CAT 2026 Registration Closes Today – IIM Indore Issues Final Warning
The CAT 2026 application window shuts today, September 22, at 5 PM. IIM Indore has warned that there will be no further extensions – this is the last chance to secure a seat in India’s top B‑schools.
Today, September 22 2026, the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 registration portal goes dark at 5 PM. IIM Indore, which together with other IIMs uses CAT scores for its flagship MBA programmes, has explicitly said there will be no grace period.
For the roughly 2‑lakhs aspirants who aim for an IIM seat each year, the deadline is not just a formality – it decides whether you sit for the exam that determines your eligibility for the most sought‑after management programmes in the country.
The exam authority released a revised schedule this week, pushing the actual test day to a later date than originally announced. While the exact exam date is listed in the official notification, the shift means candidates now have a few extra weeks of preparation before the test itself.
What’s new in the 2026 application process? The portal now forces a single‑step upload of both a recent passport‑size photograph and a government‑issued ID. The system instantly flags missing or mismatched files, a change from the previous year where candidates could submit incomplete documents and fix them later.
Fee payment remains a non‑negotiable part of the submission. IIM Indore’s notice stresses that the fee must be cleared before the 5 PM cut‑off. Accepted modes include credit/debit cards and net‑banking, and a digital receipt is generated once the transaction succeeds.
Required documents are the usual academic transcripts (10+2 and graduation), a valid ID proof (Aadhaar, passport or driving licence), the recent photograph mentioned earlier, and a signed declaration form. All files must be in PDF format and under the size limit specified on the portal.
From a counsellor’s perspective, the trade‑off is clear: paying the fee and uploading everything correctly now eliminates the risk of a last‑minute rejection, but it also locks you into the 2026 cycle. If you miss the deadline, you will have to wait for the 2027 window, which typically opens in August.
Students who meet the eligibility criteria – a bachelor’s degree with at least 50 % marks (45 % for SC/ST/PwD) – and have a realistic chance of scoring above the CAT cut‑off should rush to submit. Those who are still undecided about their readiness might consider parallel applications to exams like XAT, NMAT by GMAC or the IIM‑specific IIM‑CAT (if offered), which have later registration windows and lower entry fees.
Cost‑wise, CAT’s fee is higher than many regional management exams, but the return on investment can be significant if you secure a seat at an IIM. Conversely, if you are weak in quantitative aptitude or have limited time for preparation, the higher fee and intense competition may not justify the gamble.
In short, the CAT route is best for candidates who are academically eligible, have a solid preparation plan, and can afford the fee without financial strain. If you fall into the opposite camp – low academic scores, insufficient preparation time, or budget constraints – it may be wiser to target state‑level MBA programmes or other entrance tests that align better with your profile.
What should you do now?
Log into the official CAT portal immediately, confirm that your application status reads ‘Submitted’, and keep the confirmation screenshot for your records.
If the fee status shows ‘Pending’, complete the payment using a stable internet connection; a failed transaction at the last minute can be disastrous.
Upload the required documents in the exact format prescribed – PDF, max 2 MB each – and use the preview function to ensure everything is legible.
Save the final confirmation page in a folder named ‘CAT‑2026‑Confirmation’ on your laptop and back it up on cloud storage.
Retain the payment receipt and confirmation email; you will need them later when you fill out the IIM application forms and during the interview stage.
Frequently asked questions
Can I submit after 5 PM if the portal is still technically open?
No. The portal is programmed to reject any submission after 5 PM on September 22, regardless of whether the page appears to be loading.
Do I have to pay the fee before I can upload my documents?
The system allows you to upload first, but it will not let you click ‘Submit’ until the fee transaction is recorded as successful.
Will the revised exam date give me more time to prepare?
Yes, the later test date listed in the official notification adds a few extra days of study, but the registration deadline remains unchanged, so your preparation window is effectively the same as originally communicated.
Reported across 4 news outlets including India Today, NDTV, News18. Details can change — always confirm dates and fees on the official website.
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