Last Updated: September 1, 2026

The CAT last date to apply 2026 is September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM, as per the official notification released by IIM Indore. Registration for CAT 2026 started on August 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM on iimcat.ac.in, giving candidates roughly six weeks to complete their application. The CAT 2026 exam itself will be held on Sunday, November 29, 2026, in three slots across 170+ cities. Miss the September 15 deadline, and there is no late-fee window — your CAT 2026 attempt is over for the year unless IIM Indore announces an extension (more on that below).

Registration status right now: LIVE — the portal is open at iimcat.ac.in, and the deadline is roughly two weeks away.

CAT Last Date to Apply 2026 – Quick Overview

CAT 2026 Event	Date
CAT 2026 Notification Release	July 26, 2026 (Official)
CAT 2026 Registration Start Date	August 3, 2026, 10:00 AM (Official)
CAT Last Date to Apply 2026	September 15, 2026, 5:00 PM (Official)
Form Correction Window	Last week of September 2026 (Tentative)
Admit Card Release	November 4, 2026 (Official)
CAT 2026 Exam Date	November 29, 2026, Sunday (Official)
Answer Key Release	Early December 2026 (Tentative)
CAT 2026 Result Declaration	Third/fourth week of December 2026 (Tentative)

Source: Based on the official CAT 2026 notification released by IIM Indore; confirmed on iimcat.ac.in

Also read: CAT Cutoff 2026 for IIMs and Top MBA Colleges: Complete Percentile Guide

Quick Answers: However You’re Searching This Deadline

Whether you typed “cat last date,” “cat form last date,” “cat registration deadline,” “cat application deadline,” or “cat apply last date” — they all point to the same official date. Here’s the same answer, phrased for every common way this is searched:

You searched for…	Answer
CAT last date / CAT 2026 last date	September 15, 2026, 5:00 PM
CAT form last date / CAT form date 2026	September 15, 2026, 5:00 PM
CAT application last date / application deadline	September 15, 2026, 5:00 PM
CAT registration last date / registration deadline	September 15, 2026, 5:00 PM
CAT deadline / CAT form deadline	September 15, 2026, 5:00 PM
Last date to fill CAT form 2026	September 15, 2026, 5:00 PM
Last date to register for CAT 2026	September 15, 2026, 5:00 PM
Last day to apply for CAT 2026	September 15, 2026, 5:00 PM
CAT exam form last date 2026	September 15, 2026, 5:00 PM
CAT exam last date to apply	September 15, 2026, 5:00 PM
CAT 2026 exam date (not the apply deadline)	November 29, 2026

All of these terms describe the same single deadline — CAT does not have separate dates for “form,” “application,” and “registration.” The sections below explain each of these in more detail in case you want the full context rather than just the date.

Will the CAT 2026 Last Date to Apply Be Extended?

This is worth addressing directly since it’s a common source of confusion. In CAT 2025, the original deadline of September 13 was extended by a week to September 20, 2025. A similar extension happened in CAT 2022 as well. However, IIM Indore has not announced any extension for CAT 2026 as of this update — the official closing date remains September 15, 2026, 5:00 PM. Don’t plan around a possible extension; treat September 15 as final and apply well before it. We’ll update this section immediately if IIM Indore announces a change.

CAT 2026 Registration Timeline: From Notification to the Last Date to Apply

When Does CAT 2026 Registration Start?

The CAT 2026 notification was officially released on July 26, 2026, and the convening institute for this year is IIM Indore. The registration portal opened on August 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM on iimcat.ac.in. Candidates get roughly six weeks between the opening of registration and the closing date.

CAT Form Last Date 2026 (Official Closing Deadline)

The CAT form last date 2026 — also referred to as the CAT application last date or CAT registration deadline — is September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM. After this exact minute, the application portal is disabled, and no new registrations, fee payments, or edits are accepted, barring an official extension.

A large share of candidates attempt to register in the final 48 hours, which causes payment failures and server slowdowns. Completing your form at least a week early protects you from this last-minute rush and gives you a buffer to correct document upload errors.

CAT Application Last Date 2026 (Application Form Deadline)

Some candidates search separately for the CAT application last date 2026 or CAT application deadline, wondering if this is different from the “registration” or “form” deadline. It isn’t — CAT 2026 has only one online process that covers registration, form-filling, and final application submission together, and all three close at the same moment: September 15, 2026, 5:00 PM. There is no separate “application date” that opens later or closes earlier than the registration window. Once you complete Step 8 (fee payment) below, your application is considered fully submitted — there’s no additional application stage after that.

