CAT 2026 Registration Deadline Set for September 15: Important Guidelines for Applicants

The registration process for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 is currently underway, with the official deadline for submission fast approaching. Prospective candidates intending to appear for this year's management entrance examination must complete and submit their online application forms no later than 5 PM on September 15, 2026.

It is essential for all applicants to adhere to this timeline, as the examination authorities have confirmed that those who fail to finalize their registration by the specified deadline will not be permitted to participate in the exam. Candidates are encouraged to visit the official website at iimcat.ac.in to complete the registration process well before the cut-off time to avoid any last-minute technical issues.

Guidelines for Test City Selection and Allocation

A critical component of the CAT 2026 application process involves the selection of examination centers. When filling out the online form, candidates are required to select a total of five test city preferences from the provided drop-down menu. It is important to note that the system does not permit the selection of the same city more than once, and candidates should list their choices in order of preference.

According to the guidelines provided by IIM Indore, the allocation of test cities, specific test centers, and examination slots is conducted after the registration window closes. This process is strictly subject to availability and is managed on a first-come, first-served basis. While the authorities aim to accommodate the preferences indicated by the candidates, they have clarified that if none of the five selected cities are available, the applicant will be assigned a test center in a nearby city.

Finalizing Application Details and Verification

Before hitting the final submit button, applicants are strongly advised to conduct a thorough review of all information entered into the portal. This includes verifying academic records, contact information, and personal details such as the candidate's name and date of birth. The authorities have emphasized that critical personal data, including the registered email address and mobile number, cannot be modified once the registration process has been successfully completed.

By ensuring that all data is accurate and that test city preferences are selected in the desired order, candidates can help streamline the administrative process. As the September 15 deadline serves as the final cutoff for all new registrations, applicants should prioritize completing their submissions to ensure their eligibility for the upcoming CAT 2026 examination cycle.