The CAT 2026 registration forms are now open, and it's crucial to complete your application accurately to avoid any issues with your IIM admissions. Many students make avoidable mistakes each year, so follow this step-by-step guide carefully to ensure your application is flawless.

Important Dates to Remember

• Application Forms Live: Now
• Registration Deadline: September 15th, 5:00 PM (IST) – Do not wait until the last day; aim to complete it a few days in advance.
• Admit Card Available: November 4th
• CAT Exam Date: November 29th (Last Sunday)

Before You Begin: Preparation is Key

To streamline the application process and minimize errors, gather all necessary documents and information beforehand. Create a dedicated folder on your desktop, perhaps named "CAT Application Documents," and include the following:

• Photograph: A recent passport-size photo (not more than six months old) with a white or off-white background. Ensure your full face, neck, and shoulders are visible, with a front view and open eyes. No side angles, blurred images, unnatural colors, or photoshohopped versions. If you wear spectacles, ensure your eyes are clearly visible without glare. The file size should not exceed 1 MB.
• Signature: A clear, scanned copy of your signature on a white paper. The file size should not exceed 80 KB.
• Academic Records: While you won't upload mark sheets, you'll need percentages for 10th, 12th, and graduation (including all subjects, calculated to two decimal places). Keep an Excel sheet with these details handy.
• Work Experience Documents: If applicable, have details of your work start and end dates.
• Reservation Category Certificates: If you belong to EWS, NC-OBC, SC, ST, or PWD categories, ensure your certificate is valid for the current financial year. Refer to the CAT website for specific proforma certificates.
• Login Details: Keep your generated username and password saved in your Excel sheet for future reference (admit card, scorecard, etc.).

Browser Compatibility: Use Google Chrome, Mozilla (versions 135-151), or Microsoft Edge (versions 126-149). Safari is not allowed. It is highly recommended to fill the form on a laptop or desktop rather than a mobile phone.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

1. New Candidate Registration

Visit iimcat.ac.in. Even if you've attempted CAT before, you must create a new account this year under the "New Candidate Registration" section. Do not confuse this with the "Registration of Non-IIM Institutions" section, which is for colleges, not applicants.

2. Personal Details (Registration Section)

This section is critical as personal details cannot be changed later. Enter the following accurately:

• Candidate Name: Ensure it matches your official documents.
• Date of Birth: Select it precisely from the calendar.
• Email Address: Use a personal email address that will be accessible until at least June/July 2027 (after admissions are complete). Avoid institutional or workplace emails.
• Mobile Number: Provide a number where you can receive OTPs and future communications.

You will receive separate OTPs for email and mobile validation. Verify both and then confirm the declaration by entering the captcha. Before submitting, double-check your name, date of birth, email, and mobile number.

3. Applicant Details (Six Sections)

Once registered, log in using your new credentials and go to the "Go to Application" section. The application form has six parts:

1. Personal Details
2. Academics
3. Work Experience
4. Programs
5. Test City
6. Declaration

Personal Details (Continued)

• Parent's/Spouse's Name: Enter these accurately.
• Gender, Nationality, Category: Your chosen category (EWS, NC-OBC, SC, ST, PWD) requires a valid, renewed certificate for the current financial year. Incorrect or invalid certificates can lead to your candidature being moved to the General category or even canceled.
• Communication Address: Provide an accurate address where you can receive documents, if necessary. An alternate email address is recommended.
• Permanent Address: If different from your communication address, enter it separately.
• Emergency Contact Details: Provide a reliable contact number, preferably a parent's.
• Photograph and Signature: Upload the prepared files, ensuring they meet the specified guidelines for background, clarity, and size. After uploading, click "View" to confirm the correct document has been uploaded before saving.

Academics

This section requires meticulous detail:

• 10th, 12th, and Graduation Details: Enter marks for ALL subjects, even if your board used a "best of five" or "best of six" system. Calculate percentages accurately to two decimal places.
• Diploma Holders: Select "Diploma" under the 12th or HSC equivalent section.
• Discipline: Choose your discipline carefully (Science, Arts, Commerce) as it can affect IIM shortlisting criteria.
• Bachelor's Degree: Indicate if you are in your final year or have completed your degree. Even if you're taking CAT for practice in your second or third year, you must select "final year" as you're not allowed to take the exam otherwise.
• Duration and University: Specify the total duration of your degree and the type of university (state, private, deemed).
• Degree Name: Enter the exact degree name as it appears on your documents (e.g., B.Com Hons, BE). If not in the dropdown, select "Others" and type it out.
• Course Commencement/Completion: Provide the month and year for both to determine any gap years.
• Dual/Integrated Courses: If you are pursuing a B.Tech + M.Tech or BBA + MBA integrated course, select "Yes."
• Multiple Bachelor's Degrees: If you have two bachelor's degrees, indicate this.
• Master's/Professional Degrees: Fill in details if applicable (e.g., CA, CS, ICWA).

