Can i Give CAT Exam After 12th​? Eligibility Criteria & Important Details

Overview: The most common question among Common Entrance Test (CAT) aspirants is "Can i Give CAT Exam After 12th?”. Learning and checking CAT exam eligibility is extremely important for you to understand this.

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• The CAT exam, a highly esteemed entrance exam, opens the doors to prestigious B-schools in India, including the revered IIMs. Thus, your preparation is extremely important.
• As aspirants gear up for the exam, a question frequently emerges: What is the role of Class 12 marks in the CAT examination and subsequent admission process?

So let’s find out, “Can I Give CAT Exam After 12th?”

Can i Give CAT Exam After 12th?

Let's find the answer to the question, "Is class 12 marks important for CAT?"

1. Role of Class 12 Marks in the CAT Examination

• CAT exam eligibility requires you to score 50% marks in your bachelor's degree and do not directly mention the 12th score. 
• Contrary to common belief, class 12 marks don't play a role in the CAT exam. 
• However, the examination assesses skills such as Quantitative Ability (QA), Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR).
• Regarding admissions post-CAT, Class 12 marks do come into the picture. 
• IIMs, for instance, consider Class 10, 12, and graduation marks, along with CAT scores, work experience, and other factors, in their selection criteria.

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Read More | Minimum Marks Required to Qualify CAT

2. Can i give CAT exam after 12th? Understanding the CAT Admission Process

• First, it's essential to understand the CAT examination and the admission process to comprehend the relevance of Class 12 marks. 
• The scores of the three sections then determine the overall percentile. 
• However, the journey doesn't continue after the exam; the final admission relies on several other factors.

3. Class 12 Marks in the Context of Different B-Schools

• The importance of Class 12 marks can vary among different B-Schools. While all IIMs consider academic records, the weightage can differ. 
• Some give substantial weightage to Class 12 marks, while others might focus more on graduation scores or CAT percentiles.
• Non-IIM institutes might have different criteria altogether
• Therefore, aspirants need to check the specific admission criteria of the B-Schools they are interested in.

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4. Other Factors Considered for CAT and Subsequent Admission

• While Class 12 marks are part of the admission criteria, several other factors are equally important. 
• Of course, the CAT percentile is crucial. Graduation scores, work experience, and performance in the Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI) rounds also significantly impact the final selection.

5. Strategies to Compensate for Lower Class 12 Marks

• If you have lower Class 12 marks, don't be disheartened. 
• A high CAT percentile, impressive graduation scores, relevant work experience, and firm performance in WAT, GD, and PI can help balance out your academic profile. 
• Focus on preparing well for the CAT and building a solid profile overall.

Check | How Many Students Give CAT Exam?

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10th and 12th Class Weightage in Top IIMs 2026

IIM Ahmedabad

10th Percentage	Rating Score A
< = 55	1
> 55 and < = 60	2
> 60 and < = 70	3
> 70 and < = 80	5
> 80 and < = 90	8
> 90	10

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12th Percentage (Science stream)	12th Percentage (Commerce stream)	12th Percentage (Humanities stream)	Rating Score B
< = 55	< = 50	< = 45	1
> 55 and < = 60	> 50 and < = 55	> 45 and < = 50	2
> 60 and < = 70	> 55 and < = 65	> 50 and < = 60	3
> 70 and < = 80	> 65 and < = 75	> 60 and < = 70	5
> 80 and < = 90	> 75 and < = 90	> 70 and < = 85	8
> 90	> 90	> 85	10

IIM Bangalore

Percentage	Round	Weightage
10th	PI	10
12th	PI	10
10th	Final Selection	5
12th	Final Selection	5

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IIM Calcutta

10th Percentage	Points	12th Percentage (all streams)	IIM 12th Marks/ Points
> = 80	10	> = 80	15
> = 75 and < 80	8	> = 75 and < 80	12
> = 70 and < 75	6	> = 70 and < 75	9
> = 65 and < 70	4	> = 65 and < 70	6
> = 60 and < 65	2	> = 60 and < 65	3
< 60	0	< 60	0

IIM Lucknow

Percentage	Round	Weightage
10th	PI	39
12th	PI	20
10th	Final Selection	12.5
IIM 12th percentage	Final Selection	No weightage is given.

Read More: Important Topics of CAT WAT

IIM Kozhikode

Percentage	Round	Weightage
IIM 12th percentage	PI	15%
10th	PI	25%

Check More | CAT Exam Pattern 2026

Can i give CAT exam after 12th? Understanding the CAT Admission Process 2026

Is class 12th marks matter for CAT exam? The Common Entrance Test (CAT) is the gateway to prestigious business schools in India, particularly the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). The CAT admission process for these institutes involves several components:

• CAT Exam Score: Your performance in the CAT exam is the primary factor.
• Academic Records: This includes weightage of marks from Class 10, Class 12, and graduation.
• Work Experience: Relevant professional experience can enhance your final admission process in a few top-ranking business schools.
• Personal Interview and Written Ability Test (WAT) are part of the final selection process.
• Diversity Factors: Some institutes consider factors like gender, academic, and professional diversity.

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This tells us that many top-ranking b-schools, including top IIMs like IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, IIM Indore, etc., consider the weightage of class XII accounting in a different percentage in the final selection process to give admission to an MBA program.

Conclusion

Can i give CAT exam after 12th? While Class 12 marks are essential for CAT admissions, they aren't the deciding factor. Each part of your academic and professional journey has a role to play. Therefore, it's beneficial to maintain a balanced approach towards CAT preparation, focusing on the exam and developing a well-rounded profile for MBA admissions.

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