1. Why Candidates Forget CAT Registration Password
CAT registration happens once a year, and candidates often forget their credentials by the time the admit card or result is released. Common reasons include:
- Long gap between registration and login activity.
- Using complex or randomly generated passwords.
- Incorrectly entered email or mobile number during registration.
- Multiple accounts or confusion between old and new credentials.
2. Quickest Method — Step-by-Step CAT Password Recovery Process
Step 1 — Visit the Official CAT Portal
- Go to the official CAT website: https://iimcat.ac.in
- Click on “Login” or “Registered Candidate Login.”
Step 2 — Select “Forgot Password” Option
- Click the “Forgot Password?” link under the login box.
- This will redirect you to the password recovery page.
Step 3 — Enter Registered Email or Mobile Number
Type your registered email address or mobile number used during CAT registration. You may also need to provide your Application ID.
Step 4 — Get OTP or Reset Link
- Via Email: A password reset link will be sent to your registered email.
- Via SMS: An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number for verification.
Step 5 — Create a New Password
Enter a new password that follows the security policy (minimum 8 characters, with at least one uppercase letter, one number, and one special symbol). Confirm it and submit.
3. What If You Don’t Have Access to Registered Email or Mobile?
If you’ve lost access to your registered contact details, follow these steps:
- Contact the CAT Helpdesk: Send an official email to the CAT helpdesk with your registration details.
- Attach valid ID proof: Provide scanned copies of your Aadhaar, Passport, or Voter ID along with your CAT Application Form.
- Use the sample email format below to make your request professional and clear.
Sample Email Template to CAT Helpdesk
To: cathelpdesk@iimcat.ac.in
Subject: Request to Reset CAT Registration Password — Application ID: [Your ID]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am [Your Full Name], a registered candidate for CAT [year].
I am unable to log in because I have forgotten my password and lost access to my registered email/mobile.
Please help me reset my password or update my recovery contact details.
Candidate Details:
- Name: [Your Name]
- Application ID: [XXXXXXX]
- DOB: [DD/MM/YYYY]
- Registered Email: [email used]
- Registered Mobile: [mobile used]
- Alternate Email: [new email]
- Alternate Mobile: [new number]
I have attached scanned copies of my photo ID and the CAT application confirmation page for your reference.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
[Alternate Contact Info]
4. Common Issues & Troubleshooting
- No OTP Received: Wait 5–10 minutes; check your network and spam folder. Try the “Resend OTP” option.
- Invalid Email Link: Use the latest password reset link (older ones may expire after 30 minutes).
- Portal Not Loading: Clear your browser cache or use incognito mode.
- Wrong Application ID: Use the “Forgot Application ID” feature to recover it using your email and DOB.
5. CAT Helpdesk Contact Details
- Official Website: https://iimcat.ac.in
- Email: cathelpdesk@iimcat.ac.in
- Phone: 1800-210-8720 (Toll-Free, Mon–Sat, 9 AM–6 PM)
6. Tips to Avoid Forgetting Your Password Again
- Use a password manager like Bitwarden or LastPass.
- Create a strong yet memorable password (example: MyCAT#2026Ready).
- Write it down in a secure notebook.
- Always update your registered email and phone in the portal settings.
7. CAT Password Policy (as per latest guidelines)
- Minimum 8 characters, maximum 20.
- Must contain one uppercase letter (A–Z).
- Must contain one lowercase letter (a–z).
- Must include at least one number (0–9).
- Must include at least one special character (! @ # $ % ^ & * etc).
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I reset my CAT password without registered email?
No, the reset link is sent only to the registered email or mobile. If both are lost, contact the helpdesk with valid ID proofs.
Q2: How long does password recovery take?
Usually 10–15 minutes for self-reset via email/SMS. Manual helpdesk verification can take 1–3 working days.
Q3: I forgot both password and Application ID. What should I do?
Click “Forgot Application ID” on the login page and enter your name, DOB, and email to retrieve it. Then use the password reset option.
Q4: Can I use the same password as last year?
Yes, you can, provided it meets the portal’s security policy and you remember it correctly.
Q5: What if my account seems hacked?
Immediately contact the CAT helpdesk and request to block or reset your account. Attach ID proof for verification.
9. Example Scenarios
- Case 1: Forgot password, mobile accessible → Reset within 5 minutes using OTP.
- Case 2: Email inactive → Contact helpdesk; reset takes 1–2 days.
- Case 3: Both email and mobile lost → Manual verification may take up to 7 days.
10. Security Advice from CollegeAdmi
- Never share your CAT login credentials with others.
- Always log out after using shared or public computers.
- Don’t use the same password for multiple exam portals.
- Keep your registration details printed or safely stored as PDF.
11. Quick Checklist Before Contacting Helpdesk
- CAT Application ID
- Registered Email & Mobile (if available)
- Photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, etc.)
- Application confirmation page
- Payment proof (if fee was paid)
12. Final Words
Forgetting your CAT registration password is common but easily fixable. Using the official “Forgot Password” option, OTP verification, or email link, you can quickly reset your password and regain access. If you’ve lost access to your registered contact, contact the CAT helpdesk with your details and ID proof. Remember to keep your credentials safe for future logins.