Is class 12 marks important for CAT: Check Eligibility Criteria & Important Details

Overview: One of the most frequently asked questions among MBA aspirants is is class 12 marks important for CAT? Read on to the clear reality check for this!

• With thousands of students preparing for the Common Admission Test (CAT, understanding the role of academic credentials like Class 12 marks is crucial for shaping your preparation and strategy. 

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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?”

Do Class 12 Marks Matter for CAT Eligibility?

Technically, Class 12 marks are not required to be eligible for the CAT exam. The official eligibility criteria only mandate a minimum of 50% in your bachelor’s degree (or equivalent, and there is no direct requirement for Class 12 marks in the CAT registration process. 

However, this lack of eligibility criteria doesn’t mean Class 12 performance is irrelevant. Many students often confuse eligibility with selection criteria, which is where the importance of Class 12 marks becomes apparent. 

What Role Do Class 12 Marks Play After CAT?

After you take the CAT exam, the selection process for MBA programs, especially in top business schools like the Indian Institutes of Management: 

✅CAT Score & Percentile

✅Academic Performance (10th, 12th, Graduation Marks)

✅Work Experience

✅Personal Interview (PI & Written Ability Test (WAT)

Many premier institutes use a holistic scoring system and assign weightage to academic records, including Class 12 marks.

For instance, some IIMs factor your Class 12 performance in both the shortlisting and final selection stages, though the exact weightage differs by institute. 

So, while Class 12 marks do not influence your CAT score, they can influence your final admission chances, especially when shortlisting candidates. 

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Do All MBA Colleges Consider Class 12 Marks After CAT?

Not every MBA college weighs Class 12 marks the same way. Here’s a breakdown:

Top IIMs

• Many top IIMs (like IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, etc. consider Class 12 marks in their academic profile calculation bundled with 10th and graduation scores.
• This combined academic profile score contributes to the overall candidate evaluation, although CAT performance remains the most important component. 

Non-IIM B-Schools

• Other reputable business schools may or may not consider Class 12 marks to be significant. Some assign moderate weight to the CAT percentile and graduation performance, while others focus mainly on the CAT percentile.
• It’s important for aspirants to check the specific criteria of each institute they plan to apply to. 

Can I give the 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 is determined by several other factors.

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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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.

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 thoroughly for the CAT and building a strong overall profile.

Check | How Many Students Give CAT Exam?

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What are the 10th and 12th Class Weightage in Top IIMs 2026?

Here is the list of the IIMs and the required 10th and 12th class weightage:

1️⃣IIM Ahmedabad

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

Also Read: How to improve VARC for CAT exam?

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

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

IIM Calcutta

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

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

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

Check More | CAT Exam Pattern 2026

Can You Compensate for Low Class 12 Marks?

Absolutely. Many aspirants believe that lower Class 12 marks will automatically reduce their chances. This is not true if you excel in your CAT score and other profile elements. Here’s how you can strengthen your profile: 

✅Score a high CAT percentile. 
✅Perform well in PI/WAT rounds
✅Gathering relevant work experience 
✅Strong graduation performance 

In essence, while Class 12 marks remain important for CAT evaluation, a balanced profile with a strong CAT score and credible graduation performance can outweigh moderate Class 12 marks. 

Read More | Minimum Marks Required to Qualify CAT

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This tells us that many top-ranking B-schools, including top IIMs such as IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, and IIM Indore, assign different weightages to class XII accounting in the final selection process for MBA admissions.

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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