General
₹2,700
EWS
₹2,700
NC-OBC
₹2,700
SC
₹1,350
ST
₹1,350
PwD / PwBD
₹1,350
CAT 2026 Fees have been revised for the upcoming Common Admission Test, making the application cost slightly higher than the previous year. Candidates applying for CAT 2026 need to pay ₹2,700 if they belong to the General, EWS or NC-OBC category, while candidates belonging to SC, ST or PwD categories need to pay ₹1,350.
The CAT 2026 registration window opened on August 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM and will close on September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM. CAT 2026 is scheduled to be conducted on November 29, 2026. The exam will be conducted in three sessions across approximately 170 test cities.
The fee is paid online as part of the application process and is non-refundable. Candidates should therefore verify their personal information, academic details, category information, programme preferences and uploaded documents before making the final payment.
For students planning to apply to multiple IIMs, there is an important point to understand: the CAT registration fee is not charged separately for every IIM. A candidate pays the CAT application fee once through the CAT registration process, irrespective of the number of IIM programmes selected in the application.
This article explains the CAT 2026 Fees in detail, including the category-wise fee, increase from previous years, payment methods, possible transaction charges, registration dates, eligibility, documents required, application process, common mistakes and frequently asked questions.
The CAT 2026 application fee depends on the candidate's category.
| Candidate Category | CAT 2026 Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| General | ₹2,700 |
| EWS | ₹2,700 |
| NC-OBC | ₹2,700 |
| SC | ₹1,350 |
| ST | ₹1,350 |
| PwD / PwBD | ₹1,350 |
The 2026 fee is ₹2,700 for all candidates other than SC, ST and PwD/PwBD candidates. SC, ST and PwD/PwBD candidates pay ₹1,350. The fee is non-refundable and must be paid online during the application process.
One common misunderstanding is that EWS or NC-OBC candidates receive the lower CAT registration fee. That is not the case. For CAT 2026, the reduced ₹1,350 fee applies to SC, ST and PwD/PwBD candidates, while General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates pay ₹2,700.
For CAT 2026, the registration fee is ₹2,700 for General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates. The fee is ₹1,350 for SC, ST and PwD/PwBD candidates.
The payment is made online while completing the CAT application form. Candidates should also keep in mind that the final amount debited from their account can depend on the payment method and any applicable transaction or gateway charges.
The increase in CAT registration fees has been gradual over recent examination cycles.
| CAT Exam Year | General / EWS / NC-OBC | SC / ST / PwD |
|---|---|---|
| CAT 2024 | ₹2,500 | ₹1,250 |
| CAT 2025 | ₹2,600 | ₹1,300 |
| CAT 2026 | ₹2,700 | ₹1,350 |
CAT 2024 carried an application fee of ₹2,500 for candidates other than SC, ST and PwD candidates, while the applicable fee for SC, ST and PwD candidates was ₹1,250.
For CAT 2025, the fee increased to ₹2,600 for General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates and ₹1,300 for SC, ST and PwD candidates.
For CAT 2026, the fee has increased again to ₹2,700 and ₹1,350 respectively.
This means that compared with CAT 2024, the CAT 2026 Fees are ₹200 higher for the full-fee category and ₹100 higher for SC, ST and PwD candidates.
For a student preparing for CAT, the registration fee is only one part of the overall preparation budget. Coaching, mock tests, books, test series, travel to the exam centre and later college application fees can add substantially to the total cost. The CAT application fee itself, however, remains a one-time payment during registration.
The CAT 2026 notification has confirmed a higher application fee compared with CAT 2025. The General, EWS and NC-OBC fee has increased from ₹2,600 to ₹2,700, while the SC, ST and PwD fee has increased from ₹1,300 to ₹1,350.
The official CAT notification establishes the amount candidates need to pay, but it does not provide a detailed public cost breakdown explaining exactly why the fee has increased.
Therefore, candidates should distinguish between a verified fact and speculation. The verified fact is that the CAT 2026 application fee has increased. The specific internal cost reasons behind the increase should not be assumed unless officially stated by the examination authority.
