Last Chance for CAT 2026: Avoid Server Rush and Submit Your Application Before Tomorrow's Deadline

CAT 2026 application window closes tomorrow, September 22, at 5 pm IST. Finish your form early to avoid evening server rush. The extension leaves no buffer, so verify documents and category proof. Check photo, signature, and payment before final submit on the official portal.

Do a quick pass: confirm personal details, academic scores, and CGPA conversion method. Upload compliant images, then enter category, PwD, and work‑experience entries carefully. Select five preferred test cities in the right order. Preview, accept declarations, pay once, and download the receipt and final PDF.

CAT 2026 eligibility: marks, final‑year status, and documents

Eligibility remains straightforward but strict. General, EWS, and OBC‑NCL need 50 percent aggregate. SC, ST, and PwD need 45 percent. Final‑year students can apply with an institute certificate. Use your university’s method to convert CGPA to percentage while entering marks.

CAT 2026 photo and signature specifications

Follow the portal’s image rules. Upload a recent colour photograph on a plain background. Add a clear signature in dark ink on white paper. Keep both in JPEG format within the stated size limit. Many cycles specify up to 80 KB, photo 30×45 mm, signature 80×35 mm.

CAT 2026 category certificate validity: EWS and OBC‑NCL

Category proof often trips applicants. Last year’s bulletin required fresh OBC‑NCL for the cycle, and valid EWS. For 2026, keep OBC‑NCL dated on or after April 1, 2026. Ensure EWS validity for 2026–27, based on the same rule trend.

CAT 2026 work‑experience entry and test‑city selection

Work‑experience entry counts only full‑time roles after graduation. Do not include internships, part‑time, projects, or articleship. Choose five test cities wisely; centres are allotted after the deadline. Allotment depends on availability. Match names and birthdate with Aadhaar, PAN, and marksheets.

CAT 2026 fees, payment retry and correction window

Fees are Rs 2,700 for General, EWS, and OBC‑NCL. SC, ST, and PwD pay Rs 1,350. If payment fails, wait for status before retrying and switch mode or browser. Keep the receipt. A short correction window is expected around September 27; watch iimcat.ac.in.