1.Introduction
The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 is one of India’s most important management entrance examinations for candidates seeking admission to MBA, PGDM and other postgraduate management programmes offered by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and several other leading business schools.
The CAT 2026 notification was released on July 26, 2026. According to the announced schedule, the CAT 2026 registration process started on August 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM and candidates can submit their applications until September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM. The examination is scheduled to be conducted on November 29, 2026, in three sessions across approximately 170 test cities.
For aspirants searching for CAT 2026 documents required, documents required for CAT registration, CAT 2026 registration documents, CAT exam documents required, and CAT 2026 application form, this article provides a detailed guide covering the documents, image specifications, important dates, registration process, fees, eligibility-related documents and common mistakes.
2. CAT Exam 2026 – Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 |
| Conducting Institute | IIM Indore |
| CAT Notification Release Date | July 26, 2026 |
| Registration Start Date | August 3, 2026, 10:00 AM |
| Registration Last Date | September 15, 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Admit Card Availability | November 4 to November 29, 2026 |
| CAT Exam Date | November 29, 2026 |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test |
| Exam Sessions | Three sessions |
| Test Cities | Approximately 170 cities |
| Official Website | iimcat.ac.in |
3. CAT 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date / Time |
| CAT 2026 Notification Release | July 26, 2026 |
| CAT Registration Begins | August 3, 2026 – 10:00 AM |
| CAT Registration Last Date | September 15, 2026 – 5:00 PM |
| Admit Card Download Begins | November 4, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date | November 29, 2026 |
| Answer Key | To be announced |
| CAT Result | To be announced |
4. CAT 2026 Documents Required
4.1 Academic Documents
Candidates should keep their academic information and supporting documents ready before beginning the application.
The important academic records include:
- Class 10 marksheet/certificate
- Class 12 marksheet/certificate
- Bachelor’s degree marksheets
- Graduation degree/provisional certificate, wherever applicable
- Master’s degree details, if applicable
- CGPA-to-percentage conversion details/certificate, wherever required
Candidates should enter their academic information carefully because the details submitted in the CAT application can be used during subsequent admission processes.
4.2 Photograph
A recent passport-size photograph is required for the CAT 2026 application.
Candidates should prepare the photograph according to the specifications displayed in the CAT application portal.
Important points include:
- Recent colour photograph
- White or light-coloured background
- JPG/JPEG format
- Photograph should be clear and properly visible
- Avoid blurred or excessively edited photographs
- The photograph should match the candidate’s appearance
Current CAT 2026 registration guidance reports a photograph specification of approximately 1200 × 1200 pixels and a file-size limit around 80 KB, although candidates should always follow the exact upload limits displayed in the official application portal.
Important
Do not upload a selfie, unclear photograph, photograph with dark glasses or a heavily edited image.
5. CAT 2026 Signature Specifications
Candidates must upload a scanned image of their signature.
The commonly specified requirements include:
| Requirement | Specification |
| Format | JPG/JPEG |
| Dimensions | Approximately 80 mm × 35 mm |
| Background | White |
| Ink | Dark/black pen |
| Image quality | Clear and readable |
| File size | Follow the limit displayed in the CAT 2026 portal |
Candidates should sign on plain white paper and scan the signature properly before uploading it.
The signature should be the candidate’s normal handwritten signature and should not be typed or digitally created.
6. CAT 2026 Category Certificates
Candidates belonging to reserved categories should keep the appropriate certificate ready.
The relevant categories include:
- SC – Scheduled Caste
- ST – Scheduled Tribe
- NC-OBC – Non-Creamy Layer Other Backward Classes
- EWS – Economically Weaker Section
- PwD – Persons with Disabilities
Candidates claiming reservation must provide the certificate in the prescribed format and within the applicable validity requirements.
Older CAT registration guidance also requires candidates belonging to reserved categories to provide appropriate category certificates during the application process.
Important
Do not select a reserved category unless you are eligible and can produce the required supporting certificate.
7. PwD / Disability Certificate
Candidates applying under the PwD category may need to provide the applicable disability certificate and other supporting documentation prescribed by CAT.
The disability certificate must be issued by the competent medical authority and should satisfy the requirements specified by the CAT authorities.
