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

Overview: CAT exam eligibility 2026 is actually very simple – if you have (or will soon have) a bachelor’s degree with the required percentage from a recognised university, you can apply. The official CAT eligibility criteria 2026 cover your graduation marks, category-wise relaxation, final–year status, and reservation rules.

Before you start filling the CAT 2026 application form, go through these key points:

• Minimum qualification: Bachelor’s degree in any stream from a recognised university or equivalent institution.
• Minimum marks: 50% aggregate for General/EWS/NC-OBC and 45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates.
• Final-year students: Eligible to apply, provided you complete your degree with the required percentage within the deadline set by the IIMs.
• CAT age limit: There is no upper age limit and no cap on the number of attempts for CAT 2026.
• Reservation & category rules: CAT eligibility criteria and seat reservation follow Government of India norms for SC, ST, NC-OBC, EWS and PwD categories.

In this guide, we have explained the CAT 2026 eligibility criteria in detail including education qualification, percentage calculation, age limit, reservation policy, final-year and backlog cases – so you can check your status confidently before registering.

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:

Here is the CAT exam eligibility 2026 at a glance. Use this quick table to check the major CAT 2026 eligibility criteria before filling out the form:

CAT 2026 Eligibility Parameter	Requirement
CAT age limit	No minimum or maximum age limit for CAT 2026
Minimum qualification	Bachelor’s degree in any discipline or equivalent from a recognised university/institution
Minimum marks in graduation	50% aggregate (or equivalent CGPA) for General/EWS/NC-OBC and 45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates
Final-year students	Eligible to apply, subject to completing the degree with the required percentage and providing a certificate within the deadline
University recognition	Degree must be from a university/institution recognised by UGC/AICTE/MHRD or an equivalent statutory body
Work experience	Not compulsory; freshers and working professionals can both apply
Reservation criteria	Seats reserved for SC, ST, NC-OBC, EWS and PwD as per Government of India norms
Nationality	Indian citizens, NRIs and other eligible foreign nationals can apply for CAT 2026
Number of attempts	No restriction on the number of CAT attempts
Age relaxation	Not applicable as there is no age limit in CAT 2026

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

The CAT exam eligibility 2026 clearly defines which academic backgrounds are accepted and what minimum percentage you must secure. The table below summarises the educational qualifications, required affiliation, and category-wise pass percentage for CAT 2026:

Educational Qualification	Affiliation / Recognition Required	Minimum % (General / EWS / NC-OBC)	Minimum % (SC / ST / PwD)
Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline	University or institution recognised by UGC or an equivalent statutory body	50% aggregate or equivalent CGPA	45% aggregate or equivalent CGPA
Engineering Degree (BE / BTech or equivalent)	Institution recognised / approved by MHRD / AICTE / UGC	50% aggregate or equivalent CGPA	45% aggregate or equivalent CGPA
Professional Qualifications (CA / CS / ICWA / FIAI)	Certification from the respective professional body (ICAI / ICSI / ICMAI / Institute of Actuaries of India)	50% aggregate marks or equivalent	45% aggregate marks or equivalent
Final-year students of Bachelor’s degree or equivalent	Currently enrolled in a recognised programme and expected to complete degree requirements within the deadline set by IIMs	Must secure at least 50% in the final result	Must secure at least 45% in the final result

Note: Candidates must produce proof of meeting the CAT 2026 eligibility criteria (marksheets / degree / provisional certificate) within the timeline specified by the IIMs. Failure to do so can lead to cancellation of admission, even if you clear the CAT exam and selection rounds.
Refer | CAT 2026 Exam Pattern

Practice Now: Previous Year Papers for CAT

Category-wise CAT Exam Eligibility Percentage 2026

The CAT 2026 eligibility criteria specify different minimum graduation percentages for different categories. Use this table to quickly check the CAT exam eligibility percentage 2026 as per your category:

Category	Minimum % in Bachelor’s Degree (Aggregate or Equivalent CGPA)	Details
General	50%	Must score at least 50% aggregate or equivalent CGPA in a recognised bachelor’s degree.
EWS	50%	Same minimum percentage as General category, with valid EWS certificate as per Government norms.
OBC (NC-OBC)	50%	Non-Creamy Layer OBC candidates must secure at least 50% aggregate or equivalent CGPA.
SC	45%	Relaxation of 5% in minimum marks compared to General category as per CAT eligibility rules.
ST	45%	Minimum 45% aggregate or equivalent CGPA in graduation from a recognised university.
PWD (Persons with Disabilities)	45%	Applicable to candidates with benchmark disabilities, with 5% relaxation in required marks.

