CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Check Age Limit, Qualification and Minimum Marks

The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) organize Common Admission Test (CAT) to enroll into the management programs like MBA and PGDM. The CAT 2026 eligibility norms will be declared along with the formal CAT announcement.

For applying to CAT 2026, applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree from an acknowledged university/institution. The minimum aggregate marks that general and NC-OBC candidates are required to get in graduation is 50%. On the other hand, the minimum aggregate marks for SC, ST and PwD applicants is 45%.

Eligibility norms differ based on the type of candidate and qualifications. Applicants failing to meet the prescribed norms might be disqualified from appearing in the test or the selection process.

Those having any professional/post graduate degree qualification can also submit this information in the CAT 2026 application form. They must submit all the relevant information in the application form.

CAT Exam Eligibility 2026: Minimum Marks in the Qualifying Examination

Candidates can check the minimum marks and qualification requirements for CAT 2026 in the table below.

CAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 for General and NC-OBC Candidates

There are various eligibility criteria for General and NC-OBC candidates for CAT 2026:

• They should have completed a bachelor’s degree course from a recognized university/ institution.
• The candidate should have scored a minimum of 50% marks in graduation or equivalent.
• Those who are studying in the last year of their graduation can also apply.
• For candidates having professional qualifications like CA, CS or ICWA, they should have scored a minimum of 50% marks.
• The candidate should furnish academic proof in the admission procedure.

CAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 for SC, ST and PwD Candidates

Eligibility criteria for candidates falling under the SC, ST, and PwD categories are as follows:

• They should have a bachelor’s degree from any recognised university/Institution.
• Candidates need to have scored a minimum of 45% marks in their degree program.
• The final year students of graduation can also apply for CAT 2026.
• Students who have professional degrees like Chartered Accountant, Cost Accountant, or ICWA should score a minimum of 45% marks.
• Candidates are required to submit a category certificate while taking admission.

CAT Reservation Criteria 2026

There is no separate reservation for taking part in the CAT examination. The IIMs and other management institutions following the reservations for admission as per the Government of India’s norms.

Candidates may see the list of reservation according to the categories listed below.

Candidates should note that admission and reservation policies may vary across participating institutes. They must check the admission criteria of the respective IIM or management institute before applying.

CAT Eligibility Criteria 2026: Age Limit

The CAT 2026 examination does not have any upper age or lower age barrier. The aspirants can give this exam irrespective of what phase of life they are in provided that they fulfill the educational requirement.

Similarly, there is no limitation to how many attempts you can make for this exam.

Can Final-Year Students Apply for CAT 2026?

Indeed, candidates who appear in their last year of their bachelor’s degree can register for CAT 2026. Candidates who are waiting for their results in their last year can apply through the application form too.

Nevertheless, they have to complete their degree and achieve the minimum marks criterion before the deadline set by the concerned institute. There may be other criteria that they might need to fulfill such as producing a certificate from the head of the institution.

Are CA, CS and ICWA Candidates Eligible for CAT 2026?

Candidates possessing qualifications such as CA, CS or CMA are eligible to take CAT 2026.

For general and NC-OBC candidates, they should have scored a minimum of 50% marks in the qualifying examination. While for SC/ST/PwD candidates, 45% marks are required.

These qualifications should be from the respective recognized professional institutes.

Who Isn’t Eligible to Apply for CAT 2026?

Candidates will not qualify for CAT 2026 in the following situations:

• If the General or NC-OBC candidates have obtained less than 50% marks in graduation.
• If the SC, ST or PwD candidates have obtained less than 45% marks in graduation.
• If the candidate does not have a bachelor’s degree or a professional degree.
• The university or institute in which the candidate is studying is not approved by UGC, AICTE or Ministry of Education.
• If the candidate has provided incorrect academic information.
• If the candidate studying a professional course has not qualified in the relevant course and is not fulfilling the necessary eligibility requirements.
• If the candidate is not in his/her final year of graduation and does not have a recognized degree.

Candidates must go through the eligibility criteria of CAT 2026 and make sure that the provided academic details are accurate.

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