CAT’s official documentation has historically included prescribed disability certificate formats.
Candidates requiring scribe assistance or other examination accommodations should carefully read the instructions in the CAT 2026 Information Bulletin.
8. Photo ID Proof for CAT 2026
A valid photo identity document should be kept ready.
Commonly accepted identity documents have included:
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Passport
- Voter ID
- Driving Licence
- College/University ID, where accepted
- Employer ID, where applicable
Candidates should carry the original valid photo ID required for examination-day verification.
CAT’s examination instructions have previously required candidates to produce an original, valid photo identification document along with the admit card.
Candidates should not depend solely on a photocopy or an expired identity document.
9. Work Experience Documents
Candidates with work experience should keep relevant employment information available while completing the application.
This may include:
- Company name
- Designation
- Date of joining
- Date of leaving, if applicable
- Employment/experience certificate
- Payslips, where relevant
- Other employment records
Work experience details should be entered accurately.
Important
Do not claim experience that does not satisfy the CAT application requirements.
Candidates should also remember that the application form is not simply a document-upload exercise. Some information is entered directly into the form rather than uploaded as a document.
10. CAT 2026 Documents Checklist
Before starting the application, candidates can use the following checklist:
| Document / Information | Required? |
| Class 10 marksheet/details | Yes |
| Class 12 marksheet/details | Yes |
| Graduation marksheets/details | Yes |
| Degree/qualification details | As applicable |
| Recent photograph | Yes |
| Scanned signature | Yes |
| Valid photo ID | Yes |
| SC/ST certificate | If applicable |
| NC-OBC certificate | If applicable |
| EWS certificate | If applicable |
| PwD certificate | If applicable |
| Work experience details/documents | If applicable |
| CGPA conversion information | If applicable |
11. CAT 2026 Registration Process
Candidates who wish to appear for CAT 2026 must complete the registration process online through the official CAT website. The application form should be filled in carefully, as incorrect information may cause problems later in the admission process.
11.1 Visit the Official CAT Website
First, visit the official CAT website:
Official CAT Website – iimcat.ac.in
Candidates should use only the official CAT website for registration and avoid unofficial application links.
11.2 Click on New Registration
On the homepage, select the “New Candidate Registration” option.
Enter the basic details asked by the website, including:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Email ID
- Mobile number
Candidates should enter their name and other details exactly as mentioned in their official documents.
11.3 Verify Mobile Number and Email ID
After entering the basic details, candidates need to complete the verification process.
An OTP may be sent to the registered mobile number and email ID.
Candidates should use an active:
- Mobile number
- Email ID
These details should remain active throughout the CAT admission process because important updates may be sent through them.
11.4 Login to the CAT Application Portal
After successful registration, candidates will receive the required login details.
Use these details to log in to the CAT application portal and open the application form.
Candidates should keep their login details safe for future use.
11.5 Fill in Personal Details
After logging in, candidates need to enter their personal information carefully.
The details may include:
- Candidate’s name
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Nationality
- Category
- Father’s or mother’s details, wherever required
- Mobile number
- Email ID
- Address
- Other required information
Before moving to the next section, check all details carefully. The name and date of birth should match the candidate’s official records.
11.6 Enter Academic Details
Candidates must provide their educational details in the application form.
The information may include:
- Class 10 details
- Class 12 details
- Bachelor’s degree details
- Master’s degree details, if applicable
- Name of school/college
- Name of university or board
- Year of passing
- Marks or percentage
- CGPA, wherever applicable
Candidates should keep their Class 10, Class 12 and graduation marksheets ready while filling out this section.
11.7 Enter Work Experience Details
Candidates who have eligible work experience should enter their employment details in the application form.
The details should be entered correctly and should match the candidate’s employment records.
Fresh graduates and candidates without eligible work experience should select the appropriate option in the form.
11.8 Upload Photograph and Signature
Candidates must upload the required photograph and signature according to the specifications mentioned in the CAT application form.
Before uploading, check:
- Photograph format
- Photograph size
- Signature format
- Signature size or dimensions
- Image clarity
The uploaded photograph and signature should be clear and properly visible in the application preview.
11.9 Select IIM Programmes and Test Cities
Candidates need to select the programmes they want to apply for and choose their preferred CAT test cities.
