The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the most sought-after management entrance examination in India, and it is held annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). The thousands of aspirants applying for the CAT every year in hopes of getting into some of the country’s top B-schools have one question that often comes up: the exam fees. Information about CAT exam fees will prove valuable for candidates planning their finances before the application period. This article highlights the general CAT exam fees, CAT application fees, and other relevant details regarding the application process.
CAT Exam Fees in 2025
While applying for the CAT exam, all the candidates are required to pay some amount of fees as CAT exam registration fees. Depending on the class the candidate belongs to, the fees are charged differently: a general category will have a separate fee, as against those reserved for OBC, SC, and ST categories.
The following table illustrates the structure of CAT exam fees depending on different categories:
| Category | CAT Exam Form Fees |
| General | INR 2400 |
| OBC | INR 2400 |
| SC/ST | INR 1200 |
| PwD (Persons with Disabilities) | INR 1200 |
The registration fees for taking the CAT exam include all charges associated with the application process, including the conduct of the examination, administrative expenses, and processing fees. The fees once paid shall remain non-refundable under any circumstances.
The CAT Exam Fees for Girls
The CAT exam fees do not have any distinct fee waivers for girls. The fees for the CAT exam for female applicants will depend on the category to which they belong. This would mean the fees differ for a female applicant in the general or OBC category who would thus be required to pay an amount of INR 2400, as SC/ST/PwD female applicants will pay an amount of INR 1200.
CAT Fees for General Category Candidates
The CAT exam form fees for General category candidates will be INR 2400, which includes processing application forms, conducting the examination and other miscellaneous expenses.
CAT Fees Applicable for OBC Candidates
The OBC applicants pay the same fee as a general category applicant. CAT application fees for OBC candidates is INR 2400. Unlike many other government competitive examinations in which OBC students are provided with a fee concession, they are made to pay the total application fees in the CAT.
CAT Fees for SC/ST Candidates
A fee concession for SC/ST candidates is given for the CAT examination. The CAT application fee for SC/ST candidates is 1200. The lower CAT registration fees for SC/ST candidates for the CAT examination are aimed at increasing participation from the underprivileged class applicants in the examination which ultimately enables admissions into the country’s top management institutions.
Modes of Payment for CAT Fees
There are a few online channels that the candidates can utilise to make payment for CAT registration. They can opt for credit cards of either Visa MasterCard or RuPay credit cards as methods of paying for CAT registration. They can debit cards within the same network as the preferred online payment option. In addition, online payment can be made through net banking, UPI, and mobile wallets. Easy and fast without any hassle; just pay the fees here. This system also indicates a successful update of the application status.
An immediately emailed SMS to the pay tenant regarding the payment status. Hold on to that payment receipt because it may be called on a date. Any processing failures will be addressed with immediate effect; most of the time, they occur and are input under last-minute discrepancies. It is important to ensure that those who would like to make the payments ensure a smooth payment process, confirming registration for CAT in all circumstances.
How to Pay for the CAT Exam Fees
- Go to the official CAT website and click on the registration link.
- Fill out the required details like name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number.
- Upload the necessary documents {passport-sized photograph and signature}.
- Select the exam center of choice and, the IIMs, you would like to apply to.
- Proceed to the payment section and select an appropriate payment method.
- Complete the payment and download the confirmation receipt.
Any Fee Waiver for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)?
The CAT application form charges are the same for EWS candidates as those belonging to the General category and currently stand at INR 2400. However, unlike SC/ST candidates, EWS aspirants are not entitled to any fee waiver.
Other Expenses Over and Above the CAT Application Fee
Although this amount covers the application process for the CAT, many additional costs need to be reckoned with by candidates preparing for the CAT examination:
Coaching Fees: Most candidates opt for a coaching institute to prepare for the CAT exam, with fees generally ranging from INR 30,000 to INR 1,00,000. However, many aspirants are now choosing CAT online coaching as a more flexible and budget-friendly alternative.
Study Material Costs: There would be amounts spent on books, mock tests, and online study materials ranging from INR 5,000 to INR 15,000.
Travel and Accommodation Costs: If your preferred exam center is in another city, you need to think about travel and accommodation expenses.
Application Fees for B-Schools: After clearing the CAT, the applicant needs to apply to various IIMs and other B-schools, which charge their application costs.
Conclusion
The CAT exam fee structures being familiar are something every aspirant should know before they sit for the exam. The CAT registration fee is INR 2400 for General and OBC candidates, while it is INR 1200 for SC/ST/PwD candidates. Female candidates do not receive special fee discounts apart from those based on category. Payment is entirely online, and fees once paid cannot be refunded.
Candidates should take due care in planning their finances, keep in mind that it is not only about the CAT application fee but also includes additional expenses such as coaching, study materials, and travel. With the right financial planning and strategic preparation, aspirants can aim for a high percentile in CAT and gain admission to top management institutions in India.