CAT Exam Fees - Check Fee Structure, Steps, and Dates

CAT Exam Fees 2024: IIM Calcutta started the CAT Registration process on 2nd August 2024 for the upcoming CAT Exam. The CAT registration fees can be paid using net banking, debit or credit card, UPI payments, or other wallets. Candidates must note that there are no additional charges for making the online fee payment other than the CAT fees itself. However, standard net banking and international card charges may apply.

The CAT exam fee is the last step in the CAT application process and only those candidates who make the CAT payment will be permitted to sit for the exam. Those who do not pay the CAT form fees cannot sit for the exam as their application form is deemed incomplete without payment. After completing the payment, candidates will be able to check the fee status on the CAT 2024 website - iimcat.ac.in.

The CAT application correction window is opened for 3-4 days after the registration process is completed. IIM may charge an additional fee during this correction window depending upon the change or edit made in the CAT form.

What is the CAT Exam?

Common Admission Test also known as CAT Exam is a computer-based test (CBT) which is held for admissions in graduate management programs. It consists of three parts: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). The CAT Exam is administered by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIM).

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CAT Admit Card

CAT Important Dates

The CAT exam is scheduled for the 24th of November 2024 and will be held at various exam centers across India. The CAT registration is currently ongoing and the last date to register and apply for the exam was 20th September 2024. For reference, candidates can check the CAT registration dates below.

Check the CAT Exam Dates 2024 here

Payment of CAT Exam Fees - An Overview

• Select the desired payment method from the list.
• Go to the declaration box and Select I Agree.
• Click on the Submit and Pay button option.
• You will be redirected to the payment gateway for the final transaction.
• Enter payment details as per your preference in the boxes.
• After successful payment candidates will receive a transaction number that should be noted down.
• Once the CAT Registration Process is complete, a confirmation email from CAT authorities stating that your application has been submitted successfully.

CAT Exam Fees 2024

The CAT Exam fees for OBC and general category is INR 2500 and for special categories like  SC, ST, and PwD candidates CAT exam fees is INR 1250. This includes the IIM application fees as well as the CAT registration expenses. You do not need to pay any further money to apply to the other 20 IIMs after you have paid this sum. However, net banking and international card charges may apply. Check the detailed fee breakup for all categories tabulated below.

CAT Exam Fees - Modes of Payment

After verifying the information entered on the form, you can pay CAT Exam Fees using a credit card, debit card, or net banking. You will be led to the Application Summary with your payment transaction number after the successful payment transaction. Below mentioned are the acceptable modes of paying the CAT fees.

• Visa or MasterCard Credit Card/ Debit Card
• Net Banking
• American Express Card/ Diners Card
• UPI
• Mobile Wallets

Recommended Web Browsers to Pay CAT Exam Fees 2024

Candidates can use the following versions of web browsers to pay the application fee in a hassled freeway as the application portal is supported on these versions only.

• Mozilla Firefox (version 94 to 112)
• Google Chrome (version 88 to 113)
• Microsoft Edge (version 88 to 113)

Instructions for Online Payment of CAT Exam Fees

While making CAT registration fees via Debit Card, Credit Card, or Net Banking, candidates need to keep the following things in mind.

• Cross-check the validity of the Debit/ Credit Card and keep it ready with them while logging on to the website for submitting the application form. Candidates should enter the information asked for and make payment through a Debit/ Credit Card.
• Through Net Banking, candidates should check the minimum balance in their account and keep all credentials ready with them while logging on to the website for submitting the application form. Candidate should log in with his/her credentials of net banking and make payments through Net Banking.
• CAT Application fee includes fees for all participating IIMs and written exam fees as well. So make sure you are not disguised by fake websites and sources.

Mistakes to Avoid During CAT Registration

• The candidates must fill all the fields marked “*” during CAT 2024 Registration
• No spelling mistakes should be made as some fields cannot be edited after registration.
• Since the CAT form can be filled in multiple sessions, it is important to save it after every session to avoid losing the information already entered
• No change in the category will be entertained after CAT registration; therefore, pay close attention while registering for CAT and avoid mistakes. Use the recommended browsers to ensure successful CAT registration in 2024.
• Before the final submission of the CAT form, check all details twice. Make sure that the details in the CAT exam registration match the academic documents.

Admission to 20 IIMs via the CAT in 2024

You are qualified to enroll in any of the 20 IIMs after completing your CAT registration and taking the CAT exam. Your CAT score, academic record, employment history, and performance in selection rounds all play a role in whether you're admitted to one of the IIMs. Therefore, you will have a good probability of being accepted by the best IIMs if you have a high CAT score. The 20 IIMs for admission are as follows.

