CAT 2026 Fee for OBC: ₹2,700 (Same as General)

Quick Answer: CAT exam fees for OBC candidates: ₹2,700 for CAT 2026, same as General/EWS. SC, ST, PwD pay ₹1,350. OBC-NCL benefits with 27% reservation & lower IIM cut-offs. Check certificate details.

Updated 28 September 2026. Confirm on iimcat.ac.in.

OBC candidates pay ₹2,700 for CAT 2026 — the same fee as General and EWS candidates. There is no fee concession for OBC. Only SC, ST and PwD candidates pay the reduced fee of ₹1,350. CAT 2026 registration closed on 22 September 2026.

CAT 2026 fee: OBC vs other categories

Category	CAT 2026 fee
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)	₹2,700
General / EWS	₹2,700
SC / ST / PwD	₹1,350

Full breakdown, payment and refund rules: CAT 2026 exam fees.

Where the OBC category actually helps

Your category does not change the fee, but it does matter at the admission stage. IIMs follow central government reservation — 27% of seats for OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) — and usually publish lower minimum percentile cut-offs for reserved categories. To use this benefit you must have selected OBC-NCL in your CAT application and hold a valid OBC-NCL certificate in the format IIMs specify. Read reservation in CAT and IIM cut-offs for category-wise details. To ensure you're on track for your target percentile, consider using a Daily Study Planner tailored to your preparation needs. Before diving into mocks, you might want to take a Free CAT Readiness Assessment to understand your current standing.

OBC-NCL certificate: what to check

It must be an OBC Non-Creamy Layer certificate; OBC candidates in the creamy layer apply as General.
It should be valid for the admission cycle — IIMs state the acceptable issue date in their admission policies.
Keep the original ready for interviews and admission verification.
For quick revision of key concepts and formulas related to the CAT exam, check out our Flashcards.

What comes next

The CAT 2026 admit card is scheduled for 4 November 2026 and the exam is on 29 November 2026. See the admit card and exam-day guide and check your mock scores with the CAT percentile predictor. To improve your speed and accuracy before the exam, try our Practice Lab.

Tools That Help With This

Daily Study Planner: Get a personalised daily prep schedule to stay on track for CAT 2026.
Practice Lab: Improve your speed and accuracy with targeted drills and topic sets.
Flashcards: Master essential formulas and concepts with over 800 digital flashcards.
Test Series: Practice with 30 full-length CAT mocks to simulate exam conditions.
CAT Percentile Predictor: Estimate your CAT percentile based on your mock scores.

Frequently asked questions

What is the CAT 2026 fee for OBC candidates?

₹2,700, the same as for General and EWS candidates. Only SC, ST and PwD candidates pay the reduced ₹1,350 fee.

Do OBC candidates get any benefit in CAT?

Not in the fee. The benefit comes at admission: IIMs reserve 27% of seats for OBC-NCL candidates and usually apply lower cut-offs for reserved categories.

Is the CAT fee refundable for OBC candidates?

No. The CAT application fee is non-refundable for all categories.

What is the 'creamy layer' for OBC candidates?

The 'creamy layer' refers to a section of OBC candidates whose family income or social status is above a certain threshold, making them ineligible for reservation benefits. These individuals are treated as General category candidates for admissions. The income limit is currently ₹8 lakh per annum, but it's important to verify the latest government guidelines for the specific admission cycle.

Can I apply as OBC-NCL if my certificate is issued after the CAT application deadline?

While you must select OBC-NCL during your CAT application, IIMs typically specify a valid date range for the certificate in their admission policies. Often, certificates issued after the CAT application but before IIM interview rounds are accepted, provided they are in the correct format. Always check the specific IIM's admission policy for exact requirements.

What documents are required for OBC-NCL verification during IIM admissions?

Typically, you will need to present your original OBC-NCL certificate in the format specified by the Government of India, along with a self-attested copy. Some IIMs may also require an undertaking stating that you belong to the non-creamy layer. Always refer to the specific IIM's admission policy for a precise list of required documents.

How do I determine if I belong to the OBC Non-Creamy Layer?

To determine if you belong to the OBC Non-Creamy Layer, you need to check your family's gross annual income for the last three consecutive financial years. If it is below the specified threshold (currently ₹8 lakh per annum), and your parents do not hold certain high-ranking government positions, you likely qualify. Consult official government notifications for the most current criteria.

What if my state OBC certificate is different from the central government format?

IIMs only accept OBC-NCL certificates issued in the format specified by the Government of India. State-issued OBC certificates may not be valid for central government reservations. It's crucial to obtain a certificate in the central format from the appropriate authority, typically the District Magistrate or Tehsildar, to ensure eligibility for IIM admissions.

Are there any specific benefits for OBC-NCL candidates in IIM interview rounds?

While the interview process itself is generally the same for all candidates, OBC-NCL candidates benefit from lower shortlisting cut-offs for the Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds. This means a relatively lower CAT percentile might still secure an interview call compared to General category candidates. However, once in the interview, performance is assessed equally.

CAT 2026 Fees for OBC Candidates: Amount, Certificate & Benefits