CAT 2026 Application Form Open Date: Registration Schedule & Fees

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the most prestigious and competitive national-level MBA entrance exam in India, serving as the gateway to the elite Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), FMS Delhi, SPJIMR, MDI, and over 1,200 other top-tier business schools.

If you are aiming to start your MBA journey in 2027, keeping track of the CAT 2026 application form open date is crucial. Missing the registration deadline means waiting a full year for the next opportunity.

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Expected CAT 2026 Registration Dates & Schedule

While the official notification is typically released on the last Sunday of July, based on established historical trends, the registration cycle is expected to follow this schedule:

Candidates will have a window of approximately 50 days to register. To avoid server errors or last-minute rush, it is recommended to register well ahead of the deadline.

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CAT 2026 Application Fee

The application fee must be paid online during registration using credit card, debit card, UPI, or net banking:

• General / NC-OBC / EWS Candidates: ₹2,600 (Expected)
• SC / ST / PwD Candidates: ₹1,300 (Expected)

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Eligibility Criteria for CAT 2026 Registration

Before filling out the CAT 2026 application form, ensure you meet the minimum eligibility requirements:

1. Bachelor's Degree: Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent from a recognized university with a minimum of 50% marks (or equivalent CGPA) for General/NC-OBC/EWS candidates, and 45% marks for SC/ST/PwD candidates.
2. Final Year Students: Candidates appearing for the final year of their bachelor's degree or awaiting results can also apply, provided they submit certificate proof of university graduation later.
3. No Age Bar: There is no age limit for taking the CAT exam.
4. Professional Degrees: Candidates with CA/CS/ICWA degrees are also eligible if they meet the percentage requirements.

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Documents Needed for Online Registration

Having these documents ready in digital format beforehand will make the registration process seamless:

• Personal Information: Name, date of birth, parent's names, mobile number, and email address.
• Academic Details: Marks/CGPA obtained in Class 10, Class 12, Bachelor's degree, and any post-graduation or professional certifications.
• Work Experience: Dates of employment, company names, and certificates if applying with work history.
• Scanned Images:
  • A passport-size photograph (recent, white background, size up to 80 KB).
  • A scanned signature (black ink, white background, size up to 80 KB).
• Category Certificate: EWS, NC-OBC, SC, ST, or PwD certificate (if applicable, in PDF format).

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Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for CAT 2026

Once the CAT 2026 application form open date arrives, follow these simple steps on the official website iimcat.ac.in:

1. Register for User ID & Password: Click on the "New Candidate Registration" tab. Enter your active email ID and mobile number to receive verification OTPs. You will receive login credentials via email/SMS.
2. Fill the Application Form: Log in using the credentials. Fill out the six required sections:
   • Personal Details: Category, gender, and contact details.
   • Academics: Detailed marks from high school to graduation.
   • Work Experience: Total months of relevant work experience (if any).
   • Program Selection: Select the specific IIMs and courses (e.g., PGP, PGDM) you want to apply to. Select interview city preferences for each.
   • Test City Preference: Choose up to six preferred exam cities.
   • Upload Documents: Upload your signature, photo, and certificates.
3. Payment & Submission: Preview the form carefully. Pay the application fee online. Once the payment is successful, download and print the confirmation page and copy of the application.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. When will the CAT 2026 application form open?

The CAT 2026 application form is expected to open on August 1, 2026, following the release of the official notification on July 26, 2026.

2. What is the last date to apply for CAT 2026?

The registration window for CAT 2026 is expected to close on September 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM.

3. What is the application fee for CAT 2026?

The registration fee is expected to be ₹2,600 for General/OBC candidates and ₹1,300 for SC/ST/PwD candidates.

4. What documents are required for CAT 2026 registration?

You will need a scanned passport-size photograph, your signature, category certificates (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS) if applicable, and detailed academic transcripts from class 10th, 12th, and graduation.

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Recommended Resources:

• Comprehensive Guide to CAT Exam Patterns & Syllabus
• 10 Proven Tips to Crack CAT 2026 by IIM Toppers
• Top MBA Entrance Exams in India: Dates, Syllabus & Fees
• IIM Cutoffs & Admission Criteria for 2026-28 Batch

Source: Shiksha.com and official website notifications.

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