Applications · 4 min read
When Do YC Applications Open? (2026 Batch Dates & Deadlines)
Short answer
YC accepts applications on a rolling basis year-round, but each batch has a hard application deadline ~6 weeks before the batch starts. In 2025, YC moved to 4 batches per year (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall). Apply at least 8 weeks before any deadline to maximize your chances — late applications get reviewed but with less time for partner discussion.
Key facts, with sources
Check the deadline yourself before you plan around it. YC moves dates, and the only authoritative page is ycombinator.com/apply. Everything here is context around that page, not a substitute for it.
| Fact | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Applications | Open year-round; each batch has one hard deadline | YC: Apply |
| Batches per year | Four since 2025 — Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall | YC: Apply |
| Late applications | YC accepts them after a deadline and rolls them into the next batch's review | YC: Apply |
| Cost to apply | Free, and you can apply repeatedly | YC: Apply |
| The form itself | Published and readable before you start writing | YC: Apply |
The 2026 batch schedule
- Winter 2026 (W26): batch runs Jan–Mar 2026. Application deadline was late October 2025.
- Spring 2026 (X26): batch runs Apr–Jun 2026. Application deadline was late January 2026.
- Summer 2026 (S26): batch runs Jul–Sep 2026. Application deadline ~late April 2026.
- Fall 2026 (F26): batch runs Oct–Dec 2026. Application deadline ~late July 2026.
Exact deadlines are posted at ycombinator.com/apply. YC typically opens the next batch's application 4–6 months before the deadline.
Can you apply between deadlines?
Yes. YC accepts applications 365 days a year. Applications submitted between batch cycles go into the queue for the next open batch. Submitting early (8+ weeks before the deadline) gives partners more time to read, request a video update, and discuss.
There is no advantage to waiting until the deadline. Submitting late is actively worse — late applications get less partner attention.
Late applications
YC accepts late applications up to ~2 weeks after the official deadline, but at that point the interview slots are mostly assigned. Late acceptance is rare but does happen — usually for teams with extraordinary traction.
How long the process takes
- Application submission → interview decision: 2–3 weeks.
- Interview → final decision: same day, usually within 4 hours.
- Acceptance → batch start: 4–6 weeks.
Sources
Every factual claim on this page traces back to one of these. Where a claim comes from founder reports rather than YC itself, it is labelled inline.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply to YC any time of year?
Is it better to apply early or right at the deadline?
How many batches does YC run per year now?
What if I miss the deadline?
Where do I check the exact current deadline?
An independent resource · Not affiliated with Y Combinator · Last updated 2026-06-01