For applicants, the practical takeaway is simple: budget ₹2,700 if you fall under General, EWS or NC-OBC and ₹1,350 if you fall under SC, ST or PwD/PwBD.
The CAT 2026 registration schedule is important because the application fee must be paid before the application is successfully submitted.
| Event | CAT 2026 Date |
|---|---|
| CAT 2026 Registration Starts | August 3, 2026 |
| Registration Start Time | 10:00 AM |
| Last Date to Apply | September 15, 2026 |
| Registration Closing Time | 5:00 PM |
| Admit Card Release | November 4, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Exam Date | November 29, 2026 |
| Expected Result Timeline | By the first week of January 2027 |
The CAT 2026 application window runs from August 3 to September 15, 2026. The exam is scheduled for November 29, 2026. Admit cards are scheduled to become available from November 4, 2026. The result is expected by the first week of January 2027.
Candidates should avoid treating September 15 as a day to start the application. Technical problems, payment failures, incorrect documents or last-minute corrections can create unnecessary stress.
Completing the form earlier also gives candidates time to review the submitted information and make any permitted corrections during the correction period, where applicable.
Candidates must complete the CAT application through the official CAT website.
The official CAT portal is:
Official CAT 2026 Website — iimcat.ac.in
Candidates should be cautious about third-party websites claiming to accept CAT registration payments. The safest approach is to begin the application from the official CAT portal and follow the payment instructions provided there.
The payment should be made only after reviewing the application details carefully.
No. The CAT 2026 registration fee is non-refundable.
Once the payment has been successfully made, candidates should not expect the fee to be returned simply because they later decide not to appear for CAT, change their mind about applying to IIMs, make an error in their application or fail to meet an admission shortlist.
The CAT 2026 fee is therefore best treated as a final application expense.
Candidates should check:
Name spelling
Date of birth
Category
Gender details
Academic information
Graduation details
Work experience details
Test city preferences
Programme preferences
Uploaded photograph
Signature
Category or PwD documentation, where applicable
before making the final payment.
No. The CAT registration fee is not charged separately for each IIM selected in the CAT application.
A candidate can indicate the IIM programmes they wish to be considered for through the CAT application process without paying a separate CAT registration fee for every IIM. The registration fee is paid once.
This is particularly important because CAT scores are used across the IIM system and by many other management institutes.
However, candidates should not confuse the CAT registration fee with an institute's own application fee.
A business school that accepts CAT scores may have a separate admission application, registration fee or selection process. Such a fee would be independent of the CAT 2026 Fees.
For example, a student may pay the CAT registration fee and later need to complete a separate application for a non-IIM institute that accepts CAT scores. Whether such an additional fee exists depends on the individual institute.
The CAT application fee is not calculated on a per-IIM basis.
Therefore, selecting multiple IIM programmes in the CAT form does not mean paying ₹2,700 multiple times. The registration fee is paid once as part of the CAT application.
This is one reason why candidates should carefully review the programme and institute preferences available in the application form before submission.
Under-selecting programmes because of a misunderstanding about the fee can create avoidable problems later.
At the same time, candidates should read each IIM's admission policy separately. Meeting the CAT eligibility criteria does not automatically mean a candidate will receive a shortlist from every IIM.
Each IIM can have its own shortlisting and final-selection criteria.
CAT registration is completed through an online application system.
Candidates should use the payment options displayed in the official application portal at the time of payment. Common online payment methods associated with CAT registration include:
Credit card
Debit card
Net banking
UPI
Payment gateways may apply transaction charges depending on the payment method. For example, some payment providers may apply a small charge for certain card or banking transactions. These charges can vary and should be checked on the payment screen before confirmation.
The important distinction is between the official CAT application fee and a payment gateway's transaction charge.
The official CAT 2026 fee is ₹2,700 or ₹1,350 depending on category. Any additional amount shown because of a payment mechanism should be checked against the payment gateway information presented during the transaction.
If you are asking only about the CAT application, the core cost is:
₹2,700 for General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates
or
₹1,350 for SC, ST and PwD/PwBD candidates.
However, a candidate's actual CAT-related spending may be higher.