Note: If you fall under more than one category (for example, SC + PwD), the lower minimum percentage applies, but you must upload valid certificates for every category claimed.

Check | List of CAT 2026 Exam Centres

CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria 2026: Reservation Policy

The CAT 2026 eligibility criteria follow the Government of India’s reservation rules for different categories. These reservations apply at the IIM admission stage, provided you meet the basic CAT exam eligibility 2026 (education, percentage and other requirements) and submit valid certificates.

Category	Reservation in Seats
Scheduled Caste (SC)	15%
Scheduled Tribe (ST)	7.5%
Other Backward Classes – Non-Creamy Layer (NC-OBC)	27%
Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)	10%
Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwD)	5%

Important: To claim reservation under SC/ST/NC-OBC/EWS/PwD categories, you must upload valid and updated certificates in the format prescribed by the Government of India and the IIMs. If your documents are invalid or outdated, your category may be treated as General during the admission process.

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

CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria 2026: Age Limit Factor

One of the biggest advantages of CAT exam eligibility 2026 is that there is no age bar. Unlike some government exams, the CAT age limit does not restrict you from appearing at a particular age or after a certain number of attempts.

CAT 2026 Age-related Parameter	Details
Minimum age limit	No specific minimum age mentioned. You simply need to have (or be about to complete) a recognised bachelor’s degree with the required percentage.
Maximum age limit	No upper age limit for CAT 2026. You can appear at any stage of your career as long as you meet the academic eligibility.
Number of attempts	No cap on attempts. You can take CAT multiple times to improve your score and target better IIMs or MBA colleges.

This means working professionals, graduates who took a break, and freshers all fall under the same CAT 2026 eligibility criteria for age, as long as the education and percentage requirements are satisfied.

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.

Use SuperGrads Free Resources 2026Strategically

CAT VARC Mock Test 2026	Attempt a Free Mock test
CAT DILR Mock test 2026	Attempt a Free Mock test
CAT QA Mock Test 2026	Attempt a Free Mock test
CAT VARC Prep Videos 2026	Watch Now
CAT DILR Prep Videos 2026	Watch Now
CAT QA Prep Videos 2026	Watch Now
CAT Syllabus 2026	Download Now
CAT PYQs	Download Now
CAT VARC Questions	Download Now

CAT Exam Eligibility 2026: Is Work Experience Compulsory?

A common doubt among aspirants is whether work experience is mandatory under the CAT 2026 eligibility criteria. The answer is simple – no, you can appear for CAT 2026 even if you are a complete fresher.

Work Experience Parameter	Eligibility Status for CAT 2026
Is work experience required to apply for CAT?	No. You can apply as a fresher after graduation or in your final year.
Can working professionals apply?	Yes. Candidates with any length of work experience can appear for CAT 2026.
Does work experience affect eligibility?	No. It does not affect CAT exam eligibility 2026, but it may be given weightage in IIM selection criteria.
Is there any minimum or maximum work experience limit?	No fixed limit. Different IIMs may consider work ex differently during shortlisting and final selection.

So, both fresh graduates and experienced professionals are equally eligible to appear for CAT 2026. The difference usually comes during the personal interview and final selection stage, where some IIMs may award extra points for relevant work experience.

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

Who is Not Eligible for CAT 2026?

Even though the CAT 2026 eligibility criteria are quite flexible, there are some cases where a candidate will not be considered eligible for CAT 2026:

• Candidates without a recognised bachelor’s degree: If your course or institution is not recognised by UGC, AICTE, MHRD or an equivalent statutory body.
• Candidates who do not meet the minimum percentage: Less than 50% aggregate (General/EWS/NC-OBC) or 45% (SC/ST/PwD) in graduation.
• Candidates who fail to complete their degree on time: Final-year students who do not pass their exams or cannot produce proof of qualifying within the deadline set by the IIMs.
• Candidates with falsified or incorrect information: Any mismatch in marks, category, or personal details can lead to cancellation of candidature at any stage.
• Candidates with invalid category certificates: Outdated, wrong-format or fake SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD certificates will result in loss of category benefits or rejection.

If you fall into any of these situations, you may not satisfy the CAT exam eligibility 2026 and should resolve these issues before applying.

Once you have checked the CAT 2026 eligibility criteria, the next step is to understand the CAT exam pattern 2026 and go through the detailed CAT syllabus 2026 so you can start your preparation in the right direction.

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.

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.

Check Now: DILR Free Resources for CAT + OMETs

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