The Common Admission Test (CAT) eligibility criteria are defined by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to MBA and PGP programs. These criteria are based on academic qualification, minimum marks, and professional status of candidates.
Students searching for CAT eligibility criteria generally want to understand educational requirements, minimum marks, reservation policy, and other conditions. This section presents a clear and structured overview of CAT eligibility for management aspirants.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree from a Recognized University |
| Minimum Marks | 50% (General/OBC/EWS), 45% (SC/ST/PwD) |
| Final Year Eligibility | Allowed (Provisional Admission) |
| Age Limit | No Age Restriction |
| Attempt Limit | No Restriction |
| Professional Degrees | CA, CS, CMA, FIAI Accepted |
Candidates must fulfill the following basic eligibility conditions to apply for the CAT examination. These requirements are mandatory for admission to IIMs and other participating institutes.
Apart from academic qualifications, CAT also provides flexibility to candidates through relaxed age and attempt policies.
As per Government of India guidelines, IIMs follow a reservation policy for different categories. The reservation percentages are applicable during the admission process.
| Category | Percentage of Seats Reserved |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 15% |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 7.5% |
| NC-OBC | 27% |
| EWS | Up to 10% |
| PwD (Benchmark Disability) | 5% |
Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. The degree can be in any discipline. Professional degrees are also accepted. Final year students can apply provisionally. Proof of qualification is required at admission.
General, EWS, and NC-OBC candidates need at least 50% marks. SC, ST, and PwD candidates need 45%. Equivalent CGPA is also accepted. Percentage calculation is done as per university norms. Marks are verified during admission.
Yes, final year students can apply for CAT. Their admission remains provisional. They must complete graduation before the deadline. Required marks must be obtained. Failure may lead to cancellation of admission.
There is no age restriction for CAT. Candidates can appear at any age. There is no limit on attempts. Students can take CAT every year. Multiple attempts are common among aspirants.
Work experience is not mandatory for CAT. Fresh graduates can apply freely. However, IIMs give weightage to experience. It helps during interviews and final selection. Different institutes follow different policies.