Likhith · December 2, 2025 
Introduction
Are you sure your CAT 2025 application form is error-free? Many aspirants underestimate the critical importance of accurately filling the CAT form. Small mistakes—from misspelled names to wrong academic details—can lead to rejection or disqualification even before you take the exam. With over 2 lakh candidates vying for limited seats, every detail matters.
This blog dives deep into the most common CAT form filling mistakes made by students and explains how these errors impact your shortlisting and admission chances. You’ll also get actionable tips to avoid these pitfalls and ensure your CAT registration is flawless.
Common CAT Form Filling Mistakes and Their Impact
1. Incorrect Personal Information
Your name, date of birth, category, and contact details must exactly match your official documents like the 10th-grade certificate. Any mismatch causes issues at shortlisting or counselling and can lead to outright rejection. Once submitted, corrections may not always be allowed.
Impact: Verification failure leads to disqualification or admission denial.
2. Overlooking Eligibility Criteria
Attempting registration without verifying educational and age eligibility wastes time and money. You must have a bachelor’s degree with the required minimum percentage (50% general, 45% reserved categories) from a recognized university.
Impact: Ineligible candidates are disqualified regardless of exam performance.
3. Errors in Academic Details
Incorrect academic scores, skipped fields, or wrongly formatted percentages raise red flags. For instance, writing “096.50” instead of “96.50” is invalid.
Impact: Academic information discrepancies can delay verification or result in rejection.
4. Uploading Incorrect or Poor-Quality Documents
Photographs and signatures must adhere to size limits (photo: 30mmx45mm, <80KB) and format (jpeg/jpg) with a white background and recent timestamp (within 6 months). Uploading blurry or wrong background photos leads to form invalidation.
Impact: Poor uploads can cause form rejection or resubmission requirements.
5. Incorrect Work Experience Details
Providing false or inaccurate experience data harms credibility and reduces admissions weightage during shortlisting.
Impact: Profile inconsistencies diminish chances for WAT-PI calls.
6. Selecting Wrong Exam or Interview Centers
Choosing inconvenient or fully booked test/interview centers causes logistical challenges and stress on exam days. Once allotted, center changes are rarely permitted.
Impact: May affect exam-day performance and convenience.
7. Using Unsupported Browsers or Rushing
Filling the form quickly on unsupported browsers like Internet Explorer can cause corrupt entries or loss of data.
Impact: Technical errors may cause incomplete forms or missed deadlines.
How These Mistakes Affect Your Shortlisting and Admission
- Disqualification: Even minor inconsistencies are grounds for rejection during document verification.
- Delays: Errors trigger verification holds, slowing down your admission process.
- Reduced Weightage: Incomplete or incorrect work experience and academic details lower your overall profile score.
- Stress & Extra Effort: Corrections consume valuable time that should be spent preparing for the exam or interviews.
Best Practices to Avoid CAT Form Filling Mistakes
- Read Instructions Carefully: Understand eligibility and document requirements before starting.
- Keep Official Documents Handy: Enter all details exactly as per certificates and mark sheets.
- Use Recommended Browsers: Stick to Chrome, Firefox, or Edge for smooth form submission.
- Double-Check All Fields: Verify personal, academic, and contact details multiple times.
- Upload Clear Photos & Signatures: Follow size, format, and background guidelines meticulously.
- Choose Convenient Exam Centers: Prioritize centers near your hometown or residence.
- Utilize Correction Window: CAT allows limited edits after form submission—act fast if needed.
How Career Plan B Helps
Filling your CAT application perfectly is your gateway to top MBA institutes. Career Plan B offers:
- Personalized checklists and reminders during registration.
- Expert reviews of your CAT form to eliminate errors.
- Document preparation guidance and form troubleshooting.
- Quick help during the correction window to fix any mistakes.
Our support ensures a hassle-free application process, boosting your confidence and improving your chances of smooth shortlisting.
Have any doubts?
📞 Contact our expert counsellor today and get all your questions answered!
FAQs on CAT Form Filling Mistakes
Q1. Can I edit my CAT form after submission?
Yes, limited corrections are allowed during the correction window, usually open a few days after registration closes.
Q2. What photo specifications should I follow?
The photo should be recent (within 6 months), clear, with a white background, 30mm x 45mm, and under 80KB in jpg/jpeg format.
Q3. What if my name in the form doesn’t match official documents?
It leads to disqualification at shortlisting, so ensure exact match with your 10th certificate.
Q4. Does work experience affect CAT shortlisting?
While not mandatory, accurate work experience adds weight during WAT-PI selection.
Q5. What happens if I don’t have the required documents ready?
It increases chances of errors and delays, so prepare and verify all documents beforehand.
Conclusion
The CAT form is your first step toward MBA success, not just a formality. Avoiding these common mistakes will prevent delays, disqualifications, and stress, letting your preparation shine. Diligent checking and following guidelines can be the difference between smooth shortlisting and hurdles in your admission journey.
With expert support from Career Plan B, you can perfect your CAT application and confidently take the next leap toward your dream MBA program.
