CAT Fees (India)
Use this guide to understand CAT fee mechanics, including cost structure, budgeting considerations, and how deadlines affect what you pay. Always confirm the exact amounts in the official CAT portal (iimcat.ac.in) Dates and Fees tool before submitting payment.
For step-by-step registration instructions, refer to the CAT registration guide. To plan your exam window and preparation timeline, review the CAT exam dates and schedule along with the CAT study plan.
Official Fees and Where to Verify
Use the official CAT portal (iimcat.ac.in) Dates and Fees page as your source of truth for exact amounts. Fees can change by exam window, registration tier, and policy updates.
Last updated: April 2026
- Confirm the current registration fee for your category (General / NC-OBC / SC / ST / PwD etc.) against the official notification.
- Check registration tier (early vs standard) for your chosen window.
- Review policy notes and terms before checkout.
- Re-check the official tool on payment day to avoid stale screenshots or blogs.
Official source: iimcat.ac.in (registration and fee notification).
Early vs Standard Registration and Key Deadlines
Fee planning starts with timing. Earlier registration windows are usually priced lower than later windows, and center availability is generally better when you schedule early.
| Decision Point | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Exam Window Selection | Pick your target month first, then lock deadline milestones. |
| Registration Tier | Confirm whether you can still access early-tier pricing. |
| Post-Registration Scheduling | Schedule your seat quickly because preferred slots fill first. |
Taxes and Exchange Rates: How to Budget in India
Most candidates pay CAT registration in INR through the official payment flow. Your bank may add convenience charges or taxes depending on card and issuer rules—check the checkout summary before confirming.
- Check whether taxes are applied in your checkout flow.
- Estimate the debited amount including any convenience fee shown at payment time.
- Add a small buffer if you split prep purchases (tests, books, travel) across multiple weeks.
- Budget non-fee items separately: prep tools, mocks, and exam-day logistics.
Rescheduling Fee and When It Applies
Rescheduling is typically a paid action and should be treated as contingency cost, not default behavior.
Correction windows, refunds, and slot-change rules are published with each CAT cycle on iimcat.ac.in. Treat any third-party fee summary as unofficial until it matches the live portal.
Reference: iimcat.ac.in — fee and registration rules.
Total Cost of Prep Options (Beyond Exam Fees)
Most candidates underestimate total prep spend by focusing only on registration. Use a full-stack budget view.
| Cost Layer | Typical Role in Your Plan | Budget Risk If Ignored |
|---|---|---|
| Official CAT registration | Required registration and policy-linked costs. | Payment surprises near deadlines. |
| Learning resources | Books, courses, and targeted QA/VARC/DILR material. | Overpaying for content you cannot finish. |
| Mock and Practice Infrastructure | Pacing, revision loops, and confidence checks. | Weak exam readiness despite content coverage. |
How PrepGen.ai Helps You Control Prep Costs
PrepGen.ai helps keep your prep cost efficient by moving you from random study to targeted practice loops.
- Free plan access allows early fit-check before spending on paid prep.
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Review current plan options on the professional pricing page.
FAQs
What is the exact CAT fee right now?
Exact CAT registration amounts change year to year and are published with the official notification on iimcat.ac.in. Confirm fee, category eligibility, and payment deadlines in the live portal before you pay.
Does tax apply for candidates in India?
Taxes may apply based on location and payment profile. Confirm applicable taxes in the official checkout flow before final payment.
Is there a CAT registration correction or rescheduling fee?
Policy varies by year—slot changes, corrections, and refunds are governed by the conducting IIM's published rules on iimcat.ac.in. Verify the current fee table and deadlines before you submit changes.
How should I budget total prep cost, not just exam fees?
Budget in layers: official program fees, prep resources, mock practice, and exam-day logistics.
Is PrepGen.ai affiliated with the official CAT portal (iimcat.ac.in)?
No. PrepGen.ai is an independent prep platform and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the official CAT portal (iimcat.ac.in).