CAT ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Kiboo profile

CAT Eligibility Criteria 2026: What Is the CAT Exam?

What Is the CAT (Common Admission Test)? The Common Admission Test (CAT) is India’s most widely accepted national-level MBA entrance examination, conducted once every year by one of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on a rotational basis. A valid CAT score is used by leading management institutes across the country to shortlist candidates for MBA and PGDM programs.

CAT Eligibility Criteria 2026: What Is the CAT Exam?

Frequently Asked Questions

The CAT eligibility criteria are simple and inclusive. To appear for the CAT exam, a candidate must hold a recognized bachelor’s degree with the required minimum marks. There are no restrictions related to age, academic stream, or number of attempts. Key eligibility requirements: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university Minimum 3 years degree duration Minimum marks: 50% for General / OBC / EWS 45% for SC / ST / PwD No age limit No attempt limit
No, a diploma alone is not sufficient to meet CAT eligibility criteria. CAT strictly requires a bachelor’s degree. Important points: 10+2 diploma holders are not eligible Diploma + bachelor’s degree holders are eligible Degree must be UGC/AIU recognized
CAT scores are accepted by a wide range of prestigious management institutes across India. Institutes accepting CAT scores include: 20 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) IITs offering MBA (e.g., IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay) Top B-schools such as: FMS Delhi MDI Gurgaon SPJIMR Mumbai 1000+ private and government MBA colleges Each institute applies its own cutoff and selection process.
Yes, many reputed CAT coaching institutes and online platforms provide free eligibility assessment to help aspirants confirm their CAT eligibility before registration. Common services offered: Graduation eligibility check Category-based marks verification Profile evaluation for IIMs CAT form guidance and error checks Popular coaching platforms usually offer this service during the registration period
Yes, final-year undergraduate students are eligible to apply for CAT. Conditions to remember: Graduation result can be awaited at the time of CAT registration Final marks must meet eligibility criteria before admission Failure to complete graduation may lead to cancellation of admission
During CAT registration, documents are not uploaded, but details must be accurate. Proof is verified later during admission. Documents generally required later: Graduation mark sheets or provisional certificate Final-year certificate (if applicable) Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/PwD), if claimed Valid ID proof Incorrect information can lead to disqualification at later stages.
No, work experience is not required for CAT eligibility. Key points: Fresh graduates can apply Work experience is optional Some IIMs may give extra weight to work experience during selection, but it is not mandatory
Several online platforms help aspirants verify CAT eligibility and understand admission chances. Common platforms include: Official CAT website (for rules and notifications) Online coaching portals MBA preparation websites College predictor and profile evaluation tools These platforms help reduce form error and eligibility confusion.
No, there is no age limit for the CAT exam. What this means: No minimum age restriction No maximum age restriction Open to fresh graduates, working professionals, and career switchers CAT is one of the most flexible MBA entrance exams in India in terms of age criteria.


CAT 2026 Course
CAT 2026 Course
IPMAT Abhaya Batch
IPMAT Abhaya Batch - Coachify Live
HOME
XAT Sankalp Sale
Quant Revision Book
More
YoutubeWhatsapp