CAT Photo and Signature Size 2026

Both images need a minimum resolution of 150 pixels per inch. The photograph must be no more than six months old and have a white background. The 80 KB figure is a maximum, not a requirement to make the file exactly 80 KB.

The photo and signature limits use different units. The photograph fits within 1,200 x 1,200 pixels; the signature fits within 80 mm x 35 mm. The signature rule is not 80 x 35 pixels. File size, dimensions and image clarity are separate checks, so reducing the file size does not correct the wrong dimensions.

Category and PwBD Certificate Uploads

Category and disability certificates are scanned as PDF documents. The JPG/JPEG and 80 KB specifications above apply to the photograph and signature, not automatically to every certificate upload.

The SC/ST certificate must identify the caste or tribe, category, ordinary residence and applicable Government of India schedule, with the required authority's signature. NC-OBC eligibility follows the applicable Central Government rules rather than merely a state-list entry.

PwBD applicants enter the disability details requested in the form and upload a valid certificate from the notified medical authority. The application also asks about wheelchair support and scribe requirements. A candidate using a scribe must arrange the scribe and complete the prescribed affidavit. The CAT reservation page covers the associated category conditions.

If an NC-OBC or EWS Certificate Was Being Renewed

The exceptional renewal arrangement was for applicants who held an older certificate but could not obtain the current one in time for reasons beyond their control. It required more than an undertaking alone.

• Older NC-OBC/EWS certificate issued before 1 April 2026.
• Completed undertaking for submission of the valid certificate, with CAT ID and signature.
• Communication, acknowledgement or screenshot from the issuing authority showing the renewal application; if unavailable, a copy of the submitted application.

These documents were to accompany the older certificate in the upload. The undertaking commits a shortlisted applicant to producing the valid renewed certificate for the IIM admission process. Failure to do so can lead to cancellation; the undertaking does not turn an expired certificate into permanent proof of category eligibility.

Final-Year Certificate and Academic Records

CAT provides a final-year/result-awaited certificate proforma on the institution's letterhead. It certifies the applicant's status during academic year 2026-27 and at least 50% marks, or 45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates, based on the latest available grades or marks. The proforma names the Principal, HoD, Registrar or Director as the certifying authority.

That status-and-marks certificate is different from the certificate needed for provisional admission. For admission, the Principal or Registrar must confirm that all degree requirements have been completed on the issue date, within the deadline set by the admitting IIM.

Academic records also support the marks entered in the form. If only grades are awarded, the institution's certified percentage-conversion method is used. Originals of marksheets are needed at interview. The CAT eligibility rules explain the final-year and CGPA conditions in detail.

Uploading, Correcting and Reusing the Photograph

Photo, signature and applicable certificates were uploaded in the Personal Details section. The file selected for each field must match that field: an image of a certificate does not belong in the photo field, and a JPG photo is not a category-certificate PDF. The preview should show the full face or signature clearly, without cutting off part of it.

The 5-6 October 2026 correction window allowed eligible paid applicants to replace their photograph and signature, along with changing test state/city preferences. That window has closed. For an unresolved upload issue, use the grievance facility in Registered Candidate Login; this does not guarantee another edit opportunity.

The photograph affixed to the printed admit card must be the same as the one uploaded in the application. Retain matching printed copies for the 29 November examination. CAT admit card download is scheduled to start on 4 November.

1. Photo and Signature Specifications
2. Certificate File Requirements

1. NC-OBC/EWS Renewal Bundle
2. Two Different Final-Year Certificates
3. Submitted Image and Admit Card