CAT Application Form 2026: Dates, Eligibility, & Step-by-Step Guide

CAT 2026 Registration Dates: Official Notification and Application Window

The official notification for CAT 2026 is expected to be released on July 26, 2026. Prospective candidates can mark their calendars as the CAT Application Form 2026 is expected to be available from August 01, 2026, with registration expected to close on September 20, 2026.

This table outlines the complete schedule for CAT 2026, from the initial notification to the expected result release, providing key dates for all applicants completing the CAT Application Form 2026.

CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply for the Exam?

To apply for CAT 2026, candidates must hold a Bachelor's Degree or equivalent from a recognized university. This section details all essential eligibility criteria, including academic qualifications, age limits, and reservation policies, crucial for completing the CAT Application Form 2026 successfully.

• Accepted Professional Degrees: CA, CS, ICWA/CMA, or FIAI with the required percentage.
• SC Reservation: 15% of seats are reserved for Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates.
• ST Reservation: 7.5% of seats are reserved for Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates.
• NC-OBC Reservation: 27% of seats reserved for non-creamy layer (NC-OBC) candidates.
• EWS Reservation: Up to 10% of seats are reserved for Economically Weaker Sections.
• PwD Reservation: 5% of seats are reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwD).

Beyond these specific requirements, a quick overview of other important CAT 2026 eligibility criteria, including general academic marks and age limits, is summarized below.

How to Fill CAT Application Form 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

Successfully filling the CAT Application Form 2026 requires careful attention to detail and adherence to a structured process. This step-by-step guide outlines the essential pre-registration checklist, detailed application stages, document upload requirements, fee payment, and final submission, ensuring a smooth application experience.

Before beginning the application, a pre-registration checklist is essential:

• Photo ID: Any one of Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Driving License, Voter ID.
• Academics: 10th, 12th, graduation certificates/marksheets.
• Category Proof: SC/ST/OBC/PwD Certificate (if applicable, ensuring it meets specifications like non-creamy layer for OBC, and validity for EWS).
• Digital Photo: Passport-sized Photograph.
• Digital Signature: Scanned signature in black ink on white paper.
• Valid Email ID and Mobile Number: For registration and communication.

Ensure all required documents are scanned and meet the specified dimensions and file sizes before starting the CAT Application Form 2026 process.

Here is the detailed step-by-step process to fill the CAT Application Form 2026:

1. Step 1: Pre-Registration and Document Preparation
   • Gather all necessary documents as per the pre-registration checklist above.
   • Ensure all scanned documents (photo, signature, ID, certificates) meet the specific dimensions, file sizes, and formats detailed in the 'Documents Required' section.
   • Have a valid and active email ID and mobile number ready for registration and future communications.
2. Step 2: Online Registration
   • Visit the official CAT website: iimcat.ac.in.
   • Click on the 'New Candidate Registration' or 'Register' link.
   • Provide your full name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number as requested.
   • A unique User ID and Password will be generated and sent to your registered email ID and mobile number. Keep these credentials safe.
3. Step 3: Login and Fill Personal Details
   • Log in to the CAT application portal using your generated User ID and Password.
   • Fill in your personal information accurately, including your name, father's name, mother's name, gender, nationality, and communication address.
   • Ensure all details match your official documents (e.g., 10th class certificate, Photo ID).
4. Step 4: Fill Academic Details
   • Enter your academic qualifications starting from Class 10th, 12th, Bachelor's Degree, and any other higher education.
   • Provide marks or CGPA exactly as they appear on your mark sheets. If converting CGPA to percentage, use your university's official formula or multiply by 10 if no specific formula is provided.
   • Final year students must provide details of available semester mark sheets and upload a bonafide certificate from their institution.
5. Step 5: Select IIM Programs and Test Cities
   • Choose the IIM programs you wish to apply for from the available list.
   • Select your preferred CAT test cities (you will typically be allowed to choose up to 6 options). Consider your expected location on the exam date (November 29, 2026).
6. Step 6: Upload Documents
   • Upload your scanned passport-sized photograph, signature, Photo ID, and category certificates (if applicable).
   • Strictly adhere to the specified dimensions, file sizes, and formats (e.g., JPG/JPEG for photo/signature, PDF for certificates) as detailed in the 'Documents Required' section.
7. Step 7: Pay Application Fee
   • Proceed to the payment gateway section.
   • Select your preferred online payment mode: Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, or UPI.
   • Pay the applicable fee: Rs 2600 for General, EWS, and NC-OBC categories; Rs 1300 for SC, ST, and PwD candidates.
   • Be aware of any additional bank charges that may apply based on your chosen payment method.
8. Step 8: Review and Submit
   • Before final submission, carefully review all the entered information and uploaded documents.
   • Make any necessary corrections using the form correction window if available, or by editing before final submission.
   • Once you are satisfied that all details are accurate and complete, click on the 'Submit' button.
9. Step 9: Download Confirmation
   • After successful submission and payment, a confirmation page will appear.
   • Download and print the application form PDF and the fee receipt for your future reference. These documents are crucial for the admission process.

CAT 2026 Application Fees: Category-wise Payment Details

Understanding the CAT 2026 application fees is crucial for all aspirants. This section details the category-wise payment structure, various online payment modes, and associated charges for the CAT Application Form 2026. It also covers important policies regarding refunds, cancellations, and form corrections.

The CAT 2026 exam fees are Rs 2600 for General, EWS, and NC-OBC categories, while SC, ST, and PwD candidates pay Rs 1300.

Payment modes like Net Banking, Debit Cards, and Credit Cards incur additional charges, whereas UPI transactions typically have no extra cost, though verification is advised.

The CAT application fee has shown a consistent upward trend for both general and reserved categories over the past few years.

• Payment Medium: Online only.
• Refund Policy: Non-refundable under any circumstances.
• Cancellation Policy: No option to cancel registration or receive a refund.
• Late Fees: No provision for late fees or additional charges.
• Form Correction (Allowed): No additional costs for Photograph, Signature, Test City Preferences.
• Form Correction (Non-editable): New application and fee payment might be required for certain fields.

Refunds for the CAT Application Form 2026 are possible only in cases of double payment due to technical errors or failed transactions where the amount was deducted.

Documents Required for CAT 2026 Application: Photo, Signature, Certificates

Successful submission of the CAT Application Form 2026 requires a comprehensive set of documents. Key requirements include academic records, a government-issued photo ID, and scanned images of your photograph and signature. Applicable category certificates and work experience proofs are also necessary for the application process.

• Marksheets: Class 10th & 12th.
• Degrees: Bachelor’s degree/diploma and higher education (if any).
• Scanned Images: Passport-size photo and signature.
• Photo ID: Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Driving License, Voter ID.
• Work Experience: Certificate if applicable.
• Other Certificates: Applicable certificates to be uploaded.

Beyond these general requirements, precise specifications for photographs, signatures, and other uploaded files must be strictly followed. Additionally, specific academic, category, and name change documents are crucial for a complete application.