CAT Exam Fees 2025 – Registration, Category Wise Fees and Payment Details

The official CAT notification is out. So, you’re planning to appear for the CAT 2025 exam, and one of the first things you might wonder about is the CAT exam fee. The CAT application fee varies for General, OBC, SC, ST, and PwD candidates. Knowing the exact CAT form price in advance will help you avoid last-minute confusion during registration.

In this guide, we break down the CAT exam registration fees 2025 category wise. We’ll explain the payment process and highlight important instructions every aspirant should follow. We’ll also compare the CAT entrance exam fees with other MBA entrance exams in India. And give you better clarity before you apply.

CAT Application Fees 2025 – Overview

The CAT exam fees 2025 vary depending on the candidate’s category. The starting date to apply for the CAT 2025 exam is August 1, 2025, and the last date is September 13, 2025. Below is the official CAT exam registration fee 2025:

The CAT entrance exam fees must only be paid online. You may use a debit/credit card, net banking, or UPI during the CAT registration process.

The CAT application fee for 2025 varies by category of candidate. This ensures that the exam remains accessible while maintaining fairness in the admission process. Below is the category-wise breakdown of CAT exam fees:

1. CAT Exam Fees for General & EWS Category

• The CAT exam fees for General candidates and Economically Weaker Section (EWS) applicants are ₹2,600.
• Candidates in this category usually pay the highest CAT entrance exam fees, as seen in previous years.

2. CAT Exam Fees for OBC-NCL Candidates

• The CAT exam fees for the OBC (Other Backward Class – Non-Creamy Layer) category are ₹1,300.
• To avail a fee concession, under this category, the candidate must have the required documents. Failure to provide the required documents during the time of document verification will result in the cancellation of your candidature. So arrange for the documents in advance.

3. CAT Exam Fees for SC, ST & PwD Candidates

• The CAT exam fees for SC candidates, ST category candidates, and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) are also  ₹1,300.
• This makes the process affordable and inclusive, ensuring all deserving students can attempt the exam. However, keep the required documents ready in advance to avoid any discrepancies.

4. Additional Charges

• Apart from the CAT form price, candidates should also consider:
  • Transaction charges depend on the chosen payment method (Credit/Debit Card, UPI, or Net Banking).
  • No separate charges are levied for selecting IIMs. Candidates can choose as many IIMs as they like within the same fee.

CAT Registration 2025: Important Date

CAT Registration Fees 2025 – How to Pay Online

Paying the CAT exam registration fees 2025 is a simple online process. Candidates must complete the payment before submitting the application form. The registration will only be considered successful then. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Visit the Official CAT Website

• Go to the official CAT 2025 portal (iimcat.ac.in).
• Click on the “New Candidate Registration” tab to register as a new candidate. Here’s the link: New Candidate Registration

Step 2: Fill the CAT Application Form

• Complete personal, academic, and work experience details.
• Select your preferred IIM programs and test cities.

Step 3: Proceed to Fee Payment

• Once the form is filled out, click on the ‘Payment’ tab.
• The system will automatically show your applicable CAT application fee (category-wise).

Step 4: Choose a Payment Method

You can pay the CAT form price using:

• Credit Card (Visa/Mastercard/RuPay)
• Debit Card (Visa/Mastercard/RuPay)
• Net Banking
• UPI / Wallets

Note: The CAT exam registration fee is accepted only online. No offline payment options are available.

Step 5: Confirm Transaction & Download Receipt

• After successful payment, a confirmation page will be displayed.
• Download and save the fee receipt for future reference.
• Only after this step, your CAT 2025 application form will be considered submitted.

What is the Refund and Cancellation Policy of the CAT Application Form 2025?

When it comes to the CAT exam fees 2025, candidates often wonder if the fee is refundable. When they decide not to appear for the exam or make an error during registration. Here are the official guidelines:

1. No Refund of CAT Exam Fees

• Once the CAT registration fees are paid, they cannot be refunded under any circumstances.
• This applies to all categories – General, OBC, SC, ST, and PwD candidates.

2. No Cancellation After Payment

• After successful payment, the CAT application form cannot be cancelled.
• Even if a candidate decides not to sit for the exam, the CAT form fees will not be refunded.

