CAT 2026 Reservation Policy: SC, ST, NC-OBC, EWS & PwBD Quotas Explained

The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) follow the reservation policy prescribed by the Government of India for admissions through the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026. Candidates belonging to reserved categories can avail reservation benefits only if they satisfy the prescribed eligibility conditions and submit valid supporting documents during the application process.

It is important to note that meeting the reservation criteria alone does not guarantee admission. Candidates must also fulfil the minimum eligibility requirements and perform well in the CAT exam and the subsequent admission process conducted by individual IIMs.

CAT 2026 Category-wise Reservation

As per the official CAT 2026 Information Bulletin, reservation is provided as follows:

Who Can Claim Reservation in CAT 2026?

Candidates can claim reservation only if they belong to categories recognised under the Government of India's reservation policy.

The applicable Central Government list available on the last date of CAT 2026 registration will be considered final for reservation benefits. Any subsequent changes in category status or government notifications will not be applicable for CAT 2026 or the admission process of the IIMs.

CAT 2026 Registration Fee Category-wise

CAT 2026 Eligibility Marks for Reserved Categories

The minimum educational qualification remains a Bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Ministry of Education.

Minimum qualifying marks are:

Final-year Bachelor's degree students are also eligible to apply, subject to fulfilling the conditions mentioned in the CAT 2026 Information Bulletin.

CAT 2026 NC-OBC Certificate Requirements

Candidates applying under the NC-OBC category should note the following official requirements:

• The NC-OBC certificate must be issued on or after April 1, 2026.

• The certificate should be issued in the prescribed Government of India format.

• Candidates who have applied for a fresh certificate but have not yet received it may still apply by uploading:

• Undertaking for NC-OBC Certificate available on the CAT website.

• Older NC-OBC certificate issued before April 1, 2026.

• Proof of application submitted to the issuing authority.

Failure to upload all the required documents may result in disqualification from the admission process.

CAT 2026 EWS Certificate Requirements

Candidates applying under the EWS category must ensure that:

• The certificate is valid for the academic year 2026–27.

• The income and asset assessment should be based on the financial year 2025–26.

Candidates awaiting a fresh certificate may upload:

• Undertaking for EWS Certificate.

• Older EWS certificate.

• Proof of application for the latest certificate.

As per the Information Bulletin, failure to upload the complete set of required documents may lead to disqualification.

CAT 2026 PwBD Reservation

As per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act 2016), 5% of seats are reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).

A Person with Benchmark Disability is one who has not less than 40% of a specified disability, as certified by the competent authority.

The recognised disability categories include:

• Blindness and low vision

• Deaf and hard of hearing

• Locomotor disability (including cerebral palsy, leprosy cured, dwarfism, acid attack victims, and muscular dystrophy)

• Autism, intellectual disability, specific learning disability, and mental illness

• Multiple disabilities

• Other specified disabilities mentioned under the RPwD Act, 2016

The Information Bulletin also encourages PwBD candidates to apply for and upload their Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card, wherever applicable.

Documents Required for CAT 2026 Reservation

Candidates claiming reservation should upload the applicable certificate while filling out the CAT 2026 application form.

Depending on the category, the required documents include:

• SC Certificate

• ST Certificate

• NC-OBC Certificate

• EWS Certificate

• PwBD Certificate

• UDID Card (for PwBD candidates, if available)

Candidates must also produce the original certificates during the interview and admission process, if shortlisted.

Important Rules for Reserved Category Candidates

Candidates should keep the following official guidelines in mind:

• Reservation benefits are available only with valid supporting documents.

• No change in category will be allowed after CAT registration.

• Category certificates must be uploaded during registration.

• Failure to upload the required certificate may lead to rejection of the CAT application or denial of reservation benefits during admission.

• Meeting the reservation criteria does not automatically guarantee admission to an IIM.

Things Candidates Should Remember Before Applying

Before submitting the CAT 2026 application form, candidates should:

• Verify that they belong to the applicable Central Government reservation list.

• Ensure their category certificate meets the prescribed validity requirements.

• Upload clear and legible copies of all required documents.

• Check all category details carefully before final submission, as they cannot be changed later.