NC-OBC and EWS Certificate Rules for CAT 2026

NC-OBC and EWS Certificate Rules for CAT 2026: CAT 2026 notification has been published, and applications begin from August 3, 2026. Candidates who want to seek the reservation category in the CAT exam and application process. They should follow the guidelines as mentioned in the NC-OBC and EWS Certificate Rules for CAT 2026. Thus, deserving candidates should avail the reservation benefits depending on the category to apply for the CAT entrance examination. 

CAT 2026 Reservation Policy

The Government of India reservation policy applies to admissions through CAT. The reservation percentages are:

• Scheduled Caste (SC): 15%

• Scheduled Tribe (ST): 7.5%

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

• Economically Weaker Sections (EWS): Up to 10%

• Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): 5%

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NC-OBC Certificate Rules for CAT 2026

The NC-OBC reservation is available only for candidates who belong to the Non-Creamy Layer of the Other Backward Classes. The candidate must belong to the Non-Creamy Layer and be included in the Central Government OBC List.

The CAT 2026 Information Bulletin clearly states that the Central Government list applicable on the last date of CAT registration will be considered. Any changes made after the registration deadline will not be accepted.

NC-OBC Certificate Validity

For CAT 2026, the NC-OBC certificate must be:

• Issued on or after April 1, 2026

• Issued by the competent authority

• Valid for claiming reservation under the Central Government rules

Candidates using an older certificate issued before April 1, 2026, should obtain a fresh certificate before registration whenever possible.

Important Details in the Certificate

A valid NC-OBC certificate should include:

• Candidate's name

• Category as Non-Creamy Layer OBC

• Name of the caste

• Certificate issued by the authorized officer

• Date of issue

• Official signature and seal

Candidates should carefully check all details before uploading the certificate.

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EWS Certificate Rules for CAT 2026

The EWS reservation is available for candidates who meet the income and asset conditions fixed by the Government of India.

For CAT 2026, the EWS certificate must:

• Be valid for the financial year 2026–27

• Be based on the income assessment for the financial year 2025–26

An old certificate that does not meet these conditions may not be accepted during the admission process.

EWS Certificate Requirements

The certificate should include:

• Candidate's name

• Family income details

• Asset details

• Certificate validity period

• Signature and seal of the issuing authority

Candidates should ensure that all information matches the official records.

What If the New Certificate Is Still Under Process?

Many candidates may apply for a fresh certificate but may not receive it before the CAT registration deadline.

The CAT 2026 Information Bulletin provides a solution for such cases.

Candidates who have applied for a new NC-OBC or EWS certificate on or after April 1, 2026, but have not yet received it, can still complete the CAT application by uploading one PDF containing all of the following documents:

• A properly filled Undertaking for NC-OBC/EWS Certificate available on the CAT website

• The older NC-OBC or EWS certificate issued before April 1, 2026

• The acknowledgement, communication, or screenshot showing that the application for the new certificate has been submitted to the issuing authority

The Information Bulletin also warns that failure to upload all the required documents may result in disqualification from the admission process.

Certificate Upload Rules During CAT 2026 Registration

Candidates claiming reservation should keep the certificate ready before starting the registration process.

Before uploading:

• Check that the certificate is clear and readable.

• Make sure all pages are included.

• Upload the documents in the required format.

• Verify the issue date carefully.

Difference Between CAT Registration and IIM Admission

Many candidates believe that uploading a certificate during CAT registration completes the process. This is not correct.

During CAT registration, the certificate is uploaded to claim reservation.

During the admission process, individual IIMs may verify the original documents and check whether the candidate satisfies all eligibility conditions. Every IIM follows its own admission process, and candidates should read the admission policy of the institute where they apply.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Uploading an old certificate instead of a fresh one.

• Using a State OBC certificate that does not meet Central Government requirements.

• Missing pages while uploading documents.

• Uploading unclear or unreadable scanned copies.

• Forgetting to upload the undertaking and acknowledgement when the new certificate is under process.

• Entering the wrong category during registration.

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