CAT Registration Last Date 2026 (Registration Deadline)

The CAT registration last date 2026, sometimes searched as “cat registration deadline” or “last date to register for CAT 2026,” again refers to the same September 15, 2026, 5:00 PM cutoff. IIM Indore does not run registration and form submission as two separate windows — your CAT registration is complete only once you’ve filled every section of the form and paid the fee, not just when you create your login credentials. Creating an account early (Step 1–3 in the process below) does not lock in your registration; an incomplete, unpaid form is treated as no registration at all, even if you started it in August.

CAT Exam Form Last Date 2026 (Form vs Exam Date — Don’t Confuse These)

A common point of confusion is between the CAT exam form last date 2026 (when you must finish applying) and the CAT 2026 exam date (when you actually sit for the test). These are two completely different dates roughly 2.5 months apart:

• CAT exam form last date 2026 / CAT exam registration last date: September 15, 2026, 5:00 PM — this is your application deadline.
• CAT 2026 exam date: November 29, 2026 — this is when you take the actual computer-based test.

If you’re searching “cat exam last date to apply” or “cat exam application date 2026,” you’re looking for the September 15 deadline, not the November exam date. Keep this distinction clear so you don’t accidentally think you have until November to apply.

CAT 2026 Application Fee Structure

Candidate Category	CAT 2026 Fee (Official)
General / EWS / NC-OBC	₹2,700
SC / ST / PwD	₹1,350

Source: As per the official CAT 2026 notification on iimcat.ac.in

The CAT 2026 application fee has increased by ₹100 over last year across both categories. Payment must be completed before the deadline — an unpaid or partially filled form is not treated as a valid application.

Eligibility Criteria to Check Before the CAT Registration Last Date 2026

• A bachelor’s degree from a recognised university with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates).
• Final-year undergraduate students can apply, provided they submit proof of degree completion at the time of admission.
• There is no upper age limit to appear for CAT.
• Candidates can apply regardless of work experience.
• Professional qualifications like CA, CS, or ICWA are accepted in place of a bachelor’s degree, subject to the required percentage.

Documents You’ll Need Before the Deadline

• A recent passport-size photograph in the specified pixel dimensions and file size.
• A scanned signature on plain white paper, in the prescribed format.
• Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NC/EWS/PwD), if applicable.
• Mark sheets or provisional certificates confirming your graduation percentage.
• A valid, active email ID and mobile number.

Step-by-Step Process to Apply Before the CAT 2026 Last Date

1. Visit the official CAT website, iimcat.ac.in, and click “New Candidate Registration.”
2. Enter your name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number to generate login credentials.
3. Verify your email address and set a secure password.
4. Log in and fill out personal details, academic qualifications, and work experience.
5. Upload a scanned photograph and signature in the specified format and size.
6. Select up to five preferred test cities in order of priority.
7. Choose the IIMs and other participating institutes you wish to apply to.
8. Pay the application fee online and download the confirmation page.

Completing all eight steps at least a week before September 15 leaves you a buffer to fix any document or payment issues.

What Happens After the CAT Last Date to Apply 2026 Passes?

IIMs typically open a short form correction window, usually lasting three to four days in the last week of September. This allows limited edits — photograph, signature, test city preference — but core details like name, date of birth, and academic records are generally locked. If you miss both the deadline and the correction window, there’s no further opportunity to register for CAT 2026.

CAT 2026 Exam Schedule After the Registration Deadline

Milestone	Date	Details
Admit Card Release	November 4, 2026	Downloadable via login on iimcat.ac.in
CAT 2026 Exam Date	November 29, 2026	Sunday, computer-based test, 3 slots
Exam Duration	120 minutes	40 minutes per section, no switching
Total Questions	68	VARC: 24, DILR: 22, QA: 22
Answer Key	Early December 2026 (Tentative)	Released with option to raise objections
Result Declaration	Late December 2026 (Tentative)	Percentile-based scorecard

CAT is conducted in over 170 cities across India in three time slots — morning, afternoon, and evening.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait Until the Last Date to Apply for CAT 2026

• Server overload: Traffic spikes sharply in the final 48–72 hours.
• Document errors: Rushed uploads can force you to redo the process under time pressure.
• City preference lock: Popular test cities fill up faster; applying early improves your chances.
• Extension isn’t guaranteed: Don’t count on a repeat of the CAT 2025 extension.
• More prep time: Finishing registration early frees up bandwidth for VARC, DILR, and QA prep.

Common Mistakes Candidates Make Near the Deadline

• Entering a mismatched name or date of birth compared to official mark sheets.
• Uploading photographs/signatures that don’t meet size and format guidelines.
• Selecting test cities without checking availability.
• Forgetting to download the final confirmation page after payment.
• Assuming fee payment auto-saves the form — always confirm submission status.
• Relying on unofficial WhatsApp forwards instead of the official notification.