For example, a student may also spend money on:
Coaching
Online courses
Mock tests
Test series
Preparation books
Travel to the examination city
Accommodation, if required
Food and local transportation
Separate application fees for certain non-IIM institutes
These expenses are not part of the CAT 2026 registration fee.
The CAT fee should therefore be considered the application cost rather than the total cost of pursuing an MBA through CAT.
The CAT 2026 Fees apply only after a candidate establishes that they are eligible to appear for the examination.
Candidates generally need a recognised bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA. For SC, ST and PwD/PwBD candidates, the minimum qualifying requirement is 45%. Final-year undergraduate students can also apply, subject to the conditions specified for CAT and the admission process.
Candidates with eligible professional qualifications may also be permitted to apply under the conditions stated in the CAT 2026 information bulletin.
There is no upper age limit for CAT 2026.
It is important to understand that CAT eligibility and IIM admission eligibility are not exactly the same thing.
A candidate may satisfy the basic CAT eligibility requirement but still not receive an IIM shortlist because individual IIMs use their own selection criteria.
These can include academic performance, CAT sectional and overall performance, work experience, diversity factors and other components specified by the respective IIM.
No.
Payment of the CAT 2026 Fees only completes the financial part of the application. It does not guarantee an examination score, percentile, shortlist, interview call or admission.
After the exam, IIMs use CAT performance along with their respective selection criteria.
A candidate could therefore:
Successfully register for CAT
Pay the full application fee
Appear for the examination
Receive a CAT score
Yet not receive a shortlist from a particular IIM
This is normal because the CAT registration process and the IIM admission selection process are separate stages.
The minimum eligibility criteria should not be confused with the percentile or profile requirements that may be relevant for actual shortlisting.
Candidates should keep the required information and documents ready before starting the application.
Depending on the candidate's profile and category, the registration process may require information related to:
Personal details
Valid email address
Mobile number
Date of birth
Academic qualifications
Class 10 details
Class 12 or equivalent details
Graduation details
Professional qualification details, where applicable
Work experience, if applicable
Photograph
Signature
Category certificate, where applicable
PwD/PwBD documentation, where applicable
Final-year certificate or related information, where applicable
The exact file format, size and document requirements should always be checked against the instructions shown on the official CAT portal before uploading.
Candidates should not rely on an old year's document specifications simply because they used them in a previous CAT application.
A good approach is to complete the form first, review it, and then proceed to payment.
Before clicking the final payment option, check the following:
Make sure your name, date of birth, gender and contact information are correct.
The email address and mobile number used during registration should remain accessible throughout the CAT and admission process.
Enter marks, percentages, CGPA and other academic information according to the instructions in the CAT application.
Do not calculate percentages using a random online converter if your university has its own official conversion formula.
Candidates claiming SC, ST, PwD/PwBD or another applicable category should make sure the information they provide is accurate and supported by the required documentation.
A category mistake can have consequences beyond the application fee because reservation and eligibility requirements may depend on valid documentation.
Candidates with work experience should enter the information exactly as required by the CAT form.
Do not inflate work experience by including periods that do not qualify under the CAT instructions.
Select test cities carefully.
CAT 2026 is being conducted across approximately 170 test cities, and candidates are asked to provide preferred cities in the application.
A preferred city is not an unconditional guarantee of allocation. The final centre depends on availability and the examination authority's allocation process.
The CAT 2026 registration process is completed online through the official CAT website.
Go to the official CAT portal and locate the CAT 2026 registration option.
Avoid starting the application through an unofficial website that asks for payment details.
New candidates need to provide the required initial information to create their registration account.
Use an active email address and mobile number.
These details are important because communication relating to the examination may be sent through the registered contact information.
After registration, log in using the credentials generated during the process.
Keep your login details secure.
Complete the application form carefully.
The information should match your official academic and identity records.
Pay special attention to marks, percentages and category details.
Candidates with eligible work experience should provide the details requested by the form.
If you do not have work experience, follow the form's instructions for candidates without experience.
Upload your photograph, signature and applicable certificates according to the specifications displayed on the official CAT portal.
