CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Check Educational Qualification, Minimum Marks, Age Limit and Who Can Apply

CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore has released the CAT 2026 eligibility criteria along with the official information bulletin on iimcat.ac.in. Before filling out the application form, candidates should ensure that they satisfy the prescribed educational qualifications and other eligibility conditions. Candidates who do not meet the eligibility requirements may face disqualification during the admission process.

To appear for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026, applicants must hold a bachelor's degree with the required minimum marks or be in the final year of their graduation. Certain professional degree holders are also eligible to apply. Here's everything you need to know about the CAT 2026 eligibility criteria.

CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria Highlights

CAT 2026 Educational Qualification

Candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree awarded by:

• A university established by an Act of Parliament or State Legislature in India.

• A deemed university recognised under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956.

• An institution whose qualification is recognised by the Ministry of Education, Government of India.

The minimum qualifying marks are:

Candidates should ensure that they meet the minimum percentage requirement before submitting the CAT 2026 application form.

Can Final Year Students Apply for CAT 2026?

Yes. Candidates who are in the final year of their bachelor's degree or those awaiting their final results are eligible to apply for CAT 2026.

However, candidates who receive admission offers must submit a certificate from the Principal or Registrar of their university or institution by the date specified by the respective IIM. The certificate should confirm that the candidate has completed all requirements for obtaining the bachelor's degree.

Professional Degree Holders Eligible for CAT 2026

Apart from bachelor's degree holders, candidates with the following professional qualifications can also apply, provided they have secured the required minimum percentage:

• Chartered Accountant (CA)

• Company Secretary (CS)

• Cost and Management Accountant (CMA/ICWA)

• Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India (FIAI)

These candidates are considered eligible for CAT 2026 admissions.

Who Can Apply for CAT 2026?

Candidates can apply if they fulfil any one of the following conditions:

• Have completed a bachelor's degree with the required minimum marks.

• Have completed a recognised professional qualification such as CA, CS, CMA (ICWA), or FIAI with the required marks.

• Are in the final year of a bachelor's degree programme and satisfy the minimum percentage requirement.

How Is Percentage Calculated for CAT 2026?

The percentage of marks is calculated according to the rules followed by the candidate's university or institution.

• If the university awards grades or CGPA, the conversion to percentage should follow the official conversion formula provided by the institution.

• If the university does not have any CGPA-to-percentage conversion method, the percentage will be calculated using the following formula:

Percentage = (Candidate's CGPA ÷ Maximum CGPA) × 100

Candidates should enter their marks exactly as prescribed by their university while filling out the CAT application form.

Is There Any Age Limit for CAT 2026?

No. There is no upper or lower age limit to appear for CAT 2026. Candidates who fulfil the prescribed educational qualification and minimum marks criteria are eligible to apply regardless of age.

Important Points About CAT 2026 Eligibility

Candidates should remember the following before applying:

• Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee shortlisting for admission.

• Every IIM follows its own admission policy after the CAT result.

• Eligibility may be verified at different stages of the admission process.

• Candidates must maintain a valid and active email ID and mobile number throughout the admission cycle.

• Any incorrect information or false claim may lead to disqualification.

CAT 2026 Eligibility Verification

IIMs reserve the right to verify candidates' eligibility during the admission process. If any discrepancy is found in academic qualifications, marks, or supporting documents, the candidate's admission may be cancelled. Therefore, applicants should provide accurate information while completing the CAT 2026 application form.

Candidates are advised to carefully review the CAT 2026 eligibility criteria before registering for the examination. Ensuring that all educational qualifications, minimum marks, and supporting documents meet the prescribed requirements can help avoid complications during the admission process. Each IIM follows its own shortlisting and selection criteria, so applicants should also check the admission policies of the institutes they wish to apply to.