CAT Eligibility Criteria 2026: Age Limit, Education Qualification & Reservation Policy

Overview: The CAT exam eligibility 2026 requires a graduation degree in any stream from a recognised university. Some factors, such as the CAT age limit, educational qualifications, and reservations, are also part of the CAT eligibility criteria 2026. Read on to know more!

The Common Admission Test 2026 will be conducted on the last Sunday of November 2026 by one of the IIMs. So, before starting your preparation, it’s essential to understand the CAT exam eligibility criteria for 2026.

• Only those who meet the official eligibility rules can register for the CAT 2026 exam.
• Eligibility criteria cover key factors such as educational qualifications, minimum category-wise marks, and final-year student requirements.
• There are no age or attempt restrictions for CAT 2026.
• This guide explains all the CAT 2026 eligibility details you need to check before filling out the application form.

Download FREE Study Material for CAT 2026 by Supergrads

Latest Updates about IIMs Admission Process

To simplify the MBA admission process, four leading Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have introduced a Joint Admission Process (JAP) for the 2026-2027 academic session. This initiative is designed to benefit MBA aspirants by streamlining a typically complex application procedure.

• Joint Admission Process (JAP) 2026: Four IIMs—IIM Kashipur, IIM Raipur, IIM Ranchi, and IIM Tiruchirappalli—have collaborated to launch a single admission process for their MBA programs.
• IIM Raipur will act as the coordinating institute, managing the entire JAP for all four participating IIMs.
• Candidates can now apply to all four of these IIMs through a single, unified application window after their CAT 2025 results are declared.
• The new process is intended to reduce administrative duplication, save time for applicants, and increase transparency in the admission journey.

CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Major Highlights 

What is the eligibility for the CAT exam? Here are the key factors that determine eligibility for the CAT exam 2026:

CAT 2026 Eligibility Parameter	Requirements
CAT Age Limit	There is no upper age limit for the CAT exam
CAT Exam Qualification	Bachelor’s degree in any stream
CAT Exam Eligibility Marks in Graduation	50% for General/NC-OBC/PwD & 45% for SC/ST/EWS categories
Final Year Students	Eligible to apply (subject to minimum required marks in final results)
University Recognition	Degree must be from a recognised university or educational institution
Work Experience	Not compulsory; freshers can apply
CAT Eligibility Reservation Criteria	As per the Government of India norms
Nationality	Indian citizens and foreign nationals are eligible
Number of Attempts	No restriction on the number of attempts
Age Relaxation for Reserved Categories	Not applicable as there is no age limit

Important Dates Related to CAT Eligibility 2026

Here are the important dates related to CAT exam eligibility:

Event	Date
CAT 2026 Notification Release	July  2026 (Tentative)
CAT 2026 Registration Starts	August, 2026 (Tentative)
CAT 2026 Registration Last Date	September 2026 (Tentative)
CAT 2026 Admit Card Download Begins	November 2026 (Tentative)
CAT 2026 Exam Date	Last Sunday of November 2026 (Tentative)
CAT 2026 Result Declaration	First week of January, 2027 (Tentative)

Also Check | List of CAT Preparation Books in 2026

CAT Exam Eligibility 2026: Education Qualification 

What is the eligibility for the CAT exam in India? Candidates applying for CAT exam should know all about the CAT age limit, education qualification:

Educational Qualifications for CAT Exam 2026	Affiliation Required	Pass Percentage Required
Bachelor’s Degree in any stream from any University	Recognised by UGC	General/EWS/NC-OBC: 50% SC, ST, PwD candidates: 45%
Engineering Degree – BTech/ BE	Recognised by MHRD/AICTE *	General/EWS/NC-OBC: 50% SC, ST, PwD candidates: 45%
Students in their final year of a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are also eligible to take the CAT exam.	Continuing graduation from a University recognised by MHRD/AICTE or UGC	General/EWS/NC-OBC: 50% SC, ST, PwD candidates: 45%
(CA/CS/ICWA/Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India (FIAI)	Certification-granting organisation	General/EWS/NC-OBC: 50% SC, ST, PwD candidates: 45%

Refer | CAT 2026 Exam Pattern

Practice Now: Previous Year Papers for CAT

Category-Wise CAT Exam Eligibility Percentage 2026

There are also eligibility criteria for CAT exam for different categories. Here is the table showing the same:

Category	Eligibility Criteria for CAT Exam 2026
CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria for General	minimum of 50% in a bachelor's degree
CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria for EWS	minimum of 50% in a bachelor's degree
CAT Age Limit for OBC	minimum of 50% in a bachelor's degree
CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria for SC	minimum of 45% in a bachelor's degree
CAT Eligibility Criteria for ST	minimum of 45% in a bachelor's degree
CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria for PwD	minimum of  45% in a bachelor's degree

Check | List of CAT 2026 Exam Centres

CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria 2026: Reservation Policy 

As per the legal requirements, the CAT eligibility criteria 2026 for different categories have the following seats reserved for each category.

