If you’re planning to appear for CAT 2026, time is running out. The registration window, which opened on 3rd August 2026, closes on 15th September 2026 at 5:00 PM IST. This isn’t just another date on the calendar — missing it can shut the door on your MBA/PGDM ambitions for an entire year, including admission to top IIMs and hundreds of leading B-schools such as the best PGDM institutes in Delhi.
Here’s a practical, last-minute guide to help you register correctly and avoid the errors that trip up thousands of candidates every year.
Key CAT 2026 Registration Details
- Registration opened: 3rd August 2026, 10:00 AM IST
- Registration closes: 15th September 2026, 5:00 PM IST
- Exam date: 29th November 2026
- Conducting institute: IIM Indore
- Application fee: ₹2,700 for General/EWS/NC-OBC candidates; ₹1,350 for SC/ST/PwD candidates
- Official website: iimcat.ac.in
There is no confirmed late-fee window this year. Once the portal closes, new applications generally aren’t accepted unless the conducting IIM makes a specific announcement — so don’t count on an extension, even though CAT deadlines have occasionally been pushed by a few days in past cycles (such as CAT 2025 and CAT 2022).
Step-by-Step: What to Do Before 15 September
1. Create your account and generate your User ID Visit iimcat.ac.in and register with a valid email ID and mobile number. Keep this login information safe — you’ll need it throughout the admission cycle, including for score cards and interview shortlists later.
2. Keep your documents ready Before you start filling the form, have these ready as scanned copies:
- Recent passport-size photograph (plain background)
- Signature scan
- Class 10, 12, and graduation mark sheets
- Category certificate (if applicable — EWS/NC-OBC certificates should generally be issued in the current financial year)
- Valid photo ID
3. Fill in academic and personal details carefully One of the most common mistakes is incorrect percentage calculation. Enter your aggregate percentage across all subjects on your marksheet, not just a “best of 4” or “best of 5” calculation, unless your board specifically calculates it that way.
4. Select your test cities in order of preference You’ll be asked to choose up to five test city preferences. Allocation is generally first-come-first-served and subject to availability, so registering early can improve your chances of getting your preferred city.
5. Choose your target MBA/PGDM programmes CAT registration also lets you select IIMs and programmes you wish to be considered for. If you’re also targeting non-IIM institutes — including some of the best PGDM institutes in Delhi and other PGDM colleges across Delhi NCR — remember that many of these have separate application processes even though they accept CAT scores. Don’t assume CAT registration alone covers those applications.
6. Review before final submission Use the preview screen carefully. Once submitted, the form typically locks, and post-deadline corrections are limited to a brief window covering only specific fields (usually not academic scores, category, or personal details).
7. Complete the payment and save your confirmation After successful payment, save the confirmation email/SMS and your application receipt. If a payment fails, check your transaction status before attempting it again to avoid duplicate transactions or confusion.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in the Final Days
- Waiting until the last 48 hours — payment gateways tend to get overloaded as thousands of candidates rush to submit at once.
- Uploading certificates in the wrong format — NC-OBC and EWS certificates need to follow the Central List format, not state-specific formats.
- Incorrect CGPA-to-percentage conversion — don’t apply a default multiplier unless your university’s official transcript specifies one.
- Blurry or cropped photos/signatures — these are common reasons for rejection during verification.
- Assuming CAT registration is enough — if you’re planning to apply to PGDM courses in Delhi or other B-schools that accept CAT scores but run independent admission processes, check their specific application deadlines separately.
Why This Matters for Your PGDM Plans
A valid CAT score is often the entry point not just for IIMs, but for a wide range of well-regarded institutes offering PGDM courses in Delhi and across Delhi NCR. Whether you’re targeting a top-ranked PGDM institute in Delhi or comparing multiple PGDM colleges in the region, your CAT registration and score form the foundation of your applications. Missing the 15 September deadline could mean waiting an entire additional year to apply to these programmes.
Final Takeaway
The CAT 2026 registration deadline of 15 September, 5:00 PM IST, is firm unless an official extension is announced. Don’t leave your application for the last moment — keep your documents ready, fill the form carefully, verify every detail on the preview screen, and complete your payment well in advance. A smooth registration process today sets you up for a stronger CAT 2026 attempt and a better shot at admission into the best PGDM institutes in Delhi and beyond.
FAQs
1. What is the last date to register for CAT 2026?
The CAT 2026 registration window closes on 15th September 2026 at 5:00 PM IST on the official website, iimcat.ac.in.
2. Will the CAT 2026 registration deadline be extended?
There’s no guarantee of an extension. While past cycles like CAT 2025 and CAT 2022 saw short extensions, candidates should treat 15 September as the final deadline and not rely on a possible extension.
3. Can I register for CAT 2026 after the deadline by paying a late fee?
No, CAT registration generally doesn’t offer a late-fee option. Once the window closes, applications aren’t accepted unless the conducting IIM announces an extension.
4. What is the CAT 2026 application fee?
The fee is ₹2,700 for General, EWS, and NC-OBC candidates, and ₹1,350 for SC, ST, and PwD candidates.
5. Does registering for CAT 2026 also register me for PGDM colleges in Delhi NCR?
No. CAT registration lets you select IIMs and programmes you’re applying to, but many non-IIM institutes — including several top PGDM institutes in Delhi — have separate application processes even if they accept CAT scores. Check each institute’s admission timeline separately.
6. What documents do I need before starting CAT 2026 registration?
You’ll need a recent photograph, signature scan, academic mark sheets (Class 10, 12, and graduation), a valid photo ID, and category certificates if applicable.
7. When is the CAT 2026 exam?
The CAT 2026 exam is scheduled for 29th November 2026, conducted across approximately 170 cities in India.