Work Experience

Enter your work experience details as of July 31st, 2026. Key points:

• Counted Work Experience: Only full-time work experience AFTER completing your graduation is considered. Internships, articleships, freelancing, or jobs pursued during graduation are NOT included.
• Even Short Experience Counts: Even if your work experience is only a few days, enter it.
• Multiple Designations/Companies: If you've had promotions within a company or switched jobs, add multiple designations or new rows for different companies.
• Independent Professionals: Lawyers, doctors, and other independent practitioners should select the "Independent Professional Practitioner" category.
• Freshers: If you have no work experience, simply click "Save and Next."

Programs

This is where you select the IIMs and programs you wish to apply for:

• Select All Applicable IIMs: You can choose all 22 IIMs and their respective programs. Do not leave any blank if you are eligible and interested.
• Program Types: Select flagship MBA/PGP programs and specialized courses (e.g., HR, Business Analytics). Avoid doctoral (PhD) or Executive MBA programs unless you meet their specific eligibility criteria (e.g., 5+ years of experience for Executive MBA).
• Interview City Preference: For each selected program, choose your preferred interview cities. It's often recommended to select the IIM's location as your first preference, or your current city of residence.
• Finality: Once submitted, you cannot go back and add more IIMs or programs.

Test City Preferences

Choose up to five test city preferences. Select locations that are convenient and easy for you to travel to. While early submission doesn't guarantee your first preference, it's always best to apply as soon as possible.

Declaration and Payment

• Review Application: Before making the payment, click "Preview" and thoroughly proofread every detail: your name, date of birth, marks, work experience (months/days), category, city preferences, and selected IIM programs.
• Fee: The application fee is INR 2,700 for General candidates and INR 1,350 for SC/ST/PWD candidates.
• Final Submission: After confirming everything is correct, enter the captcha, click "Submit," and proceed to the payment gateway. Once payment is made, no further edits are possible.

Key Mistakes to Avoid (Recap)

• Incorrect spelling of your name or inaccurate date of birth.
• Photograph and signature not adhering to guidelines (background, size, clarity).
• Not including marks for all subjects in 10th, 12th, and graduation.
• Incorrect percentage calculation (must be to two decimal places).
• Invalid or outdated reservation category certificates.
• Inaccurate work experience details (start/end dates, excluding pre-graduation experience).
• Missing out on selecting eligible IIMs or programs.
• Not previewing the application form thoroughly before final submission and payment.

Conclusion

Filling out the CAT application form requires careful attention to detail. By preparing your documents in advance, understanding the guidelines, and meticulously reviewing each section, you can ensure a smooth and error-free registration process for CAT 2026. Keep your login credentials safe, as you'll need them for your admit card, response sheet, and scorecard. Good luck!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1 What are the key dates for CAT 2026 registration and exam?

The CAT 2026 application forms are currently open, with a registration deadline of September 15th at 5:00 p.m. The admit card will be available on November 4th, and the CAT exam is scheduled for November 29th.

Q2 What web browsers are compatible with the CAT application form?

The CAT application form is not compatible with Safari. It is best filled using Google Chrome versions 126 to 149, Mozilla versions 135 to 151, or Microsoft Edge versions 126 to 149. It is also advised to fill the form on a laptop rather than a mobile device.

Q3 What documents and information should I prepare before starting the CAT application?

Before filling the form, create a desktop folder for important documents including a recent passport-size photograph (white/off-white background, full face visible, not more than 6 months old), your signature, and your PAN card. Also, prepare an Excel sheet with your academic records, including percentages calculated to two decimal places, work experience documents, and reservation category certificates if applicable.

Q4 Are there specific guidelines for photographs and signatures for the CAT application?

Yes, the photograph must be a recent passport-size photo (not more than 6 months old) with a white or off-white background, showing your full face, neck, and shoulders, with eyes open and looking straight. The maximum file size for the photograph is 1 MB. For the signature, it should be clear, visible, signed on a white paper, and not exceed 80 KB in size.

Q5 What are the rules for entering academic details, especially regarding marks and percentages?

For 10th, 12th, and graduation, you must submit marks for all subjects, even if your board used a 'best of' system. Percentages should be accurately calculated up to two decimal places. If you have CGPA or grades, use the conversion formula provided on your mark sheet or contact your university.

Q6 How is work experience calculated for the CAT application, and what types of experience are included?

Work experience is calculated as on July 31st, 2026. Only full-time work experience gained after the completion of your graduation is counted. Internships, articleships for CA, freelancing jobs, or full-time jobs pursued concurrently with graduation are not included.

Q7 Can I edit my personal details after submitting the CAT application form?

No, you cannot change personal details like your name or date of birth after submission. There is a small correction window that opens up, but it does not allow changes to these critical personal details, so ensure they are accurate before submitting.