For CAT 2026, candidates can select up to five test-city preferences.
Candidates should choose the cities carefully because the final test centre will depend on availability.
11.10 Pay the CAT 2026 Application Fee
After completing the application form, candidates must pay the applicable registration fee through the available online payment options.
The CAT 2026 application fee is:
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / EWS / NC-OBC | ₹2,700 |
| SC / ST / PwD | ₹1,350 |
Candidates should check the official CAT website for the latest fee and payment instructions before making the payment.
11.11 Review and Submit the Application Form
Before submitting the CAT 2026 application, candidates should carefully check the complete form.
Make sure to verify:
- Personal details
- Date of birth
- Category details
- Academic information
- Work experience
- Photograph
- Signature
- Programme choices
- Test-city preferences
- Payment details
After checking everything, submit the application form.
Once submitted, candidates should save and download the confirmation page. It is also advisable to keep a copy of the completed application form and payment receipt for future reference.
Important: Candidates should not wait until the last date to submit the CAT application. Applying early can help avoid problems caused by heavy website traffic, payment issues or technical errors.
12. Common Mistakes to Avoid While Filling CAT 2026 Form
12.1 Incorrect Personal Information
Do not enter your name, date of birth or other personal details incorrectly.
The information should be checked against the relevant official documents.
12.2 Wrong Academic Marks
Candidates should carefully enter marks or CGPA according to their marksheets and applicable instructions.
12.3 Incorrect Category
Do not select SC/ST/NC-OBC/EWS/PwD unless you satisfy the relevant requirements.
12.4 Poor Photograph
A blurred, dark, improperly cropped or unsuitable photograph can create problems during uploading.
12.5 Incorrect Signature
The signature must be handwritten and properly scanned.
12.6 Waiting Until the Last Day
Candidates should avoid waiting until the final hours to submit the application. Applying early gives candidates more time to resolve upload or payment-related issues.
13. CAT 2026 Important Instructions for Candidates
13.1 Keep Documents Ready
Collect all academic records, identity information, certificates and image files before starting registration.
13.2 Use Active Contact Details
The registered mobile number and email ID should remain active because important communication can be sent through these channels.
13.3 Verify Before Final Submission
Once the application is submitted, candidates should not assume that every field can be changed later.
13.4 Follow the Official Bulletin
The exact document specifications and application requirements should always be checked against the CAT 2026 Information Bulletin and official CAT portal.
13.5 Keep Copies
Candidates should save:
- Submitted application
- Payment receipt
- Registration/User ID
- Uploaded photograph
- Uploaded signature
- Important certificates
14. CAT 2026 Exam Day Documents
Candidates should prepare the documents required for examination-day verification well in advance.
The key items include:
- CAT 2026 Admit Card
- Original valid photo ID
- Any additional documents specifically mentioned in the admit-card instructions
- Applicable medical/disability documentation, where required
Previous CAT examination instructions have required candidates to carry the admit card and an original valid photo identity document for verification.
Candidates must follow the instructions printed on the CAT 2026 admit card because examination-day requirements can change from one year to another.
15. CAT 2026 Documents Required
For quick reference, candidates should primarily keep the following ready:
Work experience information/documents, if applicable
Class 10 marksheet/details
Class 12 marksheet/details
Graduation marksheets/details
Degree or CGPA conversion information, wherever applicable
Recent passport-size photograph
Scanned signature
Valid photo identity proof
SC/ST/NC-OBC/EWS certificate, if applicable
PwD certificate, if applicable
16. Conclusion
The CAT 2026 registration process is an important first step for aspirants targeting IIMs and other leading management institutes. With the registration window open from August 3 to September 15, 2026, candidates should not wait until the final day to complete their applications.
The most important preparation before filling the form is to keep the CAT 2026 documents required ready, including academic details, photograph, signature, valid identity proof and applicable category or PwD certificates.
Candidates should carefully verify every detail before submitting the application and follow the specifications given in the official CAT 2026 Information Bulletin. For the latest updates on CAT 2026 registration, CAT exam date, admit card, answer key and result, candidates should regularly check the official CAT website and reliable education portals such as Manabadi.