CAT Important dates, fees, Procedure & Eligibility

CAT exam details: Important dates, fees, eligibility, and procedure for a successful MBA admission

Why CAT Matters for Your MBA Dreams

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is not just an entrance exam—it’s the gateway to some of the most prestigious management institutes in India, including the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, SPJIMR Mumbai, and hundreds of other top B-schools. Conducted annually by one of the IIMs on a rotational basis, CAT tests candidates on Quantitative Ability (QA), Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR).

A good CAT score is more than just a number—it’s your ticket to world-class business education, leadership opportunities, and access to top corporate roles. With lakhs of aspirants appearing every year, competition is fierce, and the stakes are high.

Why Staying Updated is Just as Important as Preparing

While most candidates focus on mock tests and syllabus coverage, many overlook one critical factor—timely updates. From notification release and registration windows to admit card downloads and exam day protocols, every step of the CAT process follows a strict schedule. Missing a single deadline can mean waiting another year to apply.

Equally important is understanding eligibility criteria. Generally, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (or 45% for SC/ST/PwD). Final-year students are also eligible to apply, making CAT inclusive yet structured.

In the sections that follow, we’ll cover everything you need to know—key dates, eligibility, fees, and the application process—so that you’re fully prepared from Day 1. Whether your goal is to crack IIM Ahmedabad or make it to a top private B-school, it all begins with the right information at the right time.

CAT Important Dates: Stay Ahead of the Timeline

One of the most crucial steps in your CAT preparation journey is keeping track of the official schedule. Every year, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) designated to conduct CAT releases an official notification announcing key dates related to the exam. From registration to result declaration, each phase follows a strict timeline, and missing any deadline could cost you an entire year.

Below are the important events and their expected timelines based on previous years:

🗓️ CAT Notification Release

The official CAT notification is usually released in the last week of July or early August on the official CAT website (iimcat.ac.in). It contains complete details about the exam, eligibility, application process, and schedule.

📝 Start and End Date for Registration

CAT registration typically begins in the first week of August and continues for about 4–5 weeks. The registration process is online, and the last date usually falls in the second or third week of September. Candidates must fill in accurate details, upload documents, and pay the application fee before the deadline.

🎫 Admit Card Release

Admit cards are generally available for download from the third or fourth week of October. It is mandatory to carry a printed copy of the admit card to the exam centre along with valid ID proof.

🧠 CAT Exam Date

The CAT exam is usually conducted on a Sunday in the last week of November. It is held in three slots across multiple test centres in India.

📊 CAT Result Declaration

Results are typically announced in the first or second week of January of the following year. The scorecard can be downloaded from the official website using your CAT login credentials.

⚠️ Note: All dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change as per the official announcement by the conducting IIM. Always refer to the official CAT website for the latest updates.

CAT Eligibility Criteria: Are You Eligible to Apply?

Before diving into your CAT preparation, it’s important to ensure that you meet the official eligibility requirements. The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have set broad and inclusive criteria to allow a wide range of candidates to apply. Here's a breakdown of the essential eligibility conditions for the CAT exam:

🎓 Educational Qualifications

To appear for CAT, candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university or educational institution.

Minimum Marks Required:
- General, EWS, and OBC candidates must have secured at least 50% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA.
- SC, ST, and PwD candidates are given a relaxation and need a minimum of 45% aggregate marks.

📅 Age Limit

There is no upper or lower age limit to appear for the CAT exam. Whether you're a fresh graduate or a working professional planning a career shift, you can take CAT without age-related restrictions.

🎓 Final-Year Students

Candidates who are in the final year of their Bachelor’s degree program are also eligible to apply. However, they must:

Submit a certificate from their institution stating they are in the final year.
Provide proof of graduation with minimum marks during the admission process if selected.

📉 Category-Wise Relaxation

Reserved category candidates (SC/ST/PwD) get relaxation in minimum percentage requirements.
Certain IIMs may also offer reservation in seat allotment as per Government of India norms.
Candidates must upload valid and updated category certificates during registration.

