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    CAT 2026 Registration Mistakes to Avoid: Common Errors That Can Lead to Application Rejection
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    CAT 2026 Registration Mistakes to Avoid: Common Errors That Can Lead to Application Rejection

    Team Careers360Updated on 15 Sep 2026, 01:06 PM IST

    More than 2.5 lakh candidates register for CAT every year to compete for admission to leading B-schools in India. In CAT 2025, 2.95 lakh candidates filled out the CAT registration form for the exam. However, many candidates get their CAT applications rejected because of the mistakes they make and don't realise. Some of the common CAT 2026 registration mistakes which the candidates make are filling in incorrect credentials, using an inactive email ID or phone number, selecting the wrong photograph/ signature, etc. Filling out the CAT registration form is a crucial step and needs close attention to detail, as a minor detail filled incorrectly can lead to rejection of the CAT registration form. For CAT 2026, registrations have started on the official website iimcat.ac.in, and the CAT 2026 registration window is extended till September 22, 2026. Make sure to read this article till the end to know about the mistakes to avoid before filling out the CAT 2026 application form.

    CAT 2026 Registration Mistakes to Avoid: Common Errors That Can Lead to Application Rejection
    CAT 2026 Registration Mistakes to Avoid: Common Errors That Can Lead to Application Rejection

    Mistakes to Avoid During CAT Registrations 2026

    Missing The Registration Deadlines

    It happens with a lot of candidates that they forget the CAT registration deadlines and fail to get themselves registered for CAT. Make sure to track the CAT 2026 registration window and complete the CAT 2026 application before the window closes. For CAT 2026, the registration window is currently open and will close on September 22, 2026.

    Failing to Complete The Fee Payment

    If a candidate completely fills the CAT application form and submits it without paying the application fees, the application will be considered incomplete and hence won’t be accepted. Hence, candidates are advised to double-check the CAT application form and pay the CAT registration fees 2026 on time. The registration fees for CAT 2026 are Rs.2700 for GEN/NC-OBC/EWS candidates and Rs. 1350 for SC/ST/PWD candidates.

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    Providing False or Misleading Information

    Many candidates enter false academic details like inflated 10th, 12th or graduation marks with a hope to enhance their profile but don’t realise that this can lead to cancellation of their candidature. Hence, all the candidates are advised to fill the correct information mentioned on their documents.

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    Making Unsupported Claims for Reservation

    Candidates are advised to fill in their category only if they have the supporting CAT category certificate. The reservation claim made by the candidates may get rejected if the candidate doesn’t provide the related documents or the candidate may face further action if the authorities find a fake certificate during verification. For OBC or EWS candidates, a freshly issued document will be required (Issued after August 1, 2026), and for SC/ST candidates, a one-time issued document by central authorities will be considered for CAT 2026 registrations.

    Uploading Documents Which Do Not Meet The Prescribed Specifications

    This is the most common mistake that candidates make while filling the CAT registration form. Filling up the CAT 2026 registration form will require the candidates to upload their recent passport-sized photograph and scanned signature. In case the photo or signature is blurry, unreadable, or bigger than the prescribed file size, the application will not go further until the problem gets resolved. The standard size of the photograph or signature should not exceed 80 KB, and the signature should be written on white paper using dark ink for the best visibility. Use a PDF compressor to adjust the file size of the photo and signature both.

    Can You Change Information After CAT 2026 Registration Form Submission?

    Yes, candidates can change some of the information after the CAT registration form 2026 submission. The authorities will open the CAT 2026 registration form correction window

    shortly after the CAT registration 2026 window closes. This year, the CAT 2026 registration window will close on September 22, 2026; hence, the CAT registration form 2026 correction window is expected to open around September 24-29, 2026. Refer to the information given below for better clarity about the information that can be changed or not.

    Information Which Can Be Corrected

    Information Which Cannot Be Corrected

    Candidate’s Photograph

    Candidate’s Name

    Candidate’s Signature

    Mobile Number

    Test City Preference

    Email ID


    Category (GEN/OBC/EWS/SC/ST/PWD)


    Academic Details


    Work Experience

    Since the CAT 2026 registration is one of the most crucial steps for MBA admissions in India, candidates are advised to avoid committing any mistake that can get their CAT 2026 application rejected or delayed. Before submitting the CAT 2026 registration form, make sure to review the form thoroughly and check every single detail, as some of the major details, once filled, won’t be changed later on. Furthermore, the candidates shall take 2-3 printouts of the CAT 2026 registration form for future reference.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Q: What is the standard size to upload the photo and signature while CAT registration 2026?
    A:

    The file upload size shall not exceed 80 kb as any size above that will be rejected. 

    Q: When will the CAT 2026 registrations end?
    A:

    The CAT 2026 registration window will be closed on September 22, 2026. Hence, candidates may complete their CAT registration 2026 before that. 

    Q: Where can I register for CAT 2026?
    A:

    Visit the official website iimcat.ac.in to register for CAT 2026. 

    Q: What is the CAT 2026 registration fees?
    A:

    CAT 2026 registration fees is Rs.2700 for GEN/OBC/EWS and Rs.1350 for SC/ST/PwD. 

    Q: Do I need a newly issued NC-OBC certificate for CAT 2026 registration?
    A:

    Yes, if you’re a candidate belonging to the Non-creamy layer OBC category, you’ll need a freshly issued certificate for CAT registration 2026. 

    Q: Can I change the CAT registration details after payment of registration fee?
    A:

    Yes, candidates can change their photo, signature and test city preference when the CAT correction window opens. However, other details won’t be changed once the payment is done.  

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