The CAT 2026 registration deadline has been extended to September 22, 2026, giving MBA aspirants additional time to complete their applications for one of India’s most important management entrance examinations. The registration deadline was earlier scheduled for September 15, but the Indian Institutes of Management have now extended the window by one week.
For students who missed the earlier deadline or were still preparing their documents, this extension provides another opportunity to submit the CAT 2026 application. However, candidates should not wait until the final hours because the revised deadline is September 22 at 5 PM.
CAT 2026 Registration Deadline Extended
The Common Admission Test, commonly known as CAT, is conducted for admission to management programmes at the Indian Institutes of Management and several other participating business schools.
For CAT 2026, registration originally opened on August 3, 2026, with September 15 announced as the last date. The deadline has now been revised to September 22, 2026, up to 5 PM.
This means students who have not submitted their CAT application yet still have a limited window to complete the process.
The extension is particularly relevant for candidates who were unable to finish the form because of document preparation, application-related issues or other personal reasons.
When Will CAT 2026 Be Conducted?
The CAT 2026 examination is scheduled for November 29, 2026. The examination will be conducted in computer-based mode across three sessions. IIM Indore is conducting CAT 2026.
Candidates should keep the following important dates in mind:
| CAT 2026 Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Started | August 3, 2026 |
| Revised Registration Deadline | September 22, 2026 |
| Registration Closing Time | 5 PM |
| Admit Card | From November 4, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Exam | November 29, 2026 |
| Result | Expected in January 2027 |
The result timeline is subject to the official CAT schedule and further announcements.
Who Should Apply for CAT 2026?
CAT is primarily taken by students and working professionals planning to pursue MBA and other postgraduate management programmes.
Candidates interested in management education should carefully check the eligibility requirements before submitting their applications. Individual IIMs may also have their own admission policies and may consider factors beyond the CAT score, including academic performance and work experience.
Therefore, simply appearing for CAT does not automatically guarantee admission to an IIM. Candidates need to meet the respective institute’s admission requirements and selection criteria.
CAT 2026 Application Fee
The CAT 2026 application fee varies according to the candidate’s category.
According to the published CAT 2026 registration information, candidates belonging to SC, ST and PwD categories are required to pay ₹1,350, while candidates in other categories are required to pay ₹2,700. The registration fee is non-refundable.
Candidates should carefully review all details before making the final payment.
How to Register for CAT 2026?
Candidates who have not yet completed their application can follow the general registration process:
- Visit the official CAT website.
- Complete the initial registration using the required details.
- Generate the required login credentials.
- Fill in the CAT 2026 application form.
- Upload the required documents, photograph and signature.
- Select the preferred examination cities.
- Pay the applicable registration fee.
- Submit the application form.
- Download and save the confirmation page.
Candidates are advised to use the official CAT portal for registration and payment rather than relying on unofficial websites or third-party links.
Candidates Can Select Five Preferred Cities
During the application process, CAT 2026 candidates can select five preferred test cities. However, allocation is subject to availability. If a preferred city is unavailable, the examination authority may allot another nearby city.
Because examination centres can have limited capacity, candidates should complete their applications well before the deadline and carefully enter their city preferences.
What Happens After CAT Registration?
Once the registration window closes, candidates should shift their attention completely towards examination preparation.
The CAT 2026 examination will include three major sections:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
With the examination scheduled for November 29, candidates have a limited preparation window after registration.
Instead of focusing only on the number of questions attempted, students should work on accuracy, time management and question selection. Regular mock tests can also help candidates understand their current preparation level.
CAT Application Form Correction
Candidates should fill out the application form carefully because not every detail may be editable after submission.
Reports indicate that a brief edit opportunity is expected after the registration process for certain fields, including photograph, signature and test-city preferences. Candidates should wait for the official correction-window announcement for the exact dates and editable fields.
Therefore, applicants should not deliberately enter incorrect information assuming that everything can be changed later.
Why This Extension Matters for MBA Aspirants
The extension gives candidates who missed the original September 15 deadline an additional week to apply.
However, the extra time should ideally be used carefully. Students who are still deciding whether to pursue an MBA should first understand their preferred specialisation, target institutes, eligibility requirements and preparation strategy.
Candidates who have already decided to appear for CAT should use the additional time to complete their application rather than postponing it further.
The revised deadline is September 22, 2026, at 5 PM, so applicants should plan accordingly.
What Should Students Do Now?
MBA aspirants who are planning to appear for CAT 2026 can follow a simple approach:
First, complete the application.
Do not leave registration until the final day.
Second, verify your details.
Check personal information, academic details, category information and uploaded documents before submission.
Third, start structured preparation.
Divide preparation time between VARC, DILR and QA.
Fourth, practise mock tests.
Mock examinations can help identify weak areas and improve time management.
Finally, research MBA admission requirements.
Different institutes can have different selection processes, so candidates should check the individual admission policies of the institutes they are interested in.
Reliable Study Education Pvt. Ltd. — MBA Admission Guidance
For students planning their MBA journey, Reliable Study Education Pvt. Ltd. can provide guidance related to entrance exams, application processes, course selection and admission planning.
With 15+ years of experience, Reliable Study Education Pvt. Ltd. focuses on helping students understand their higher-education options and make informed admission decisions.
Students should always verify important dates, eligibility criteria, fees and admission requirements from the official examination or institute sources before completing any application.
Final Words
The extension of the CAT 2026 registration deadline to September 22 gives MBA aspirants another opportunity to apply for the examination. With the exam scheduled for November 29, candidates should use this additional time wisely and avoid waiting until the final hours to complete their registration.
For students targeting MBA programmes, CAT preparation is only one part of the admission journey. Understanding institute requirements, preparing strategically and keeping track of admission updates are equally important.
If you are planning to appear for CAT 2026, make sure your application is completed correctly before September 22, 2026, at 5 PM and then focus on building a consistent preparation strategy.
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FAQs
The revised last date is September 22, 2026, at 5 PM.
CAT 2026 is scheduled for November 29, 2026.
IIM Indore is conducting CAT 2026.
The fee is ₹1,350 for SC/ST/PwD candidates and ₹2,700 for other candidates.
Candidates can select five preferred test cities while completing the application form.