• IIM Ahmedabad
• IIM Bangalore
• IIM Calcutta
• IIM Ranchi
• IIM Kashipur
• IIM Kozhikode
• IIM Rohtak
• IIM Indore
• IIM Nagpur
• IIM Sambalpur
• IIM Sirmaur
• IIM Jammu
• IIM Shillong
• IIM Raipur
• IIM Udaipur
• IIM Amritsar
• IIM Bodhgaya
• IIM Visakhapatnam
• IIM Tiruchirappalli
• IIM Nagpur

CAT Exam Programs

You must choose the programs you want to apply for in this area. There are endless options for programs. You must choose an interview city for each program you choose.

Additionally, you must choose one of the four test cities from the drop-down option. You will be assigned one of the four preferred cities and one of the two chosen sessions after the registration deadline.

Important Points to Remember in CAT 2024

Given below are a few important pointers which the candidates must keep in mind when applying for the CAT exam.

• You must choose the relevant management programs at each of the 20 IIMs when completing the CAT 2024 online application.
• Before filling out the form, you must read the instructions very carefully that appear at the beginning of the CAT application.
• If you provide any inaccurate information on your application, your candidacy will be deemed invalid and your CAT Exam fees will be forfeited
• The registration form can be saved and returned any number of times so you can update and finish it later before submitting it.
• You can select six test locations according to your preferences for CAT 2024, keeping them in that order.

Work Experience for the CAT Exam

For those who have a work experience when taking the CAT exam, the CAT form should be filled in by mentioning the detailed experience. Candidates should consider the following points when adding work experience.

• industry and employment history (in months).
• After graduation, only full-time employment will be taken into consideration.
• Part-time employment, projects, internships, and pre-graduation employment should not be listed and will not be taken into account.

Detailed Step-by-Step Process for CAT Registration in 2024

The candidates need to follow the below step-by-step process to register for the CAT exam and pay the CAT exam fees.

Step 1: CAT Registration for 2024

• Click "Register Now" on the official website (iimcat.ac.in). Your login credentials will be generated by this.
• Fill in the boxes with the necessary information (Name, Date of Birth, Email Address, and Mobile Number). Make sure all of your information is accurate, especially your contact information, to avoid any issues getting test-related information. Fill out the fields on the CAT registration/application form by following the directions below:
  • Name -. The name should match what is on your SSC or 10th Standard certificate. If your name changes as a result of marriage or for any other reason, you must provide supporting documentation, such as a court affidavit or marriage certificate.
  • Date of birth - Use caution while entering your date of birth on the digital calendar.
  • Email address - The email address needs to be legitimate. This email address will receive the CAT ID/username. Both the Username and Password will be emailed to international candidates.
  • Cell Phone number: The mobile number provided must be legitimate because it will be used to send an SMS containing the password. The number should have 10 digits and be based in India.

Step 2: Access the CAT website

The following step is to fill out your CAT application form on the official website by logging in using your system-generated User ID and Password. A new password will be provided to your registered email address if you click the "Forgot Password" link on the "Existing User" login box. Before filling out the entire application form, keep the following instructions in mind.

• All fields with a '*' next to them must be filled out.
• You must fill out all essential fields and submit scanned versions of all required papers.
• Click "Save & Continue" to save your changes before moving on to the next section.
• To go to the next field, click the mouse rather than pressing the "Tab" key.
• By checking in to the next session, you can complete the application procedure over several sessions. However, before logging out of the previous sessions, double-check that the application form fields were correctly saved.
• You won't be able to make any changes to the information or documents you submit after paying the application cost.

 Step 3: Fill out and submit the CAT Registration Form 2024

You can begin filling out the CAT application form once you log in. The form typically has the following five sections.

• It contains the following information: name, father's/husband's/name, guardian's mother's name, date of birth, gender, category, communication address, mobile number, and email address of the candidate.
• The candidate who falls under the SC, ST, or OBC categories must supply information about their caste or tribe, including its name, state or UT, and serial number.
• Furthermore, a scanned copy of each of the following papers must be uploaded:
  • A passport-size photo and your signature, together with a PWD/DA certificate, if necessary for the category.

Academics

You must submit your previous academic records for the details of the SSC/10th standard or its equivalent, the HSC/12th standard or its equivalent, the bachelor's degree, the master's degree, and any other professional degrees.

CAT Exam Fees Over the Years

The CAT exam fee has seen significant changes over the years and has seen both an increase in the fee as well as a decrease. The changes in the CAT form fees over the years have been presented below. 

• For 2022, the CAT registration fee was increased from INR 2200 to INR 2300 and from INR 1100 to INR 1150 respectively.
• In 2021, CAT Registration Fees were increased from INR 2000 to INR 2200 for the GN category and from INR 1000 to INR 1100 for SC/ST/PwD.
• The registration fee for the CAT exam witnessed a rise in 2018 when the application fee was increased from INR 1800 to INR 1900 for General candidates whereas for SC/ST/PwD candidates the fee was increased from INR 900 to INR 950. 
• Furthermore, new fee payment methods like PayTm and BillDesk were added to the list.

In case of any query regarding CAT Registration Fee candidates may contact the authorities at 1800-2663-549 or cathelpdesk@iimcat.ac.in.