CAT Exam Fees 2024-25: Eligibility, Fees And How to Apply

Vaishali Pandey
July 26, 2024

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CAT Exam Fees And Application Details

The Common Admission Test (CAT) stands as the gateway to prestigious management programmes in India. With over 3.3 lakh aspirants competing in 2023, the CAT exam continues to be one of the most challenging and sought-after entrance tests. 

In this guide, you’ll see a breakdown of each crucial aspect, including CAT exam fees, IIM entrance exam details, CAT exam fee structure, and CAT exam registration details, to help you proceed on the journey to your dream B-school.

CAT Exam Fees: Key Highlights

Here is the overview table outlining the key details about CAT exam fees, eligibility and purpose:

Feature Details
Full Form Common Admission Test
Conducting Body Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)
Exam Type National Level Entrance Exam
Frequency Once a Year
Mode of Exam Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Purpose Entry into IIMs and other B-schools
CAT Exam Fees INR 2,400 (General Category)
INR 1200 (SC/ST/PWD)
Exam Pattern 3 Sections: VARC, DILR, QA
Exam Timing Session 1: 8:30 to 10:30 AM
Session 2: 12:30 to 2:30 PM
Session 3: 4:30 to 6:30 PM
Eligibility Bachelor's Degree with 50% marks (General Category)
Admission Process CAT Exam, WAT, GD, PI

Having grasped the essential details about the CAT exam, let's move on to the critical dates and timelines you need to be aware of for the 2024-25 session.

Common Admission Test (CAT): Important Dates

Timely registration for the CAT exam is crucial to ensure that you meet all necessary deadlines and avoid last-minute hassles. 

Here are some of the important timelines that you must keep in mind:

Event Date
Registration Start Date 1st week of August, 2024
Registration End Date 13th Sept, 2024
Admit Card Release 5th Nov 2024 - 24th Nov 2024
CAT Exam Date 24th November, 2024
Result Announcement First week of January, 2025

Now that you have checked out important dates, here comes the most asked question: what are CAT registration fees or exam fees? All your answers are presented below.

CAT Exam Fees

CAT fees might vary depending on your category. Here is a detailed breakdown of the fees for the 2024-25 session:

Category CAT Exam Fees
General INR 2,400
NC-OBC INR 2,400
SC/ST/PwD INR 1,200

Payment Methods

You can pay the CAT exam fees using the following methods:

  • Debit Card
  • Credit Card
  • Net Banking

Important Points To Note

  • The fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
  • Ensure that your payment is successful and that you receive a confirmation email or SMS.
  • You must have a copy of the payment receipt for future use. 

Now that you are aware of CAT exam fees for filling out forms and registration, let's move on to fees you can expect from Top colleges in India.

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CAT Tuition Fees In Top IIMs

Pursuing an MBA from one of the top Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) is a dream for many aspirants. The CAT exam serves as the gateway to these prestigious institutions. 

Here is a detailed look at the top 10 IIMs, along with their tuition fees.

S.No. College Name Tuition Fees (INR)
1 IIM Ahmedabad INR 23 Lakhs
2 IIM Bangalore INR 24.5 Lakhs
3 IIM Calcutta INR 23 Lakhs
4 IIM Lucknow INR 26.5 Lakhs
5 IIM Kozhikode INR 22.5 Lakhs
6 IIM Indore INR 21.7 Lakhs
7 IIM Raipur INR 18 Lakhs
8 IIM Trichy INR 21 Lakhs
9 IIM Udaipur INR 22 Lakhs
10 IIM Kashipur INR 17.3 Lakhs

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Now, let’s explore the various courses offered through CAT at the IIMs to understand the opportunities available to you.

Courses Offered Through CAT At IIMs

The CAT exam opens doors to a variety of prestigious management programmes.

Here’s an overview of the primary courses you can pursue through CAT at the top IIMs.

