The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), with IIM Indore as the organising body, have extended the CAT 2026 registration deadline. The last date is now September 22, 2026, at 5:00 PM IST (earlier scheduled for September 15). The official website confirms this update, and a media release dated September 15, 2026, is available on iimcat.ac.in. The IIMs have stated that this deadline will not be extended further and advise candidates to complete the process early to avoid last-minute technical issues or high traffic.
Registration opened on August 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM IST. Candidates who successfully register and pay the fee will later get a limited edit window (expected after the deadline closes) to update only their photograph, signature, and test city preferences. No other details can be changed.
Key Dates for CAT 2026
- Registration Start: August 3, 2026 (10 AM IST)
- Registration End (Extended): September 22, 2026 (5 PM IST)
- Admit Card Download: From November 4, 2026
- Exam Date: November 29, 2026 (Sunday) — three sessions, computer-based test (CBT)
- Result: Expected in the first week of January 2027
- Score Validity: Until December 31, 2027
The exam will be held across approximately 170 cities. Candidates can select up to five preferred test cities (in order of preference). Allotment depends on availability; once allotted, the centre cannot be changed.
Exam Pattern Snapshot
Duration: 120 minutes.
Sections (equal time typically allotted):
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
Eligibility Criteria
- Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC/ST/PwBD candidates) from a recognised university/institution.
- Final-year students and those who have completed degree requirements but are awaiting results can also apply (provisional admission subject to later certificate submission).
- Professional qualifications such as CA, CS, ICWA (CMA), or FIAI are also accepted if percentage criteria are met.
- No upper age limit.
Application Fee (Non-Refundable)
- General / EWS / NC-OBC: ₹2,700
- SC / ST / PwBD: ₹1,350
Pay online via UPI, net banking, credit/debit card, or wallet. Fee is paid once regardless of the number of IIMs or programmes selected.
Documents Required (Scanned Copies)
- Recent passport-size colour photograph (not older than 6 months; specific size/resolution requirements apply — check the registration guide).
- Scanned signature (on white paper with black ink).
- Class 10, Class 12, and graduation mark sheets/certificates (or provisional/degree certificate).
- Category certificate (SC/ST/NC-OBC/EWS) in the prescribed format, if applicable.
- PwBD disability certificate (Forms V/VI/VII as applicable) and scribe affidavit if needed.
- Final-year certificate (on college letterhead) if appearing for the final year.
- Work experience certificates (if claiming any).
Always use the official website only: iimcat.ac.in. Beware of fake sites.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply
- Visit iimcat.ac.in.
- Click New Candidate Registration / Register.
- Enter name, date of birth, email, and mobile number; generate and validate OTP to create User ID and password.
- Log in with the credentials.
- Fill personal, academic, work experience, and programme preference details carefully.
- Select five preferred test cities.
- Upload photograph, signature, and supporting documents in the prescribed format and size.
- Preview the entire form thoroughly.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Submit and download/save the confirmation page and payment receipt.
Keep the same email ID and mobile number active throughout the process (admit card, results, and further communication).
Live Update Tip (as of September 15, 2026): The portal remains open. Complete registration and fee payment well before 5 PM on September 22. High traffic is expected near the deadline.
CAT 2026 Registration Deadline Extended to September 22, 2026 (5 PM IST): Live Updates, How to Apply at iimcat.ac.in, & Key Details FAQs
Has the CAT 2026 registration deadline really been extended?
Yes. Official confirmation on iimcat.ac.in and media reports show the last date is now September 22, 2026, at 5 PM IST (from the earlier September 15). No further extension is expected.
I am in the final year of my bachelor’s degree. Can I apply?
Yes. Final-year students and those awaiting results are eligible. You may need to upload a final-year certificate later (as per IIM timelines) if selected.
What happens if I miss the September 22 deadline?
You will not be able to appear for CAT 2026. There is no late-fee window. You would have to wait for the next cycle.
Can I edit my application after submission?
Only limited fields (photograph, signature, and test city preferences) can be edited during a short post-registration edit window for paid candidates. Other details (name, academic marks, category, etc.) generally cannot be changed.
Is the application fee refundable if I decide not to appear?
No. The fee is non-refundable under any circumstances.
How many test cities can I choose, and can I change the allotted centre later?
You can select five preferred cities. Allotment is based on availability and preferences. Once allotted, the centre cannot be changed.
What documents do I need ready before starting the form?
Passport-size photo, signature, Class 10/12/graduation mark sheets, category/PwBD certificates (if applicable), and any professional degree proofs. Keep scanned files in the exact size and format mentioned in the registration guide.
Is there any age limit for CAT 2026?
No upper age limit. You only need to meet the educational qualification criteria.
Will I get a confirmation after successful registration?
Yes. You should receive an email confirmation. Always download and save the confirmation page and payment receipt from the portal.
Where can I get official help if I face technical issues during registration?
Use the official CAT help desk (details on iimcat.ac.in; previously referenced email: cat2026_helpdesk@iimidr.ac.in). Avoid third-party agents.