CAT 2026 exam fee is INR 2,700 for General category candidates, while applicants from Reserved categories (SC, ST, PwD) need to pay INR 1,350. The CAT 2026 registration process has already started, and candidates must complete the fee payment while submitting the CAT application form online. Payment of the registration fee is a mandatory step, and the window will remain open until September 15, 2026. In this article, we provide complete details about CAT 2026 fees and payment guidelines.
CAT Exam 2026 Fees Increased
The CAT exam fee has been revised once again for 2026. CAT exam continues its annual increment policy, raising the fee by INR 100 for candidates in the Unreserved category and by INR 50 for those in the Reserved categories. The table below highlights the CAT exam fee structure over the past five years, showing the year‑on‑year changes.
| Exam Year | General / EWS / NC-OBC | SC / ST / PwD |
| 2025 | INR 2,600 | INR 1,300 |
| 2024 | INR 2,500 | INR 1,250 |
| 2023 | INR 2,400 | INR 1,200 |
| 2022 | INR 2,300 | INR 1,150 |
| 2021 | INR 2,200 | INR 1,200 |
CAT Exam Fees 2026 for General / EWS / OBC
The CAT 2026 exam fee for candidates from the General, EWS, and OBC categories is higher compared to other categories. The table below outlines the fee amount applicable to male and female candidates of these categories:
| Category | CAT Fees |
| General | INR 2,700 |
| General-EWS | INR 2,700 |
| NC-OBC | INR 2,700 |
CAT Exam Fees for SC / ST / PwD
For CAT 2026, the exam fee for candidates belonging to SC, ST, and PwD categories is lower compared to applicants from the Unreserved categories. The table below presents the fee amount applicable to male and female candidates from these categories:
| Category | CAT Fees |
| SC | INR 1,350 |
| ST | INR 1,350 |
| PwD | INR 1,350 |
CAT Registration Fees for IIMs
Unlike exams such as XAT or SNAP, CAT 2026 does not require candidates to pay any additional fee for selecting IIM campuses or specific courses. Aspirants can choose multiple IIMs and programs within the CAT 2026 application form without incurring extra charges. The Personal Interview (PI) shortlisting will be based on the campuses and courses selected during registration. Candidates should note that there is no separate option to apply to IIMs later; all selections must be made while filling out the CAT application form.
CAT Registration Fee 2026: Mode of Payment
CAT 2026 registration fee can only be paid through online mode. There is no facility to make the payment in cash or via demand draft. While submitting the CAT 2026 application form, candidates must choose one of the available online payment options:
- Debit/Credit Card
- Net Banking
- UPI
CAT 2026 Registration Process: Pay the Exam Fees
To apply for the CAT 2026, candidates must complete the online registration process through the official IIM CAT portal. Follow the steps below to ensure a smooth application submission:
- Visit the official website of CAT 2026 at https://iimcat.ac.in/.
- Under New Candidate Registration, select the “Register” option.
- From there, you can access the CAT application form.
- Enter personal, academic, and work experience details accurately.
- Upload your preferred exam centre and IIM campuses/courses during registration.
- Complete the online payment: INR 2,700 for General/EWS/OBC and INR 1,350 for SC/ST/PwD.
- Review all details, submit the application, and download the confirmation page for future reference.
Important Notes About CAT Exam Fees
CAT 2026 aspirants should carefully check the following points while filling out the application form:
- Application Cost: The CAT fee is relatively high, so candidates must avoid mistakes in the application form as the amount is non‑
- Form Correct Window: Only test city, photo, and signature can be edited. Errors in other sections require refilling the form and repaying the fee.
- Fee Payment Timing: Candidates may fill the CAT 2026 application form first and pay later, but payment must be completed before the registration deadline.
- Mandatory Payment: Non‑payment of the registration fee will result in non‑submission of the form.
- Acknowledgement Slip: After fee payment, ensure the acknowledgement slip is generated before closing the payment window.
- Helpdesk Support: For fee‑related issues, contact the examination helpdesk at 1‑800‑210‑0175 (Toll Free).
FAQs – CAT 2026 Registration Fees
Ques: Why is the CAT fee revised every year?
Ans: The CAT exam fee is revised annually by IIMCAT to cover administrative costs, technology upgrades, and exam infrastructure. Typically, the fee increases by INR 100 for General/EWS/OBC candidates and INR 50 for SC/ST/PwD candidates, reflecting inflation and operational expenses.
Ques: Can I apply to multiple IIMs without paying extra?
Ans: Yes, CAT 2026 allows aspirants to select multiple IIM campuses and courses within the same application form. There is no additional fee for choosing more than one IIM or program, making the process cost‑effective for candidates.
Ques: What happens if I miss the CAT 2026 fee payment deadline?
Ans: If the fee is not paid before the last date of registration (September 15, 2026), the application will be considered incomplete and rejected. Non‑payment of the CAT fee directly results in non‑submission of the form.
