MBA aspirants who have not yet completed their CAT 2026 application now have additional time.

The CAT 2026 registration deadline has been extended from September 15 to September 22, 2026 at 5 PM.

CAT 2026 is being organised by IIM Indore, and the examination remains scheduled for November 29, 2026.

Students who were waiting to apply should use the extension to complete their application carefully rather than postponing it until the final few hours.

For students deciding whether CAT should be their only examination or part of a wider MBA entrance strategy, read our detailed CAT vs XAT vs NMAT vs SNAP 2026–27 Comparison.

CAT 2026: Important Dates

CAT will be conducted as a computer-based examination in three sessions.

Candidates should carefully verify their personal details, academic information, category, uploaded photograph, signature and test-city preferences before submitting the form.

CAT 2026 Application Fee

The CAT registration fee needs to be paid only once, irrespective of the number of IIM programmes selected through the application.

Do Not Focus Only on the CAT Deadline

CAT may be the most prominent MBA entrance examination for many candidates, but the next few months also include important NMAT, SNAP and XAT deadlines.

Candidates should create one admission calendar covering all examinations relevant to their target colleges.

NMAT Registration Closes on October 10

NMAT 2026 registration remains open until October 10, 2026.

The examination window runs from November 2 to December 20, 2026.

NMAT offers flexible scheduling, no negative marking and up to three attempts during the testing year.

However, students targeting NMIMS should remember that NMIMS currently accepts the first valid NMAT attempt score.

For complete details about registration, pattern, fees, scoring and preparation, read our NMAT 2026 Complete Guide.

SNAP Registration Continues Until November 25

SNAP 2026 registration is scheduled to close on November 25, 2026.

The examination will be conducted on:

• December 13, 2026
• December 19, 2026
• December 26, 2026

Candidates can take up to three SNAP tests, with the higher score considered for final percentile calculation.

Students should also note that the SNAP 2026 structure includes a new Ethics, Morality and Values section.

XAT 2027 Registration Closes on December 6

The current Xavier Aptitude Test is officially called XAT 2027.

Registration remains open until December 6, 2026, while the examination is scheduled for January 3, 2027 from 2 PM to 5 PM.

Students targeting XLRI should treat XAT as a separate strategic examination rather than assuming CAT will cover every MBA admission route.

XAT includes a dedicated Decision Making section in addition to Verbal Ability, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation and General Knowledge.

Should You Apply for All Four MBA Entrance Exams?

Not necessarily.

Your examination strategy should depend on your target business schools.

If the IIMs are your priority, CAT should be central to your plan.

If XLRI is a serious target, XAT is important.

If NMIMS is high on your shortlist, NMAT becomes relevant.

If you want to apply to participating Symbiosis MBA programmes, SNAP should be part of your strategy.

Applying for every examination without a clear college shortlist can increase both costs and preparation pressure.

For a complete side-by-side comparison of exam patterns, attempts, dates and target colleges, read our CAT vs XAT vs NMAT vs SNAP 2026–27 Guide.

What Should CAT Aspirants Do Now?

If you have not registered yet, complete your CAT 2026 application well before September 22 instead of waiting until the final hours.

Candidates who have already submitted the form should now focus on mock tests, sectional analysis, revision and exam-day strategy.

At the same time, keep NMAT, SNAP and XAT deadlines on your admission calendar if those exams match your target colleges.

Students who need help with MBA/PGDM programme selection, college shortlisting or entrance-exam planning can also explore our Management Admission Guidance.

The objective should not be to take the maximum number of entrance exams.

It should be to take the right examinations for the right business-school shortlist.

Mr. Anindya Bhanja
Founder & Career Guidance Mentor