameCommon Admission Test (CAT)
Conducting BodyIIM (Expected: IIM Calcutta for 2026)
Exam ModeComputer-Based Test (CBT)
FrequencyOnce a year
Registration ModeOnline
Registration PeriodLikely from August to September 2026
Official Websitehttps://iimcat.ac.in

CAT 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule

The CAT timeline typically follows a well-established pattern each year. While the official dates will be announced by the IIMs through a notification in July 2026, here’s a tentative schedule to help you plan ahead. Mark these important milestones on your calendar:

EventDate (Tentative)
CAT Notification ReleaseLast week of July 2026
Registration OpensFirst week of August 2026
Registration ClosesThird week of September 2026
Admit Card ReleaseThird week of October 2026
CAT Exam DateNovember 30, 2026 (expected)
Result DeclarationFirst week of January 2026

What is CAT Exam Fee? (Detailed View)

Understanding the fee structure is important so you can plan your payment method in advance. The fees vary based on the cast you belong to. CAT exam fees for OBC, General are the same.

CategoryApplication Fee
General / OBC / EWS₹2,400 (approx.)
SC / ST / PwD₹1,200 (approx.)

Note: The fee includes the cost of applying to all IIMs you select in the form.

Documents Required for CAT 2026 Application Form

Make sure you gather all the necessary documents before starting the form to avoid delays.

Essential Documents:

  • Recent passport-size photo
  • Scanned signature
  • 10th, 12th, and graduation mark sheets
  • Government ID proof (Aadhar, PAN, Passport)
  • Caste/Category certificate (if applicable)
  • PwD certificate (if applicable)

Pro Tip: Ensure that all documents are legible, updated, and as per the format prescribed in the official guidelines.

CAT Exam Registration 2026: Things to Keep in Mind

Even though the process is straightforward, small mistakes can cost you dearly. Keep these tips in mind to avoid last-minute stress:

  • Use a unique, working email and phone number that you check regularly.
  • Double-check spellings, percentages, and category details.
  • Avoid using mobile browsers; use a desktop or laptop for form filling.
  • Save the final application and transaction ID for future use.
  • Watch for the form correction window if you spot errors later.

IIM CAT 2026 Registration cum Application Process

The CAT 2026 application is a completely online process and involves several steps, including registration, filling out the application, uploading documents, and making the fee payment. Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to follow.

Step 1: Registration – Create User ID and Password

The first step involves registering as a new user on the CAT website. You need to provide your basic contact information to generate login credentials.

Visit https://iimcat.ac.in

Click on ‘New Candidate Registration’

Enter:

Full Name (as per official documents)

Date of Birth

Valid Email ID and Mobile Number

Verify using OTP

Upon submission, you will receive your User ID and Password via email/SMS

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use my previous year’s CAT login details?

No. You must register as a new candidate every year, even if you’ve taken the CAT before.

2. What if I don’t receive the confirmation email?

Check your spam folder. If not received within 30 minutes, re-register using a different email or contact the CAT helpdesk.

Step 2: Fill the CAT 2026 Application Form

Once registered, you can log in and begin filling out your application. This is the most detailed step, requiring academic and personal information.

You’ll need to enter:

Personal Details (Name, Gender, Category, Nationality, etc.)

Educational Qualifications from Class 10 onwards

Work Experience (if any)

Preferred IIM Programs and Interview Cities

Exam City Preferences (Choose up to 6)

Be careful and double-check all entries for accuracy. To ensure you're on track with your preparation, consider taking a Free CAT Readiness Assessment to identify your strengths and weaknesses early on.

FAQs:

Q. Can I select more than one IIM or program?

Yes! You can select multiple IIMs and their respective programs while filling the form.

Q. Is work experience mandatory?

No, fresh graduates can also apply. Work experience adds weight but is not mandatory.

Step 3: Upload Required Documents

After entering your details, you need to upload scanned documents. These should be clear, recent, and in the correct format to avoid rejection. For effective practice and to track your progress, regularly use a Practice Lab to sharpen your skills across all sections.

Documents Required:

Passport-size photograph (colored, recent)

Scanned signature (in black ink)

Caste/Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL)

PwD certificate (if applicable)

To ensure you're consistently improving and hitting your study targets, consider using a Daily Study Planner. This tool helps you create a personalized schedule and track your progress effectively.

Tools That Help With This

  • Daily Study Planner: Create a personalized daily preparation schedule to stay organized and on track with your CAT studies.
  • Practice Lab: Improve your speed and accuracy with targeted drills, topic sets, and performance tracking across all CAT sections.
  • Flashcards: Master over 800 essential formulas and concepts for quick revision and better retention.
  • Test Series: Practice with 30 full-length CAT mocks to simulate exam conditions and analyze your performance.
  • CAT Percentile Predictor: Estimate your CAT percentile based on your mock test scores to gauge your readiness.

Q. What is the ideal time to start CAT preparation for 2026?

A. Starting your CAT preparation 10-12 months before the exam is generally recommended. For CAT 2026, this means beginning around November 2025 or December 2025. This allows ample time to cover the syllabus, practice extensively, take mock tests, and refine your strategies without feeling rushed.

Q. Can I edit my application form after submission?

A. Yes, IIMs usually provide a short 'form correction window' after the registration period closes. During this time, candidates can log in and make limited corrections to certain fields like photograph, signature, and sometimes academic details. However, primary details like name, date of birth, and email ID are typically unchangeable. Always double-check before final submission.