The CAT 2026 registration process has reached an important stage for MBA aspirants. While the last date for submitting new CAT 2026 registrations was September 22, 2026, at 5 PM, candidates who successfully completed their registration can now pay the application fee until September 24, 2026. This latest extension gives already-registered candidates additional time to complete the payment process.
CAT 2026 is being conducted by IIM Indore and is scheduled for November 29, 2026. The examination will be conducted in three sessions across approximately 170 test cities in India.
For students planning MBA admissions through CAT, this is an important update because completing the application process correctly is necessary to appear for the examination.
CAT 2026 Registration: What Is the Latest Update?
The CAT 2026 application window was initially scheduled to close on September 15. IIM Indore later extended the registration deadline to September 22, giving candidates additional time to submit their applications.
However, the latest update is slightly different from another registration extension.
New CAT registrations are now closed. Candidates who had completed their registration by September 22 can still make the application fee payment until September 24, 2026, before 5 PM.
Therefore, students should understand the difference between the registration deadline and the fee-payment deadline.
Important CAT 2026 Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| CAT 2026 Registration Started | August 3, 2026 |
| Earlier Registration Deadline | September 15, 2026 |
| Extended Registration Deadline | September 22, 2026 |
| Extended Fee Payment Deadline | September 24, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Exam | November 29, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Admit Card | Expected in early November |
| CAT 2026 Exam Sessions | Three |
The September 24 extension applies only to candidates who successfully completed the registration process within the September 22 deadline. It does not reopen the application window for new candidates.
CAT 2026 Exam Date
CAT 2026 will be conducted on November 29, 2026. IIM Indore will conduct the examination in three sessions across around 170 cities. Candidates are expected to receive their admit cards before the examination.
With the registration stage now closing, the focus for applicants should shift toward preparation.
Students have only a limited amount of time before the CAT examination, making it important to organise preparation around the three major sections of the test.
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern and Preparation Focus
CAT preparation generally revolves around three major areas:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
At this stage, candidates should avoid spending too much time trying to cover every possible topic from scratch. Instead, they can focus on strengthening important concepts, solving previous questions and taking regular mock tests.
Mock tests can also help students understand their speed, accuracy and time-management approach.
For example, a student who performs well in Quantitative Ability but struggles with Reading Comprehension may need to dedicate more preparation time to VARC rather than following the same study schedule for every section.
What Should CAT 2026 Candidates Do Now?
Candidates who have already registered should first check whether their application process is completely successful.
If the form was submitted but the fee payment is still pending, the candidate should complete the payment within the extended deadline of September 24, 2026.
After completing the registration process, students should regularly check official CAT updates for information regarding:
- Application correction
- Admit card
- Test city details
- Examination instructions
- CAT 2026 exam-day guidelines
Candidates should also carefully check the details entered in their application and keep important documents safely available.
CAT 2026 Application Fee
The reported CAT 2026 application fee is:
- ₹2,700 for General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates
- ₹1,350 for SC, ST and PwD candidates
The fee-payment deadline has been extended to September 24 for candidates who completed their registration by September 22.
Students should make sure that their payment is successfully completed and that they retain the payment confirmation for future reference.
What Happens After CAT 2026 Registration?
Once the registration and fee-payment stage is completed, candidates will move toward the examination stage.
The next important milestone will be the release of the CAT 2026 admit card. Candidates should download it as soon as it becomes available and verify details such as their name, photograph, examination centre and reporting instructions.
After the examination, the CAT result and scorecard will become important for the next stage of MBA admissions.
CAT scores are used by IIMs and various other management institutes as part of their admission processes. However, admission requirements can vary from one institute to another, so candidates should always check the individual institute’s admission criteria.
CAT 2026 Preparation: How to Use the Remaining Time
For students preparing for CAT 2026, the remaining preparation period can be used strategically.
Start with a diagnostic mock test to understand your current performance. Once the weaker areas are identified, divide your preparation time accordingly.
A simple approach can include:
Concept Building: Revise important formulas, concepts and fundamentals.
Question Practice: Solve questions from different difficulty levels.
Mock Tests: Take full-length mocks regularly.
Mock Analysis: Spend time understanding incorrect and unanswered questions.
Time Management: Develop a practical strategy for attempting each section.
The purpose of mock tests should not only be to obtain a high score. Their bigger benefit is understanding where time is being lost and which types of questions need more attention.
CAT 2026 and MBA Admission Planning
CAT is one of the major management entrance examinations used for MBA admissions in India. However, students planning an MBA should also understand that CAT is not the only entrance examination available.
Depending on their target institutes, candidates may also explore examinations such as XAT, NMAT, SNAP, MAT and CMAT.
Each examination has its own registration schedule, eligibility requirements, exam structure and participating institutes. Therefore, students should research the admission requirements of their preferred colleges before deciding which examinations to take.
Final Update for MBA Aspirants
The most important CAT 2026 update today is that new registrations have closed after the September 22 deadline, while the fee-payment deadline has been extended to September 24, 2026 for candidates who completed their registration within the original application window.
CAT 2026 will be conducted on November 29, 2026, so candidates who have successfully completed the application process should now concentrate on preparation, mock tests and exam strategy.
For students looking for guidance on MBA admissions, entrance exams, college selection and the overall admission process, Reliable Study Education Pvt. Ltd. can help students understand their available options and plan their next steps.
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FAQs
No. New CAT 2026 registrations closed on September 22, 2026.
Yes. Candidates who completed registration by September 22 can pay the fee until September 24, 2026.
CAT 2026 is scheduled for November 29, 2026.
IIM Indore is conducting CAT 2026.
Focus on preparation, mock tests, revision and keeping track of admit-card and examination updates.