CAT 2026 Application Process: How to Apply, Fees, Registration Steps

The CAT Exam 2026 application process is a mandatory procedure for candidates seeking admission to IIMs and other top MBA colleges in India. The Common Admission Test application is conducted entirely in online mode and requires candidates to complete registration, fill in academic and personal details, upload documents, select exam cities, and pay the application fee.

Understanding the application process in advance helps candidates avoid common mistakes, rejection of forms, and last-minute issues. Below is a detailed and accurate explanation of each stage of the CAT 2026 application process.

The CAT 2026 registration process is expected to begin in August 2026 and conclude by September 2026. Candidates must complete the application within the given deadline, as late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

CAT Exam 2026 Application Dates (Tentative)

Final dates will be announced in the official CAT 2026 notification.

Key Features

• Application mode: Online only

• Registration duration: Around 6–7 weeks

• Multiple steps involved

• No offline submission allowed
  
  

Step-by-Step CAT Exam 2026 Application Process

The CAT application process consists of multiple stages. Candidates must complete all steps carefully to ensure successful registration.

Step 1: Online Registration

Candidates must begin by creating a new account on the CAT registration portal.

Registration Process

• Click on the “New Registration” option

• Enter basic details such as:

  • Full name

  • Valid email ID

  • Mobile number

• Create a password

• Verify registration using OTP sent to email or mobile

After successful verification, candidates receive login credentials for further steps.

Step 2: Login and Personal Details

After registration, candidates must log in and fill in their personal information.

Personal Details Required

• Full name (as per academic records)

• Date of birth

• Gender

• Nationality

• Category (General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, PwD)

• Contact details

Candidates should ensure that all information entered matches official documents, as corrections may not be allowed later.

Step 3: Academic Qualification Details

This section requires candidates to enter complete academic information.

Academic Details to be Filled

• Class 10 board, year of passing, and marks

• Class 12 board, year of passing, and marks

• Graduation degree details

• University or institution name

• Percentage or CGPA

• Year of completion or expected completion

Final-year students must select the appropriate option while filling graduation details.

Step 4: Uploading Required Documents

Candidates must upload scanned copies of required documents in the prescribed format.

Document Upload Specifications

Important Guidelines

• Images must be clear and recent

• Blurred or incorrect uploads may lead to rejection

• File size and dimensions must meet prescribed standards

Step 5: Selecting Exam City Preferences

Candidates must select preferred cities where they wish to appear for the CAT exam.

Exam City Selection Rules

• Up to six cities can be selected

• Cities must be arranged in order of preference

• Final allotment depends on availability

• If preferred cities are unavailable, a nearby city may be allotted

Step 6: Review Application Form

Before proceeding to payment, candidates should carefully review all details.

Review Checklist

• Personal details

• Academic information

• Category selection

• Uploaded documents

• Exam city preferences

Once submitted, most details cannot be modified.

Step 7: Payment of Application Fee

Candidates must pay the application fee online to complete the registration.

CAT 2026 Application Fee (Expected)

Accepted Payment Methods

• Debit Card

• Credit Card

• Net Banking

• UPI

The application fee is non-refundable under all circumstances.

Step 8: Final Submission and Confirmation

After successful payment:

• Submit the application form

• Download the confirmation page

• Save payment receipt and application details

Candidates are advised to keep both digital and printed copies for future reference.

CAT 2026 Application Form Correction Window

After the registration deadline, a limited correction window may be provided.

Editable Fields (Usually Allowed)

• Photograph

• Signature

• Exam city preferences

Non-Editable Fields

• Name

• Date of birth

• Email ID

• Mobile number

Candidates must use this facility carefully, as it is provided only once.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During CAT 2026 Application

• Entering incorrect academic marks or percentages

• Uploading unclear or wrong documents

• Selecting incorrect category

• Waiting until the last date to apply

• Not verifying payment confirmation

Avoiding these mistakes ensures a smooth registration experience.

Documents Required Before Applying

Candidates should keep the following ready before starting the application:

• Valid email ID and mobile number

• Class 10 and 12 mark sheets

• Graduation mark sheets or certificates

• Passport-size photograph

• Scanned signature

• Category or PwD certificate (if applicable)

• Online payment method