Course Duration Focus Area
Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP/MBA) 2 Years (Full-Time) General Management
Executive Post Graduate Programme (EPGP) 1 Year (Full-Time) Leadership and Managerial Skills
PGP in Human Resource Management (PGP-HRM) 2 Years (Full-Time) Human Resource Management
PGP in Business Management (PGPBM) 2-3 Years (Part-Time) General Management for Professionals
Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) 4-5 Years (Full-Time) Research and Teaching
PGP in Food and Agribusiness Management (PGP-FABM) 2 Years (Full-Time) Agribusiness Management

Now that you're clear on the CAT exam fees, let's get into the eligibility criteria to ensure you meet all the requirements before applying for the CAT exam.

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CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for the CAT exam, it's essential to understand the eligibility criteria to ensure you meet all the requirements. Below is a detailed breakdown of the eligibility criteria for the CAT exam:

Criteria Details
Educational Qualification Must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university
Minimum Marks for General Category At least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA
Minimum Marks for SC/ST/PwD Category At least 45% marks
Final Year Students Eligible to apply, provided they meet the minimum marks requirement upon degree completion
Professional Degrees (CA/CS/ICWA) Eligible to apply, subject to minimum percentage requirements
Age Limit No age limit; candidates of all ages are eligible to apply

CAT Exam Registration Details

Registering for the CAT exam is a critical first step in your journey towards gaining admission into one of the top management programmes in India.

Let's walk through the detailed steps to ensure a smooth and hassle-free registration experience for the CAT exam.

  1. Go to the official CAT exam portal: https://iimcat.ac.in
  2. Click on 'Register' to create a user profile.
  3. Fill your identity details with your contact number.
  4. You need to verify the email and contact number through OTPs.
  5. Log in with your registered credentials.
  6. Fill in personal details such as address, nationality, and category.
  7. Provide your academic history, including marks and degree details.
  8. Mention your work experience if applicable.
  9. Choose the IIM programmes you are interested in.
  10. You can select a maximum of six cities. 
  11. Upload a recent passport-sized photograph and signature.
  12. Upload relevant certificates if applying under reserved categories.
  13. Pay the Registration Fees General category: INR 2,300 SC/ST/PwD category: INR 1,150.
  14. Review all the details carefully.
  15. Submit the application form.
  16. You must save or print the confirmation page for later. 

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CAT Exam: Key Documents Required

In the 2023-24 session, many candidates faced delays and complications due to incomplete or incorrect documentation. To avoid such issues, it’s essential to know exactly what documents you need and how to prepare them. 

From your academic certificates to your photograph and signature, each document plays a vital role in verifying your eligibility and identity.

Document Type Details
Photograph and Signature
  • Photograph: Recent passport-sized photo in JPEG/JPG format (30mm x 45mm).
  • Signature: Scanned copy in JPEG/JPG format (80mm x 35mm).
Academic Certificates
  • Class 10th and 12th Mark Sheets: Provide mark sheets for both.
  • Bachelor’s Degree Certificate and Mark Sheets: Include certificates and mark sheets for all semesters/years.
  • Professional Degree Certificates: If applicable.
Category Certificates
  • SC/ST/PwD Certificate: In PDF format, if applicable.
  • NC-OBC Certificate: In PDF format, issued by a competent authority, if applicable.
Work Experience Certificate Provide work experience certificates from your employers, if applicable.
Identity Proof
  • Valid photo ID proof such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, voter ID, or driving licence.
Important Points to Note
  • Ensure all scanned documents are clear and legible.
  • Keep both original and scanned copies.
  • Verify formats and specifications before uploading.

Important Points to Note

  • Ensure all scanned documents are clear and legible.
  • Keep both original and scanned copies of all documents.
  • Verify the formats and specifications before uploading to avoid any issues during registration.

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CAT Exam Admit Card

Once you've successfully registered for the CAT exam and ensured all your documents are in order, the next crucial step is obtaining your admit card.  

Here’s how you can get it:

  1. Go to https://iimcat.ac.in.
  2. You have to use your registered user ID and the same password to log in.
  3. Navigate to the ‘Admit Card’ section.
  4. To save the PDF, press the download link button. 
  5. Verify all details on the admit card, including your name, exam centre, and timing.
  6. You must have admit card prints- at least 2. 

