The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 application process will open in early August 2026. The official notification is expected on July 26, 2026, on the IIM CAT website, iimcat.ac.in. IIM Indore will administer the CAT 2026 exam.
CAT 2026 Registration Timeline
Candidates must register online before the deadline, which falls in the second week of September 2026. The CAT 2026 admit card will be released in the first week of November 2026. A date for the CAT form correction window is yet to be announced.
| Event | Date |
| CAT Application Form Release | First week of August 2026 |
| Last Date of CAT Registration | Second week of September 2026 |
| CAT Form Correction Window | TBA |
| CAT 2026 Admit Card Release | First week of November 2026 |
CAT 2026 Application Fee
The application fee varies by category.
| Category | Application Fee |
| General, EWS, NC-OBC | INR 2,600 |
| SC, ST, PwD | INR 1,300 |
How to Fill the CAT Application Form
The CAT application process involves several steps. First, candidates must register on the IIM CAT website. This requires providing personal details such as name, date of birth, and contact information. An OTP will verify the registration.
Upon successful registration, candidates will receive login credentials via email and mobile number. They must then log in to fill out the detailed application form. This includes personal, academic, and work experience details. Candidates will also select their preferred test cities and programs.
Required documents include a recent passport-sized photograph and a scanned signature. Specific category certificates (SC, ST, PwD) are necessary for those applying under reserved categories. Academic marksheets for Class 10, 12, and graduation are also mandatory.
The application fee must be paid online. Payment can be made using a credit card, debit card, or internet banking. Candidates should retain a copy of the fee receipt for their records.
Documents Required for Registration
- Recent passport size photograph (under 1 MB, white background)
- Scanned signature on plain white paper (under 1 MB)
- Identity proof
- Class 10, 12, and graduation marksheets
- Date of Birth certificate
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- PwD certificate (if applicable)
- Scribe certificate (if applicable)
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Candidates should use a functional email ID and mobile number for all communications. Ensure all personal details are accurate to avoid spelling errors. Upload images and documents in the correct format and size. Applicants can select up to five test centers. It is crucial to double-check all entries before final submission, as the correction window is limited and may not allow changes to all fields.