INTRODUCTION
Preparing for CAT is important, but the first non-negotiable step is simpler:
Submit the application correctly and on time.
For CAT 2026, the official registration window opened on August 3, 2026 at 10:00 AM and is scheduled to close on September 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
The exam is scheduled for Sunday, November 29, 2026.
Candidates should use only the official CAT website for registration and official updates.
CAT 2026 ELIGIBILITY
According to the official CAT 2026 eligibility information, candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree with at least: 50% marks or equivalent CGPA for General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates 45% marks or equivalent CGPA for SC, ST and PwD candidates
Candidates appearing in the final year of a Bachelor's degree programme can also apply subject to the conditions specified by CAT.
Eligible professional degree holders may also apply as provided in the official eligibility rules.
Do not rely on social-media summaries when your eligibility is uncertain.
Read the official eligibility document.
CAT 2026 APPLICATION FEE
For CAT 2026, the application fee is: ₹2,700 for General/EWS/NC-OBC candidates ₹1,350 for SC/ST/PwD candidates
Candidates should verify category details and certificates carefully before submission.
The fee structure can change each year, so future aspirants should always use the notification for their own CAT cycle.
CAT 2026 IMPORTANT DATES
Officially announced major dates include:
Registration starts: August 3, 2026 Registration ends: September 15, 2026 Admit card download begins: November 4, 2026 CAT exam: November 29, 2026
The official bulletin indicates that CAT 2026 will be conducted in approximately 170 test cities and candidates are asked to provide preferred test-city choices during registration.
HOW TO REGISTER FOR CAT 2026
STEP 1: VISIT THE OFFICIAL CAT WEBSITE
Use the official CAT portal.
Be cautious of look-alike websites asking for money or personal information.
STEP 2: CREATE YOUR CANDIDATE PROFILE
Enter required personal details carefully.
Use an email address and mobile number that you can access throughout the admission cycle.
STEP 3: VERIFY YOUR DETAILS
Check: Name Date of birth Email Phone number Category Nationality
Your name should match official academic and identity documents wherever required.
STEP 4: ENTER ACADEMIC INFORMATION
Candidates may need details related to: Class 10 Class 12 Bachelor's degree Professional qualifications where applicable Work experience where requested
Do not estimate marks.
Keep mark sheets beside you while filling the form.
STEP 5: SELECT PROGRAMMES AND IIMS
The CAT application typically allows candidates to indicate programme choices associated with participating IIMs.
Read programme eligibility carefully.
Applying for CAT does not mean you should blindly select programmes without understanding them.
STEP 6: SELECT TEST-CITY PREFERENCES
Choose cities realistically.
Think about: Travel Distance Transport Backup options
Your exact allotted centre will be shown on the admit card.
STEP 7: UPLOAD DOCUMENTS
Prepare required files in advance.
These may include: Photograph Signature Category/PwD certificates where applicable Other required documents
Follow the dimensions, format and file-size instructions on the official portal.
STEP 8: PAY THE FEE
Complete payment through the permitted online options.
Do not assume the form is submitted merely because money was debited.
STEP 9: SAVE CONFIRMATION
After successful submission: Download confirmation Save payment proof Take screenshots if useful Keep login credentials safely
Create a folder called: CAT 2026 Documents
Store everything there.
COMMON CAT REGISTRATION MISTAKES
AVOID THE LAST-DAY RUSH
Websites can become slow.
Payment problems can occur.
A document may not upload.
A certificate may need correction.
None of these problems is dramatic when you have several days.
They become serious when you have 20 minutes.
Apply early. Review calmly. Submit carefully.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER REGISTRATION?
After successful application: Continue preparation Watch official announcements Download the admit card when available Verify your name, photograph, exam centre and slot Read exam-day instructions
Do not wait until the night before CAT to locate your test centre.
Plan the travel in advance.
CAT SCORE AND IIM ADMISSION
CAT is a common test, but each IIM follows its own admission process.
The official CAT information makes clear that IIMs may use CAT performance along with other factors for admission.
Candidates should therefore separately read admission policies of target IIMs.
CONCLUSION
The CAT application process is straightforward when handled early.
The safest approach is:
Official Website → Correct Documents → Careful Review → Early Submission → Saved Confirmation
Do not allow a preventable form error to interfere with months of preparation.
Treat registration as the first test of your CAT discipline.
Editorial Reference Basis: CAT 2026 official Information Bulletin and CAT 2026 official eligibility notice dated July 2026.
Talk to a Thinkplus counsellor and turn this article into a realistic preparation plan.
