CAT 2026 Registration Last Date Extended to September 22: Direct Link, Fee and Full Process

IIM Indore has extended the CAT 2026 registration deadline by one week — from September 15 to September 22, 2026, 5:00 PM. Candidates who have not yet submitted the CAT application form can use this additional window to register, upload documents, select test cities, and pay the fee at iimcat.ac.in.

What Changed: New CAT 2026 Registration Deadline

CAT 2026 registration originally opened on August 3, 2026, with a closing date of September 15, 2026. IIM Indore, the institute conducting CAT this year, pushed that deadline out by seven days. No official reason for the extension has been made public. Candidates should not assume a further extension will follow — IIM Indore is under no obligation to reopen the window again.

CAT 2026 Registration Fee

The application fee depends on category and has not changed with the extension:

Payment is processed online through BillDesk using UPI, net banking, credit card, debit card, or a digital wallet. The fee is the same regardless of how many participating IIM programmes a candidate selects, and it is non-refundable once paid — candidates should confirm their eligibility and category documents before completing payment.

How to Apply for CAT 2026

1. Register on iimcat.ac.in under "New Candidate Registration."
2. Generate login credentials using your name, date of birth, email, nationality and mobile number, verified via OTP.
3. Log in with the system-generated User ID and password.
4. Enter personal and contact details, including an emergency contact and address.
5. Add academic records — Class 10, Class 12/Diploma, and Bachelor's degree marks.
6. Add work experience, if applicable, completed up to July 31, 2026.
7. Select IIM programmes and interview city preferences.
8. Choose test cities (see below).
9. Upload documents — photograph, signature, and category/disability certificates where relevant.
10. Preview, confirm and pay the applicable fee through BillDesk.
11. Download the confirmation page and note the transaction reference number.

Test City Selection: What the CAT 2026 Form Requires

While filling the form, candidates must list five preferred test cities in order of priority. IIM Indore will try to allot a centre in one of these cities, though in high-demand areas a candidate may be placed at a centre near — rather than exactly at — a chosen city. CAT 2026 will be conducted across roughly 170 cities nationwide, and once a centre is allotted, it cannot be changed.

Document Upload Specifications

Common upload errors include files over 80 KB, using PNG or PDF instead of JPG for photos, incorrect dimensions, resolution below 150 ppi, and using a photograph older than six months. Candidates should also print copies of their photograph and signature to carry alongside the admit card on exam day.

CAT 2026 Eligibility at a Glance

• A Bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwBD candidates), or equivalent CGPA
• Final-year students and those awaiting results may also apply, subject to submitting a degree-completion certificate later if selected
• No upper age limit

Key CAT 2026 Dates to Remember

Official CAT 2026 Registration Link

Candidates can register or log in directly here:

• New registration: https://cdn.digialm.com/EForms/configuredHtml/32842/101262/Registration.html
• Candidate login: https://cdn.digialm.com/EForms/configuredHtml/32842/101262/login.html