3. Non-Transferable Fees

• The CAT entrance exam fees are strictly non-transferable.
• A candidate cannot transfer their registration or exam fee to another person.

4. Exceptions

The only possible exception is if a technical error occurs at the payment gateway, resulting in double deduction. In such cases:

• The extra amount is usually refunded automatically to the candidate’s account within a few working days.
• If not, candidates must raise a ticket with the CAT helpdesk and provide transaction details.

Key Takeaway: Candidates must double-check all details before submitting the form. Please note that the CAT exam fees 2025 are strictly non-refundable and non-cancellable.

Is there any provision of a late fee for the CAT Exam 2025?

Many aspirants often ask whether IIMs provide an option to pay the CAT exam fees with a late fee if they miss the registration deadline. Here’s what you need to know:

1. No Late Fee Facility

• The CAT exam 2025 does not ALLOW candidates to pay a late fee under any condition.
• Once the CAT registration window is closed, no additional time or late fee option is provided.

For this year, the CAT 2025 registration window is open from August 1, 2025, to September 13, 2025, till 5:00 PM IST. Please fill out the form well within the deadline.

2. Strict Registration Deadline

• The CAT application form 2025 must be submitted within the official deadline announced by IIMs.
• Even a few minutes past the closing time means the system automatically locks. And no further submissions are accepted.

3. What Should Candidates Do?

• Aspirants should register well in advance to avoid last-minute rush and technical glitches.
• Keep the required documents (category certificate, scanned photo, signature) ready before filling the form.
• Avoid waiting till the final day, as servers often get overloaded.

Key Takeaway: There is no provision of any late fee for the CAT exam 2025. Candidates must complete their registration and fee payment within the official deadline to avoid disqualification.

CAT Application Form Correction Window 2025

Yes, IIMs provide a CAT application form correction window every year after the registration process is completed. However, this facility is only available to candidates who have already registered and paid the fees.

1. When Does the Correction Window Open?

• The CAT form correction window 2025 is usually available for 2–3 days after registrations close. This year, it will be available after September 13, after the registrations close.
• Based on last year’s pattern, the correction window is likely to open this year in the last week of September. The dates are likely to be September 27, 2025, to September 30, 2025.
• However, please continue to check the official website. The exact dates will be announced there.

2. Specific details correction

Candidates are allowed to edit specific details only.

• Uploaded Photograph– if blurred or incorrect
• Uploaded Signature – if blurred or incorrect.
• Test City Preferences – to update/change exam centre choices.

3. Who Can Access the Correction Window?

• Only candidates who have successfully registered and paid the CAT application fee 2025 are eligible.
• The correction window is not an extension for filling out the CAT application.
• Fresh registrations are not allowed during this period.

4. How to Make Corrections?

• Log in to the official CAT website using your User ID & Password.
• Navigate to the Form Correction Tab.
• Upload the corrected photo/signature or change test city preferences.
• Re-check all details carefully before final submission.

5. Why is it Important?

• To rectify the blurred or incorrect photograph or signature
• In case you have selected the wrong test city centre.

Key Takeaway: There is a provision for the CAT form correction 2025. However, it is limited to photo, signature, and test city preferences only. Candidates should carefully complete the application form on their first attempt to avoid last-minute issues.

CAT Exam Fees Compared to Other MBA Entrance Exams

The CAT exam fees 2025 may seem slightly high compared to some other MBA entrance tests. However, it is important to remember that CAT is the gateway to all IIMs and several top B-Schools in India. Aspirants often appear for multiple management entrance exams, so comparing fee structures helps in effective planning.

Common Mistakes and Queries Related to CAT Exam Fees

Many candidates face confusion during the CAT registration process, especially regarding CAT exam fees. Here are some common mistakes candidates make:

• Entering incorrect category details (General instead of OBC/SC/ST/PwD) → Leads to paying higher fees; fees once paid are non-refundable.
• Using a slow or unstable internet connection during payment → may result in a failed transaction or double deduction.
• Waiting until the last date → Payment gateways often slow down due to heavy traffic; it’s best to pay early.
• Not saving the payment receipt/confirmation page
• Using unsupported payment modes
• Skipping cross-check of personal details before paying fees → Leads to mismatches that can affect admit card generation.