The CAT 2026 registration last date was September 22, 2026, at 5:00 PM. The registration deadline was extended from the original September 15 deadline by IIM Indore, which is conducting CAT 2026. The examination is scheduled for November 29, 2026, in three sessions across approximately 170 cities.
CAT 2026 Registration and Exam Timeline
CAT is a major management entrance examination used for admission to MBA and other management programmes at the IIMs and several other business schools.
For the 2026 cycle, the application process began on August 3, and the revised registration deadline was September 22. Candidates who successfully registered should continue monitoring the official CAT portal for admit-card and examination updates.
The CAT 2026 examination will include Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Each section has a fixed time limit, making accuracy and time management important parts of preparation.
What Candidates Should Do After Registration
Once registration is complete, candidates should shift their focus towards structured preparation.
Regular mock tests, previous-year questions, sectional practice, error analysis, and time-management exercises can help candidates understand their strengths and identify areas that need improvement.
Students should also keep their application details and login credentials secure and regularly check official notifications for admit-card and examination-related instructions.
Planning the MBA Journey Beyond CAT
CAT is only one stage of the MBA admission process. After the examination, candidates may need to participate in institute-specific selection processes. Therefore, students can begin researching MBA programmes alongside their CAT preparation.
Important factors to compare include:
- Curriculum
- Specializations
- Industry exposure
- Internships
- Faculty expertise
- Project-based learning
- Career alignment
Students interested in technology-oriented management can also explore areas such as Data Science & Business Intelligence, FinTech, International Business, Digital Marketing, and AI/ML.
For example, RCM's MBA+ programmes offer industry-oriented specialization options alongside core management education. Students can explore the RCM MBA Programme and related specialization options while comparing management programmes.
Conclusion
The CAT 2026 registration last date marked an important milestone in this year's MBA admission cycle. With registration closed, applicants should concentrate on exam preparation and keep track of official updates.
At the same time, researching MBA programmes and specializations can help students make informed decisions after the CAT examination.
For detailed information about the deadline, eligibility, application process, exam pattern, and post-registration steps, read CAT 2026 Registration Last Date: Final Date to Apply.

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