CAT 2026 Registration Likely to Open in August

The registration process for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026, one of India’s most sought-after management entrance examinations, is expected to commence in August 2026. The official notification is likely to be released in July, providing candidates with detailed information regarding eligibility, important dates, examination schedule, and the application process.

CAT serves as the gateway for admission to MBA, PGDM, and other management programmes offered by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and several other participating business schools across the country. Candidates planning to appear for the examination are advised to begin preparing their documents and monitor the official website for announcements.

Once the application window opens, candidates must complete the registration process online through the official CAT portal. The process is expected to begin with creating a user account using a valid email address and mobile number. After verifying the account through a one-time password (OTP), applicants can log in to access the application form.

Candidates will then need to provide their personal information, academic qualifications, and work experience details, where applicable. The application will also require uploading a recent passport-size photograph, a scanned signature, and other necessary documents in the prescribed format. After completing the form, applicants must pay the application fee online before submitting the final application. It is advisable to download and save the confirmation page for future reference.

Before starting the application process, candidates should keep all essential documents and information readily available to avoid delays. These include personal details such as name, date of birth, gender, and category, along with educational qualifications from Class 10 onwards, including graduation and any higher education credentials.

Applicants with professional experience should also keep details of their employment history, including company names, job designation, and duration of work. During registration, candidates will be asked to select their preferred postgraduate programmes, interview city preferences for participating IIMs, and up to five preferred examination cities where they wish to take the computer-based test.

Candidates are encouraged to carefully review all the information entered before submitting the application, as errors may lead to complications later in the admission process.

With the official notification expected shortly, MBA aspirants should regularly visit the CAT website for updates on registration dates, eligibility criteria, examination guidelines, and other important announcements. Early preparation and timely completion of the registration process can help candidates avoid last-minute technical issues and focus on their examination preparation.