CAT 2026 registration deadline extended to Sep 22; DU PhD admission deadline moved to Sep 16

By the Shiksha Nerd Counselling Team · 16 September 2026 · ~4 min read

The CAT 2026 registration cut‑off has been pushed to September 22, while Delhi University’s PhD admission deadline moves to September 16 – a week‑long window that could reshape your MBA or research plans.

The testing authority announced on September 15 that the Common Admission Test (CAT) for 2026 will now accept registrations until September 22. In the same breath, Delhi University’s doctoral programme (DU PhD) extended its own online deadline to September 16. Both moves are meant to give last‑minute candidates a chance to complete formalities that were slipping through the cracks.

According to the statements from the exam board, a surge of traffic and a few technical glitches overloaded the portal during the original registration window. By adding a week, the board hopes to reduce incomplete applications and give students breathing room to double‑check photographs, signatures and academic certificates.

This extension matters most to two groups. First, the thousands of MBA hopefuls who were juggling final‑year exams, internships or family responsibilities and missed the earlier cut‑off. Second, the cohort of research‑oriented students eyeing a DU PhD, many of whom need to upload a research proposal and supervisor consent – documents that often take extra days to finalise.

Before the announcement, the CAT deadline was slated for mid‑September (exact date on the original notification). The new date of September 22 pushes the cut‑off by roughly a week. For DU PhD, the deadline moved from an earlier mid‑September date to September 16, as per the university’s notice. The net effect is a staggered timeline: PhD applicants must finish by the 16th, while MBA aspirants have four more days after that.

Choosing an exam city is now a more strategic decision. Candidates can compare air‑fare or train fares between a tier‑2 hometown and a nearby tier‑1 hub, weigh the cost of a night’s stay, and even check local COVID‑related restrictions. A city with multiple centres usually offers a better chance of getting a preferred slot, but it may also mean higher accommodation expenses. The extra week lets you run a quick cost‑benefit analysis rather than committing on a rushed impulse.

The centre‑allotment rule remains unchanged: after you submit your city preference, the authority allocates a specific test centre based on seat availability and the order of preferences you indicated. Once the allocation is confirmed – typically a few days after the deadline – you cannot switch centres unless you present a medically valid reason that the board approves. Knowing this, many counsellors advise students to list a backup city that is still logistically feasible.

From a counsellor’s point of view, the extension is a double‑edged sword. It is a genuine lifeline for those who were genuinely delayed, but it can also create a false sense of security. The wise move is to use the extra days to lock in a backup city, confirm travel plans, and, if possible, arrange a short mock test at the chosen centre to avoid surprises on the day of the exam.

For MBA aspirants, the timeline after registration remains tight but manageable. Most IIMs and other top B‑schools release short‑lists in early December, leaving roughly two months to prepare for the written exam, polish essays and secure references. Missing the new September 22 deadline would push you into the 2027 cycle, effectively resetting your preparation clock by a year.

DU PhD candidates, however, face a tighter schedule. The September 16 deadline forces them to finalise a research proposal, obtain a supervisor’s endorsement and upload transcripts within a narrow window. Unlike the CAT, there is no grace period after the deadline – the university will not consider late submissions, regardless of the reason.

Finally, the extension is not a free pass for everyone. Students who have already secured a seat in a different MBA programme, or those who cannot afford the additional travel cost to a preferred city, may find the extra week more stressful than helpful. Likewise, candidates whose research proposal is still in draft mode should focus on polishing that document rather than chasing a later CAT slot.

What should you do now?

1. Log into the CAT portal, verify every personal detail, and confirm your city preference.
2. Identify a secondary city that you could travel to if the primary centre runs out of seats.
3. Calculate total travel and stay costs for both options; pick the one that fits your budget without compromising safety.
4. Pay the registration fee before the September 22 cut‑off; the receipt will be emailed instantly.
5. If you are applying for a DU PhD, upload the research proposal, supervisor consent and transcripts before September 16, then shift full focus to CAT.

Frequently asked questions

Can I change my city after I have submitted the registration?

Changes are only allowed before the final centre‑allotment round, which closes a few days after the registration deadline. Once the allocation is confirmed, the board will not entertain swaps unless you provide a medically valid certificate.

Will the deadline extension affect my eligibility for IIMs?

No. IIMs evaluate candidates based on CAT scores, academic records and work experience. As long as you complete registration by September 22, you remain in the regular admission cycle.

What if I cannot afford travel to a tier‑1 city?

Consider a nearby tier‑2 centre where accommodation is cheaper. The trade‑off is a potentially higher chance of getting a less‑popular slot, but the exam environment remains identical.

Reported across 6 news outlets including India.com, IMTS News, NDTV. Details can change — always confirm dates and fees on the official website.