The CAT eligibility criteria determine who can appear for the Common Admission Test and apply for MBA programmes offered by the IIMs and other participating institutes.

For CAT, eligibility is primarily based on your educational qualification and minimum marks. Candidates in the final year of graduation may also apply, subject to the conditions specified by the IIMs.

The latest official CAT eligibility information confirms that candidates generally need a bachelor’s degree with the required minimum percentage, while final-year candidates can also apply.

Note: CAT 2027 eligibility will be confirmed in the official CAT 2027 notification. The information below is based on the latest official CAT eligibility information available.

CAT Eligibility Criteria at a Glance

The latest official CAT material states the 50% minimum for candidates generally and 45% for SC, ST and PwD candidates, and permits eligible final-year bachelor’s-degree candidates to apply.

CAT Educational Qualification

A candidate must hold a Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognized university or educational institution.

The minimum marks requirement is:

• General/EWS/NC-OBC: 50% or equivalent CGPA
• SC/ST/PwD: 45% or equivalent CGPA

Candidates who have completed their graduation requirements but are awaiting results may also apply, subject to the conditions specified by the IIMs.

Final-Year Graduation Students

Students currently studying in the final year of their bachelor’s degree can apply for CAT.

However, if selected, admission may initially be provisional. Candidates must subsequently provide the required certification and degree documents within the timeline specified by the concerned IIM.

CAT Eligibility: Quick Check

You can generally apply for CAT if you fall into any of these categories:

1. You have completed a bachelor’s degree with the required marks.
2. You are in the final year of your bachelor’s degree.
3. You have completed your degree requirements but are waiting for your results.
4. You hold an eligible equivalent or recognized professional qualification.

Important: Meeting the minimum CAT eligibility criteria does not guarantee shortlisting or admission to an IIM. Each IIM has its own selection criteria and may consider factors beyond the CAT score.

CAT Age Limit and Number of Attempts

There is no age limit for appearing in the CAT examination. Candidates can take the exam as long as they satisfy the required educational eligibility criteria. Official CAT FAQs have also stated that there is no age restriction.

Is There a Limit on CAT Attempts?

There is no prescribed limit on the number of CAT attempts. Since CAT is conducted once every year, an eligible candidate can appear in multiple years, provided they meet the eligibility requirements for that particular exam.

Can Final-Year Students Apply for CAT?

Yes. Candidates pursuing the final year of their bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification can apply for CAT. Candidates who have completed their degree requirements but are awaiting results may also apply, subject to the conditions specified by the IIMs.

If selected, final-year candidates may initially receive provisional admission and must submit the required degree documentation within the deadline specified by the concerned IIM.

Does CAT Eligibility Guarantee IIM Admission?

No. Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria only makes you eligible to appear for CAT. It does not guarantee a call, shortlisting, or admission to an IIM.

Each IIM follows its own admission and shortlisting criteria, which may consider factors such as CAT performance, academic record, work experience, and performance in subsequent selection stages.

Related: CAT Exam Pattern | CAT Syllabus | How to Prepare for CAT

CAT Eligibility for Different Candidates

CAT eligibility depends mainly on the candidate’s graduation status and qualification.

Candidates Who Can Apply

• Graduates: Candidates who have completed a bachelor’s degree with the required minimum marks can apply.
• Final-Year Students: Students in the final year of their bachelor’s degree can apply.
• Result-Awaiting Candidates: Candidates who have completed their degree requirements but are awaiting results may apply, subject to CAT guidelines.
• Professional Degree Holders: Candidates with recognized professional qualifications may also be eligible, subject to the applicable CAT requirements.

Minimum Marks

Candidates should check the official CAT 2027 notification for the final eligibility requirements before submitting the application.

CAT Eligibility: CGPA, Percentage & Professional Qualifications

How Is Percentage Calculated for CAT?

If your university awards marks, your percentage is calculated according to the university’s prescribed method.

If your university awards grades or CGPA, the conversion to percentage should follow the procedure certified by your university or institution. If the institution does not provide a conversion formula, the CAT eligibility guidelines have specified calculating the equivalent percentage by dividing the CGPA by the maximum possible CGPA and multiplying by 100.

Are Professional Degree Holders Eligible for CAT?

Yes. Candidates with certain recognized professional qualifications can be eligible for CAT. Official CAT eligibility information has specifically included professional degrees such as CA, CS, and ICWA, subject to the applicable minimum marks requirement.

Does Graduation Stream Matter?

CAT eligibility is based primarily on having the required bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent qualification and the required marks. Candidates from different undergraduate disciplines can therefore apply, subject to the official eligibility conditions.

Important Eligibility Reminder

Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements only makes you eligible to appear for CAT. It does not guarantee an IIM interview call or admission. IIMs can apply their own shortlisting and selection criteria.

CAT Eligibility: Reservation Categories

CAT follows the reservation policies applicable to the participating IIMs and the Government of India. The minimum graduation percentage requirement is lower for SC, ST, and PwD candidates than for the general category.

Candidates claiming reservation must provide the required category or disability documentation according to the applicable CAT and IIM admission requirements.

Important

Reservation eligibility and admission criteria can differ between IIMs. Therefore, candidates should check the latest CAT 2027 notification and individual IIM admission policies before applying.

CAT Eligibility: Who Is Not Eligible?

Candidates who do not meet the minimum educational qualification or required marks cannot apply for CAT.

You may not be eligible if:

• You have not completed or are not pursuing an eligible bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification.
• You do not meet the required minimum percentage or equivalent CGPA.
• Your qualification does not meet the recognition requirements specified in the official CAT eligibility criteria.
• You cannot provide the required academic or category documents when requested.

Important

Eligibility rules can be updated for each CAT edition. Before submitting your application, always check the official CAT 2027 notification for the final requirements.

CAT Eligibility: Important Documents

Candidates should keep their academic and identification documents ready while completing the CAT application form. The exact documents and specifications are provided in the official CAT application guidelines.

Commonly required information includes:

• Class 10 certificate/details
• Class 12 certificate/details
• Bachelor’s degree marksheets
• Final-year graduation details, if applicable
• Category certificate, where applicable
• PwD certificate, where applicable
• Valid identification details
• Photograph and signature as per the application requirements

For Final-Year Students

Final-year candidates should keep their available academic records and proof of final-year status ready. If selected, they may need to submit the required degree or completion documents within the timeline specified by the concerned IIM.

Important: Document requirements and upload specifications can change. Check the official CAT 2027 application instructions before submitting your form.