CAT Registration Fees 2025: On July 27, 2025, the authorities announced that CAT 2025 application fees have gone up across all categories. General, EWS, and OBC‑NCL applicants will now pay INR 2,600, while SC, ST, and PwD candidates will be charged INR 1,300, a rise of about 4 per cent compared with last year.
Candidates can fill out CAT Application Form 2025 on August 1, 2025, at 10:00 AM, and the window will close on September 13, 2025, at 5:00 PM. All submissions must be made online via the official portal i.e., iimcat.ac.in. IIM Kozhikode is overseeing this year’s exam. Please double‑check every detail before you hit “Submit,” as fees are non‑refundable under any circumstance, even if you withdraw your application or it’s rejected.
CAT 2025 Registration Fee for All Categories
The registration fee for CAT 2025 differs by category and applies to all candidates taking the exam. This fee includes GST and is charged once for each application, regardless of the number of IIMs or programs selected.
Candidates should ensure timely payment within the registration window to avoid any inconvenience.
CAT Registration Fee Trends (2019–2025)
Over the past several years, CAT application fees have crept up gradually. Although sources vary on the exact 2019 rates, some cite INR 1,900 for General/OBC/EWS and INR 950 for SC/ST/PwD, others INR 2,000 and INR 1,000, the upward trajectory from 2020 onward is unmistakable.
Between 2019 and 2025, fees for both General and reserved categories have climbed by nearly 37 per cent. This gradual hike helps cover the rising costs of organising CAT across multiple cities and test centres.
Check CAT Eligibility Criteria 2025
CAT Exam Dates 2025
These are the essential dates that every CAT 2025 aspirant must note. All timelines are based on the official notification published by IIM Kozhikode on July 27, 2025, including the exam fee schedule.
Check CAT Exam Dates 2025
Mode of CAT 2025 Fee Payment
Candidates registering for CAT 2025 must pay their fees online, offline methods such as challans or cash deposits won’t be accepted. Make sure you have access to a device with internet connectivity.
The payment portal supports a variety of digital wallets and banking options. You can use credit or debit cards (Visa, MasterCard), net banking for a direct transfer, or mobile payment apps like UPI, Paytm, and PhonePe.
After the transaction goes through, candidates will receive a confirmation via email and SMS. Be sure to keep those messages handy for records.
Important Payment Instructions for CAT 2025
Candidates should complete their application and payment well in advance of the deadline to avoid delays caused by heavy traffic on the payment portal. Attempting to make a payment on the last day may result in slow processing or timeouts.
It is essential to use a personal and active email address, as well as a mobile number that the candidate checks regularly. These contacts will receive OTPs (One-Time Passwords) to verify the payment securely.
If a payment does not go through successfully, candidates should try again using a different payment method. Changing browsers or devices often fixes technical issues that may occur during transactions.
Once the payment is accepted, save or download the payment receipt immediately. This document serves as proof of payment and may be required in the event of any future issues.
CAT Fee Refund Policy 2025
The fee paid during CAT registration is non-refundable. This rule applies whether there are mistakes in the application or if the candidate is later disqualified. No refunds will be given if a candidate does not attend the exam for any reason. Additionally, if multiple payments are made in error, refunds will only be issued if the transaction has been unsuccessful. Otherwise, the registration fee is lost.
What Happens If Payment Is Not Confirmed?
Candidates must avoid submitting multiple application forms. If the payment status shows as pending or unclear, it is advised to contact the CAT Helpdesk for resolution immediately. Reaching out via the official helpline number or email ensures proper assistance and avoids duplication of applications.
Helpline: 1-800-210-0175 Email: cathelpdesk@iimcat.co.in