CAT Exam Reservation Percentage

Category	Percentage
Scheduled Caste (SC)	15%
Scheduled Tribe (ST)	7.5%
Other Backward Classes (NC-OBC)	27%
Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)	10%
Persons with Disabilities (PwD)	5%

Also Read | CAT Books: List of 11 Best Books for CAT 2026 Preparation

CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria: Age Limit Factor

What is the CAT age limit? Most MBA entrance exams have an age limit, but the CAT exam does not. According to the CAT eligibility criteria, there is no age limit yet.

CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria	Details
CAT minimum age limit	There is no minimum age limit. Must have completed graduation with the required percentage.
CAT maximum age eligibility	There is no maximum age limit. With a bachelor's degree and a minimum percentage, you can apply at any career stage.

Also Read | CAT Exam Registration 2026 [Official]

Difference between IIM Eligibility and CAT Eligibility Criteria 2026

While they are related, CAT eligibility is the minimum requirement to write the exam. In contrast, IIM eligibility comprises a more extensive set of criteria used for admission to a specific IIM. The IIMs consider a candidate's entire profile, not just their CAT score.

Criteria	CAT Eligibility	IIM Eligibility & Selection
Purpose	To be eligible to appear for the CAT exam	To be considered for admission to a specific IIM.
Educational Qualification	A bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for reserved categories). Final-year students can also apply.	Same as CAT, but IIMs often have minimum cutoffs for 10th, 12th, and graduation scores, which can be a deciding factor for shortlisting.
CAT Score	No minimum score required to take the exam	Requires meeting a minimum CAT percentile cutoff (both overall and sectional). This cutoff is significantly higher than the passing score and varies for each IIM. For top IIMs, this can be 98-99+ percentile.
Work Experience	Not mandatory	Considered as a weighted factor in the final selection process by most IIMs. Candidates with more experience may receive a higher score.
Additional Selection Rounds	Not applicable	Includes Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI). Performance in these rounds is crucial for final selection.
Diversity	Not applicable	Most IIMs give extra points for academic diversity (non-engineering backgrounds) and gender diversity to ensure a varied student body.

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CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Work Experience

Candidates are not required to have prior work experience during the CAT registration process. However, IIMs may consider work experience in the later stages of their admission process.

If you have some prior work experience, then here is the list of documents you need to submit during the admission process at IIMs:

• Work experience certificate provided by the company
• Your Joining letter/Certificate
• Last three months’ salary slips 

Also Read | How To Get into IIM Without CAT: Process and Admission

CAT Exam Eligibility 2026: Persons with Benchmark Disabilities

Under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, 5% of seats are reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwD), defined as individuals with at least 40% of a specified disability, as certified by an authority.

The Act lists specific disabilities, including blindness, deafness, locomotor disabilities, autism, intellectual disabilities, and more, ensuring inclusive education opportunities.

Note: Candidates from reserved categories (SC/ST/NC-OBC/EWS/PwD) should review eligibility for CAT exam carefully before applying. Although IIMs aim to adhere to legal reservation proportions, these candidates must meet minimum eligibility and performance standards for admission consideration.

Check | List of Top MBA Colleges Accepting CAT 2026 Scores

Can Students in the Last Year of their Bachelor's Degree Apply? 

Yes! Candidates appearing for the final year of the Bachelor’s degree/equivalent qualification examination and those who have completed degree requirements and are awaiting results can also apply.

However, it may be noted that if selected, you will be allowed to join the program provisionally and only if you submit a certificate from the Registrar of your University (issued on or before the date as stipulated by the respective IIM) stating that you have completed all the requirements for obtaining the Bachelor’s degree on the date of issue of the certificate.

Check | Download CAT 2026 Admit Card 

Check Now: QA Free Resources for CAT + OMETs

CAT Exam Eligibility 2026: Understanding Percentage Calculation Criteria

The CAT eligibility criteria percentage will be calculated based on the practice followed by the respective University or institution.

