CAT Registration Process

 The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the gateway exam for admissions into the prestigious Indian Institutes of  Management (IIMs) and numerous other top-tier business schools across India. Navigating the registration process  accurately is critical to avoid application rejection or technical issues. 

Official Portal: iimcat.ac.in | Conducting Institute: IIM Indore 

Registration Window: August 3 to September 15 | Exam Date: November 29  

Important Dates and Timeline 

Eligibility Criteria for Registration 

• Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC, ST, and  PwD/DA candidates). Final-year graduation students are also eligible to apply. 
• Professional Degrees: Candidates with professional qualifications like CA, CS, ICWA, or FIAI can also apply if they  meet percentage equivalents. 
• Age and Attempts: There is no upper or lower age limit, and there is no restriction on the number of attempts. 

Documents & Information Checklist 

Before initiating the application, keep the following documents and details ready: 

• Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets and passing certificates. 
• Bachelor’s degree mark sheets / provisional certificate (or latest semester mark sheet for final-year students). •Valid Category Certificate (SC, ST, NC-OBC, EWS) or PwD certificate, if applicable. 
• Work experience documents (offer letters, pay slips, experience letters), if applicable. 
• Recent passport-size color photograph (white background, taken within the last 6 months, dimensions: 35mm x  45mm, size under 80 KB in JPEG/JPG format). 
• Scanned signature (dimensions: 100mm x 35mm, size under 80 KB in JPEG/JPG format). 
• Active mobile number and valid email ID for OTP verification and future correspondence. 

Step-by-Step Registration & Application Process 

• Step 1: New Candidate Registration 

1. Visit the official website: www.iimcat.ac.in and click on “New Candidate Registration”. 
2. Enter your Full Name (strictly as per Class 10 certificate), Date of Birth, Email ID, Mobile Number, and Nationality. 3. Complete the OTP verification sent to your mobile number and email address. 
3. Upon successful verification, a unique User ID and Password will be generated and sent via email and SMS. 

• Step 2: Filling out the Application Form 

Log in using your credentials and complete the multi-section form: 

• Personal Details: Parent names, gender, category, nationality, communication address, and photo ID details.
• Academic Details: Detailed marks, grading systems, board/university names, and passing years for Class 10, Class 12,  and Graduation. 
• Work Experience: Employment history details (industry type, months of experience, employer name) for working  professionals. Freshers can skip this section. 
• Program Selection: Select preferred IIM campuses and specific postgraduate management programs. Your CAT score  will automatically be forwarded to selected programs. 
• Test City Preferences: Choose up to 5 preferred test cities from nearly 170 centers across India in order of priority.  Early registration increases the likelihood of securing your primary choice. 
• Step 3: Document Uploads 

Upload your scanned passport-size photograph, signature, and applicable category/disability certificates in the  designated formats and file sizes. 

• Step 4: Fee Payment and Final Submission 
• Review the complete application form thoroughly using the preview option. No major edits are permitted after final  submission. 
• Proceed to secure payment gateway. CAT registration fee is non-refundable. 

CAT Application Fee Structure 

Note: Transaction charges/processing fees may apply depending on the chosen payment mode (Credit Card, Debit Card,  Net Banking, or UPI). 

Common Mistakes to Avoid 

• Name Discrepancy: Ensure your name matches your official Class 10 certificate exactly. Avoid using prefixes like Mr.,  Ms., or Dr. 
• Blurry Photograph/Signature: Uploading low-resolution or mismatched image files can lead to application flags. • Incorrect Category Documentation: Category certificates must follow prescribed Central/State formats with valid  issue dates. 
• Delaying Registration: Waiting until the final days of the registration window risks technical congestion or limited  test city availability. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Q1. Can final-year graduation students apply for CAT? 

Yes, students appearing for their final-year bachelor’s degree examinations, as well as those awaiting results, are eligible  to apply provisionally. 

Q2. Can I edit my CAT application form after final submission? 

The conducting body opens a limited correction window typically in September where specific fields (such as  photograph, signature, and test city preferences) can be modified. Personal details like name, email, and mobile number  cannot be changed. 

Q3. What is the maximum age limit to appear for CAT? 

There is no age restriction or upper limit for appearing in CAT. 

Q4. Is work experience mandatory for CAT registration? 

No, work experience is not mandatory. Both fresh graduates and working professionals are eligible to apply.

Q5. What should I do if my payment gets deducted but the registration is not confirmed?

If the payment is debited and the confirmation page does not generate immediately, wait for 24-48 hours. The  transaction status is typically reconciled automatically by the payment gateway, or you can contact the CAT helpdesk.