CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria for 2026-27 Admissions

CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria for 2026-27 Admissions

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national exam in India for those looking to get into postgraduate management programs at top business schools. Over 2.5 lakh candidates apply for the CAT exam every year, which is accepted by all leading MBA colleges in India. To apply, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria.  

This guide will provide all the information regarding CAT exam eligibility, including the age limit, academic qualifications, candidates with backlogs, and seat reservations according to categories. 

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CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria: Highlights

Here are important details regarding the CAT exam:

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If you’re eligible for the CAT exam, it is important to explore the CAT Exam Syllabus for MBA 2026: Section Wise with Weightage before you take the test.

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CAT Exam Eligibility: Age Limit

There is no maximum age limit for the CAT exam. Anyone interested in applying for the CAT exam can apply.

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Note: The important factor is to meet the eligibility criteria to appear for the CAT exam.

Consider this guide for the CAT Exam Fee 2026-27: Eligibility, Fees, and How to Apply.

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CAT Eligibility Criteria: Academic Qualifications 

Candidates must meet specific academic qualifications to be eligible for the CAT exam. Below are the requirements based on the type of degree held by the candidate:

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CAT Exam Eligibility: General and NC-OBC Candidates

Candidates from the General and NC-OBC (Non-Creamy Layer Other Backward Classes) categories have the specific eligibility criteria for the CAT exam below. 

1. Educational Qualification

Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from a university or educational institution recognised by the Government of India.

2. Minimum Marks

Candidates must have 50% or above marks in graduation

3. Final Year Requirement

Candidates must be in their final year of graduation or awaiting results.

4. Professional Degrees

Candidates with CA, CS, or ICWA degrees must also have a minimum of 50% aggregate marks to be eligible to apply.

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CAT Exam Eligibility: SC/ST and PwBD Candidates 

Candidates from the SC (Scheduled Caste), ST (Scheduled Tribe), and PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities, per the RPWD Act 2016) categories have specific eligibility criteria for the CAT exam. 

Here are the eligibility criteria for SC/ST/PwBD candidates:

1. Minimum Marks

Candidates must have at least 45% aggregate marks in graduation (or equivalent) in any stream.

2. Final Year Requirement

Candidates must be in their final year of graduation or awaiting results.

3. Professional Degrees

Candidates with professional degrees such as CA, CS, or ICWA must also have a minimum of 45% aggregate marks to be eligible to apply.

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CAT Exam Eligibility: Equivalent Degree

For candidates whose bachelor's degrees are assessed using grades or CGPA, the percentage of marks is calculated based on the methods used by their respective universities or institutions. A standard calculation method will be applied if a university does not have a specific conversion scheme from CGPA to marks.

Here is how the equivalent degree is calculated:

1. Conversion Based on University Practices

The percentage of marks will be calculated according to the method used by the candidate's university or institution.

2. Standard Calculation Method

If there is no established conversion method, the percentage will be calculated by:

• Dividing the candidate's CGPA by the maximum possible CGPA.
• Multiplying the result by 100 to get the percentage.

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Who is Not Eligible for the CAT Exam?

The Candidates are not eligible for the CAT exam who have:

1. Low Graduation Score

If the candidate has not scored 50% in their graduation (45% for SC/ST/PwBD candidates).

2. No Required Degree

Candidates who do not have a bachelor's degree or any equivalent degree like CA/CS/ICWA.

3. Insufficient Average Marks

Candidates with average bachelor's degree marks do not meet 50% (45% for SC/ST/PwBD candidates).

4. Incomplete Professional Degree

Candidates who are still pursuing (not completed) a professional degree like CA/CS/ICWA.

5. Unrecognised Degree

If the candidate's bachelor's degree (or equivalent) is not recognised by UGC/AICTE/Ministry of Education.

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Candidates must have a bachelor's degree from a recognised college to be eligible for the CAT exam. Explore Top Colleges in India before enrolling to ensure a smooth application process for the CAT.

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Difference Between IIM Eligibility and CAT Exam Eligibility

Many candidates may think that the eligibility for the IIMs and the CAT exam is the same since the IIMs organise the CAT. However, they are different.  

Below is the table showing the differences:

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CAT Exam Eligibility: Work Experience

The CAT entrance exam does not require candidates to have work experience. While the CAT application form includes a section for work experience, it is optional to fill out.

If a candidate does have prior work experience, the following documents are required to verify it:

1. Work experience certificate issued by the company
2. Joining letter
3. Salary slips for the last three months

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CAT Exam Eligibility: Registration with Backlogs

Candidates with backlogs in their Bachelor’s degree can also apply for the CAT exam. However, they must clear all their backlogs before seeking admission to their chosen institute.

Here are some important points for candidates with backlogs to consider before registering for the CAT exam:

1. Eligibility for Supplementary Exams

Those appearing for supplementary re-examinations can also apply for the CAT exam.

2. Minimum Marks Requirement

Candidates must have at least 50% in their graduation, including supplementary exams, to be eligible.

3. Final Year Students

In the CAT 2026 registration form, select "Yes" for the question, “Are you in the final year of your Bachelor’s degree?”

4. Supplementary Exam Certification

Candidates must provide a certificate from their college or university confirming they have taken the supplementary exam.

5. Reserved Category Requirements

Reserved category candidates should ensure they meet eligibility criteria and submit the correct caste certificate, as category changes are not allowed after registration. 

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CAT  Exam Eligibility: Reservation

IIMs follow the Central Government's rules for reserving seats in MBA programs. There are two main types of reservations:

• Caste-based reservations
• Reservations for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD)

Below is the information on the reservation criteria for CAT exam eligibility based on the seats reserved for each category:

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CAT Exam Eligibility: Reservation Policy for PwBD Category Candidates

To receive reservation benefits, candidates in the PwBD category must provide a valid PwBD certificate issued by an authorised body.

The eligible disabilities for reservation under the PwBD category include:

1. Low vision or blindness
2. Hearing impairment
3. Locomotor disabilities or cerebral palsy

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CAT Exam Eligibility: Benchmark Disability

According to the RPWD Act 2016, candidates with a benchmark disability are those who have at least 40% of a specified disability.

Below are the disabilities that qualify under CAT’s PwBD category:

1. Blindness and low vision.
2. Deaf and hard of hearing.
3. Locomotor disabilities include cerebral palsy, leprosy, dwarfism, acid attack victims, and muscular dystrophy.
4. Autism, intellectual disabilities, specific learning disabilities, and mental illnesses.
5. Multiple disabilities from any of the above categories.
6. Other specified disabilities are listed in The Schedule of the RPWD Act 2016.

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CAT Exam Eligibility: Calculation of Marks

Your marks are significant to be eligible for admission to top-ranked colleges. Candidates need to understand how the marks are calculated to achieve good marks.

For CAT exam eligibility, the calculation of marks is as follows: 

1. Graduation Marks Assignment

Graduation marks are calculated based on the criteria set by the university or institute. These marks will be used for CAT eligibility.

2. CGPA and Grades Conversion

Some universities use CGPAs or grades instead of marks. In this case, the university will provide a method to convert these into percentages.

3. Direct Conversion Method

If the university does not have a specific conversion method, candidates can convert CGPA to percentage directly. To do this, divide the obtained CGPA by the highest possible CGPA and then multiply the result by 100.

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Understanding the CAT exam eligibility criteria is essential for candidates desiring to choose postgraduate management programs in India. By exploring the eligibility details outlined in this guide, candidates can prepare effectively for the CAT exam and enhance their chances of admission to top business schools.

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