The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have extended the registration deadline for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026. Candidates seeking admission into postgraduate management programs now have until September 22, 2026, at 5:00 PM IST to complete their online applications.

The registration window initially opened on August 3, 2026. Officials stressed that the extended deadline is firm, urging test takers to complete the registration early to ensure a smooth, hassle-free process and avoid last-minute technical delays. No further extensions will be granted under any circumstances.

Key Exam Details & Dates

• Registration Close Date: September 22, 2026 (Tuesday) at 5:00 PM IST
• Date of Examination: November 29, 2026 (Sunday)
• Exam Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours)
• Exam Sessions: Three sessions across the day
• Official Website: iimcat.ac.in

Exam Pattern and Duration

CAT 2026 will be a 120-minute computer-based test split into three mandatory sections:

1. Section I: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
2. Section II: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
3. Section III: Quantitative Ability (QA)

Test Cities & Preference Allotment

The national-level entrance exam is scheduled across approximately 170 cities. Applicants are allowed to select up to five preferred cities during registration.

While the CAT Centre will attempt to assign a center within the candidate's preferred choices, it reserves the right to allocate an alternate center nearby in areas with high demand. Once a test center is allotted, no requests for changes will be permitted.

Limited Application Edit Window

Following the end of the extended registration window, a brief edit window will open for fully registered applicants who have paid the applicable registration fee.

During this correction phase, candidates will only be allowed to modify three specific fields:

• Photograph
• Signature
• Test City Preferences

All other details entered into the form will remain locked. Candidates are advised to keep a regular check on the official portal ((https://iimcat.ac.in)) for real-time announcements, updates, and directives from the exam authorities.