What Is the Application Fee for CAT?
KF
Team Kampus Filter
Student College Research Team
Updated: September 20262 min read
Quick Summary
CAT Fee: ₹1,350–₹2,700 (Category Dependent)
For the CAT 2026-2027 cycle, the official application fee is approximately ₹2,700 for General, EWS, and NC-OBC candidates. Candidates belonging to the SC, ST, and PwBD categories are required to pay an indicative fee of ₹1,350. Always complete payments only through the official portal at iimcat.ac.in.
The Common Admission Test (CAT) registration process requires a non-refundable application fee. As of the 2026-2027 academic cycle, the fee structure has been standardized across all participating IIMs and affiliated institutions. It is essential to note that the fee is category-specific, reflecting the social inclusion policies mandated by the Government of India. Aspirants must ensure they possess valid category certificates (OBC-NCL, SC, ST, EWS) at the time of registration, as failure to provide these during document verification may lead to candidature cancellation despite successful fee payment.
The payment process is digital-only, integrated directly into the official CAT portal. Applicants should avoid third-party aggregators or 'consultancy' portals that claim to facilitate 'priority' registration, as these are often fraudulent.
Key Points for Students
- ✓General/EWS/NC-OBC: Approximately ₹2,700.
- ✓SC/ST/PwBD: Approximately ₹1,350.
- ✓Payment Modes: Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, and UPI via the official iimcat.ac.in portal.
The only authentic source for CAT information is the official website managed by the IIM conducting the exam for the current year (e.g., iimcat.ac.in). According to recent advisories from the IIMs, candidates should be hyper-vigilant against phishing websites that mirror the official interface to steal registration fees or personal data. Always verify the URL in your browser address bar before initiating any transaction. Official notifications regarding fee hikes or changes are published exclusively in leading national newspapers and on the official IIM portal. If you encounter any suspicious activity, report it immediately to the official CAT help desk email provided on the website. Kampus Filter recommends cross-referencing your registration status only through the official dashboard, ensuring your application ID is generated and acknowledged by the system.
Institutional Fee vs Placement ROI Matrix
Compare tuition fees, program duration, packages, and ROI ratings
Quick Comparison
| College / Institution | Annual Fee (Approx) | Cutoff Benchmark | Real Avg Package | Top Recruiters | ROI Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | ₹25L–₹30L (Total) | 99+ Percentile | ₹30L–₹35L LPA | BCG, McKinsey, TAS | Very High |
| IIM Bangalore | ₹24L–₹28L (Total) | 99+ Percentile | ₹28L–₹33L LPA | Goldman Sachs, Amazon | Very High |
| New IIMs (e.g., IIM Rohtak) | ₹15L–₹18L (Total) | 95+ Percentile | ₹15L–₹18L LPA | Deloitte, EY, HDFC | High |
Verified Fee Benchmarks: Figures reflect audited notifications and semester schedules.Source: Official Circulars & Mandatory Disclosures
Step-by-Step Practical Decision Framework
Actionable steps to evaluate institutions before applying
1Step 1
Verify Eligibility
Check your graduation percentage and category status against the official CAT prospectus.
2Step 2
Official Portal Registration
Register only at iimcat.ac.in; pay the fee using secure, verified banking channels.
3Step 3
ROI Assessment
Compare your target college's average placement package against the total program fee to calculate potential ROI.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to common student admission questions
Is the CAT application fee refundable?
No, the CAT application fee is non-refundable under any circumstances once the payment is successfully processed.
Can I pay the CAT fee via offline methods?
No, the CAT application fee must be paid online through the official portal using credit cards, debit cards, net banking, or UPI.
Where should I report payment issues?
If you face payment-related issues, contact the official CAT help desk via the email provided on the official iimcat.ac.in website.
Institutional Data & Fee Transparency Disclaimer
Fee structures, cutoff percentiles, and placement statistics published on Kampus Filter are compiled from official university prospectuses, NIRF statutory filings, UGC/AICTE public notifications, and institutional disclosures. All figures represent comparative historical benchmarks and are subject to periodic revisions by respective university governing bodies.
Prospective students and guardians are advised to verify current academic session fees, seat matrices, and admission deadlines directly with the official university admissions office prior to financial commitments. Kampus Filter is an independent higher education research directory and does not solicit donations or represent university administration.