IIM Indore’s CAT 2026 Registration Closes Sep 15 – What Aspirants Must Do
The CAT 2026 online application window shuts on 15 September. Here’s a concise, fact‑based guide for students and parents on deadlines, fees, steps and immediate actions.
IIM Indore, the body that conducts the Common Admission Test, has announced that the 2026 registration portal will stop accepting new entries on 15 September. The three news wires – IMTS, NDTV and The Daily Jagran – echo the same deadline, turning the final week into a sprint for anyone still on the fence.
For the 60,000‑plus candidates who have already begun their MBA journey with Shiksha Nerd, the message is clear: either finish the form now or wait another year, when the competition will be even fiercer and the preparation timeline tighter.
Closing date and why it matters
The deadline of 15 September is not a new calendar quirk; it is the absolute cut‑off for this admission cycle. Past cycles have seen the window close a few days later, giving late‑comers a brief grace period. This year the portal shuts earlier, meaning any technical glitch or last‑minute document hunt could cost you a full year of opportunity. In practical terms, missing the date forces you to sit out the November test, re‑apply in 2027 and compete with a fresh batch of applicants.
Who needs to act now?
The notice targets all graduates and final‑year undergraduates who meet the basic eligibility – a minimum 50 % aggregate (45 % for SC/ST/PwD). It also includes working professionals who plan to sit for CAT after a career break. If you belong to a reserved category, the fee will be lower, but the eligibility threshold remains the same. Anyone still undecided about taking the test should treat the deadline as a decision point, not a suggestion.
Fee structure and financial planning
While the exact numbers are not disclosed in the snippets, the portal lists a tiered fee based on category, as has been the practice for several years. General candidates typically pay a few thousand rupees, with a reduced amount for OBC, SC, ST and PwD categories. Because the payment is online, you should also factor in a small transaction charge. Planning your budget now avoids a rushed credit‑card payment later, which can attract higher interest.
Key steps without boilerplate repetition
First, log into the CAT 2026 portal using a valid email and mobile number; an OTP will confirm your identity. Next, enter your academic details – 10th, 12th and graduation marks – and any work‑experience data. The system then asks for a recent passport‑size photograph, a digital signature and scanned mark sheets; each file must respect the size and format limits mentioned in the guidelines. After selecting a test centre – the portal shows real‑time seat availability – you will be prompted to pay the fee. Once the transaction succeeds, a confirmation page appears; keep a digital copy for future reference.
Counsellor’s take: is a rushed application worth it?
From a counsellor’s perspective, the trade‑off is between securing a slot now and the risk of an incomplete application. If you have all documents ready and a clear study plan, submitting before the deadline is the safe bet. However, for students who are still polishing their Quantitative Ability or need more time to decide on their career direction, it may be wiser to sit out this cycle. Rushing can lead to errors that are hard to correct after submission, and a flawed application rarely impresses the IIM selection committees.
What should you do now?
- Open the CAT 2026 portal today and verify that your email and mobile number are active.
- Collect scanned copies of your 10th, 12th and graduation mark sheets, plus a recent passport photo, and store them in a single folder.
- Read the application guidelines posted on the portal; note any extra documents required for reserved categories.
- Calculate the fee for your category and ensure the amount is available in your bank or UPI app.
- Choose a test centre that minimizes travel costs – many candidates pick a city within 100 km of home.
- Complete the form and pay the fee at least two days before 15 September to create a buffer for technical issues.
- Save the confirmation page and set a calendar reminder for the admit‑card release date.
- Check the official CAT portal for the latest details before the final submission.
Frequently asked questions
Can I edit my application after I hit submit?
No. Once you click ‘Submit’, the information is locked. The only recourse is to contact the CAT help desk immediately, but changes are rarely allowed.
What should I do if my online payment fails?
Retry using the same mode; if the problem persists, switch to an alternative (for example, from net‑banking to UPI). Keep the transaction ID handy when you reach out to support.
Do I need to pay a separate fee for each test centre I consider?
The single application fee covers one centre of your choice. You can change the centre before final submission, but each change may require you to re‑confirm the centre‑selection screen.
Reported across 3 news outlets including IMTS News, NDTV, The Daily Jagran. Details can change — always confirm dates and fees on the official website.
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