Do not use an old photograph or incorrectly formatted document simply because the file worked for another examination.
Enter your preferred examination cities in the order requested by the application.
Since centre allocation is subject to availability, selecting a practical city is generally more sensible than choosing a location based only on preference.
Review the available IIM programme choices carefully.
Remember that the CAT registration fee is not charged separately for every IIM selected.
Before payment, read through the complete form.
This is the stage where you should catch obvious errors.
Once the information is verified, pay the applicable fee online.
The amount is:
₹2,700 for General, EWS and NC-OBC
₹1,350 for SC, ST and PwD/PwBD
After successful payment and submission, save the confirmation page, application details and payment confirmation.
Do not rely only on an email remaining in your inbox.
Keeping a digital copy of the submitted application can be useful later during the admission process.
The amount itself is straightforward. Most problems arise because candidates rush through the application.
EWS candidates do not receive the ₹1,350 CAT registration fee simply because they fall under the EWS category.
For CAT 2026, EWS candidates fall under the ₹2,700 fee category.
The CAT application fee is not paid separately for every IIM.
The CAT application covers the IIM programmes selected through the CAT form.
A separate institute may have its own application fee.
Do not assume that paying ₹2,700 to CAT automatically completes every MBA college application.
The registration deadline is September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
Waiting until the last few hours creates unnecessary risk if the website, payment gateway, internet connection or personal documentation causes a problem.
Category information should be entered carefully.
Candidates claiming a reserved category should make sure they meet the relevant requirements and can provide the necessary documentation.
Once the payment is completed, changing information may be subject to the correction rules and the fields made available by the CAT authorities.
A final review before payment is therefore worthwhile.
Successful payment is not the end of the CAT journey.
The broad sequence is:
Registration → Application Submission → Admit Card → CAT Exam → Answer Key/Response Sheet → Result → IIM Shortlisting → WAT/PI or Other Selection Stages → Final Admission
CAT 2026 is scheduled for November 29, 2026. The admit card is scheduled to be available from November 4, 2026. The result is expected by the first week of January 2027.
After the result, individual IIMs conduct their own shortlisting and selection processes.
The CAT score is therefore an important part of the admission journey, but it is not itself an admission offer.
Students sometimes focus heavily on the ₹2,700 CAT registration fee because it is the first major payment in the MBA entrance cycle.
In reality, the larger financial decisions usually come later.
A serious CAT aspirant may spend on:
Preparation: coaching, online classes, books, test series and mock tests.
Examination: CAT registration fee and travel to the examination centre.
Applications: separate forms for colleges that require individual applications.
Interviews: travel, accommodation and other expenses if interview processes are conducted in another city.
MBA education: tuition, hostel, living expenses and other costs after admission.
This distinction matters because CAT itself is an entrance examination. The ₹2,700 or ₹1,350 payment does not represent the cost of an MBA.
No separate gender-based fee concession is indicated in the CAT 2026 fee structure.
The published fee categories are based on the specified candidate categories, with ₹2,700 applicable to candidates other than SC, ST and PwD/PwBD candidates and ₹1,350 applicable to SC, ST and PwD/PwBD candidates.
Therefore, candidates should not assume that female candidates automatically receive a lower CAT application fee.
Gender-related diversity considerations can be relevant to individual IIM selection policies, but that is different from the CAT registration fee.
The CAT 2026 application fee is not structured as a general income-based sliding fee.
EWS candidates, for example, do not automatically receive the ₹1,350 application fee. The CAT 2026 fee for EWS candidates is ₹2,700.
This is another reason to distinguish the CAT fee categories from other financial aid, scholarship or reservation policies that may apply later in the education process.
Final-year undergraduate students can apply for CAT 2026 subject to the eligibility conditions specified by the examination authority.
Their registration fee is determined by their applicable category, not by whether they are in the final year.
For example:
General final-year student: ₹2,700
EWS final-year student: ₹2,700
NC-OBC final-year student: ₹2,700
SC final-year student: ₹1,350
ST final-year student: ₹1,350
PwD/PwBD final-year student: ₹1,350
Being a final-year student does not create a separate fee slab.
