Preparing for the CAT is the first step toward your dream of studying at the IIMs and other top B-schools. But before filling out the form, you need to clearly understand the CAT exam eligibility.
Many aspirants have doubts about the qualification for CAT exam, age limit, and whether final-year candidates can apply.
To help you with everything, we have shared every detail in simple terms so that you know exactly where you stand and what you need to focus on.
CAT Exam Eligibility and Qualification: Overview
Find the eligibility for CAT examination covered in a single snapshot:
| Criteria | Details |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent institution under UGC Act |
| Minimum Marks | 50% for General/EWS/NC-OBC 45% for SC/ST/PwD |
| Final-Year Students | Eligible if they submit a certificate from Principal/Registrar confirming degree completion by deadline |
| Professional Degrees | CA, CS, ICWA (CMA), FIAI holders are eligible with minimum required marks |
| CAT Age Limit | No minimum or maximum age limit for CAT exam |
| CAT Attempt Limit | Unlimited – you can take CAT as many times as you wish |
| Reservation | SC: 15%ST: 7.5%NC-OBC: 27%EWS: 10%PwD: 5% |
| PwD Eligibility | Benchmark disability (≥40%) as per RPwD Act 2016, with valid certificate |
| Marks/CGPA Conversion | As per university rules. If no conversion scheme, (CGPA ÷ Max CGPA) × 100 |
| Document Verification | Degree certificates, mark sheets, and valid category/PwD certificates checked at interviews and admission |
| Provisional Admission | Allowed for final-year students; must submit proof of graduation by Dec 31, 2026 |
Education Qualification for CAT Exam
Let’s first understand the CAT exam qualification in terms of your education or academic background:
| Category | Qualification | Minimum Marks Required |
| General / EWS / NC-OBC | Bachelor’s degree from recognized university | 50% or equivalent CGPA |
| SC / ST / PwD | Bachelor’s degree from recognized university | 45% or equivalent CGPA |
| Professional Degree Holders (CA/CS/ICWA/FIAI) | Recognized professional qualification | 50% (General/EWS/NC-OBC), 45% (SC/ST/PwD) |
- The basic qualification for CAT exam is a bachelor’s degree.
- Your degree must be from a UGC-recognized university or equivalent institution.
Meeting this CAT exam eligibility criteria ensures you can apply, but selection depends on overall performance.
CAT Eligibility Criteria for Final-Year Students
If you are currently in the final year of your undergraduate college, you must know this CAT exam eligibility criteria to be able to appear and qualify:
| Candidate Type | Eligibility Condition | Requirement |
| Final-Year Bachelor’s Students | Eligible to apply for CAT exam | Must provide a certificate from Principal/Registrar confirming completion of degree requirements |
| Awaiting Results After Graduation | Eligible for provisional admission | Must submit proof of completing graduation by the deadline set by respective IIMs |
- Provisional admission is allowed, but you must submit a certificate from your college Principal/Registrar.
- Candidates awaiting results after completing degree requirements can also apply under CAT exam eligibility.
- Final-year students must complete all graduation requirements by the deadline given by IIMs, usually December 31 of the admission year.
Non-fulfilment of these conditions will result in cancellation of admission.
CAT Eligibility Criteria: Age Limit
There is no age limit for CAT exam, making it open to all graduates who meet academic qualifications.
| Criteria | Details |
| Minimum Age for CAT | No minimum age limit specified |
| Maximum Age for CAT | No maximum age limit for CAT exam |
| Number of Attempts for CAT | No restriction on the number of attempts |
- The maximum age of CAT is not defined, so even working professionals or older candidates can apply.
- There is no cap on the number of attempts for CAT, you can take the exam as many times as you want.
The focus is entirely on meeting the qualification for CAT exam and performance in the test. This makes CAT a highly inclusive exam for both fresh graduates and experienced professionals.
