List of Documents Required for CAT Registration 2026

List of Documents Required for CAT Registration 2026: The CAT exam serves as the entry ticket to top IIMs and other leading B-schools in India. The first step is to fill up the CAT 2026 application form, despite your extensive preparation involving months of tackling QA and DILR sets. Every year, many applications are flagged or rejected because of incorrect documents or mismatched details. Candidates usually run into problems or delays because they are missing specific documents or have uploaded them in the wrong format.

To make your CAT application process smooth, we’ve put together a clear list of the documents needed for CAT registration. Read the entire blog to avoid any last-minute panic. 

Also read: CAT Syllabus 2026

Documents Required for CAT 2026 Registration

The CAT 2026 registrations are most likely to begin on August 1, 2026. To ensure your application goes smoothly, it is vital to have all your paperwork ready ahead of time. Below is the list of documents you should keep handy before filling up your CAT application form.

1. Essential Personal Identification Documents

Before you log in to the official portal (iimcat.ac.in), ensure you have your primary identification ready. This data must exactly match your 10th-grade certificate.

• Valid Photo ID Proof: It’s best to have an Aadhaar card, but you can also use a PAN card, passport, voter ID, or driver’s license. 
• Personal Details: Provide your necessary information, including your name, father’s name, mother’s name, and permanent address. 
• Active Mobile Number & Email ID: All updates and OTPs, including your CAT 2026 login details, will come to your registered mobile number and email ID.

2. Academic Records: From 10th to Graduation

The CAT application form requires a full account of your academic background. You do not have to upload these marksheets, but you must enter the information correctly. 

Pro Tip: If your university gives CGPA, convert it into a percentage using the university’s conversion formula. If no formula exists, use the conventional formula (CGPA/MaxCGPA)×100. 

Also read: CAT Exam Pattern 

3. Mandatory Image Specifications (Photo & Signature)

This is where most errors occur. The photograph and signature format for CAT is very specific.

Passport Size Photograph

• Dimensions: 1200 x 1200 pixels (Minimum).
• Format: .jpg or .jpeg.
• Background: Plain white (strictly).
• Recency: Not older than 6 months.

Digital Signature

• Dimensions: 80mm x 35mm.
• Format: .jpg or .jpeg.
• Instruction: Sign with a black pen on a white sheet of paper before scanning.

4. Category and Reservation Certificates

Individuals belonging to a reserved category must submit a scanned PDF of their certificate.

1. SC/ST/OBC-NC: It must be issued by the appropriate authority. Make sure the OBC-NC certificate is up to date (issued for the financial year 2026-27).
2. EWS Certificate: Valid for the current year.
3. PwD/DA Certificate: Required for individuals who want to apply for disabled benefits. 
4. Scribe Affidavit: Should you need a scribe, please ensure that the designated affidavit from the CAT website is completed and uploaded.

5. Work Experience Documentation

IIMs give significant weightage to work experience, so make sure you don’t make any errors in this particular section.

• Eligibility: Only full-time, paid experience after graduation is counted.
• Documents: You don’t upload these during registration, but you must enter the exact start and end dates. Keep your Experience Letters and Payslips ready for the interview stage.

*Note: Internships and articleships are not part of your work experience for CAT. 

Also read: Is your Job Hurting or Helping Your MBA Admissions 

How to Upload Documents Without Errors?

Follow these mentioned tips so your files don’t get rejected:

• File size: Most certificates should be under 300 KB (PDF). Photos and signatures usually need to be around 80–150 KB.
• Clarity: Use a good scanner or a scanning app like “Adobe Scan” on your smartphone. Blurry documents can lead to rejection. 
• Self-attestation: Before scanning, some documents may require your signature. Check the CAT 2026 notification to see which ones require it.

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Common Reasons for CAT Application Rejection

• Name mismatch: The name on your Aadhaar card should match your 10th-class certificate.
• Wrong photo background: Avoid coloured or scenic backgrounds. Use a plain background photo.
• Expired certificates: Do not upload old OBC-NC or EWS certificates from a previous financial year.

Pro Tip: Prior to submission, ensure to check the size and format of your photo and signature. Make a small checklist and tick items as you finish them: 

• Gather all required ID proofs and certificates
• Ensure your photo and signature meet the size and format rules
• Have your category certificates ready if you are applying for a reserved seat.
• Keep your school and college mark sheets organised.
• Save a digital backup of every document you upload.

Also read: CAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 

Conclusion

Gathering the documents required for CAT registration early gives you the peace of mind to focus on what truly matters which is your percentile. In the end, make sure all your scans are clear, the dates are correct, and the files follow the IIM guidelines. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What documents are needed to register for CAT 2026?

A: To register, you must have a valid ID, school and college credentials, and any category-specific documentation (such as SC, ST, or OBC certificates). In addition, you must provide a digital photo and a scan of your signature as well. 

Q2. How do I prepare my signature for the application?

A: Just take a plain white paper and sign with a Black/Blue pen on it. Scan it as a JPEG file that is roughly 80mm wide by 35mm high. The final file must be very small, under 80KB.

Q3. Can I register if I haven’t finished my final year of college yet?

A: Yes! The mark sheets you possess can be utilised, accompanied by an official letter from your college, known as a “bona fide certificate,” confirming your status as a final year student. 

Q4. What ID proof is accepted while filling the CAT application form?

A: The most preferred government ID proof is the Aadhaar card. However, other IDs are also accepted, such as a PAN card, passport, voter ID, or driving licence.

Q5. What if my files are the wrong size or format?

A: You can resize or convert the wrong files using a simple photo editor or an online tool (usually to JPEG format) and then upload them again.