August 6, 2026, (Inside AI) — The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore has raised the registration fee for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 to Rs 2,700, a 3.85% increase from last year’s Rs 2,600. The hike, announced by IIM Indore Director Prof Himanshu Rai, is attributed to inflation, rising operational costs, and enhanced infrastructure for conducting the nationwide exam securely.
This marks a steady climb from Rs 1,600 in 2015, with annual increases averaging around 5%, though the rate has moderated recently. Reserved category candidates—SC, ST, and PwD—will continue to pay half the general fee. The exam is scheduled for November 29, 2026, with admit cards available from November 4.
The fee adjustment comes as CAT 2026 expects approximately three lakh registrations, a figure that fluctuates yearly based on applicant numbers. Minor changes in test cities and centers will depend on candidate preferences and application volumes, Rai noted.
AI Steps In to Fortify Exam Integrity
Beyond the fee hike, CAT 2026 will introduce new technological interventions, including AI-based monitoring and candidate-verification measures. This move signals a significant shift toward automated proctoring and identity checks, aligning with global trends in high-stakes testing.
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Rai emphasized the existing robust framework of technology, security, and administrative safeguards. “The CAT Committee regularly reviews security protocols and risk-mitigation measures at every stage of examination development and administration to strengthen the security, integrity and reliability of the test,” he stated. The AI integration aims to detect anomalies, prevent impersonation, and ensure a fair testing environment.
While details remain sparse, such systems typically employ facial recognition, keystroke dynamics, and gaze tracking. For CAT, which already uses a mix of 70% multiple-choice questions and 30% type-in-the-answer items with negative marking, AI could add a new layer of scrutiny without altering the exam pattern.
Cost vs. Security: A Balancing Act
The fee hike, though modest at Rs 100, reignites debates on accessibility in India’s competitive exam landscape. With CAT being the gateway to elite IIMs, any cost increase disproportionately affects economically weaker sections, despite the 50% concession for reserved categories.
Comparatively, other management entrance exams like XAT and GMAT have also adjusted fees, but CAT’s move underscores a broader reliance on AI to manage scale and security. The planned AI measures could reduce human invigilation costs long-term, yet upfront investments may justify the current hike. As the exam date approaches, candidates will watch how these AI tools perform under real-world conditions, with potential implications for future digital-first assessments.
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Shamil has a low tolerance for AI that only works in controlled demos. He covers agentic systems and generative AI with the skepticism of someone who has seen too many “revolutionary” tools quietly disappear six months after launch.