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CAT Exam Day Guidelines

Your preparation culminates on the day of the CAT exam, and following the correct guidelines is crucial for a smooth experience. 

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Before The Exam

  1. Arrive at least an hour before the scheduled time.
  2. Check the location a day prior to avoid any last-minute confusion.
  3. Ensure you have printed copies of your admit card.
  4. Carry a valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, voter ID, or driving licence).
  5. Wear comfortable clothing. Avoid any items that may raise security concerns (e.g., jewellery, watches).

2. At The Exam Centre

  1. Be prepared for thorough security checks at the exam centre.
  2. Electronic devices, calculators, bags, and any other prohibited items will not be allowed inside the exam hall.
  3. Undergo biometric verification, including fingerprint and photograph capture.
  4. Follow the instructions to find your designated seat.
  5. Do not switch seats or tamper with any exam materials.

3. During The Exam

  1. Read all instructions provided at the beginning of the exam.
  2. Pay attention to time limits and section-specific guidelines.
  3. Each section is time-bound; use the on-screen timer to manage your time effectively.
  4. Focus on accuracy to avoid negative markings.
  5. Avoid any form of malpractice. Any suspicious behaviour can lead to disqualification.
  6. If you need assistance, raise your hand, and your invigilator will guide you.  

4. After The Exam

  1. Ensure you submit your answers before leaving the hall.
  2. Double-check if you have completed all sections.
  3. Follow the instructions for leaving the exam hall.
  4. Collect all your belongings and ensure you do not leave any personal items behind.

Next, let's explore the structure and pattern of the CAT question paper to help you understand what to expect on the exam day.

CAT Exam Question Paper Pattern

Understanding the question paper pattern for the CAT exam is crucial for effective preparation. The total duration of the exam is 120 minutes, divided into 3 sections for 40 minutes each. These include two types of questions:

1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)some text

  1. These questions have four options, with one correct answer.
  2. Negative marking of -1 for incorrect answers.

2. Type In The Answer (TITA)some text

  1. These are non-MCQ questions where you need to type in the answer.
  2. No negative marks for these questions.

Here are the details of the exam pattern and sections:

Section Number of Questions Time Duration
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) 24 40 minutes
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) 20 40 minutes
Quantitative Ability (QA) 22 40 minutes
Total 66 120 minutes

Are you struggling to find out how you will achieve such great marks? Read here: MBA Entrance Exam Syllabus 2024: Topics and Tips.

Now that you know what to expect in the exam, let's dive into the syllabus for each section to guide your study plan effectively.

CAT Exam Syllabus

Having a clear understanding of the syllabus is essential for effective CAT exam preparation. Each section of the CAT exam—(VARC), (DILR), and (QA)—covers a range of topics that test different skill sets.

Here is a detailed syllabus outline:

Subjects Important Topics Weightage
Quantitative Aptitude Arithmetic (All topics) 36%
Geometry: Coordinate Geometry, Mensuration 18%
Algebra: Arithmetic Progression, Geometric Progression, Functions 28%
Modern Maths: Set Theory, Probability, Permutation & Combination 9%
Number System: Factors and Multiples, HCF, LCM, Remainders 9%
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) Para summary, Para jumbles, Inferences, Sentence Completion 10%
Reading Comprehension Passages with questions to test comprehension and analytical skills 24%
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) Tables (Games and Tournaments), Pie Charts, Graphs, Set Theory, Venn Diagrams 16%
Seating Arrangement, Blood Relation, Syllogism, Caselets, Selection/Election

Next, let's explore the CAT cut-offs to help you set realistic goals for your preparation.

CAT Cut Offs

Understanding the CAT cut-offs is crucial for setting realistic goals and preparing effectively for the exam. The cut-offs vary each year and depend on multiple factors, including the difficulty level of the exam, the number of candidates appearing, and the number of seats available in the participating institutions. 

