The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most prestigious entrance exams in India for MBA aspirants aiming to study at top business schools like the IIMs. As the competition rises each year, it’s important to stay updated with every aspect of the exam—including the CAT exam fees, registration process, form filling, and associated deadlines.
If you’re planning to appear for the CAT 2025, understanding the CAT form fees and related expenses will help you plan your application journey more efficiently. Here’s everything you need to know.
CAT Exam Fees 2025: An Overview
The CAT exam fees is the amount every applicant has to pay while filling out the CAT application form 2025. The fees vary depending on the candidate’s category. Here are the expected charges for this year:
- General/EWS/NC-OBC candidates: INR 2500 (Approx.)
- SC/ST/PwD candidates: INR 1250 (Approx.)
Please note that the CAT registration fees for OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) is the same as the general category. This amount must be paid during the online form submission process.
What’s Included in the CAT Application Fee?
The CAT application fee covers:
- Access to the CAT online form and exam center selection.
- Submission of preferences for up to six IIMs or other B-schools.
- The right to appear for the CAT exam 2025 and obtain a CAT scorecard.
It does not cover:
- Individual application fees to IIMs (post-CAT result 2025)
- Admission process fees of non-IIM institutions
CAT Registration 2025: Key Dates & Deadline
If you’re looking to register CAT, mark your calendar for these tentative dates:
- CAT Registration Start Date: First week of August 2025
- CAT Application Last Date: Last week of September 2025
- CAT Form Correction Window: First week of October 2025
- CAT Exam Date: Last Sunday of November 2025
- CAT Result 2025 Date: First week of January 2026
Make sure to submit your CAT registration form before the final deadline. The exam body is strict with submission timelines.
How to Fill CAT Application Form 2025?
Here is a step-by-step guide to completing your CAT form:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to the IIM CAT website and click on the “Register” tab.
- Generate User ID: Provide your name, date of birth, email, and phone number to receive your login credentials.
- Log In & Fill Details:
- Personal information
- Academic qualifications
- Work experience (if applicable)
- Program preference (IIMs & courses)
- Upload Documents:
- Photograph & signature
- Caste/Disability certificate (if applicable)
- Required certificates for OBC/EWS category
- Pay CAT Exam Fees: Use online payment modes (UPI, Credit/Debit Card, or Net Banking).
- Submit Form & Download Confirmation
CAT Exam Form Fees: Payment Process
When it comes to CAT exam form fees, the payment is entirely online. The portal accepts:
- Net Banking
- Credit Card (Visa/Mastercard/RuPay)
- Debit Card
- UPI or Wallet payments
Ensure you get a confirmation of the payment and keep a screenshot or receipt for future reference.
CAT Form Price: What If the Payment Fails?
In some cases, candidates may face issues during payment. Here’s what you should do:
- Retry after some time: Payment gateways may be busy.
- Switch browser/device: Use updated browsers.
- Contact CAT Help Desk: If amount is debited but form not submitted, raise a complaint at the official CAT help desk or through the CAT helpline number provided on the website.
CAT Exam Fees for Reserved Categories
There is a significant concession in the CAT form fees for candidates belonging to reserved categories:
- SC/ST: 50% discount
- PwD: 50% discount
- OBC-NCL: No concession, same as General
To avail these, valid documentation is a must. Documents required for CAT registration include government-approved caste certificates and PwD certifications.
Documents Required for CAT Exam Registration
- Recent passport-size photograph (JPEG)
- Scanned signature
- Class 10th & 12th mark sheets
- Graduation certificate or marksheet
- Government ID proof
- Category certificate (for OBC/SC/ST/EWS)
- Disability certificate (for PwD candidates)
Make sure all documents are uploaded in the specified format and size.
CAT Scorecard & Result 2025
After successfully submitting your form and taking the test, you’ll be able to access your CAT scorecard 2025 and CAT result 2025 in January 2026. To check your CAT status, follow these steps:
- Visit the official CAT website
- Click on “Download Scorecard”
- Login using your credentials
- Download the CAT result 2025 PDF
You will find your CAT score, percentile, and section-wise performance in the CAT result score card.
Common FAQs About CAT Exam Fees
Q1. What is the CAT application fee 2025 for general category?
- INR 2500 (Tentative)
Q2. Is the CAT result declared officially on time?
- Yes, usually within the first week of January.
Q3. How can I check my CAT result 2025?
- Visit the official site and login using your CAT credentials.
Q4. What is the CAT registration fee for OBC students?
- INR 2500, same as General (no relaxation).
Q5. Is the CAT exam application fee refundable?
- No, it is non-refundable.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the CAT exam fees and related procedures is the first step in your journey toward one of India’s top B-schools. From filling out the CAT application form 2025, submitting documents, to downloading your CAT scorecard, everything is seamlessly managed online. Keep a close watch on the CAT application last date and make sure you register on time to avoid last-minute issues.
With the CAT entrance exam fees structured to accommodate candidates across various categories and an efficient online process for registration and payments, applying for CAT has become more streamlined than ever.
Start preparing early, keep your documents ready, and stay updated on the CAT exam form timeline to ensure a smooth application experience.
