CAT 2026 documents required for registration include a recent passport-size photograph, scanned signature and applicable category/PwBD certificates. Final-year graduation candidates also need the prescribed final-year certificate. Keep Class 10, Class 12, graduation and work-experience records ready for entering details in the form.
CAT 2026 registration is currently open and will close on September 15, 2026, at 5 PM. The official CAT 2026 advertisement confirms the registration deadline and states that candidates must maintain a valid and unique email account and mobile number throughout the selection process.
Before starting the form, candidates should understand an important distinction: not every document you need for CAT registration has to be uploaded. Some records are required only so that you can accurately enter academic, personal and work-experience information.
CAT 2026 Documents Required: Quick Checklist
| Document / Information | Keep Ready | Upload Required |
|---|---|---|
| Passport-size photograph | Yes | Yes |
| Scanned signature | Yes | Yes |
| Class 10 marksheet/certificate | Yes | No standard upload |
| Class 12/Diploma marksheet | Yes | No standard upload |
| Graduation marksheets/details | Yes | No standard upload |
| Final-year certificate | If applicable | Yes, for applicable final-year candidates |
| NC-OBC certificate | If applicable | Yes |
| EWS certificate | If applicable | Yes |
| SC/ST certificate | If applicable | Yes |
| PwBD certificate | If applicable | Yes |
| Postgraduate/professional qualification details | If applicable | Usually details only |
| Work-experience details | If applicable | Usually details only |
| Email ID and mobile number | Yes | No |
| Test-city preferences | Yes | No |
| IIM programme choices | Yes | No |
| Online payment method | Yes | No |
Current CAT 2026 registration guidance lists the photograph, signature, applicable category/PwBD certificates and final-year certificate among the documents that may actually need to be uploaded.
Documents You Actually Need to Upload in CAT 2026 Form
For most candidates, the number of files uploaded is much smaller than the number of records needed to complete the application.
1. Recent Passport-Size Photograph
Every candidate must upload a recent photograph.
The CAT 2026 photograph specifications are:
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Format | JPG/JPEG |
| Maximum file size | 80 KB |
| Dimensions | Up to 1200 × 1200 pixels |
| Minimum resolution | 150 px/inch |
| Background | White |
| Age of photograph | Not older than 6 months |
Candidates should keep additional printed copies of the same photograph because it may be required later in the examination process.
2. Scanned Signature
Candidates must also upload their scanned signature.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Format | JPG/JPEG |
| Maximum file size | 80 KB |
| Dimensions | 80 mm × 35 mm |
| Minimum resolution | 150 px/inch |
| Background | White |
The signature should be clear and legible before uploading.
3. Category Certificate, If Applicable
Candidates claiming reservation must upload the relevant certificate in PDF format.
This can include:
- SC certificate
- ST certificate
- NC-OBC certificate
- EWS certificate
Candidates should use the prescribed CAT certificate requirements and ensure the uploaded PDF is clear and valid. Current CAT guidance also requires candidates to enter certificate details such as issue date, certificate number and relevant state/UT information.
General-category candidates do not need a category certificate.
CAT 2026 NC-OBC Certificate Requirements
Candidates applying under the NC-OBC category should pay particular attention to the certificate date.
For CAT 2026, the NC-OBC certificate should be:
- issued by the competent authority;
- valid for claiming NC-OBC reservation; and
- issued on or after April 1, 2026.
What if the new NC-OBC certificate is still pending?
CAT 2026’s official FAQ provides an exception for candidates who possess an older certificate but have applied for a fresh certificate and cannot obtain it in time for reasons beyond their control.
Such candidates may need:
- the older NC-OBC certificate;
- the prescribed undertaking;
- communication/acknowledgement/screenshot showing that a new certificate has been applied for; or
- a copy of the submitted certificate application where acknowledgement is unavailable.
Follow the current CAT portal instructions for preparing and combining these documents.