Here are the expected CAT Cut Offs for 2023-24:

Institute CAT Cut-Offs
IIM Ahmedabad 85
IIM Bangalore 85
IIM Calcutta 85
IIM Lucknow 90
IIM Kozhikode 85
IIM Indore 90
IIM Raipur 92
IIM Trichy 92
IIM Udaipur 92
IIM Kashipur 92

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Next, let’s delve into the CAT selection process to understand what happens after you clear the cut-offs.

CAT Selection Process

Clearing the CAT exam cut-offs is just the first step toward securing a seat in one of the prestigious IIMs or other top B-schools. The selection process involves multiple stages designed to evaluate your overall suitability for management education. 

Here are the detailed stages:

Stage Evaluation Criteria
CAT Exam Score Overall and sectional scores
Written Ability Test (WAT) Clarity, coherence, and articulation in writing
Group Discussion (GD) Communication skills, teamwork, presentation
Personal Interview (PI) Personality, academic knowledge, motivation
Academic Record Scores from class 10, 12, and undergrad
Work Experience Relevance and duration of work experience
Diversity Factors Gender, academic discipline, socio-economic background

You might be thinking, how can you be successful in your CAT preparation for college admission? Fear not; you can get counselling sessions just by submitting the required documents. Let’s explore them.

Counselling Documents For CAT Preparation

After successfully clearing the CAT exam and the subsequent selection rounds, the next crucial step is the counselling process. This stage involves document verification to confirm your eligibility and secure your admission into the chosen IIM. 

Here's a comprehensive list of documents you will need for the counselling process:

Document Format Specifications
CAT Scorecard PDF/Print Download from the official website
Admit Card Original Keep the original used during the exam
Academic Certificates PDF/Print Clear, scanned copies of all mark sheets
Work Experience Certificates PDF/Print Clear, scanned copies
Category Certificates PDF/Print Issued by the competent authority, if applicable
Identity Proof Original Valid government-issued ID
Photographs Physical Recent passport-sized as per IIM specifications
Offer Letter Original From respective IIM

Navigating the CAT exam process, including understanding the eligibility, fees, and selection criteria, is crucial for a successful application. By staying informed and meeting all requirements, you can focus on performing your best on exam day. 

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FAQs About CAT Exam Fees

What are the CAT exam fees for 2024?

The CAT exam fees for 2024 are INR 2,400 for the General category and INR 1200 for the SC/ST/PwD categories.

How do I find detailed information on CAT exam registration details?

You can find comprehensive CAT exam registration details on the official CAT website: https://iimcat.ac.in.

Can you explain the process of paying the CAT registration fees?

You can pay the CAT registration fees online through debit card, credit card, or net banking during the registration process.

What are the important dates for the CAT exam registration?

CAT exam registration typically starts in August and ends in September. The exact dates can be found on the official CAT website.

Are there any additional charges apart from the CAT exam fee?

No, there are no additional charges apart from the CAT exam fees. The fee covers the cost of the exam.

What documents are required for the CAT exam registration?

You need a recent photograph, signature, academic certificates, category certificates (if applicable), and a valid photo ID proof.

What is the mode of the common admission test?

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is conducted in a computer-based format.

How can I get a refund for my CAT exam fees if needed?

The CAT exam fees are non-refundable. Once paid, it cannot be refunded under any circumstances.

What are the eligibility criteria for the IIM entrance exam?

You must have a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD) or be in the final year of your degree programme.

Where can I find the CAT exam fees registration details for 2024?

Detailed CAT exam registration details for 2024 can be found on the official CAT website.

Can I make corrections to my CAT exam registration details after submission?

Yes, a correction window is usually provided to make changes to certain fields in your CAT exam registration details.

How do I know if my CAT registration fees payment is successful?

You will receive a confirmation email and SMS once your CAT registration fees payment is successful.

What should I do if there is an error in my CAT exam fee payment?

If there is an error in your CAT exam fee payment, contact the CAT help desk immediately for assistance.

How many times can I attempt the common admission test?

There is no restriction on the number of attempts for the common admission test. You can take it as many times as you wish, provided you meet the eligibility criteria each time.

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