CAT 2026 Eligibility: Age Limit, Qualification & Attempts @ iimcat.ac.in

Indian Institutes of Management will conduct the CAT 2026 exam for admission into premier management programmes. Candidates seeking admission must review the prescribed CAT 2026 Eligibility criteria before submitting their application. 

The official criteria outline necessary academic qualifications, category reservations, and nationality norms. Applicants should verify their aggregate graduation scores and reservation documents before starting the cat 2026 application form on the official admission portal.

CAT 2026 Eligibility Highlights & Official Direct Link

The conducting authority outlines the core examination requirements in the official information bulletin. Candidates must check the admission requirements carefully before filling out the online registration form.

Below are the essential highlights regarding the examination details and official links:

CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria at a Glance

The conducting IIM sets specific guidelines regarding education, nationality, and attempts. Candidates must satisfy all listed parameters to qualify for the entrance examination and subsequent selection stages.

The table below summarises the core eligibility parameters for all aspirants:

CAT 2026 Age Limit & Category-wise Relaxation

The examination authority does not impose any upper age restriction on candidates appearing for the test. Applicants of any age holding a valid qualifying degree can participate in the admission process.

The category-wise age limit and relaxation norms are detailed below:

CAT 2026 Educational Qualification

Candidates must fulfill the minimum graduation benchmarks established by the IIM admission committee. Professional certifications recognized by statutory bodies are also accepted for admission eligibility.

Minimum Qualification

Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification awarded by a recognized university or educational institution. Candidates holding professional degrees like CA, CS, ICWA (CMA), or FIAI are also eligible.

Subject Requirements

Candidates from any academic discipline or stream are eligible to apply without specific mandatory subject restrictions.

Minimum Marks / Grade

General, NC-OBC, and EWS candidates need at least 50% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA. Candidates belonging to SC, ST, and PwBD categories require a minimum of 45% marks.

Final Year / Result Awaited Candidates

Students in the final year of their bachelor's degree or awaiting final examination results can apply provisionally. They must produce passing proof upon joining the allotted institute.

What Changed in CAT 2026 Eligibility?

The core eligibility framework remains consistent with previous examination cycles. Candidates should note standard criteria:

• Age Limit Revision: No change; there is no upper age limit.

• Qualification Rules: Minimum graduation marks remain 50% for general categories and 45% for reserved categories. Professional degrees such as CA, CS, and ICWA remain valid.

• Attempt Limits: No changes; candidates can attempt the test unlimited times.

How to Check Your CAT 2026 Eligibility Status?

Candidates can confirm their eligibility through the official web portal before beginning their registration. Following these structured verification steps ensures an error-free application process:

1. Visit the cat 2026 official website.

2. Open the official information bulletin PDF link.

3. Navigate to the eligibility criteria and reservation guidelines section.

4. Calculate your aggregate percentage as per your university evaluation norms.

5. Verify valid category certificates if seeking reservation benefits.

What After Verifying CAT 2026 Eligibility?

Once eligibility is confirmed, candidates must track key milestones during the admission cycle:

• Online Application: Complete registration on the portal before the cat 2026 registration last date.

• Document Submission: Upload scanned category certificates, photographs, and signatures via the cat 2026 login window.

• Selection Tracking: Follow the official CAT 2026 Admission Process across participating IIMs.