The CAT 2026 application fee has been revised with the release of the official notification.
Candidates belonging to the General, EWS and NC-OBC categories will now pay ₹2,700, while the registration fee for SC, ST and PwBD candidates has been increased to ₹1,350.
Although the CAT Exam 2026 fee hike is modest, it is an important update for aspirants planning their MBA application budget. This is especially for those appearing for multiple management entrance exams this year.
Candidates can apply online from August 3, 2026 (10:00 AM IST) until September 15, 2026 (5:00 PM IST) only at the official website.
Read ahead to know the revised CAT 2026 fee structure, detailed comparison and other relevant details related to fee payment.
CAT 2026 Application Fee Increased: Overview
Here are the key highlights of CAT application fees 2026 shared below for reference:
| Particular | Details |
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 |
| Fee Revision Status | Revised |
| General, EWS & NC-OBC | ₹2,700 |
| SC, ST & PwBD | ₹1,350 |
| Mode of Payment | Online |
| Payment Frequency | One-time payment during registration |
| Refund Policy | Non-refundable |
CAT 2026 Application Fee Increased
The CAT 2026 notification introduces a revision in the registration fee for all categories. Compared to the previous admission cycle, General category candidates will pay ₹100 more, while the fee for SC, ST and PwBD candidates has increased by ₹50.
The revised fee applies to all candidates registering for CAT 2026, irrespective of the number of IIMs or participating institutes they intend to apply to using their CAT score.
CAT 2025 vs CAT 2026 Application Fee
Check the key comparison of CAT 2025 vs CAT 2026 application fee shared below:
| Category | CAT 2025 | CAT 2026 | Increase |
| Other Candidates | ₹2,600 | ₹2,700 | ₹100 |
| SC, ST & PwBD | ₹1,300 | ₹1,350 | ₹50 |
Key Takeaways
- General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates will pay ₹2,700.
- SC, ST and PwBD candidates will pay ₹1,350.
- The increase is ₹100 for Other Candidates and ₹50 for SC, ST and PwBD candidates.
- The revised fee is applicable for the CAT 2026 admission cycle.
CAT 2026 Category-Wise Registration Fee
Candidates can find the category-wise CAT 2026 registration fee in the table below:
| Category | Registration Fee |
| General | ₹2,700 |
| EWS | ₹2,700 |
| NC-OBC | ₹2,700 |
| SC | ₹1,350 |
| ST | ₹1,350 |
| PwBD | ₹1,350 |
What Does the CAT Registration Fee Cover?
The CAT application fee is charged to process your online application and registration for the examination. A single payment allows you to:
- Register for the CAT 2026 examination.
- Select up to five preferred test cities.
- Download your admit card once released.
- Appear in the CAT 2026 exam
- You need to pay the registration fee only once, regardless of the number of participating institutes you plan to apply to through your CAT score.
CAT 2026 Payment Methods
The CAT registration fee can be paid online while submitting the application form. Complete the payment only after reviewing all the details entered in the application form.
Candidates can use the payment options available on the registration portal, such as:
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Net Banking
- UPI
- Other online payment options available during registration
Is the CAT 2026 Application Fee Refundable?
No. Once the CAT registration fee has been paid successfully, it cannot be refunded. The fee also cannot be adjusted to a future CAT examination.
Therefore, candidates should verify their eligibility and review the application form carefully before making the payment.
Should the Fee Hike Affect Your CAT 2026 Plans?
For most aspirants, the revised fee is unlikely to change the decision to appear for CAT.
However, if you are planning to take multiple MBA entrance exams such as XAT, SNAP, NMAT or CMAT, it is worth preparing an application budget in advance.
Knowing the CAT registration cost of each exam can help you avoid unexpected expenses during the admission season.
CAT 2026 Application Fee Increased: Important Points
- The revised application fee is applicable only for CAT 2026.
- Candidates need to pay the fee only once during registration.
- The fee varies according to the candidate’s category.
- The payment must be completed online before the application deadline.
- The registration fee is non-refundable after successful payment.
Conclusion
The CAT 2026 application fee has been revised, making it one of the key updates in this year’s notification. While the increase is relatively small, candidates should check the revised category-wise charges before the registration process. Along with completing your application on time, start preparing for the exam.
You must give enough time for concept revision, sectional practice and full-length mock tests. If you are targeting a top percentile in CAT 2026, MBA KARO CAT Online Coaching can help you with structured study plans, recorded lectures, mock analysis and personalised mentoring to strengthen your preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CAT 2026 application fee for General candidates?
General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates need to pay ₹2,700.
What is the CAT 2026 application fee for SC, ST and PwBD candidates?
The registration fee for SC, ST and PwBD candidates is ₹1,350.
By how much has the CAT application fee increased?
The fee has increased by ₹100 for Other Candidates and ₹50 for SC, ST and PwBD candidates compared to CAT 2025.
Do I need to pay the fee separately for each IIM?
No. You need to pay the CAT registration fee only once, irrespective of the number of participating institutes you apply to through your CAT score.
Can I get a refund if I do not appear for the exam?
No. The CAT application fee is non-refundable after payment is successfully made.
When do I have to pay the CAT 2026 registration fee?
The fee must be paid during the online application process before submitting the registration form.
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