CAT Eligibility Criteria 2025, Check Out Age Limit, Qualification, and Reservation Criteria
Explore about the CAT 2025 eligibility criteria, including qualifications, minimum marks, and age limit. Learn who can apply for this prominent exam as per eligibility criteria for CAT 2025.
Shivani Kumari31 Jul, 2025
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CAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria: CAT 2025 will be organized by IIM Kozhikode on November 30, 2025. Based on previous years, the official CAT notification is expected to be released soon on 30th July, 2025. Registration for CAT 2025 is expected to start on August 2, 2025, and the last date to apply might be September 21, 2025.
Over 3 lakh candidates are expected to register for the computer-based CAT exam. Around 21 IIMs, IITs, and more than 1200 B-schools will accept CAT 2025 scores for admissions to management courses across India.
CAT Eligibility Criteria 2025 Overview
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is an important exam for students who want to join postgraduate management programs in India, especially in the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). It’s important for candidates to know the eligibility criteria. Here’s a clear overview of the requirements for CAT 2025.| CAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria Highlights | |
| Criteria | Details |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD) |
| Professional Degrees | CA/CS/ICWA/Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India (FIAI) are also acceptable |
| Final Year Students | Eligible to apply if they can provide proof of eligibility at the time of admission |
| CAT Age Limit | No age limit for candidates applying for CAT |
CAT Academic Criteria 2025
To be eligible for CAT 2025, candidates must meet the following educational qualifications:- Bachelor’s Degree : Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or institution. The degree should be awarded by any university that is recognized by the Government of India.
- Minimum Percentage :
- Candidates must have secured at least 50% marks or an equivalent CGPA in their undergraduate degree.
- For candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC) , Scheduled Tribe (ST) , and Persons with Disability (PwD) categories, the minimum requirement is 45% marks or an equivalent CGPA.
| Also Read | |
|---|---|
| CAT 2025 Exam Date | CAT Registration 2025 |
| CAT Exam Pattern 2025 | CAT Exam 2025 |
Final Year Students CAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates who are in their final year of graduation or those who have completed their degree but are awaiting results can also apply for CAT 2025. However, they must provide proof of eligibility during the admission process. This proof should be a certificate from the vice-chancellor or registrar of their university, stating that the candidate has completed all requirements for obtaining the bachelor’s degree by the specified date set by the respective IIM.CAT Eligibility Criteria 2025: Professional Degrees
In addition to a bachelor’s degree, candidates holding professional degrees such as CA (Chartered Accountant), CS (Company Secretary), or ICWA (Institute of Cost Accountants of India) are also eligible to apply for CAT 2025, provided they meet the minimum percentage criteria.CAT 2025 Age Limit
There is no age limit to apply for the CAT exam. This allows candidates from various age groups to participate in the examination without any restrictions.CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria: Number of Attempts
There is no decided number of attempts for the CAT exam. Candidates can appear for the CAT as many times as they wish, provided they meet the basic eligibility criteria each year. This allows aspirants the flexibility to improve their scores and apply to top management institutes without any attempt limit.
CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria: Work Experience
Work experience is not mandatory to appear for CAT 2025. Both fresher graduates and working professionals are eligible to take the exam. However, some management institutes may consider work experience as part of their selection process during admissions, but it is not a prerequisite for registering or appearing in the CAT exam itself.
IIM CAT Reservation Criteria
The CAT exam follows a reservation policy for various categories, which is as follows:- Scheduled Caste (SC) : 15%
- Scheduled Tribe (ST) : 7.5%
- Non-Creamy Layer Other Backward Classes (NC-OBC) : 27%
- Persons with Disabilities (PwD) : 5%.
FAQs About CAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria
What educational qualifications are required for CAT 2025?
To apply for CAT 2025, you need a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. You must have scored at least 50% marks in your degree. If you belong to the SC, ST, or PwD categories, you need a minimum of 45% marks. Professional degrees like CA, CS, or ICWA are also accepted.
Can final year students apply for CAT 2025?
Yes, final year students can apply for CAT 2025. If you are in your final year or waiting for your results, you can still apply. However, you will need to provide proof that you will complete your degree requirements by the time of admission.
Is there an age limit for taking the CAT exam?
No, there is no age limit for CAT 2025. You can apply for the exam regardless of your age.
Are there any specific professional degrees accepted for CAT 2025?
Yes, candidates with professional degrees like CA (Chartered Accountant), CS (Company Secretary), or ICWA (Institute of Cost Accountants of India) are eligible to apply for CAT 2025, as long as they meet the minimum percentage criteria.
How does the reservation policy work for CAT 2025?
CAT 2025 follows a reservation policy where 15% of the seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC), 7.5% for Scheduled Tribes (ST), 27% for Non-Creamy Layer Other Backward Classes (NC-OBC), and 5% for Persons with Disabilities (PwD). Make sure to check these details to see how they might apply to your application.
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