The registration window for CAT 2026, managed by IIM Indore, closes tomorrow, September 15, at 5 PM. Aspirants are urged to complete their applications and fee payments immediately to avoid last-minute technical glitches.
- Registration Deadline: September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM)
- Exam Date: November 29, 2026
- Admit Card Release: November 4, 2026
- Official Portal: iimcat.ac.in
The countdown has begun for MBA aspirants across the country. IIM Indore has announced that the registration window for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 will officially close tomorrow, September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Eligible candidates who have not yet submitted their forms are advised to act swiftly to secure their chance to appear for one of India's most prestigious management entrance exams.
Experts strongly advise against waiting until the final hours. The online application process is susceptible to various issues, including heavy server traffic, document upload errors, and payment gateway failures. To ensure a smooth experience, candidates should complete their registration and fee payment well before the 5 PM deadline on the official website, iimcat.ac.in.
Exam Structure and Key Milestones
The CAT 2026 examination is scheduled to take place on November 29, 2026. The test will be conducted in a computer-based format across three distinct sessions. The paper is divided into three critical sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Each section is allotted a strict 40-minute window, totaling a 120-minute examination period.
Proactive registration is the first step toward a disciplined exam preparation strategy.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the surge in traffic during the final hours of major national exams like CAT often leads to significant technical bottlenecks. For students, missing this deadline means waiting an entire year to attempt the exam again, which can disrupt academic and career timelines. Timely registration allows candidates to focus entirely on their rigorous preparation phase starting from late September.
Important Dates at a Glance
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Commencement | August 3, 2026 |
| Registration Deadline | September 15, 2026 (5 PM) |
| Admit Card Availability | November 4, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date | November 29, 2026 |
| Expected Result Declaration | First week of January 2027 |
Application Fee Breakdown
Candidates must pay the prescribed application fee during the submission process. The fee is a one-time payment regardless of the number of IIMs or programs selected:
- SC, ST, and PwBD Categories: ₹1,350
- All Other Categories: ₹2,700
It is crucial to ensure that all personal and academic details are verified before final submission, as corrections post-submission can be extremely difficult.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I modify my application after the deadline?
No, once the registration window closes on September 15 at 5 PM, no further changes or new registrations will be permitted.
2. Where can I download my admit card?
Admit cards will be available for download from the official iimcat.ac.in website starting November 4, 2026.