CAT 2026 EWS Certificate Requirements
EWS candidates must upload a valid EWS certificate meeting the CAT 2026 requirements. Current registration guidance states that the certificate should be valid for the relevant CAT 2026 admission cycle and follow the prescribed issue-date requirements. Candidates whose updated EWS certificate is still under process should follow the official CAT undertaking procedure rather than uploading an unsupported or self-created document.
CAT 2026 SC/ST Certificate
SC and ST candidates claiming reservation need to upload the applicable caste/tribe certificate issued by a competent authority. The certificate details entered in the CAT application should match the uploaded document. Candidates should ensure that:
- the candidate name is correct;
- caste/tribe details are accurate;
- certificate number and issue details are readable; and
- the PDF is clear and complete.
CAT 2026 PwBD Certificate
Candidates applying under the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) category must upload the applicable disability certificate in PDF format.
The form can also ask for details such as:
- percentage of disability;
- UDID number;
- PwBD category;
- wheelchair-support requirement; and
- scribe requirement, where applicable.
CAT also provides disability certificate formats and related forms for applicable candidates.
Final-Year Certificate for CAT 2026
Candidates currently in the final year of their bachelor’s degree should pay special attention to this requirement. Current CAT 2026 registration guidance states that applicable final-year candidates need a Final Year Certificate issued by the:
- Principal;
- Head of Department;
- Registrar; or
- Director
of their institution, certifying the candidate’s latest available academic standing as required under CAT eligibility rules. The prescribed certificate format is available through the CAT registration resources. This requirement is different from simply keeping semester marksheets ready.
Academic Documents to Keep Ready
Your academic marksheets are essential for accurately completing the form even where the standard registration workflow does not require you to upload every marksheet. Keep these ready:
Class 10
Use your Class 10/SSC/equivalent record for:
- exact candidate name;
- board;
- month/year of completion;
- maximum marks;
- marks obtained; and
- aggregate percentage.
Your name in the CAT application should match your Class 10/SSC record.
Class 12 or Diploma
Keep the applicable:
- Class 12 marksheet; or
- diploma marksheet/details
ready to enter:
- board/university;
- stream;
- completion year;
- maximum marks;
- marks obtained; and
- aggregate percentage.
Bachelor’s Degree
Keep all relevant graduation marks available, including:
- degree/course name;
- university/institution;
- degree type;
- start/completion details;
- marks or CGPA; and
- aggregate percentage.
Final-year candidates should use the latest available results according to the form instructions.
Postgraduate Degree
Candidates who have completed or are pursuing a postgraduate qualification should keep the corresponding academic details available wherever applicable.
Professional Qualifications
If applicable, keep details for recognised qualifications such as:
- CA
- CS
- CMA/ICWA
- FIAI or other relevant professional qualifications
as required by the CAT form.
Do You Upload Class 10, Class 12 and Graduation Marksheets?
This is where many CAT document checklists create unnecessary confusion. For the standard CAT 2026 application workflow, Class 10, Class 12 and graduation records are primarily needed to enter accurate academic information. The current standard upload list separately identifies the photograph, signature and applicable certificates.
Therefore, keep your marksheets beside you while filling the form, but do not assume every marksheet must be uploaded unless the live CAT portal specifically asks for it in your case.
Work Experience Documents Required for CAT 2026
Candidates with eligible work experience should keep their employment information ready. The CAT 2026 form requires relevant work-experience details, including applicable employment dates. Only eligible full-time work experience after graduation should be entered according to the current registration guidance. Do not include:
- internships;
- articleships;
- part-time work;
- academic projects; or
- pre-graduation experience
as regular CAT work experience where the registration rules exclude them. CAT 2026 work experience is calculated as on July 31, 2026. You do not normally upload a complete set of offer letters, payslips and experience certificates as part of the standard CAT registration upload stage. Keep supporting records safely because institutes can verify work experience later in the admission process.
Personal Information to Keep Ready
Prepare the following before beginning CAT registration:
- candidate’s full name;
- date of birth;
- father’s/guardian’s name;
- mother’s/guardian’s name;
- spouse’s name, if applicable;
- nationality;
- gender;
- present address;
- permanent address;
- alternate email address; and
- emergency contact details.
