The Common Admission test is one of the most sought-after examinations regarding business career options. The examination is conducted in India to acquire a seat in the top business schools of the country. Every year approximately 2 lakh aspirants are believed to register for this extremely competitive examination in hopes of securing a seat in the top business schools of India. With rigorous study during your CAT preparation, it is equally important to understand the registration process and fee structure to comfortably sit for the examination. CAT Examination fees vary between candidates based on category, payment methods and transaction charges, therefore it is essential to be well-informed about the payment process. This blog is designed to provide a detailed breakdown of the CAT registration process and fees and is useful for the candidates applying for the first or reattempting it. This guide will help you navigate smoothly through the entire payment process.
CAT Registration Fees
The Common Admission Test Registration Fees vary and depend on the candidate’s category. The registration fee details based on the category are mentioned below.
- Candidates belonging to General and NC-OBC (Non-Creamy Layer OBC) categories are supposed to pay a nominal registration fee of 2500/-
- Candidates belonging to SC/ST and PwD categories are supposed to pay a nominal registration fee of 1250/-
The registration fee includes the application cost for all the IIMs of India which means you’re not supposed to pay any additional fee for applying also the fees are non-refundable and non-transferable therefore candidates must carefully check before applying.
Payment Methods for the CAT Registration Fees
There are multiple payment methods for registration to the CAT Examination but there is only provision for online payment methods. Candidates can choose to pay from any of the given options:
- Net Banking which involves direct transfer from your bank account.
- Credit Cards/Debit Cards where the payment will be processed from your VISA, MasterCard or any other recognized card.
Candidates also must remember that the CAT Examination Registration Fee is not refundable in the following cases:
- Candidates fail to appear for the examination.
- The candidate fills in incorrect information in the form.
- The candidate wishes to cancel their application.
- Candidates do not meet the required eligibility criteria.
Additional Charges on the Registration Fees
Candidates must keep in mind that multiple additional charges are applicable based on the chosen payment method. The banks may impose the following charges:
| Mode of Payment | Additional Charges |
| Net Banking | 10-30/- per transaction. |
| Credit Cards | The charge is around 1-2% of the total transaction amount. |
| Debit Cards | Comparatively lower transaction charges based on the bank. |
Steps to Avoid Payment Interruptions during the Registration.
To ensure a hassle-free fee payment process candidates must keep in mind the following points:
- Ensure to use a reliable internet connection as a slow connection can lead to transaction failure.
- Avoid using private WiFi connections for security reasons.
- Ensure that your bank has the required registration amount in it to avoid any payment failure.
- Ensure to verify all the details before making your payment to avoid loss of money.