CAT Registration 2026 Process

CAT 2026 registration is the first step for candidates seeking admission in the Indian Institutes of Management and other participating B-schools in the management admission process. The Common Admission Test continues to be one of the most significant entrance tests for admissions to postgraduate management courses in India. The online application process typically involves registration of the candidate, filling the form, choosing preferred exam city, uploading documents and payment of fee. All the candidates are advised to fill all the details carefully and check the form carefully before submitting it finally.

CAT 2026 official schedule has not been released yet. Candidates should keep an eye on the official CAT portal for the date of the start of registration, closing date, release of the admit card, date of the exam and declaration of the result. 

Candidates are advised to check the eligibility conditions before applying for the registration. To apply for CAT, you must meet the minimum academic requirement.

• Candidates should have a bachelor degree from a recognised university.
• Candidates belonging to General, EWS and NC-OBC should have minimum 50 per cent marks or equivalent CGPA.
• The minimum marks or equivalent CGPA required for SC, ST and PwD category candidates should be 45%.
• Candidates having professional degree like CA, CS or ICWA can also apply.
• Final year undergraduate students are eligible to apply if they can complete the degree requirements within the prescribed time period.
• Candidates need to check the detailed rules in the official notification before filling the form.
• The minimum eligibility criteria are not a guarantee for shortlisting by the IIMs. 

Online CAT 2026 application process various stages like registration, fee payment etc. Candidates should complete each step of the application carefully because the application will become part of the official admission record.

Step 1 Open new account

Candidates have to visit the official CAT portal and register themselves by providing basic details to create a new user account.

Step 2: Confirm Contact Information

The portal will send communications and verification to both, so the applicant is required to give a valid email ID and mobile number.

Step 3: Fill Out The Application Form 

Candidates have to fill the form with personal details, academic qualifications, work experience, programme choices and any other information required.

Step 4: Choose Exam City Preference

Candidates can choose the test cities of their liking in the order allowed by the portal and they have to check their choice before proceeding.

Step 5: Upload Signature & Photo

Candidates have to upload recent photograph and signature as per prescribed format and size.

Step 6. Application Fee Payment

The applicants shall be required to make the fee payment through the Online payment gateway for successful completion of the submission process.

7. Keep The Confirmation Email

Candidates are required to apply after final review and retain the confirmation page for future reference.

The registration fee for CAT varies according to a category. The fee is non-refundable and has to be paid once irrespective of the number of IIMs/Institutes the candidate chooses to apply.

Documents Required For CAT 2026 Registration

• Candidates are advised to have all the required details and documents ready before starting the registration process. Good preparation means that the form is filled out correctly and without a hitch.
• Recent passport-size photograph
• Scanned signature.
• Email ID is valid
• Active Cell Number
• Certificate of class 10 details
• Graduation mark sheets
• Degree certificate or final year details
• Certificate of category (if applicable)
• PwD certificate (if applicable)
• Details of Work Experience, if any Mode of payment for online fee deposit
• Details of valid identity proof 

The official CAT 2026 correction window is yet to be opened. Candidates are advised to fill the form correctly and the details submitted will be treated as final unless the correction facility is opened in the portal at a later date.

CAT 2026 Correction Window

In case a correction process is announced, candidates will be able to check and update the eligible application details via the candidate login area. As the correction schedule for 2026 is yet to be released by the portal, candidates should ensure to avoid errors in the first submission itself.

• Visit the official CAT portal
• Login with your registered user id and password.
• Go to the dashboard and open the submitted application form.
• Check personal, academic and contact details carefully.
• Verify uploaded photograph and signature.
• Confirm your choice of exam city preferences
• Save the form if correction access is available.
• Please download the updated application copy for your records.

Fields To Validate Prior To Final Submission

The applicant should read all sections of the application form prior to the final submission process. Verification of the entered information helps to avoid discrepancies at the time of verification, shortlisting and admission.    

Documents And Details To Keep Ready Before Correction

All relevant information and records should be available to the applicant at any stage of review or editing. Good preparation will make the process to be done in an efficient way and will lower the probability of mistakes.

• Number of applications 
• Login Details
• Registered mobile no. 
• Email Id Registered
• Educational qualifications & marks
• Certificate of Category, if issued PWD Certificate, if applicable
• Photograph and signature files 
• Payment Receipt Info
• Details of Work Experience, if any

CAT 2026 Form Correction: Key Instructions 

Candidates are advised to read the rules of registration carefully while filling the form. Specific details help to avoid problems later in the admission process and reduce the likelihood of rejection.

• Before filling out the form, please read all the information carefully.
• Please fill the application with true and correct information only.
• Candidate name and academic records cross-check with official records
• Carefully select your exam cities. Later changes may not be possible.
• Upload good quality photo and signature files in the format prescribed.
• Please keep your registered email ID & mobile number active.
• Keep a copy of the application once you have successfully submitted it.
• Please do not sign-up more than once, this can confuse you .
• Retain the receipt of the fee till the completion of admission process.
• Visit the portal for updates & admission notification.
• Please check your booking details carefully before you submit.
• All the activities related to the application should be through the official portal.

Candidates are asked to fill the application as per the instructions given in the official registration. These steps help to avoid the common mistakes while filling CAT 2026 application form and helps to submit the form successfully. Candidates will also be able to update themselves about important activities of examination and admission as per the prescribed procedures.

• You can register for CAT only on the official CAT website.
• Keep your login credentials until the admission process is over.
• Fill the application form with correct personal and academic details.
• Payment shall be made only by the prescribed mode of online payment.
• Upload documents in the specified size and format.
• Please review the entire form before submitting.
• Keep registered Email ID and Mobile Number active throughout the cycle.
• Save a copy of the form you submitted and the payment receipt.
• The official portal is regularly updated with Schedule Changes and Notices.
• Do not share your login credentials with anyone.
• Register early to avoid any technical difficulties before the deadline .
• Make sure that all documents you upload are real and legible.