Regarding grades/ CGPA, the conversion to a percentage of marks would be based on the procedure certified by the respective University or institution. 

If any University confirms that there is no scheme for converting CGPA into equivalent marks, the equivalence would be established by "dividing the candidate’s CGPA by the maximum possible CGPA and multiplying the result by 100."

Also Check | CAT Exam Analysis Section Wise

Consequences of Providing False Eligibility Claims

Providing false or inaccurate information on your CAT exam application can have serious consequences, including disqualification from the exam and the entire admissions process.

Verification of your eligibility and documents occurs at multiple stages, not just during the application. This includes during the Personal Interview (PI) and Written Ability Test (WAT) rounds, and even at the time of final admission.

Key Areas of Concern

1. CAT Reservation Category

Claiming a reserved category (SC, ST, NC-OBC, EWS, or PwD) without a valid, up-to-date certificate may result in rejection. 

For instance, if your family's income exceeds the limit for the Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) OBC category, you are no longer eligible for its benefits and must apply under the general category. Failure to declare this change can result in disqualification.

2. Academic Details

Submitting incorrect marks or an unrecognised degree from a university that is not approved by the UGC/AICTE/MHRD can also lead to your application being rejected.

3. Work Experience

Falsely claiming or exaggerating your work experience is a significant risk. Admissions panels are experts at spotting lies, and if caught, it can lead to your candidature being cancelled.

Check Now: VARC Free Resources for CAT + OMETs

Personal Information

Although some details, such as your address, can be corrected, crucial information, such as your name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number, usually cannot be changed after registration.

It's essential to be honest and transparent throughout the application process to avoid issues later. 

In some cases, if you have a valid reason for a change (e.g., your family's income changed after filling out the form), you may be able to contact the CAT authorities to update your status. However, making a deliberate false claim is a serious offence with severe repercussions.

Who is Not Eligible for the CAT Exam 2026?

• A candidate who failed to have a bachelor’s degree in any stream.
• A candidate who has scored less than 50% in their graduation (GEN/NC-OBC/PwD) and less than 45% (SC/ST/EWS).
• A candidate has a graduation certificate, which is not authorised by the UGC/AICTE/MHRD and fails to meet the CAT exam criteria.
• Lastly, if a candidate is pursuing a dual degree and has not yet completed either degree, they are also not eligible for the CAT exam 2026.

CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria for Final Year Students

Final-year students pursuing a bachelor's degree are eligible to appear for the Common Admission Test (CAT), provided they fulfil certain conditions. They must have secured at least 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC, ST, and PWD categories) in their undergraduate studies up to the point of application.

• Conditions for final-year candidates
• Requirement of a certificate from an institution
• Proof of graduation at the time of admission
• Risks and precautions to consider

What are the Conditions for Final-Year Candidates in CAT 2026?

Well, such candidates can apply for CAT and subsequently for admission to IIMs. However, their admission will be provisional, contingent on the submission of a certificate from their institution's Principal/Registrar/Head of Department. 

This certificate must state that the candidate has completed all the requirements for the bachelor's degree by the date stipulated by the respective IIM.

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Here are the requirements of a certificate from an institution:

• The certificate must be issued on or before the date specified by the admitting IIM.
•  It should clearly state that the candidate has appeared for all required examinations and is awaiting the final results. 
• Failure to produce this certificate by the deadline will result in the cancellation of the provisional admission.
• Proof of graduation at the time of admission: At the time of final admission to an IIM, the candidate must provide the original mark sheets and degree certificate as proof of having completed their graduation with the required percentage of marks.

Check now: How to Crack CAT exam in 2026?

Risks and precautions to consider

Here are the precautions that the applicant should consider:

• Final-year students appearing for CAT should be mindful of the academic pressure of their final year alongside the rigorous preparation required for the entrance exam. 
• It is crucial to manage time effectively and maintain a balance between academic commitments and CAT preparation. 
• Additionally, they should ensure that they will meet the graduation eligibility criteria within the stipulated timeframe to avoid any last-minute disappointments during the admission process. 
• Careful planning and diligent effort are key to successfully navigating this dual challenge.

CAT Exam Eligibility 2026 for Candidates with Backlogs

Here's a breakdown of pointers regarding CAT age limit for candidates with backlogs:

Can students with arrears/backlogs apply?

Yes, candidates with backlogs in their bachelor's degrees are generally eligible to apply for the CAT exam.

IIM admission policies also generally do not explicitly restrict candidates with backlogs from applying for CAT.