✅ Tip: Make sure to have all your academic documents and valid certificates ready before the application process begins. Eligibility is verified during admissions, and discrepancies may lead to disqualification.

CAT Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide to Register Successfully

Applying for the CAT exam is a fully online process and requires careful attention to detail at every stage. To ensure a smooth experience, follow these six simple steps during the registration and application process:

✅ Step 1: Online Registration

Visit the official CAT website — iimcat.ac.in — and click on “Register”.

Provide your basic details such as name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number.
Once registered, you’ll receive a User ID and Password on your registered email and mobile number.

📝 Step 2: Filling the Application Form

Enter your personal details, academic qualifications, work experience (if any), and program preferences.
Make sure all entries are accurate and match your official documents.

📤 Step 3: Uploading Documents

You’ll need to upload the following documents in the prescribed format and size:

Recent passport-size photograph
Scanned signature
Category certificate (if applicable)
PwD certificate (if applicable)

📍 Step 4: Selecting Exam Centres

Choose up to six preferred test cities in order of preference. The conducting body will try to allot a centre based on your top choices.

💳 Step 5: Paying the Application Fee

Make the payment using credit card, debit card, net banking, UPI, or other digital options.

General/OBC/EWS: ₹2,400 (approx.)
SC/ST/PwD: ₹1,200 (approx.)

📨 Step 6: Final Submission

Review your entire form carefully. Once submitted, you cannot edit major sections. After confirmation, download and save the application summary for future reference.

⚠️ Pro Tip: Apply well before the last date to avoid last-minute technical issues or payment failures.

CAT Exam Fees: What You Need to Know Before You Pay

Paying the application fee is the final and essential step in the CAT registration process. Your application will not be considered complete without a successful transaction. Here's a clear breakdown of the CAT exam fees and related details:

💰 Fee Structure by Category

General / EWS / NC-OBC Candidates: ₹2,400 (approx.)
SC / ST / PwD Candidates: ₹1,200 (approx.)

These fees are inclusive of registration charges and selection of preferred IIM programs during the application process. However, individual IIMs may charge additional fees during later stages of the admission process.

💳 Mode of Payment

CAT fees can be paid online only through the official CAT portal. Accepted modes include:

Credit Card (Visa/MasterCard/Rupay)
Debit Card (all major banks)
Net Banking
UPI / Wallets (if supported on the portal)

Make sure to complete the transaction in a single session. Partial or failed payments will result in an incomplete application.

⚠️ Refund Policy

The CAT application fee is non-refundable under any circumstances, including:

Submitting incorrect or incomplete applications
Missing the exam
Rejection of candidature due to ineligibility or incorrect documents

Hence, double-check all information and documents before making the final payment.

✅ Quick Tip: Keep a screenshot or receipt of the successful payment for your records. It may be required for future reference or during the admit card download phase.

Documents Required During CAT Application: Be Ready Before You Apply

To complete your CAT application smoothly, you must upload a few essential documents in the specified format. Having these ready in advance can save time and help you avoid last-minute errors during registration.

Here’s a checklist of the documents you’ll need:

📸 1. Passport-Size Photograph

The photo should be recent and in color, with a clear background (preferably white).
File format: .jpg or .jpeg
Dimensions: 30mm x 45mm (approx.)
File size: Should not exceed 80 KB
Avoid using scanned images of printed photographs. The face must be clearly visible without shadows or red-eye.

✍️ 2. Scanned Signature

Sign using black ink on white paper.
Scan the signature in .jpg or .jpeg format.
Dimensions: 80mm x 35mm
File size: Should not exceed 80 KB
Avoid fancy or stylized signatures—use the same one on all future CAT-related documents.

📄 3. Category Certificate (If Applicable)

For SC/ST/OBC-NCL candidates, a valid caste/category certificate in PDF format is required.
It must be issued by a competent government authority and should follow the latest central government format.
For EWS, submit the latest income and asset certificate as per prescribed norms.

