CAT 2016 registration window will come to close on September 22, 2016 at 5 PM. Although you need not rush too fast for registration, but it will be good enough in your own interest to finalise the registration in next few days. Timely registration for CAT 2016 will help you to avoid the technical glitches that you may face in last few days and will also let you know what documents in correct format you should upload while applying for the exam.
Registration for CAT 2016 was opened on August 8, 2016 will continue till September 22, 2016 with number of aspirant friendly changes but without any facility to choose the necessary exam slot and test centre.
Now CAT 2016 aspirants are in a dilemma whether they should go for early registration or should wait for last days. Experts suggest although there is no harm in going for early registration, rushing for it is also not necessary nor it is desirable to wait for the closing date of registration.
No need to rush but avoid last days
According to CAT 2016 exam centre “Test Cities and Centers will be assigned to the candidates only after the last date for CAT 2016 registration and hence candidates need not rush to block slots and sites in the initial days of registration.”
Since it is not going to impact much to register and apply for CAT 2016 early, as happened in last 2 years also, it is advisable to take your time to register. Although you don't need to rush, but simultaneously avoid registration during the last few days.
The reason behind this suggestion is the anticipated overcrowding for CAT 2016 registration during last few days. There is the risk of technical glitches coming up during the last days of CAT 2016 registration due to which it may become difficult to register and sometimes your payment may also get stuck in transit.
No first come first serve
The 46 days registration window has also not proposed any facility to first come, first serve while allotting the first preferred test centre. Besides the exam slot will also be allotted according to the availability. Accordingly the CAT 2016 aspirants who register during Aug 8 to Sep 22, 2015 will be treated at par.
There is also no facility to select the test date, city and test centre along with the preferred session. Prior to 2014 there was always a fear of not getting the preferred test centre and session, if the registration process was not completed early. But this facility has been withdrawn now.
No Self Scheduling
CAT 2016 is a single day 2 session exam and does not allow any self scheduling of the test and the aspirants will be informed of the test date, test centre and the test session by the CAT Centre 2016 on October 18 onwards along with the issuance of the Admit Card.
All candidates at par
The need to go for early registration is over in CAT 2016. All the aspirants who register during the 46 day registration window will be treated at par. The fear of not getting the preferred test centre and session, if the registration process was not completed early does not exist any longer now.
The allotment of exam session and test city as well as venue shall be made by the CAT Centre 2016 on October 18 so you neither gain nor lose anything with early registration.
Carefully choose the preferred 4 Test Cities
Out of 138 test cities, you need to choose 4 preferred test cities. Before opting for these test cities, you should be careful about your choice viewing the test city connectivity, your proposed journey plan among other factors.
It is very much possible that you may not be allotted the 1st preferred test city and are allotted 2nd or 3rd preferred one. If the test cities are not carefully chosen, you may get into hot water in case your expected test city is not allotted.
The allotment of test centre will be on ‘random’ basis subject to availability. The aspirant has to fill in the choice of 4 preferred test cities.
If you register and apply today or a fortnight later, you stand on the same platform and will get the testing session and test centre on October 18, 2016 only.
Read and Understand the process first
CAT Centre 2016 has shared the registration guide and registration video. It is better to go through the same and understand each step of registration process for CAT 2016. You can complete it in parts also.
Whether you make payment on September 1or on September 19, nothing will change except that during last days of registration, your payment may get stuck in transit due to technical issues.
However, it will be better to complete your CAT 2016 registration form in all respects except making the payment and submitting the form which you can do a little later. But you also never know what might happen at a later date. It will therefore be in fitness of things to make payment for CAT 2016 registration fee while completing the registration.
By that time number of icons lying dead on CAT 2016 or have not yet appeared on site will also get activated and you will be able to know more on CAT 2016. Besides in case of any further addition to exam cities, one or two of which may be quite near to your place, you will be able to make modifications in the preferences in your registration form.
There is no point in hurrying up. This thought is going on among thousands of CAT 2016 aspirants who also think it proper to register and apply for CAT 2016 a little late as they do not find any benefit in going for early registration in CAT 2016. Prof S K Agarwal advises to focus on your CAT 2016 preparation and then go for Registration.
3 step Process
CAT 2016 registration steps are simple and can be completed within the specified time although candidate can login again and again to complete the process
-- Create a Profile
-- Log in with system generated User ID and Password
-- Submit Application after entering details and making online payment
CAT 2016 registration process is more ‘user friendly’ as the guidelines are clear and substantial changes have also been incorporated in the registration process.
Required information
Following are the mandatory items of information you will need during the registration process. Keep them ready
-- Educational history
-- Mark sheets (10th /12th/ Degree/Diploma)
-- Work experience, if any
-- Applicable Certificates to upload
-- Scanned images of your passport size photo and signature. (The photo should not be more than six months old and should have a white background)
-- List of the IIM programmes to which you wish to apply
CAT 2016 is the mandatory exam for admission to all the 20 IIMs and other top B-schools like FMS, IMI, MDI, SPJIMR among others. The exam will be held on December 4, 2016 in 2 sessions across the country in 138 test cities.
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