Must Check: CAT Study Material
CAT Eligibility: Calculation of Marks & CGPA Conversion
Another part of the eligibility for CAT exam is the marks in your UG, and if your college/university is CGPA-based, then you need to know this conversion method:
| Scenario | Conversion Method |
| University provides percentage system | Use official percentage as awarded by the university |
| University provides CGPA/Grades with conversion formula | Follow the official conversion procedure certified by the institution |
| University provides CGPA/Grades but no conversion scheme | Percentage = (CGPA ÷ Maximum CGPA) × 100 |
If your institution provides both CGPA and percentage, use the certified conversion procedure.
- When no conversion scheme is defined, divide your CGPA by the maximum CGPA and multiply by 100.
- Candidates must present official proof of the conversion method at the time of verification.
Correct calculation of marks ensures your qualification for CAT exam is valid and accepted by IIMs.
CAT Exam Eligibility: Reservation Criteria
As per Government of India norms, IIMs follow strict reservation in CAT exam eligibility.
| Category | Percentage of Seats Reserved |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 15% |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 7.5% |
| Other Backward Classes – NC-OBC | 27% |
| Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) | Up to 10% |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwD) | 5% |
- All candidates must upload valid caste or disability certificates in the prescribed format during registration.
- No change in category is allowed after CAT registration.
CAT Eligibility Criteria for PwD Candidates
CAT exam eligibility reserves 5% seats for PwD candidates. A “Person with Benchmark Disability” means at least 40% disability certified by the competent authority.
Support such as scribe facility and wheelchair access can be availed by eligible candidates.
| Category of Disability (RPwD Act 2016) | Eligibility Condition |
| Blindness & Low Vision | Eligible with valid certificate |
| Deaf & Hard of Hearing | Eligible with valid certificate |
| Locomotor Disability (e.g., cerebral palsy, dwarfism, acid attack victims) | Eligible with valid certificate |
| Autism, Intellectual Disability, Specific Learning Disability, Mental Illness | Eligible with valid certificate |
| Multiple Disabilities (combination of above) | Eligible with valid certificate |
| Other “specified disabilities” in RPwD Act | Eligible with valid certificate |
CAT Exam Eligibility Verification by IIMs
IIMs carefully verify eligibility for CAT examination at multiple stages. Candidates must produce original mark sheets, certificates, and attested copies at the time of interview.
| Stage | Documents Required |
| Interview Shortlisting | Mark sheets, caste/disability certificates, degree/provisional certificates |
| Final Selection | Original degree certificates, mark sheets of all semesters, valid reservation documents |
| For Final-Year Students | Certificate from Principal/Registrar stating graduation requirements completed |
- Final-year students must submit degree proof by December 31, 2026, else admission will be cancelled.
- Failure to produce valid caste/EWS/PwD certificates during verification leads to rejection.
- Even after admission, if false information is detected, it can result in cancellation of candidature.
FAQs About CAT Eligibility Criteria 2026
Anyone with a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD) is eligible for CAT.
No. You must complete or be in the final year of a bachelor’s degree to meet the eligibility for CAT examination.
There is no minimum or maximum age limit for CAT.
There is no attempt limit. You can take CAT as many times as you want.
For General, EWS, and NC-OBC categories: 50%. For SC/ST/PwD: 45%.
Yes, final-year bachelor’s degree students can apply. They must provide a certificate from their Principal/Registrar confirming completion of requirements.
Your provisional admission will be cancelled if you fail to submit degree proof by December 31, 2026.
No. A diploma alone is not sufficient. You need a full bachelor’s degree or professional qualification.
No. Work experience is not mandatory. Both freshers and experienced candidates can apply.
No. CAT eligibility depends on your bachelor’s degree. 12th marks may, however, be considered by individual IIMs during admission.
No. A bachelor’s degree is sufficient to meet the CAT exam eligibility criteria.
Yes, provided the university is recognized by UGC or Government of India.
Yes. SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwD candidates must upload valid certificates in the prescribed format at registration.
No. Once you submit the CAT form, you cannot change your category.
CAT scores are valid only for one year, till December 31 of the following year.