CAT Eligibility 2027: Qualification, Marks, Age Limit & Requirements

Planning to appear for CAT 2027 and not sure whether you meet the eligibility requirements? The basic requirement is a bachelor’s degree with the required marks, but there are a few other things to check, especially if you’re still in your final year or waiting for your graduation result.

For the current eligibility rules available, candidates generally need 50% marks or equivalent CGPA in graduation. The requirement is 45% for SC, ST and PwD candidates. Final-year students can also apply, subject to the conditions mentioned by the IIMs.

There is no prescribed age limit or limit on the number of CAT attempts. So, if you meet the educational requirements, you can appear for CAT in different years.

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

CAT Eligibility Criteria at a Glance

The minimum graduation requirement is 50% for General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates and 45% for SC, ST and PwD candidates.

CAT Educational Qualification

To apply for CAT, you should have a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognised university or institution.

The minimum marks are:

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

Students who have completed their graduation requirements but are waiting for their results can also apply, provided they meet the conditions specified in the CAT guidelines.

Can Final-Year Students Apply for CAT?

Yes. If you’re currently in the final year of your bachelor’s degree, you can apply for CAT.

There is an important point to remember, though. If you are selected for admission, your admission may initially be provisional. You will then have to submit the required degree or completion documents within the deadline given by the concerned IIM.

So, being a final-year student isn’t a problem, but you should be able to complete your degree requirements within the required timeline.

Who Can Apply for CAT?

You can generally apply for CAT if:

1. You have completed your bachelor’s degree and have the required marks.
2. You are currently studying in the final year of graduation.
3. You have completed your degree requirements but your result is still pending.
4. You hold an eligible equivalent or recognised professional qualification.

Meeting these basic requirements only makes you eligible to appear for CAT. It does not mean that an IIM will automatically shortlist you for admission.

Each IIM has its own admission criteria and may consider factors such as CAT performance, academic record, work experience and performance in later selection stages.

If you meet the eligibility requirements, the next useful step is to understand the CAT Exam Pattern and see how the exam is divided into its three sections.

CAT Age Limit

There is no minimum or maximum age limit for CAT.

You can appear for the exam at any age as long as you meet the applicable educational requirements. The official CAT information also states that there is no age restriction.

Is There Any Limit on CAT Attempts?

No. CAT does not prescribe a maximum number of attempts.

Since the exam is conducted once a year, an eligible candidate can appear in different years by applying for that particular CAT examination.

CAT Eligibility for Different Candidates

Graduates

If you’ve completed a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university and have the required marks, you can apply for CAT.

Final-Year Students

Students in the final year of their bachelor’s degree can apply. If selected, they may have to provide their degree-related documents later according to the IIM’s admission requirements.

Result-Awaiting Candidates

If you’ve completed the requirements for your bachelor’s degree but your result hasn’t been declared yet, you may be able to apply. The applicable CAT conditions still need to be satisfied.

Professional Qualification Holders

Certain recognised professional qualifications can also make a candidate eligible for CAT. The official eligibility information specifically includes qualifications such as CA, CS and ICWA, subject to the applicable marks requirement.

CAT Eligibility: Minimum Marks

The minimum graduation marks are different for different categories.

Equivalent CGPA can also be considered according to the applicable CAT guidelines.

Does Your Graduation Stream Matter?

No particular graduation stream is required.

Students from different academic backgrounds can apply as long as they have the required bachelor’s degree or recognised equivalent qualification and meet the minimum marks requirement.

So whether your graduation is in commerce, science, arts, engineering or another discipline, you can apply if you meet the eligibility conditions.

How Is CGPA Converted to Percentage for CAT?

If your university gives marks, use the percentage calculation prescribed by your university.

If your university uses grades or CGPA, follow the conversion method provided by the institution.

Where the institution does not provide a conversion formula, the CAT eligibility guidelines specify calculating the equivalent percentage by dividing the CGPA by the maximum possible CGPA and multiplying the result by 100.

For example, if the maximum CGPA is 10 and your CGPA is 7.5:

7.5 ÷ 10 × 100 = 75%

However, always follow your university’s official conversion method when one is available.

CAT Eligibility for SC, ST and PwD Candidates

The minimum graduation marks requirement is lower for SC, ST and PwD candidates.

Candidates applying under a reserved category should have the required category or disability documents according to the applicable CAT and IIM admission requirements.

Reservation and admission criteria can vary between IIMs, so check the latest CAT notification and the admission policy of the individual IIM you’re interested in.

Is Work Experience Required for CAT?

No. Work experience is not required to appear for CAT.

Both fresh graduates and candidates with work experience can apply as long as they meet the eligibility requirements.

Work experience can, however, be considered as part of the admission or shortlisting criteria of individual IIMs.

Who Is Not Eligible for CAT?

You may not be eligible if you don’t meet the basic educational requirements.

For example, you may not be eligible if:

• You have not completed and are not pursuing an eligible bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification.
• You don’t have the required minimum percentage or equivalent CGPA.
• Your qualification doesn’t meet the recognition requirements.
• You cannot provide the required academic or category documents when asked.

The final rules for CAT 2027 will depend on the official notification released for that exam year.

Documents Related to CAT Eligibility

Keep your academic and identification details ready when filling out the CAT application form.

The 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 required in the application

If you’re in the final year of graduation, keep whatever academic records and proof of final-year status you have available. If you’re selected, the concerned IIM may ask you to provide your degree or completion documents within its specified timeline.

Does CAT Eligibility Guarantee IIM Admission?

No.

CAT eligibility only means that you can appear for the examination. It does not guarantee an interview call or admission to an IIM.

Each IIM has its own shortlisting and admission process. The institute may consider your CAT performance along with your academic record, work experience and performance in subsequent selection stages.

If you’re eligible and planning your preparation, the next step is to understand CAT Syllabus and then build your preparation around the topics covered in the exam.

CAT Eligibility FAQs

What is the minimum percentage required for CAT?

Candidates generally need 50% marks or equivalent CGPA in their bachelor’s degree. The requirement is 45% for SC, ST and PwD candidates.

Can final-year students apply for CAT?

Yes. Final-year bachelor’s degree students can apply, subject to the conditions mentioned in the CAT notification.

Is there an age limit for CAT?

No. CAT does not prescribe a specific minimum or maximum age limit.

How many times can I appear for CAT?

There is no prescribed limit on CAT attempts. Eligible candidates can appear in different years.

Can students from any graduation stream apply for CAT?

Yes. Candidates from different academic disciplines can apply as long as they meet the applicable educational and marks requirements.

Can CA, CS or ICWA candidates apply for CAT?

Yes. Recognised professional qualifications such as CA, CS and ICWA can be accepted under the applicable CAT eligibility rules.

Does CAT eligibility guarantee admission to an IIM?

No. Eligibility only allows you to appear for CAT. Individual IIMs have their own shortlisting and admission criteria.

Is work experience required for CAT?

No. Work experience is not required to appear for CAT.

Can I apply for CAT if my graduation result is pending?

If you’ve completed the required degree requirements but are waiting for your result, you may be eligible, subject to the conditions specified for that CAT examination.