CAT 2026 Registration Open: Apply Before September 15 Deadline
The Indian Institutes of Management have opened the CAT 2026 registration window, giving aspirants until September 15 to submit their applications for one of India's most competitive management entrance examinations.
Key points
- CAT 2026 registration is now open for eligible candidates across India
- Last date to submit the online application form is September 15, 2026
- Exam is conducted by IIMs and scores are accepted by 20 IIMs plus other top institutes
- Minimum 50% marks in graduation required; 45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates
- Apply online at the official portal iimcat.ac.in before the deadline
Important details
| Organisation | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) |
|---|---|
| Last date to apply | 15 Sep 2026 |
| Qualification | Bachelor's degree with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD) |
| Official website | https://iimcat.ac.in |
CAT 2026 Registration Officially Begins
The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 registration process has officially commenced, with the conducting IIM inviting applications from eligible candidates across India. The last date to complete and submit the online application form is September 15, 2026. Aspirants seeking admission to postgraduate management programmes at IIMs and other top business schools must ensure they register within this window to avoid missing out.
About CAT and Its Significance
CAT is the gateway to MBA and PGDM programmes at all 20 Indian Institutes of Management, as well as hundreds of other premier management institutes across India, including select NITs and institutes of national importance that accept CAT scores. The exam is conducted once a year in a computer-based format, testing candidates on Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).
How to Apply for CAT 2026
- Visit the official CAT website at iimcat.ac.in to register and apply.
- Create a new account using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Fill in academic, personal, and work experience details carefully.
- Upload scanned documents including photograph and signature as per specifications.
- Pay the application fee online before the deadline of September 15, 2026.
- Download and save the confirmation page for future reference.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC, ST, and PwD candidates) from a recognised university. Final-year undergraduate students who expect to complete their degree requirements before joining the programme are also eligible to apply.
CAT 2026 Key Dates at a Glance
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | 2026 (Announced) |
| Last Date to Apply | September 15, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | To be announced |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date | To be announced |
| Result Declaration | To be announced |
What Aspirants Should Know
Candidates are advised to read the official CAT 2026 notification carefully before filling the form. Any mismatch in information or late submission will not be entertained. The exam is typically held in November, and scores are valid for admissions in the academic year immediately following the exam. Students can explore CollegeUnify for college predictor tools, cutoff trends, and IIM admission guidance to plan their preparation strategically.
For full details, official notifications, and to apply, visit the official CAT portal: iimcat.ac.in.
Important links
Links open the official website. Always verify details there before applying.
