Updated 28 September 2026. Confirm current figures on iimcat.ac.in.
The CAT 2026 application fee is ₹2,700 for General, EWS and OBC (NCL) candidates and ₹1,350 for SC, ST and PwD candidates. The fee is paid online during registration, is non-refundable, and is ₹100 higher than CAT 2025 for the General category (₹2,600). CAT 2026 registration closed on 22 September 2026.
CAT 2026 fee by category
| Category | CAT 2026 fee |
|---|---|
| General | ₹2,700 |
| EWS | ₹2,700 |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | ₹2,700 |
| SC | ₹1,350 |
| ST | ₹1,350 |
| PwD | ₹1,350 |
OBC candidates pay the same fee as General candidates — there is no separate OBC concession. The OBC-NCL and EWS categories matter later, for reserved seats at IIMs, not for the fee. Details: CAT fees for OBC and reservation in CAT.
What the CAT fee covers
- Your CAT 2026 application and one attempt at the exam on 29 November 2026.
- Applying to the IIMs through the common CAT process. Several IIM programmes are included in the single application; some institutes run separate applications with their own fees.
- It does not cover non-IIM B-schools that accept CAT scores (FMS, MDI, SPJIMR, IITs and others). Each of these has its own application form and fee.
How the fee is paid
- Fill in the application form on iimcat.ac.in during the registration window.
- Pay online by credit card, debit card or net banking. Keep the transaction reference.
- Download the payment confirmation from your dashboard. The fee is not refunded if you do not take the exam.
CAT fee over recent years
| Year | General / EWS / OBC | SC / ST / PwD |
|---|---|---|
| CAT 2026 | ₹2,700 | ₹1,350 |
| CAT 2025 | ₹2,600 | ₹1,300 |
Registered? Here is what comes next
The admit card is scheduled for release on 4 November 2026 and the exam is on 29 November 2026. Read the CAT 2026 admit card and exam-day guide, check your mock scores against past years with the CAT percentile predictor, and practise with the CAT test series.
Frequently asked questions
What is the CAT 2026 exam fee?
₹2,700 for General, EWS and OBC-NCL candidates and ₹1,350 for SC, ST and PwD candidates, paid online during registration.
Is the CAT fee different for OBC candidates?
No. OBC (NCL) candidates pay ₹2,700, the same as General and EWS candidates. Only SC, ST and PwD candidates pay the reduced ₹1,350 fee.
Is the CAT application fee refundable?
No. The CAT application fee is non-refundable, including if you do not appear for the exam.
Can I still pay the CAT 2026 fee?
No. Registration and fee payment for CAT 2026 closed on 22 September 2026. The next opportunity is CAT 2027, expected to open around August 2027.