CAT 2026 Registration: Crucial Tips to Avoid Last-Minute Rejection Before September 22

CAT 2026 registration is now open until 5 pm IST on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. That gives MBA aspirants four extra days to complete applications. The portal will close at server time, not device time. Submit early to avoid traffic, OTP delays, and timeouts.

Payments must be successfully captured before 5 pm, not just initiated. Transactions pending after the cut-off will be rejected. Keep documents, stable internet, and bank limits ready. Candidates seeking reservation benefits should upload current, valid certificates to avoid provisional acceptance or later disqualification.

CAT 2026 deadline: what the 5 pm cut-off means

Server time governs closure, not your phone or laptop clock. Card and UPI settlements can reflect with a brief delay. Finish by noon to create buffer. Save the application draft often and download the fee receipt immediately.

CAT 2026 application: quick checklist before you apply

Use a verified email and mobile number. Enter your name exactly as per Class 10 records. Keep academic marks, work experience dates, test city preferences, and category documents handy. Scan certificates as clear PDFs within portal limits. Review the preview page line by line before payment.

CAT 2026 photo and signature specs explained

Upload a recent colour passport photo with a plain background and clear face. Avoid selfies, filters, shadows, hats, or tinted glasses. Sign in dark ink on white paper, then crop tightly to the box. Save as JPG or PNG, within portal limits, and confirm clarity.

CAT 2026 form errors, payment and OTP fixes

Use Chrome or Edge on desktop with pop‑ups allowed. Do not refresh during payment. If a transaction remains pending, wait one settlement cycle, then retry with another method. For OTP delays, toggle airplane mode, check DND settings, or use another number.

CAT 2026 edit window: what you can and cannot change

A short correction window generally opens soon after registrations close. Exact dates will be announced on the portal. Usually, candidates can edit photo, signature, and test city. Identity details, email, and mobile remain locked. Keep updated certificates handy, and track alerts for the correction timeline.

Submit well before 5 pm on September 22 to avoid last‑minute risks. Keep backups of documents and payment proofs. Monitor the portal, email, and SMS for edit‑window and admit‑card updates. A complete, verified application now prevents grievances later and protects preparation time.