How can last-minute CAT registration impact the overall performance in CAT?

The CAT 2025 registrations are beginning soon and the MBA aspirants willing to pursue their MBA at dream IIMs are eagerly waiting for the applications to open. Now, many candidates register on the first day, or mid-time after the applications open, while some candidates delay the same until last minute due to several reasons like incorrect documents, internet issues, or any other reason. However, it must be noted that registering on the last minute can hamper and affect the overall CAT performance.

In this article, we aim to provide information on how these last minute CAT registrations can affect the overall CAT performance of a candidate and why it is not advisable. Scroll further to get more information.

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Reasons Why Many Candidates Delay CAT Registration

There are several reasons that can delay filling out the CAT 2025 application form. Given below are a few common reasons that lead to thos delay.

• Procrastination or Overconfidence: Many candidates think they have plenty of time and delay the process, assuming they’ll get it done later without issues.
• Awaiting Final Year Results or Eligibility Clarity: Final-year students often wait for university exam results or confirmation of eligibility before registering.
• Undecided About Taking CAT This Year: Some students aren’t sure whether to appear for CAT this year or take it next year, so they postpone the decision.
• Waiting for Friends or Coaching Advice: Many candidates delay registration while waiting for their peers or coaching institutes to make decisions or give suggestions.
• Financial Constraints: In some cases, students face delays in arranging the registration fee due to financial limitations or prioritizing other exam fees.
• Lack of Awareness or Forgetting the Deadline: Some candidates are simply unaware of the registration timeline, or they forget the last date altogether.
• Confusion Regarding Category or Reservation Details: Students from reserved categories sometimes delay due to confusion about uploading the correct documents like EWS, NC-OBC, or SC/ST certificates.
• Delay in Preparing Documents: Many face troubles in getting a valid photo, scanned signature, or certificates ready in the required format for uploading.
• Low Confidence or Hesitation: Students who feel underprepared or unsure of their performance may hesitate to register, thinking they'll "decide later."
• Technical or Internet Access Issues: Poor connectivity, lack of a proper device, or technical glitches in rural or remote areas can delay the process.
• Busy with Other Exams or Academic Commitments: Some candidates are caught up with college placements, semester exams, or other entrance tests like GMAT, XAT, or SNAP.
• Waiting for Coaching to Start or Progress Further: Students often want to complete a few weeks of coaching before deciding whether to register.
• Over-focus on Preparation, Ignoring Admin Tasks: Some are so focused on studying that they neglect administrative steps like registration or admit card download.

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How can last-minute CAT registration have negative impact on CAT performance?

Given below are a few consequences of the last minute CAT registration and CAT application form 2025.

What to do to avoid delays in CAT registration?

Tabulated below are a few helpful tips to help the candidates keep on top of CAT registration.

Important CAT 2025 Dates

The CAT exam date has been announced by IIM Kozhikode and the exam will be conducted on 30thNovember 2025. While the official CAT calendar is yet to be released, candidates can check the tentative schedule here based on the last year dates.