CAT 2026 vs Other MBA Entrance Exam Deadlines

Exam	Conducting Body	Typical Application Deadline
CAT 2026	IIM Indore	September 15, 2026 (Official)
XAT 2027	XLRI Jamshedpur	Late November / early December
SNAP 2026	Symbiosis International	Late November
NMAT by GMAC	GMAC	Usually closes late December
CMAT 2027	NTA	Typically January

CAT’s deadline falls earliest among all major MBA entrance tests — it’s usually the first checkpoint aspirants clear before turning attention to XAT, SNAP, or CMAT.

How to Prepare While Waiting for CAT 2026 Results

Review the CAT exam pattern, syllabus, and section-wise weightage so your study plan aligns with what actually shows up on test day. Explore CAT Previous Year Questions to understand real question difficulty and time-management patterns.

Choosing Your Test City and Slot Wisely

List your preferred test cities in genuine order of priority — the earlier you apply, the higher your chance of your first or second choice. CAT does not let you choose a specific slot; allotment is done once the registration window closes, but registering early keeps your city options open.

Summary

• The CAT last date to apply 2026 is September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM (official, no extension announced yet).
• Registration opened on August 3, 2026, giving candidates roughly six weeks to apply.
• The application fee is ₹2,700 (General/EWS/NC-OBC) and ₹1,350 (SC/ST/PwD).
• Eligibility requires a bachelor’s degree with 50% marks (45% for reserved categories); final-year students can apply.
• A short correction window typically opens after the deadline for limited edits.
• CAT 2026 exam is on Sunday, November 29, 2026; admit card releases November 4, 2026; results expected late December.

Also read: CAT 2026: Complete Guide to Exam Date, Registration, Eligibility & Preparation

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the CAT last date to apply 2026?

The CAT last date to apply 2026 is September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM, as per the official notification.

Q2. What is the CAT form last date 2026?

The CAT form last date 2026 is the same as the application deadline: September 15, 2026, 5:00 PM, on iimcat.ac.in.

Q3. Can the CAT last date to apply 2026 be extended?

Possibly — CAT 2025 and CAT 2022 both saw extensions of about a week. No extension has been announced for CAT 2026 yet, so treat September 15 as final unless IIM Indore states otherwise.

Q4. What if I miss the CAT last date to apply 2026?

If you miss it and the subsequent correction window, you cannot register for CAT 2026 and would need to wait for the next cycle.

Q5. Is there a late-fee option after the CAT last date to apply 2026?

No late-fee window exists for CAT — the application fee applies only up to the official closing date.

Q6. Can final-year students apply before the CAT last date to apply 2026?

Yes, provided they can furnish proof of degree completion at the time of admission.

Q7. Where can I officially apply before the CAT registration last date 2026?

Only through the official CAT website, iimcat.ac.in — no offline or third-party route is accepted.

Q8. How many times can I edit my CAT 2026 form before the last date?

You can edit most fields any number of times before final submission. Once payment is made and the form is submitted, changes are limited to the correction window that follows.

Q9. What is the CAT form filling last date 2026?

The CAT form filling last date 2026 is September 15, 2026, 5:00 PM — the same as the overall application and registration deadline. There’s no separate cutoff for “filling” versus “submitting” the form.

Q10. What is the last date to fill CAT form 2026?

The last date to fill the CAT form 2026 is September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM. You must complete every section and pay the fee before this exact time for your form to be considered submitted.

Q11. What is the CAT 2026 application date / CAT exam application date 2026?

The CAT 2026 application window runs from August 3, 2026 (opening) to September 15, 2026, 5:00 PM (closing). There is a single application date range, not multiple separate dates for different stages.

Q12. What is the CAT deadline 2026 / CAT form deadline?

The CAT deadline 2026 — whether referred to as the form deadline, registration deadline, or application deadline — is uniformly September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM.

Q13. What is the last date for CAT registration 2026 / last day for CAT registration 2026?

The last date (and last day) for CAT registration 2026 is September 15, 2026. Registrations submitted even a minute after 5:00 PM that day are not accepted, so don’t wait until the final hour.

Q14. What is the CAT exam registration 2026 last date?

The CAT exam registration 2026 last date is September 15, 2026, 5:00 PM — this covers registering for the exam itself, not a separate admit-card or exam-day registration.

Q15. Is the CAT exam form last date different from the CAT exam date?

Yes. The CAT exam form last date (when you must apply) is September 15, 2026. The CAT exam date (when you take the test) is November 29, 2026. These are commonly confused but are more than two months apart.

Conclusion

The CAT last date to apply 2026 is the single most important administrative deadline in the MBA admission journey. With registration live since August 3, 2026, and the deadline falling on September 15, 2026, the smartest move is to register early, verify every document twice, and shift focus to preparation before the pressure sets in.

You May Also Like : CAT MOCK, CAT MOCK PYQ
Follow Us On : Facebook, Instagram