What is the CAT photo size and specification?

The CAT photo must be a JPG between 10 KB and 50 KB, proportional to 3.5×4.5 cm (roughly a passport-size photo — taller than wide). It should be a recent colour photograph with a plain white or light background, face clearly visible with both eyes open, taken in good natural light. Avoid studio filters or edited backgrounds. Use BharatTools Image Compressor with a 50 KB target if your photo exceeds the limit.

What is the CAT signature size and spec?

The CAT signature must be a JPG between 10 KB and 50 KB, proportional to 3.5×1.5 cm (wider than tall — landscape orientation). Sign on plain white paper with black or dark-blue ink. The signature should match what you will use on the admit card and answer sheet at the exam centre. Use BharatTools Image Compressor to bring an oversized scan under 50 KB.

What is the CAT application fee and are there exemptions?

CAT 2026 charges ₹2400 for General and NC-OBC candidates, and ₹1200 for SC, ST, and PwD candidates. There are no other fee waivers or exemptions — EWS candidates pay the General fee of ₹2400. The fee is non-refundable. Payment is accepted via debit/credit card, net banking, or UPI.

How many IIMs can I apply to in a single CAT form?

The CAT application itself allows you to select up to six IIMs. However, each IIM runs its own separate admissions process — shortlisting criteria (WAT, PI), weightage on academic background, and final selection vary by IIM. Your CAT score is the common denominator. Apply to IIMs whose criteria align with your profile; each selected IIM may send you a separate application form or shortlist notification after CAT results.

How are test cities allocated for CAT?

You select up to four test cities in order of preference. The CAT convening IIM allocates you a slot at one of your preferred cities based on availability. Popular cities (Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata) are over-subscribed and candidates who apply close to the deadline often get their third or fourth choice. Apply as early as possible to improve city allocation odds.

Can I change my CAT IIM preferences or test city after submission?

CAT typically opens a correction window after the initial registration period. During this window, limited fields can be modified — IIM preferences and city choices may or may not be editable depending on the year. Photo and signature cannot be changed after final submission. Always check the official CAT notification for the current year's correction window dates.

Are my files uploaded to BharatTools servers?

No. Every BharatTools tool runs entirely in your browser. Your photo and signature never leave your device — verify with DevTools Network tab while you compress. Zero upload requests. This matters especially for candidacy documents that link to your identity.

CAT form mein IIM preferences kaise choose karein?

IIM preferences mein woh IIMs list karo jahan interview dena chahte ho. Sab IIMs list karna safe rahta hai. Test city carefully chunein — popular cities jaldi full hoti hain. Early registration faydamand hota hai.

CAT photo size 3.5x4.5 cm kaise banaye phone se?

Phone se plain white background ke saamne portrait click karo. BharatTools Document Photo Maker use karo — 3.5x4.5 cm crop, white background, 10-50 KB compress — sab ek step mein. CAT portal JPG accept karta hai, PNG nahi.

How to Fill the CAT Application Form 2026

Complete walkthrough of iimcat.ac.in — Registration, personal and academic details, IIM and test city preferences, photo/signature uploads, and fee payment. ₹2400 for General/NC-OBC, ₹1200 for SC/ST/PwD.

Updated August 2026

What you'll need before you start

Recent colour photograph — plain white/light background, face clearly visible, JPG between 10 KB and 50 KB, 3.5×4.5 cm proportions.
Signature on white paper — black or dark-blue ink, JPG between 10 KB and 50 KB, 3.5×1.5 cm proportions (landscape).
Class 10, 12, and graduation marksheets — percentage/CGPA and year of passing for each.
Work experience details — if applicable, employer name, designation, and period (in months).
Category certificate — if applying under NC-OBC/SC/ST/PwD, keep the certificate number and issuing authority handy.
List of preferred IIMs and test cities — research IIM shortlisting criteria before applying to maximise the value of your selections.
Debit card / credit card / net banking / UPI — ₹2400 fee (General/NC-OBC) or ₹1200 fee (SC/ST/PwD).

CAT 2026 file specifications

Only two uploads required. Both are validated on the portal — out-of-spec files are rejected at upload.

Upload	Format	File size	Dimensions / proportions
Photograph	JPG	10–50 KB	3.5×4.5 cm (portrait)
Signature	JPG	10–50 KB	3.5×1.5 cm (landscape)

IIM preferences matter — research before selecting

Each IIM has its own shortlisting formula that weights CAT score, academic background (Class 10, 12, graduation percentage), gender diversity, and work experience differently. Selecting IIMs without checking their criteria wastes application slots. Review the previous year's shortlisting norms for each IIM on their official websites before finalising your list.

Step-by-step walkthrough

Step 1 — Registration

Open iimcat.ac.in and click Register. Enter your name (as on certificates), email ID, and mobile number. Verify your email via OTP and your mobile via a separate SMS OTP. Set a password and complete registration.

Use an email address you actively monitor — CAT sends admit card download links, result notifications, and IIM shortlist emails to this address. A Gmail or institutional email works equally well; avoid disposable addresses.

Step 1 of 6

Tools used in this guide

Image Compressor — 50 KB

Compress CAT photo and signature to ≤50 KB. One tool handles both uploads.

Why use BharatTools for CAT document preparation?

Every BharatTools tool runs locally in your browser — your photo and signature never leave your device. Open DevTools Network tab while you compress: zero upload requests. Your candidacy documents are yours alone. You can also transfer files between your phone and laptop without WhatsApp using Quick Send, a peer-to-peer transfer that stores nothing.

Frequently asked questions

Ready to prepare your CAT photo?

The Image Compressor brings your photo and signature under the 50 KB limit in one step — no quality settings to fiddle with.

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Specifications based on the CAT notification as of Updated August 2026. Always cross-check the current year's notification at iimcat.ac.in before submitting — upload limits and fee amounts may change between cycles.