KMAT 2026 Registration Opens as CAT 2026 Deadline Hits Tomorrow

By the Shiksha Nerd Counselling Team · 22 September 2026 · ~5 min read

KMAT 2026 has just opened its registration window, and CAT 2026 shuts tomorrow at 5 pm. Both dates land in the same week, forcing MBA hopefuls to juggle two high‑stakes applications.

Two of the most talked‑about MBA entry points in India are converging this week. The Karnataka Management Aptitude Test (KMAT) for the 2026 batch announced its registration schedule, fee tiers and exam calendar, while the Common Admission Test (CAT) – the gateway to the IIMs and other top B‑schools – will stop accepting applications tomorrow at 5 pm.

For students and parents who have been weighing a state‑level MBA against a pan‑India flagship, the timing is decisive. Miss either deadline and you either lose a year of preparation or surrender a seat in a preferred college.

KMAT 2026 – registration details and who should consider it

KMAT’s organising committee has opened the online portal. Applicants can now enter their personal and academic information, upload scanned copies of their degree and mark sheets, and settle the examination fee in a single transaction. While the exact fee amount is not listed in the snippet, the test traditionally follows a tiered structure – higher for the general category, lower for SC/ST, PwD and women candidates.

The test is aimed at candidates with a bachelor’s degree and at least a 45 % aggregate, a threshold that is more forgiving than many private MBA exams. There is no upper age limit, which makes KMAT a realistic fallback for students who fear they may not crack the CAT percentile bar.

Because KMAT is a state‑run exam, its centre network is concentrated in Karnataka and a few neighbouring states. The exam date is slated for later in the year, with admit cards expected a few weeks before the test. A short correction window will allow minor edits – for example, a typo in a name or a centre change – provided the request is lodged within the period mentioned in the official notification.

CAT 2026 – deadline, pattern and who it matters to

All four news outlets flagged the same cut‑off: CAT 2026 registration ends tomorrow, 22 September, at 5 pm. The testing authority has repeatedly warned that there will be no extensions, so the deadline is absolute.

The application captures personal details, academic scores and preferred test centres. After submission, a brief edit window opens for correcting non‑academic fields; you cannot alter your marks once the form is locked.

CAT’s format remains unchanged – three sections (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Ability) each lasting 60 minutes, delivered on a computer‑based platform. The scoring continues to be percentile‑based, meaning a raw score only matters insofar as it translates into a higher percentile relative to other test‑takers.

The exam is scheduled for late November, giving candidates roughly two months after the admit‑card release (expected in early October) to sharpen their preparation. The fee, as reported in previous years, hovers around ₹2,200‑₹2,600 for the general category.

Comparing the two routes – trade‑offs in cost, timeline and chances

Financially, CAT is the pricier of the two, but it also opens doors to the IIMs, XLRI, and other top‑tier institutions where the average salary package can be several times higher than most state‑level MBA colleges. KMAT’s fee is lower, and the concessions for reserved categories are more generous, making it a viable option for students on a tighter budget.

From a timeline perspective, missing CAT’s deadline forces you to wait an entire year for the next cycle, whereas KMAT still offers several weeks to complete registration and a longer window for corrections. This timing difference can be decisive for students who have already secured a summer internship or a job offer that hinges on a 2026 start.

In terms of competition, CAT’s percentile cut‑off typically sits above the 90th percentile for the premier IIMs, while KMAT’s qualifying mark is a fixed aggregate. A counsellor’s honest view: if you are confident of scoring above 80‑85 % in CAT mock tests, you should prioritize CAT and treat KMAT as a safety net. If your mock scores hover in the 60‑70 % range, investing time in KMAT preparation now could secure a seat without the high‑risk gamble.

Another trade‑off is brand value. An IIM degree carries a national reputation that can offset a modest starting salary, whereas a Karnataka‑based MBA may offer stronger regional placement networks, especially in the manufacturing and IT hubs of Bengaluru.

What should you do now?

• Submit your CAT application before 5 pm tomorrow to avoid missing the 2026 cycle.
• Keep the CAT registration ID and payment receipt handy for the admit‑card download.
• Start the KMAT application today; the portal is live and the fee can be paid via net‑banking or card.
• If you belong to a reserved category, attach the relevant certificates while filling the KMAT form to claim the concession.
• Mark the correction‑window dates for both exams on your calendar; set a reminder two days before each window closes.
• Allocate study time: one hour daily for CAT verbal drills, 45 minutes for KMAT quantitative practice, and a full‑length mock test for each on weekends.
• Gather income‑proof documents now if you plan to apply for scholarships or fee waivers; verification can take up to a week.

Frequently asked questions

Can I appear for both KMAT and CAT in the same year?

Yes. There is no rule preventing you from sitting both exams. The only conflict is the registration deadline – CAT must be completed by tomorrow, while KMAT’s window stays open for several weeks.

What happens if I miss the CAT deadline?

The testing authority does not grant extensions. You would have to wait for the 2027 cycle, which could delay your MBA plans by a full year.

Who should avoid the KMAT route?

Students whose career goals are anchored in top‑tier national B‑schools, or those who can afford the higher CAT fee and have a strong mock‑test record, may find KMAT’s regional brand less aligned with their aspirations.

Reported across 4 news outlets including KollegeApply News, India Today, Telegraph India. Details can change — always confirm dates and fees on the official website.