Common Admission Test Eligibility Criteria

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.

Eligibility Highlights
Core Eligibility Requirements
Additional Criteria & Flexibility
Reservation Policy
CAT Eligibility FAQs

CAT Eligibility Criteria Highlights

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

Core Eligibility Requirements for CAT

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.

Bachelor’s Degree: Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or institution.
Minimum Marks: General, EWS, and NC-OBC candidates must score at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA. SC, ST, and PwD candidates must score at least 45%.
Final Year Students: Candidates appearing in the final year of graduation are eligible to apply provisionally. Admission is subject to completing the degree by the specified deadline.
Professional Qualifications: Candidates with CA, CS, CMA (ICWA), or FIAI degrees are eligible. They must meet the minimum percentage requirements.

Additional Criteria & Flexibility

Apart from academic qualifications, CAT also provides flexibility to candidates through relaxed age and attempt policies.

Age Limit: There is no upper or lower age limit for appearing in CAT.
Number of Attempts: Candidates can appear for CAT any number of times.
Work Experience: Work experience is not mandatory for appearing in CAT. However, it is often given weightage during final selection.
Academic Backlogs: Candidates with active backlogs can apply. They must clear all pending subjects before final admission.

Reservation Policy for IIMs

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%

Frequently Asked Questions on CAT Eligibility

What is the minimum qualification required for CAT? Is graduation compulsory for applying?

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.

What are the minimum marks required for CAT eligibility? Do reserved categories get relaxation?

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.

Can final year students apply for CAT? Is provisional admission allowed?

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.

Is there any age limit or attempt limit for CAT? Can candidates apply multiple times?

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.

Does work experience affect CAT eligibility? Is it compulsory for admission?

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.