CAT Registrations 2026 — Percentilers

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.

Feature	Details
Exam Name	Common Admission Test (CAT)
Conducting Body	IIM (Expected: IIM Calcutta for 2026)
Exam Mode	Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Frequency	Once a year
Registration Mode	Online
Registration Period	Likely from August to September 2026
Official Website	https://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:

Event	Date (Tentative)
CAT Notification Release	Last week of July 2026
Registration Opens	First week of August 2026
Registration Closes	Third week of September 2026
Admit Card Release	Third week of October 2026
CAT Exam Date	November 30, 2026 (expected)
Result Declaration	First 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.

Category	Application 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.

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.

Documents Required:

Passport-size photograph (colored, recent)

Scanned signature (in black ink)

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

PwD certificate (if applicable)

File Size and Format Guidelines:

Document	Format	Size
Photograph	JPG/JPEG	30KB–80KB
Signature	JPG/JPEG	10KB–30KB
Certificates	PDF	Up to 500KB

FAQs:

Q. What if my certificate is in a regional language?

Translate it into English or Hindi and get it attested by a gazetted officer.

Q. Can I upload a selfie as a photograph?

No. Only passport-size, professional photos are accepted.

Step 4: Pay the CAT 2026 Application Fee

Once all the fields are filled and documents uploaded, it’s time to pay the fee. Payment can be made online only using credit/debit cards, net banking, or UPI.
FAQs:

Q. Can I pay through wallet apps like Paytm?

No. Only standard online payment methods (cards/net banking/UPI) are accepted.

Q. Is the fee refundable?

No, once paid, the fee is non-refundable under all circumstances.

Step 5: Final Submission and Downloading the Form

fter successful payment, review the entire form and submit it. You’ll be able to download a PDF copy of the application for your records.

Important Tip: Save both the application PDF and the fee receipt. You’ll need them during admissions and for troubleshooting.

FAQs:

Q. Can I make changes to the form after submission?

Only certain fields (like test city preference or photo/signature) can be edited during the form correction window (if provided).

Q. Do I need to send a print copy to IIMs?

No. The process is entirely online. No physical documents are required at this stage.