Using documents while entering these details reduces spelling and date errors.
Email ID and Mobile Number
Use:
- a valid and unique email address; and
- an active personal mobile number.
The official CAT 2026 advertisement specifically asks candidates to maintain both throughout the selection process. Avoid using contact details that you may lose access to after registration.
Test City Preferences to Keep Ready
CAT 2026 candidates must select five different test cities in order of preference. It is better to decide these before starting the application instead of selecting cities randomly during form filling. The official CAT 2026 advertisement states that the examination is planned across around 170 test cities and candidates can provide five preferences.
IIM Programme Choices
Before completing the Programmes section, review the programmes offered by participating IIMs and their individual eligibility requirements.
Keep ready:
- programmes you want to apply for; and
- interview-city choices wherever requested.
Selecting more IIM programmes does not increase the CAT registration fee. The official advertisement states that the fee is paid only once irrespective of the number of institutes selected.
Payment Details
Keep access to an online payment method ready for final submission. The CAT 2026 application fee is:
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / EWS / NC-OBC | ₹2,700 |
| SC / ST / PwBD | ₹1,350 |
The application fee is non-refundable once paid. For the complete payment workflow, see CAT 2026 Application Fee: Category-Wise Fees & Payment Process.
CAT 2026 Documents Checklist Before You Start
Use this final checklist before opening the CAT form:
- Recent passport-size photograph in correct format
- Scanned signature
- Class 10 marksheet/certificate
- Class 12/Diploma marksheet
- Graduation marks/details
- Final-year certificate, if applicable
- PG/professional qualification details, if applicable
- SC/ST certificate, if applicable
- NC-OBC certificate, if applicable
- EWS certificate, if applicable
- PwBD certificate, if applicable
- Work-experience dates/details, if applicable
- Unique email ID
- Active mobile number
- Address and emergency-contact details
- Five test-city preferences
- IIM programme choices
- Online payment facility
Common Document Mistakes to Avoid
Candidates should avoid:
- uploading an old photograph;
- using the wrong photo background;
- exceeding the image file-size limit;
- uploading an unclear signature;
- uploading PNG instead of JPG/JPEG for photo/signature;
- using an outdated NC-OBC/EWS certificate;
- entering certificate details that do not match the uploaded PDF;
- confusing academic records that must be kept ready with files that must actually be uploaded;
- entering a name different from the Class 10 record; and
- waiting until the final day to resize or obtain required certificates.
Check How to Fill CAT 2026 Application Form: Step-by-Step Registration Guide
FAQs on CAT 2026 Documents Required
Do I need to upload Aadhaar card or PAN card in the CAT 2026 application?
A government photo ID is useful to keep available for identity/reference purposes, but it is not listed among the standard mandatory upload files in the current CAT 2026 document-upload list. Follow the live application portal if it requests any additional document for your specific case.
Can I use DigiLocker marksheets while filling the CAT form?
The important requirement during form filling is that the academic information entered should be accurate and supported by valid records. If you are relying on a digital academic record, ensure the marks, board/university information and other details match your official records. Where CAT later requires a specific certificate or prescribed format, follow that requirement instead.
Do working candidates have to upload salary slips or an experience letter during CAT registration?
The standard CAT 2026 upload list does not include salary slips or experience letters for every working candidate. The application asks for eligible work-experience information. Supporting employment documents should nevertheless be preserved because individual IIMs may verify work experience during later admission stages.
What should I do if my name on Aadhaar is different from my Class 10 certificate?
For CAT registration, candidates should use the name according to the CAT form instructions and their Class 10/SSC record. If there is a legal name change or significant discrepancy, use the applicable CAT identification/name-change documentation or seek clarification from the CAT helpdesk before submitting the form rather than entering inconsistent details.
Can category certificates be in Hindi?
Current CAT registration guidance accepts applicable certificates in prescribed formats and candidates should use the official CAT-provided or competent-authority documentation. If there is any uncertainty about the language or format of a specific certificate, verify it against the certificate instructions on the live CAT portal before uploading.
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