♿ 4. PwD Certificate (If Applicable)

Candidates applying under the Persons with Disability (PwD) category must upload a valid disability certificate.
Format: PDF only
Ensure the certificate clearly states the percentage and type of disability as per government guidelines.

⚠️ Pro Tip: Keep both original and soft copies of these documents handy throughout the application and admission process. Incorrect or blurry uploads may lead to rejection of your application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying for CAT

Filling out the CAT application form may seem straightforward, but even small errors can lead to major consequences—like form rejection, wrong admit card details, or difficulty during admissions. Here are some of the most common mistakes candidates make and how to avoid them:

❌ 1. Entering Wrong Personal Details

Many candidates rush through the form and end up entering incorrect information like name, date of birth, or email ID.

Always double-check your personal details with your official documents before submission.
Mistakes here can lead to issues during verification and admission.

❌ 2. Submitting an Incomplete Application

A partially filled form or an unpaid application fee will be considered incomplete.

Make sure to fill all mandatory fields and complete the payment to finalize your submission.
After submission, download the confirmation page for your records.

❌ 3. Uploading Blurred or Invalid Documents

Uploading unclear or incorrectly formatted photos, signatures, or certificates can cause your application to be rejected.

Use only high-resolution, recent photos and valid documents in the required format and size.
Avoid using scanned images of printed photos or handwritten forms.

❌ 4. Selecting Far-Off Test Centres

Some candidates pick random test cities without considering travel convenience.

Choose nearby or easily accessible exam centres to reduce stress on exam day.
You can select up to six preferred cities—use that option wisely.

✅ Pro Tip: Take your time while filling out the CAT form. A single careless mistake can undo months of preparation. Review the entire application twice before hitting submit.

Final Checklist Before Submitting Your CAT Application

Before you hit the ‘Submit’ button on your CAT application form, take a moment to review everything carefully. A few extra minutes of attention can save you from major issues later like application rejection, incorrect admit card details, or eligibility disqualification.

Here’s your final checklist to ensure a smooth and error-free submission:

✅ 1. Double-Check All Filled Information

Revisit every section of your form — personal details, academic records, category information, work experience (if any), and program preferences.
Make sure your name, date of birth, and other personal info match your official documents.
Verify that you’ve selected the correct exam cities in order of preference.

✅ 2. Save the Confirmation Page and Application Number

After successfully submitting the form and paying the fee, download and save the application confirmation page.
Take a screenshot or printout for your records.
This confirmation acts as proof of submission and may be required during later stages of the admission process.

✅ 3. Note Down Login Credentials

Your User ID and Password are essential for all future logins—whether it’s to download the admit card, check results, or respond to IIM calls.
Save them securely in multiple places (email, phone notes, cloud, etc.).

🔒 Final Tip: Once submitted, you cannot edit most sections of the form. Review everything carefully and proceed only when you’re 100% confident. Taking this final step seriously ensures a hassle-free CAT journey ahead.

Conclusion: Plan Smart, Apply Early, and Stay Ahead

The CAT exam is your stepping stone to India’s top B-schools, and a well-planned approach can make all the difference. From understanding the eligibility criteria to staying alert about important dates, and completing the application process without errors—every step matters.

Here’s a quick recap of what you need to remember:

✔️ Ensure you meet the educational and category-wise eligibility criteria
📅 Keep track of CAT notification, registration, and exam dates
🖋️ Fill out the application form carefully and upload correct documents
💳 Pay the application fee through accepted online methods
📍 Choose exam centres wisely based on accessibility
✅ Double-check all information before final submission

Applying early gives you enough time to fix unexpected issues like payment failures, document errors, or system lags—common problems during the last-minute rush. Plus, early registration gives you a better shot at preferred exam centres.

In a highly competitive exam like CAT, success begins long before the test day—it starts with awareness, preparation, and timely action. So, stay organized, follow the checklist, and start your CAT journey with clarity and confidence.

🎯 Ready to take the first step? Prepare smart, apply early, and set your sights on the top B-schools!

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