IIM CAT 2026 Registration Window Open @iimcat.ac.in LIVE: Apply Link, Exam Fees & Process

Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore has officially activated the online registration portal for the Common Admission Test (CAT 2026) today, August 3, 2026. Aspirants aiming for admissions into prestigious management programs across 22 IIMs and over 1,000 participating B-schools can now submit their application forms online at the official website, iimcat.ac.in.

According to the official schedule released by CAT 2026 Convener Prof. Aditya Billore, the registration window opened at 10:00 AM IST and will remain active until September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM IST). The computer-based entrance exam is scheduled to take place on Sunday, November 29, 2026, in three test slots across 170 designated cities.

CAT 2026 Registration: Key Highlights

CAT Application Fee Structure

Candidates registering for CAT 2026 must pay the application fee online using Credit/Debit cards or Net Banking. The registration fee is non-refundable.

• General / EWS / NC-OBC Candidates: ₹2,700

• SC / ST / PwD Candidates: ₹1,350

How to Apply for CAT 2026 Online?

Candidates are advised to complete their registration early to avoid technical delays or server bottlenecks near the deadline. Follow these step-by-step instructions to register:

Step 1: Account Creation & Login Generation

Visit iimcat.ac.in and click on the “Register” button under the New Candidate Registration section. Enter basic profile details including full name, date of birth, valid email address, and mobile number. Complete OTP verification to receive your unique User ID and Password via SMS and email.

Step 2: Accessing the CAT Application Portal

Log in as a registered candidate using the credentials provided. The online form contains six distinct sections: Personal Details, Academics, Work Experience, IIM Programmes Preference, Test City Selection, and Payment.

Step 3: Fill Details & Preferences

• Academic Data: Enter aggregate percentage and marks for Class 10, Class 12, and Bachelor’s degree.

• Work Experience: Only full-time post-graduation work experience up to July 31, 2026, should be declared.

• Programmes & Test Cities: Choose preferred IIM courses and select up to six preferred test cities in order of priority.

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

Upload soft copies of all essential documents strictly adhering to the size and format specifications:

1. Recent passport-sized photograph (white background).

2. Scanned signature.

3. Class 10, Class 12, and Graduation mark sheets.

4. Category Certificate (SC/ST/NC-OBC/EWS) or PwD Certificate, if applicable.

Step 5: Fee Payment & Final Confirmation

Review all fields using the preview function before making the final payment. Select the payment gateway to deposit the application fee. Save or print the confirmation page for future reference.

CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

• Educational Qualification: Candidates holding a Bachelor’s Degree with at least 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC, ST, and PwD categories) or an equivalent CGPA from a recognized university are eligible.

• Final Year Candidates: Students appearing for the final year of their Bachelor’s degree/equivalent qualification or awaiting results can also apply.

• Age Limit & Attempts: There is no age limit or cap on the number of attempts for CAT.

Direct Link & Candidate Support

Applicants can access the direct application link on the official portal iimcat.ac.in. In case of technical issues or payment failures during registration, candidates can reach out to the official CAT helpdesk via email or the helpline numbers listed on the portal. Ensure all details entered match official educational certificates to prevent application rejection.

Written by Simran

Simran is currently working as a Senior Content Writer at Findmycollege , where she creates engaging and research-driven learning resources for students. She has completed her Graduation in Journalism from Delhi University. With 4 years of experience in the EdTech industry, she has previously contributed to leading platforms like Leverage Edu and Aakash. Her expertise lies in simplifying Engineering and Medical entrance exam content to guide aspirants in their preparation journey. Beyond writing, Simran enjoys sketching, watching movies, and finding creative inspiration in everyday life.

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