Summary: Get a comprehensive understanding of the structure of the CAT exam fees 2024 and its components, along with details on available fee waivers and more! 

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most prestigious entrance exams for MBA aspirants in India. 

Every year, thousands of candidates attempt this exam to secure a seat in the esteemed Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top B-schools. 

As with any competitive examination, there's a fee involved. 

This article aims to simplify the CAT exam fees 2024 for prospective candidates.

Download FREE Study Material for CAT Exam 2024 by SuperGrads

Breakdown of Current CAT Exam Fees 2024

Arming yourself with knowledge about the costs associated with the CAT exam will help you plan your finances and focus on taking the exam and securing a seat in your desired B-school.

• CAT exam form fees: This is a mandatory CAT entrance exam registration fee charged during the initial phase of the application process. It allows candidates to book a slot for the CAT exam and ensures their candidature is registered.
• Fee Structure: After successful counselling and seat allotment, candidates are required to pay an admission fee. This confirms their seat in the respective B-school and covers the initial administrative and infrastructural costs.
• Fee Waiver: Understanding that not every candidate might be in a position to afford the exam fees.
• Counselling Fee: Once a candidate clears the CAT exam and is shortlisted by an IIM or other B-school, there's a counselling fee involved. This fee covers the costs associated with seat allocation, document verification, and other administrative processes.

Check: What to do after the CAT Exam?

CAT Exam Fees 2024: CAT Exam Registration Fees

CAT exam application fees are different for various categories, which are as follows - 

• CAT exam fees for SC, ST, and PwD: Candidates must pay an application fee of ₹1200. (Updated)
• The general category and CAT exam fees for OBC must pay an application fee of ₹2400. (Updated)

These are the CAT entrance exam fees; no additional charges are applicable. 

Check: CAT Exam Top Colleges 2024

CAT Exam Fees 2024: Top IIMs Offering MBA

The admission fees can include various components like Tuition and Academic Fees, Accommodation Fees, mess Charges and Other Miscellaneous Charges.

Here is the list of the top 5 IIMs with their NIRF rankings and the CAT exam fees in India. 

IIM Ahmedabad MBA Fees

The CAT exam fees for the general category are as follows -

NIRF Ranking - 1

The table below has the fee structure for IIM Ahmedabad:

Entrance fee for CAT exam - Payment mode 1
Phase	Married Student Hostel (MSH)*	Single Accommodation*
First Commitment Fee	INR 2,00,000	INR 2,00,000
Second Commitment Fee	INR 12,00,000	INR 12,00,000
Balance Programme Fee	INR 18,00,000	INR 16,00,000
Caution Money (refundable)	INR 70,000	INR 35,000
CAT Exam Course Fee - Payment mode 2
Phase	Married Student Hostel (MSH)*	Single Accommodation*
First Commitment Fee	INR 2,00,000	INR 2,00,000
Balance Fee: 1st Installment	INR 14,40,000	INR 12,40,000
Balance Fee: 2nd Installment	INR 10,66,000	INR 10,66,000
Balance Fee: 3rd Installment	INR 5,33,000	INR 5,33,000
Caution Money (refundable)	INR 70,000	INR 35,000

Check: Why CAT Exam is Important?

IIM Bangalore MBA Fees

NIRF Ranking - 2

The table below has the fee structure for IIM Bangalore:

Components	Fees
IIMB Fees for 2 years	Rs. 24,50,000
Caution Deposit (General)	Rs 15,000
Caution Deposit (Hostel)	Rs 5,000

IIM Kozhikode MBA Fees

NIRF Ranking - 3

The table below has the fee structure for IIM Kozhikode: 

Term	First Year IIM Kozhikode Fee	Second Year IIM Kozhikode Fee
Term I/ IV	4,25,000	4,25,000
Term II/ V	3,00,000	3,00,000
Term III/ VI	3,00,000	3,00,000
Total	10,25, 2000	10,25, 2000

IIM Calcutta MBA Fees

NIRF Ranking - 4

The table below has the fee structure for IIM Calcutta:

Components	Fees
Commitment fee	Rs 2,00,000
Second instalment	Rs 10,00,000
Third instalment	Rs 10,00,000
Fourth instalment	Rs 9,00,000

IIM Delhi MBA Fees

NIRF Ranking - 5

The table below has the fee structure for IIM Delhi:

Fee Components	Installment (INR)						Total (INR)
	I	II	III	IV	V	VI
Tuition Fee	2,83,400	2,83,400	2,83,400	3,22,400	3,22,400	3,22,400	18,17,400
Text/Reading Material	14,300	14,300	14,300	15,450	15,450	15,450	89,250
Student Activities/welfare (incl. mediclaim)	4,410	4,410	4,410	4,750	4,750	4,750	27,480
Library Fee	8,820	8,820	8,820	9,490	9,490	9,490	54,930
Alumni - Life Membership	2,500	2,500	2,500	2,500	2,500	2,500	15,000
Security Deposit*	15,000	-	-	-	-	-	15,000
Total	3,28,430	3,13,430	3,13,430	3,54,590	3,54,590	3,54,590	20,19,060

Check: Difference between CAT and MAT Exam

CAT Exam Fees 2024: Fee Waivers

A small number of qualified candidates will receive a waiver of the tuition fee portion of the academic costs from IMI New Delhi in accordance with AICTE standards. According to AICTE regulations, candidates must have a total household income of less than INR 8 lacs per year in the financial year that ended right before the year of admission, as attested by a government official. 

The eligible students in the admitted class will be chosen for the remission of tuition fees within a month of the start of the first term of school.

Selection will be based on merit in the IMI New Delhi admissions process for the small pool of qualified students for whom the tuition fee waiver may be available. 

IMI New Delhi shall have the sole power to determine which students will get tuition price waivers; this decision will be final and binding on all parties, and the Institute will not accept any representations in this matter.

Learn More: CAT Super-30 Course at SuperGrads

CAT Exam Fees 2024: Counselling Fees

• While the term "CAT Counselling Fees" is not commonly used in the context of IIM admissions, candidates must be aware of the various fees and deposits they will encounter once shortlisted after their CAT results. 
• Planning and being well-informed will ensure a smooth transition from the selection stages to securing a seat in a desired B-school. 
• Always refer to the official websites of the IIMs or concerned B-schools for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Check: CAT Exam Cut Off Trends

Conclusion

The CAT exam is a gateway to some of the best MBA programs in India. While the fees associated might seem hefty, it's essential to view them as an investment in your future. With options for fee waivers and financial aid, the governing bodies ensure that every deserving candidate gets a fair shot at their dream.

Check: CAT Exam Maths Syllabus 2024