CAT Eligibility Criteria 2026: Qualification, Marks, Reservation & Age Limit

The CAT eligibility criteria 2026 require candidates to hold a bachelor's degree from a recognised university with at least 50% marks or an equivalent CGPA (45% for SC, ST and PwBD candidates). Final-year graduation students and eligible professional degree holders, including CA, CS and CMA candidates, can also apply. There is no age limit for the Common Admission Test (CAT). Reservation benefits are available to eligible SC, ST, NC-OBC, EWS and PwBD candidates according to the applicable rules.

Before applying for CAT 2026, candidates should check their educational qualifications, minimum graduation marks, category requirements and supporting documents. Meeting the CAT eligibility criteria allows candidates to appear for the examination, but admission to an Indian Institute of Management (IIM) depends on the institute's separate shortlisting and selection process.

CAT Eligibility Criteria 2026: Overview

Candidates must meet the prescribed educational qualification and minimum marks requirements to apply for CAT 2026. The following table summarises the main eligibility conditions.

Candidates should refer to the official CAT 2026 information bulletin for the final examination-specific requirements, certificate instructions and deadlines.

CAT 2026 Educational Qualification

To be eligible for CAT 2026, candidates must possess a bachelor's degree awarded by a recognised university or educational institution. The qualification must meet the recognition requirements prescribed by the examination authorities.

Candidates who have completed their graduation in any discipline can apply, provided they satisfy the minimum marks requirement. Students pursuing the final year of their bachelor's degree can also apply, subject to the conditions applicable to final-year candidates.

Eligible qualifications generally include bachelor's degrees in arts, commerce, science, engineering, management and other recognised disciplines.

CAT Exam Minimum Marks Required in Graduation

The minimum graduation marks required for CAT 2026 depend on the candidate's category. Candidates must calculate their qualifying marks according to the applicable university and examination rules.

These percentages refer to the basic eligibility requirement for CAT. Individual IIMs may apply additional academic criteria when shortlisting candidates for admission.

How Are CGPA and Grades Converted into Percentage for CAT?

Candidates whose universities use a CGPA, GPA or grading system should follow the official conversion formula prescribed by their university or institution.

If the university or institution does not have an approved conversion scheme, the applicable CAT instructions may provide an alternative method for calculating the equivalent percentage. The formula stated in the relevant official information bulletin should be followed rather than assuming that every institution uses the same conversion method.

Candidates should retain their marksheets, degree documents and any official conversion certificate required to establish their eligibility.

CAT Eligibility Criteria for Final-Year Students

Students currently pursuing the final year of a bachelor's degree can apply for CAT 2026, even if their final results have not been declared at the time of registration.

However, final-year candidates must fulfil the degree-completion requirements within the timeline specified by the relevant IIM. Candidates offered provisional admission may be required to submit a certificate from their university's Principal, Registrar or other authorised official confirming that they have completed all requirements for the qualifying degree.

The certificate must meet the deadline and documentation requirements communicated by the admitting institute.

Final-year candidates should keep the following points in mind:

• They must be enrolled in an eligible bachelor's degree programme.

• They must follow the declaration and documentation requirements applicable to final-year applicants.

• They must complete the qualifying degree within the prescribed timeline.

• They must submit the required proof of degree completion when requested by the admitting institute.

Applying for CAT in the final year does not remove the requirement to complete the qualifying degree for admission.

Can Professional Degree Holders Apply for CAT 2026?

Yes. Candidates with eligible professional qualifications can apply for CAT 2026 if they satisfy the applicable eligibility and marks requirements.

The professional qualifications identified in the eligibility information include:

• Chartered Accountant (CA)

• Company Secretary (CS)

• Cost and Management Accountant (CMA/ICWA)

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

Candidates should verify that their qualification falls within the categories accepted under the official CAT 2026 rules. The relevant minimum marks or equivalent performance requirements must also be satisfied.

Professional qualification holders should keep their certificates, examination records and supporting documents available for verification during the admission process.

CAT 2026 Reservation Policy

Reservation benefits for admission to IIMs and other participating institutions are governed by the applicable government rules and institutional admission policies.

The reservation percentages generally associated with the relevant categories are shown below.

The applicable reservation rules, eligibility conditions and certificate requirements should be checked against the official CAT 2026 information bulletin and the admission policies of the relevant institution.

Documents Required for Reservation Benefits

Candidates applying under a reserved category should ensure that they possess the appropriate supporting documents and submit them according to the official instructions.

Depending on the category, these may include:

• SC or ST category certificate

• Valid NC-OBC non-creamy-layer certificate

• EWS certificate meeting the prescribed financial-year and validity requirements

• PwBD or disability certificate issued by the competent authority

Certificate formats, issue dates, validity periods and submission procedures may differ by category. Candidates should not rely solely on an older certificate or previous year's instructions when applying for CAT 2026.

If the official application guidelines permit an undertaking or provisional documentation arrangement, candidates must follow the exact format and deadline specified in those guidelines.

Can Candidates Change Their Category After CAT Registration?

Candidates should select their category carefully during registration and review their information before submitting the application. Any restrictions on category changes, corrections or document replacements are governed by the official registration instructions.

Candidates should not assume that a category can be changed after submission unless the official correction policy explicitly permits it.

CAT Eligibility for PwBD Candidates

Candidates with benchmark disabilities can apply for CAT 2026 if they satisfy the prescribed educational qualification and category-specific minimum marks requirements.

Under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, benchmark disability generally refers to a specified disability of at least 40%, as certified by the competent authority, subject to the applicable statutory provisions.

The recognised disability categories include blindness and low vision, deafness and hard of hearing, locomotor disabilities, cerebral palsy, specified neurological and developmental conditions, specific learning disabilities, mental illness, multiple disabilities and other disabilities covered by the Act.

Candidates claiming PwBD benefits should check the accepted disability categories, certificate requirements and documentation instructions in the official CAT 2026 bulletin. They should also review any provisions relating to examination accommodations, assistive support or other applicable facilities.

Is There an Age Limit for CAT 2026?

There is no age limit specified under the standard CAT eligibility criteria. Candidates who satisfy the educational qualification and other applicable requirements can apply irrespective of their age.

CAT eligibility is primarily based on educational qualifications, minimum marks and compliance with the prescribed application rules rather than a maximum age restriction.

Candidates should still review the official CAT 2026 information bulletin for any examination-specific conditions.

CAT Eligibility Criteria vs IIM Admission Criteria

Meeting the CAT eligibility criteria does not guarantee admission to an IIM. CAT eligibility determines whether a candidate can apply for the examination, whereas admission shortlisting is conducted separately by participating institutes.

Candidates should review the admission policy of each IIM they intend to apply to. An eligible CAT score alone does not guarantee a shortlist or final admission offer.

Important Points to Remember About CAT Eligibility 2026

Before completing the CAT application form, candidates should check the following requirements:

• A recognised bachelor's degree or an accepted equivalent qualification is required.

• General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates generally need at least 50% graduation marks or the equivalent CGPA.

• SC, ST and PwBD candidates generally need at least 45% graduation marks or the equivalent CGPA.

• Eligible final-year graduation students can apply, subject to the applicable conditions.

• Eligible professional qualification holders, including CA, CS, CMA and FIAI candidates, can apply if they meet the prescribed requirements.

• Candidates claiming reservation benefits must satisfy the relevant category rules and documentation requirements.

• There is no age limit specified under the standard CAT eligibility criteria.

• Each IIM has its own admission shortlisting and selection process.

• Candidates must verify the official CAT 2026 bulletin for final eligibility, certificate and deadline requirements.