CAT exam fees 2025 hiked - check reasons here

The CAT notification has been released by IIM Kozhikode for CAT 2025, and the CAT exam fees has been increased again this year. Candidates must pay this CAT fees online and must pay only once, irrespective of the number of institutes they are applying for. The CAT exam fees is increased by some percentage every year and done for all categories.

As per the new CAT fees, the General and OBC category must pay INR 2600 and the SC/ST category must pay INR 1300 online. Read the article further to know more about this hike in the CAT exam fees.

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CAT Exam New Fees

Candidates can check the new CAT exam fees below.

CAT Exam Fees Increased for 2025 → What You Need to Know

Given below are some implications and the consequences of the CAT exam fees and the hike implemented.

Fee Revision & Why It Matters

The CAT 2025 registration fee has been increased:

• ₹ 2600 for General/EWS/NC‑OBC category (up ₹100 from ₹2500 in 2024)
• ₹ 1300 for SC/ST/PwD category (up ₹50 from ₹1250 in 2024)

This marks a consistent pattern of modest annual hikes—roughly 4–5% per year, totaling about 30% increase over five years.

Also View → CAT previous year question papers PDF download

Official Announcement Timeline

• The notification was released by IIMKozhikode, the conducting body, via a newspaper advertisement on July 27, 2025.
• Registration window opens on August 1, 2025 and closes on September 13,2025.

Exam Date & Context

• CAT 2025 will be held on November 30, 2025 (Sunday), across over 170 test cities with three shifts on the same day.
• The exam format, pattern, and section-wise structure remain unchanged.

Implications for Aspirants

• While the fee increase may appear minor, it adds to the overall expense, especially for students applying to multiple MBA entrance exams.
• Transaction charges are additional:
• The fee is non‑refundable, even if you withdraw, edit the form, or cancel your appearance.

Also check → CAT registration process explained

CAT Exam Fees Evolution Over the Years