Conditions and clarification by IIMs:

While you can appear for CAT with backlogs, you will likely need to clear all backlogs before the admission process of the respective IIM begins.

IIMs require candidates to hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum required percentage of marks (50% for the general category and 45% for reserved categories) at the time of admission.

You may need to provide a certificate from your institution stating that you have appeared for supplementary exams to clear your backlogs and are currently awaiting the results.

Ultimately, admission to IIMs is provisional until you submit proof of completing your graduation with the required marks and having cleared all backlogs.

Read More: List of best books for CAT Preparation 2026

Understanding CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria, Case Scenarios, and how to Handle them

Case 1: Applying while having active backlogs

You can apply for CAT. Focus on clearing the backlogs before the IIM admission deadlines.

Case 2: Having cleared backlogs, but results awaited

You are eligible to apply as a final-year student. You will need to submit the final degree certificate and mark sheets as proof of clearing backlogs and meeting the percentage criteria at the time of IIM admission.

Case 3: Facing supplementary exams after CAT

Inform the IIMs about your situation during the Personal Interview (PI) round and provide the necessary documentation as soon as the results are declared, ensuring it's before their admission deadline.

Impact of Backlogs on the CAT 2026 Selection Process

Backlogs may be a topic of discussion during the Personal Interview (PI) round. Be prepared to explain the reasons for the backlogs and highlight your academic improvements or other strengths.

While the CAT score is a primary factor, IIMs also consider your academic background. Clearing backlogs demonstrates responsibility and commitment, which can positively influence the selection process.

Failure to clear backlogs and provide the final degree certificate by the IIM's deadline will lead to cancellation of provisional admission, even if you have a good CAT score and performed well in other selection rounds.

Read More: CAT Preparation for Beginners 2026, Tips & Strategies

CAT Age Limit for Foreign Students / NRI / International Students

NRI students, foreign students, and International students can also apply for the CAT exam. 

CAT Exam Eligibility for NRIs and foreign candidates:

Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/Pwd categories, if applicable as per their status). The degree must be from a recognized university.

Some IIMs might consider CAT scores for international students, but GMAT is more widely accepted.

Check Now: How to prepare for CAT in 10 Months - Expert Tips

Common Myths Around CAT Age Limit 2026

Here are some common misconceptions about who can take the CAT exam, explained simply:

Myth 1: Only Engineering graduates are eligible.

Truth: This is not true at all! CAT is open to graduates from any stream - whether you have a degree in Arts, Science, Commerce, Engineering, Medicine, or anything else. As long as you have a bachelor's degree with the required minimum marks, you can apply.

Myth 2: You need a very high percentage in graduation to be eligible.

Truth: While a good academic record is helpful, the basic CAT exam eligibility is usually 50% aggregate marks in your bachelor's degree (or equivalent). This is relaxed to 45% for candidates belonging to SC, ST, and PwD categories. So, you don't need to be a topper in your graduation to be eligible for CAT.

Myth 3: Candidates with backlogs cannot apply.

Truth: You can apply for CAT even if you have backlogs. However, IIMs usually require you to clear all your backlogs and have your final degree certificate with the minimum required percentage before the admission process concludes. Your admission will be provisional initially.

Myth 4: Final-year students are not eligible.

Truth: Actually, final-year students who are yet to receive their degree are also eligible to apply for CAT. However, if they get selected, they will need to provide proof of completing their graduation with the required marks within a timeframe specified by the IIM.

Myth 5: There's a CAT exam age limit to appear for CAT 2026

Truth: There is no upper or lower CAT exam age limit to appear for the CAT exam. Anyone who meets the educational qualification criteria can take the test.

Myth 6: Only people with work experience can get into IIMs through CAT.

Truth: While work experience can be beneficial during the selection process, it is not mandatory to appear for CAT or get into IIMs. Fresh graduates are also eligible and get admission based on their CAT score, academic record, and performance in other selection rounds.

Read more: How to prepare for CAT exam at Home in 2026?

Conclusion

CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria for IIMs 2026 are designed to ensure that the test candidates possess the skills and aptitude necessary to succeed in a competitive business environment, with no specific CAT exam age limit for the CAT exam 2026.

Besides IIMs, thousands of other B-schools offer MBAs based on CAT scores. Therefore, it is essential to note that the CAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 may vary for other management colleges; therefore, it is advisable to check with the institute before applying for the CAT.

Check | CAT Exam Previous Papers