Working professionals who meet CAT eligibility criteria can apply.
The registration fee is again determined by category.
A working professional from General, EWS or NC-OBC category pays ₹2,700, while an eligible SC, ST or PwD/PwBD candidate pays ₹1,350.
Work experience can later become relevant to individual IIM selection processes, but it does not change the basic CAT registration fee.
Candidates should enter work experience details accurately because IIM admission processes may use work experience as one of several factors in shortlisting or final selection.
Candidates applying under circumstances involving international citizenship, overseas qualifications or other special cases should not assume that the Indian CAT fee structure automatically answers every question about their eligibility or documentation.
CAT eligibility and registration instructions should be checked directly against the current official CAT information bulletin.
For any candidate whose citizenship, qualification or documentation situation is unusual, the official CAT portal should be treated as the final authority.
A failed payment does not necessarily mean that the application has been successfully submitted.
Candidates should check the application portal and payment status rather than immediately making repeated payments.
If the amount has been debited from your bank account but the application portal does not show successful payment, keep the transaction reference or payment confirmation and follow the official payment-support instructions.
Do not make multiple payments without first checking the status of the previous transaction.
The practical rule is:
Payment successful + application submitted = registration completed.
A form that is merely saved but remains unpaid should not be treated as a completed CAT application.
This situation can happen with online payments because banking confirmation and application-portal confirmation do not always appear at exactly the same time.
If money has been debited but the CAT portal does not immediately show the payment as successful:
Do not panic.
Save the bank transaction reference.
Check the application status.
Wait for the payment status to update if the portal indicates that processing is underway.
Follow the official CAT helpdesk/payment instructions if the issue remains unresolved.
The most important thing is to keep evidence of the transaction.
CAT registration is an online process, and the application fee is paid through the online payment mechanism provided in the application portal.
Candidates should not send cash, demand drafts or physical application fees unless the official CAT authorities explicitly announce a different method.
For CAT 2026, applicants should follow the payment options presented on the official CAT registration portal.
Candidates should not assume that they will be able to submit the CAT 2026 application after the official deadline by paying an additional late fee.
The published registration deadline is September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
Unless the CAT authorities officially announce an extension, candidates should treat this as the final deadline.
Planning to submit the form after the deadline simply because previous examinations have sometimes extended registration is risky.
For most candidates, a simple CAT application budget can begin with the following:
| Expense | Amount / Status |
|---|---|
| CAT 2026 application fee – General/EWS/NC-OBC | ₹2,700 |
| CAT 2026 application fee – SC/ST/PwD | ₹1,350 |
| Payment gateway charges | May vary by payment method |
| Coaching | Depends on provider |
| Mock tests | Depends on provider |
| Books | Depends on preparation plan |
| Travel to test centre | Depends on city |
| Accommodation | Only if required |
| Separate B-school application fees | Depends on institute |
The first two figures are the CAT 2026 Fees officially reported for the 2026 registration cycle. Other expenses are not part of the CAT registration fee and can vary considerably from student to student.
There is a major difference between the cost of taking CAT and the cost of preparing for CAT.
The registration fee is relatively fixed.
Preparation costs are flexible.
One student may prepare independently using free resources and a small mock-test package. Another may join a full-time classroom programme costing substantially more.
Students should therefore avoid assuming that an expensive preparation package is necessary simply because the CAT exam is competitive.
The right preparation budget depends on the student's starting level, preparation time, preferred learning format and ability to study independently.
For an eligible candidate who genuinely wants to pursue an MBA through CAT, the application decision should be based on career goals, preparation readiness and target colleges rather than only on the application fee.
₹2,700 is a meaningful expense for many students, but it is still only the entrance application cost.
The more important question is whether the candidate is prepared to use the examination opportunity seriously.
Candidates should also remember that CAT scores are accepted by several management institutes beyond the IIMs. However, every non-IIM institution has its own admission requirements and application procedures.
Therefore, before paying the fee, candidates can make a realistic list of target institutes and understand which ones accept CAT scores.
