CAT 2026 Registration: IIM Indore to Close Application Window on September 15, Check Fees and Steps to Apply
Published 9 Sept 20263 min read
CAT 2026 registration is underway on the official website, iimcat.ac.in, with IIM Indore set to close the application window on September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM IST. Candidates aspiring for admission to postgraduate management programs across 22 IIMs must complete their forms and pay the exam fee before the deadline.
The registration dashboard opened on August 3, 2026, and candidates are advised not to wait until the last date, since entries cannot be edited once the fee is paid.
CAT 2026 Key Dates and Fees
- Registration opened: August 3, 2026
- Last date to apply: September 15, 2026, 5:00 PM IST
- Application fee: ₹1,350 for SC, ST, and PwBD candidates; ₹2,700 for General, EWS, and NC-OBC candidates
- Payment mode: Online only, through the BillDesk gateway (UPI, net banking, credit card, debit card, or wallet). Cash payment is not accepted.
How to Apply for CAT 2026
- Visit iimcat.ac.in and register as a new candidate using name, date of birth, email, and mobile number, followed by OTP verification.
- Note the system-generated User ID and Password sent to the registered email and phone number.
- Log in and click "Go to Application" to fill personal details, academic records (Class 10, Class 12, and Bachelor's degree), and work experience up to July 31, 2026.
- Select preferred programs from among the 22 participating IIMs and choose an interview city for each.
- Choose five distinct test city preferences, in order of priority, from over 170 exam cities nationwide.
- Upload a scanned photograph, signature (fixed at 80mm x 35mm, minimum 150 ppi), and category or disability certificates, if applicable.
- Preview the form, accept the declaration, and pay the fee to complete submission.
Candidates can save progress using the "Save & Next" option and complete the form across multiple sessions before final payment.
Important Points for Candidates
- Once the fee is paid, the form is locked; only the photograph, signature, and test city choice can be updated later, and only during the correction window, free of cost.
- Candidates must enter their full name exactly as it appears on their Class 10 or SSC certificate to avoid verification issues.
- PwBD applicants need to upload a valid disability certificate in PDF format, issued on official Form V, VI, or VII, in English or Hindi.
- Date of birth must be entered using the on-screen calendar tool; manual typing is not allowed.
- The portal is best accessed on Google Chrome (versions 126–149), Mozilla Firefox (134–151), or Microsoft Edge (126–149).
What Happens Next
Once registration closes, IIM Indore will allot test cities based on candidates' order of preference and seat availability. Candidates are advised to save their transaction reference number and download the confirmation page immediately after payment for future reference.
FAQs
Q: Can the CAT 2026 application fee be paid in cash? No. Fee payment is accepted only online, through UPI, net banking, or debit/credit cards.
Q: Is there a fee for CAT 2026 form correction? No, form correction is free. However, if an error falls outside the editable fields, candidates must submit a fresh form and pay the fee again before the deadline.
Q: Can candidates change their test city preference after submission? Yes, but only during the designated correction window. Requests for change after that period will not be accepted.