CAT Eligibility Criteria 2025: Age Limit, Qualification, and Reservation Criteria

CAT Eligibility Criteria: CAT Exam for 2025 is scheduled to be conducted by IIM Kozhikode on November 30, 2025. As per trends from previous years, the official notification is likely to be released on July 30, 2025. Registrations are expected to begin on August 2 and may close by September 21, 2025.

The computer-based exam is anticipated to attract over 3 lakh applicants this year. CAT 2025 scores will be accepted by all 21 IIMs, several IITs, and more than 1,200 management institutes across India for admission into various postgraduate management programs.

Also Read: IIM Kozhikode

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CAT Eligibility Criteria Overview

Common Admission Test (CAT) is a key entrance exam for aspirants seeking admission to postgraduate management programs in India, particularly at the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). Understanding the eligibility criteria is essential for applicants. Candidates can check here for a complete overview of CAT Eligibility Criteria:

 
CAT Academic Eligibility Criteria

CAT 2025 is a national-level entrance exam that opens the gateway to the top management institutes like the IIMs. To apply, candidates must fulfill specific academic requirements set by the conducting authority. Meeting these criteria is essential for successful registration and participation in the exam.

To be eligible for CAT 2025, candidates must meet the following educational qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or institution. The degree must be awarded by a university recognized by the Government of India.

• Minimum Percentage: A minimum of 50% marks or equivalent CGPA is required in the undergraduate program. For candidates from Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Persons with Disability (PwD) categories, the minimum required marks are 45% or equivalent CGPA.

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CAT Eligibility Criteria for Final Year Students

Candidates currently in the final year of their undergraduate studies, or those who have completed their degree but are awaiting results, are also eligible to apply for CAT 2025. However, they must present valid proof of eligibility during the admission process. This should be an official certificate issued by the university’s Vice-Chancellor or Registrar, confirming that the candidate has fulfilled all academic requirements for the Bachelor's degree by the deadline specified by the respective IIM.

CAT Eligibility Criteria for Professional Degree Holders

Apart from candidates holding a traditional Bachelor’s degree, individuals who possess professional qualifications such as CA (Chartered Accountant), CS (Company Secretary), or ICWA (from the Institute of Cost Accountants of India) are also eligible to apply for CAT 2025. These professional credentials are recognized as equivalent to a graduation degree by the exam authorities. However, to be considered eligible, such candidates must also meet the minimum marks requirement—at least 50% aggregate or equivalent CGPA for general category applicants, and 45% for those belonging to SC, ST, or PwD categories. Meeting this academic benchmark is mandatory for all applicants.

Also Read: CAT 2025 Registration

CAT Reservation Critreria

For aspirants aiming to secure admission into prestigious IIMs and other top management institutes through CAT 2025, understanding the reservation policy is crucial. In line with the Government of India's regulations, the CAT exam implements a structured reservation system to ensure fair opportunities for candidates from diverse backgrounds. The reservation breakdown is as follows:

1. Scheduled Caste (SC): 15%

2. Scheduled Tribe (ST): 7.5%

3. Non-Creamy Layer Other Backward Classes (NC-OBC): 27%

4. Persons with Disabilities (PwD): 5%

While meeting the eligibility criteria is the initial requirement, it does not assure admission. Candidates must also perform well in the CAT exam and fulfill other selection parameters set by each institution, such as academic history and relevant work experience.

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