Before beginning the application, make sure you have:
A valid email address
An active mobile number
Accurate academic records
Correct graduation information
Work-experience details, if applicable
Valid category documents, if applicable
Photograph in the required format
Signature in the required format
Preferred test cities
An online payment method
Enough time to review the application
It is also useful to keep a folder containing your CAT-related documents.
A simple folder structure can include:
CAT 2026 Registration
Photograph
Signature
Category Certificate
PwD Certificate
Academic Information
Application Confirmation
Payment Receipt
Admit Card
CAT Scorecard
This can make the later admission process easier because IIMs may request academic and other documents at different stages.
The CAT application fee should never influence a candidate's category declaration.
A candidate must select the category that they are genuinely eligible for and provide the required documentation.
For CAT 2026, SC, ST and PwD/PwBD candidates pay ₹1,350, while candidates in the General, EWS and NC-OBC categories pay ₹2,700.
Incorrect category information can create serious issues during verification.
The correct approach is to determine eligibility first and fee category second.
Candidates claiming SC, ST or PwD/PwBD status should pay close attention to certificate requirements.
The CAT registration process requires applicable category documentation to be provided according to the instructions of the examination authority.
Candidates should not wait until the final registration day to discover that their certificate is unavailable or does not meet the required format.
The same principle applies to other category-related documentation used during the application and admission process.
Although this article focuses on CAT 2026 Fees, understanding what the registration payment leads to is useful.
CAT 2026 is scheduled for November 29, 2026. The exam is conducted as a computer-based test in three sessions.
The examination covers three broad sections:
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
Quantitative Aptitude
The 2026 examination follows the established three-section structure, with a total testing duration of 120 minutes and sectional time limits.
Candidates should therefore view the registration fee as the first formal step toward an examination that can be used for management admissions across the IIM system and by several other B-schools.
Paying the CAT fee does not mean applying directly for an MBA seat at an IIM.
The process is more accurately understood as:
CAT Registration
↓
CAT Examination
↓
CAT Score
↓
IIM Shortlisting
↓
Interview / Selection Process
↓
Final Merit List
↓
Admission Offer
Individual IIMs may use different criteria at the shortlisting and final selection stages.
That is why a candidate should not interpret the CAT application fee as an admission fee.
The ₹2,700 or ₹1,350 is the cost of registering for the examination, not the cost of securing an IIM seat.
These are completely different payments.
The CAT registration fee is paid to register for the Common Admission Test.
The IIM programme fee is the tuition and other institutional charges associated with studying at an IIM after admission.
The B-school application fee may be charged separately by a college that accepts CAT scores.
The seat acceptance or admission-related payment may be charged after an offer is made.
A student should therefore not compare ₹2,700 with an MBA programme's tuition fee. They serve completely different purposes.
The answer depends on the candidate's financial situation.
Compared with the overall cost of an MBA, the CAT registration fee is relatively small. However, for students from financially constrained households, even an application fee can matter.
The important point is that the CAT 2026 fee is fixed by category, and the reduced fee is available to the categories specified by the examination authority.
Students who need financial support should explore legitimate scholarships, institutional support and preparation resources rather than attempting to manipulate category information.
The CAT 2026 fee structure can be reduced to a few simple facts:
General candidates pay ₹2,700.
EWS candidates pay ₹2,700.
NC-OBC candidates pay ₹2,700.
SC candidates pay ₹1,350.
ST candidates pay ₹1,350.
PwD/PwBD candidates pay ₹1,350.
The fee is non-refundable.
The fee is paid online.
The CAT fee is paid once during the application.
Candidates do not pay the CAT registration fee separately for every IIM.
Separate B-school application fees may still apply outside the CAT form.
Registration begins August 3, 2026.
Registration closes September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
CAT 2026 is scheduled for November 29, 2026.
Admit cards are scheduled from November 4, 2026.
The result is expected by the first week of January 2027.
Suppose three students are applying for CAT 2026:
Student A: General category
CAT fee = ₹2,700
Student B: EWS category
CAT fee = ₹2,700
Student C: SC category
CAT fee = ₹1,350
The fact that Student B belongs to EWS does not reduce the application fee to ₹1,350. The lower fee applies to the categories specified in the CAT fee structure, namely SC, ST and PwD/PwBD candidates.
