Delhi University Semester Exam 2026-27 Registration Opens & CAT 2026 Final Deadline Sep 15
Delhi University has released the 2026‑27 semester‑exam registration forms while the CAT portal warns that September 15 is the final day to apply – a tight window that demands immediate action.
Delhi University (DU) announced today that the registration forms for its 2026‑27 semester examinations are now available on the university portal. In the same breath, the Common Admission Test (CAT) – the single gateway to the IIMs and other top B‑schools – has fixed September 15 as the absolute last date to submit an online application.
Both announcements land within a week of each other, meaning a student who is still completing a regular degree and an aspirant eyeing an MBA will have to juggle two critical deadlines. Missing either deadline can set back a graduation schedule by months or push an MBA start by a full year.
Who is affected and why it matters now
The DU notice targets every undergraduate and postgraduate enrolled in the university’s regular programmes. Registration is mandatory for appearing in the internal semester exams that decide the final semester grade. Without a submitted form, the university marks the student absent for the entire assessment period.
CAT’s deadline, on the other hand, is aimed at the pool of engineering, commerce and arts graduates who plan to pursue management studies. The test is conducted once a year; a missed deadline means waiting for the next cycle, which translates into an extra year of tuition fees, living costs and a delayed entry into the job market.
What changed compared with previous years
In past cycles, DU typically released the semester‑exam registration a month before the exams and allowed a two‑week window for submissions. This year’s notification emphasizes a “last date to apply” without specifying the exact calendar, suggesting a tighter schedule than usual.
Similarly, CAT’s cut‑off has often been communicated as “mid‑September” with a few days’ leeway for late entries. The current IMTS News report removes that flexibility, stating unequivocally that September 15 is the final day – no extensions, no grace period.
Trade‑offs and practical considerations
For a DU student, the trade‑off is straightforward: submit the form early and secure the right to sit the exams, or risk a delayed graduation and the associated financial burden of an extra semester’s tuition. The cost of a missed semester can be as high as ₹30,000 in tuition plus lost internship opportunities.
For a CAT aspirant, the decision is less binary but equally high‑stakes. Early registration locks in a preferred test centre and gives extra time for mock‑tests, which are crucial for cracking a 99‑plus percentile. Waiting until the last minute may save a few days of preparation but raises the risk of technical glitches or a filled‑up centre, forcing a longer commute on test day.
A counsellor’s honest opinion
From a counselling perspective, the safest route is to treat both deadlines as non‑negotiable. The overlap is not a coincidence; it reflects a busy admission calendar where students often try to finish their current degree before jumping into a management programme. Rushing one at the expense of the other usually ends in regret.
My advice: prioritize the DU registration first because it safeguards the current academic standing. Once the DU receipt is in hand, shift the focus to the CAT form, double‑checking the test‑centre availability. The extra mental bandwidth will improve your CAT preparation quality.
What should you do now?
Log in to the DU portal today, download the semester‑exam registration form and note the deadline displayed on the official notification. Gather a valid ID, recent passport‑size photograph and your academic transcript; the portal will prompt you for these items.
Pay the registration fee through net‑banking or a debit/credit card and save the transaction receipt – it serves as proof if any discrepancy arises later.
Next, open the CAT online application, enter your personal details, upload the same photograph and transcript, and select a test centre that is convenient yet not oversubscribed. Confirm the payment and download the confirmation slip before the September 15 cut‑off.
Set personal sub‑deadlines: aim to complete the DU form at least three days before the date shown on the notification, and finish the CAT submission two days before September 15. This buffer protects you from unexpected server outages or last‑minute document issues.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change my DU registration after I submit it?
DU usually opens a short amendment window before the official cut‑off. Log back into the portal, look for an “Edit Application” option, and make any corrections before the deadline shown on the notification.
What happens if the CAT payment fails at the last minute?
The CAT portal records every transaction attempt. If the payment does not go through, you can retry within the same session; the system will retain your entered data for a limited period. If the window closes, you will need to start a fresh application, which is why a two‑day buffer is essential.
Do I need separate photographs for DU and CAT applications?
Both portals accept the same recent passport‑size photo, provided it meets the size and background criteria listed in each application guide. Using the same file saves time and avoids confusion.
Reported across 2 news outlets including Shiksha, IMTS News. Details can change — always confirm dates and fees on the official website.
Confused about what this means for your own admission? Talk to a Shiksha Nerd counsellor — it's free, and we've guided 60,000+ students.
Book a free counselling call →