Now suppose Student A selects multiple IIM programmes in the CAT application.
The student does not pay ₹2,700 for every IIM. The CAT registration fee is paid once through the application.
The CAT 2026 registration fee is ₹2,700 for General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates. It is ₹1,350 for SC, ST and PwD/PwBD candidates.
General category candidates need to pay ₹2,700 for CAT 2026 registration.
EWS candidates need to pay ₹2,700 for CAT 2026. They do not fall under the ₹1,350 registration fee category.
NC-OBC candidates need to pay ₹2,700 for CAT 2026 registration.
SC candidates need to pay ₹1,350 for CAT 2026 registration.
ST candidates need to pay ₹1,350 for CAT 2026 registration.
PwD/PwBD candidates need to pay ₹1,350 for CAT 2026 registration.
No. The CAT 2026 registration fee is non-refundable.
No. The CAT registration fee is paid once and is not charged separately for every IIM selected through the CAT application.
The CAT registration fee itself is paid once. Candidates should nevertheless check individual IIM and non-IIM application requirements because separate institute-level applications or charges can exist outside the CAT registration payment.
CAT 2026 registration starts on August 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM.
The last date to submit the CAT 2026 application is September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
CAT 2026 is scheduled for November 29, 2026.
CAT 2026 admit cards are scheduled to be available from November 4, 2026.
The CAT 2026 result is expected to be declared by the first week of January 2027.
Yes. Final-year undergraduate students can apply subject to the eligibility conditions specified for CAT 2026.
There is no upper age limit for appearing in CAT 2026.
The general minimum qualifying requirement is 50% in the bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification. For SC, ST and PwD/PwBD candidates, the minimum is 45%, subject to the detailed eligibility conditions.
The CAT application uses online payment options. UPI is among the payment methods reported for CAT registration. Candidates should follow the options displayed on the official payment page at the time of registration.
The application is not complete until the required fee has been successfully paid and the application is submitted according to the CAT portal's instructions. Candidates should check their payment and application status rather than assuming that a saved form is a completed application.
Check the application and payment status before attempting another payment. If money has been deducted, keep the transaction reference and follow the official payment-support instructions.
The CAT 2026 registration fee is non-refundable.
No. The CAT registration fee is separate from any application fee charged directly by individual B-schools.
No. Coaching, books, mock tests and test series are separate expenses.
No. The CAT fee is only the examination application fee. MBA tuition, hostel, living expenses and other institutional charges are separate.
Yes. The fee for General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates increased from ₹2,600 in CAT 2025 to ₹2,700 in CAT 2026. The fee for SC, ST and PwD candidates increased from ₹1,300 to ₹1,350.
Yes. CAT 2024 had a fee of ₹2,500 for candidates other than SC, ST and PwD and ₹1,250 for SC, ST and PwD candidates. CAT 2026 fees are ₹2,700 and ₹1,350 respectively.
The CAT 2026 Fees are straightforward: ₹2,700 for General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates and ₹1,350 for SC, ST and PwD/PwBD candidates. The fee has increased from the previous year's ₹2,600 and ₹1,300 slabs, and it is non-refundable.
The more important part is completing the application correctly. CAT 2026 registration is open from August 3 to September 15, 2026, with the final submission deadline at 5:00 PM on September 15. The examination is scheduled for November 29, 2026.
Candidates should not wait until the final day to pay the CAT registration fee. Keep your documents ready, verify your category, enter academic and work-experience information carefully, select test cities thoughtfully and review the entire form before making the payment.
Most importantly, remember that the CAT application fee is only the cost of registering for the examination. It does not guarantee an IIM shortlist or admission, and it does not replace any separate application requirements that individual B-schools may have.
For the latest CAT 2026 application instructions, candidates should always refer to the official CAT portal:
The CAT 2026 fee, registration schedule and examination information in this article has been cross-checked against current 2026 reporting based on the CAT notification and official CAT portal information.
Historical CAT 2024 and CAT 2025 fee figures are included only to explain the change in the registration fee and are clearly identified by year.
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