CAT Eligibility Criteria 2026- Age, Qualification,Attempts

CAT Eligibility Criteria 2026

Before starting preparation for the CAT, every student should first confirm whether they are eligible to apply. Many beginners get confused about age limits, graduation marks, the number of attempts, and work experience. The CAT eligibility criteria clearly define who can apply for the exam and are officially set by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). Understanding the CAT eligverview to get a complete picture of the exam journey. The rules mainly focus on educational qualifications, while factors like age and wibility criteria at the beginning of preparation helps students avoid mistakes during registration and plan their MBA journey with clarity. Students who are new to CAT can also first understand the CAT exam oork experience are kept flexible so that students from different backgrounds get equal opportunity under the CAT eligibility criteria.

CAT Notification 2026: Important Dates

The CAT notification officially starts the CAT admission process each year and forms an important part of the overall CAT eligibility criteria and application cycle. It tells students when registration will begin, when the exam will be conducted, and when results will be declared. Knowing these dates early helps students plan preparation, complete registration on time, and keep documents ready. A detailed breakdown of all timelines is also available under the CAT important dates.

Based on previous years, CAT 2026 is expected to follow this schedule:

CAT 2026 Important Dates & Timeline

Event	Expected Timeline
CAT 2026 Notification Date	Last week of July 2026 (Tentative)
CAT 2026 Registration Start Date	First week of August 2026 (Expected)
CAT 2026 Registration Last Date	Third week of September 2026 (Expected)
CAT 2026 Exam Date	Last week of November 2026 (Tentative)
CAT 2026 Result Date	First week of January 2027 (Tentative)

Students should regularly check the official CAT notification, because missing the registration deadline means they will not be able to apply under the CAT eligibility criteria for that year. Once dates are clear, students should also understand the CAT exam pattern to align their preparation with the exam structure.

Academic Qualifications Required for CAT

Academic qualification is the most important component of the CAT eligibility criteria. To apply for CAT, a student must have a Bachelor’s degree in any subject from a recognised university or institution. Before proceeding further, students should ensure they meet the CAT exam eligibility requirements.

Minimum Marks Required

Category	Minimum Marks in Graduation
General / NC-OBC / EWS	50% or equivalent CGPA
SC / ST / PwD	45% or equivalent CGPA

The calculation of marks or CGPA is done according to the rules followed by the student’s university. If the university awards grades or CGPA, the official conversion method provided by the institution is used to calculate the percentage.

Graduation is compulsory as per the CAT eligibility criteria. Students who have only completed a diploma program are not eligible, as a diploma is not treated as equivalent to a bachelor’s degree for CAT. This is an important point that many students misunderstand.

Eligibility for Final-Year Students

Students who are currently in the final year of their graduation or are waiting for their final results are also allowed to apply as per the CAT eligibility criteria. This rule is designed to help students avoid wasting one full year after completing graduation.

Such students are allowed to appear for the exam on a provisional basis. This means they can take the CAT exam like any other candidate, but they must complete their degree and submit proof of graduation within the deadline specified by the institute offering admission. After confirming eligibility, students must carefully complete the CAT registration process to avoid errors.

If a student fails to complete graduation within the given time, their admission may be cancelled even if they score well in CAT. Therefore, final-year students should ensure that they meet all degree requirements on time under the CAT eligibility criteria.

CAT Age Limit and Age Criteria

One of the most student-friendly aspects of the CAT eligibility criteria is that there is no age limit for the CAT exam. CAT does not specify any minimum or maximum age restriction.

This means that CAT is suitable for:

Fresh graduates who want to pursue MBA immediately
Working professionals planning career growth
Individuals looking to switch careers
Candidates restarting studies after a gap

Age is never considered during CAT registration, exam evaluation, or score calculation. As long as the academic requirements mentioned in the CAT eligibility criteria are met, age does not become a barrier at any stage.

CAT Attempt Limit

There is no limit on the number of attempts for CAT under the CAT eligibility criteria. Students can appear for the exam as many times as they want, either in consecutive years or with gaps in between.

Previous attempts do not reduce a student’s chances in future attempts. Institutes consider the latest CAT score during the admission process. This allows students to improve their performance over time without worrying about attempt limits. Understanding how scores are evaluated becomes easier when students later explore CAT cutoff and shortlisting.

Work Experience and CAT Eligibility

Work experience is not required to appear for CAT and is not a condition under the CAT eligibility criteria. Freshers and working professionals are treated equally when it comes to eligibility.

CAT scores are calculated purely based on exam performance. Work experience does not affect CAT marks or percentile. Some MBA colleges may consider work experience during interviews or final selection, but it has no impact on eligibility itself.

Students should not delay appearing for CAT only because they do not have work experience. Many top institutes listed under MBA colleges accepting CAT admit fresh graduates every year.

Who Can Apply Based on CAT Eligibility Criteria

A student can apply for CAT if they meet the CAT eligibility criteria, which include:

Completion or continuation of a bachelor’s degree
Meeting the minimum graduation marks for their category
Holding a degree from a recognized university or institution

There are no restrictions related to age, number of attempts, or work experience. The CAT eligibility criteria are designed to be inclusive while maintaining academic standards.

Meeting the CAT eligibility criteria allows a student to apply for CAT, but it does not guarantee admission. Final admission depends on CAT score, academic profile, and institute-specific selection processes such as interviews and written assessments.

Common Mistakes and Myths About CAT Eligibility

Many students misunderstand CAT eligibility due to incorrect information or assumptions. Some believe that CAT has an upper age limit, which is not true. Others think that work experience is compulsory, which is also incorrect.

Another common myth is that only engineering students can apply. CAT is open to students from all academic backgrounds. Arts, commerce, science, and humanities students regularly secure admission to top MBA colleges.

It is also important to understand that eligibility only allows a student to appear for the exam. It does not guarantee admission. Performance in CAT and subsequent selection stages plays a crucial role.

Official Source for CAT Eligibility Information

The most accurate and updated CAT eligibility criteria are released every year through the official CAT notification published by the IIMs. Students should always verify CAT eligibility criteria from official announcements, as eligibility is checked at multiple stages of the admission process.

Key Takeaways on CAT Eligibility Criteria

The CAT eligibility criteria are simple, flexible, and student-friendly. Graduation is mandatory, final-year students are allowed, there is no age limit, no attempt limit, and no requirement for work experience. These CAT eligibility criteria ensure that CAT remains accessible to a wide range of MBA aspirants while maintaining academic standards.

Understanding the CAT eligibility criteria early allows students to focus on preparation with clarity and confidence. Once eligibility is clear, students can move ahead to understand the CAT syllabus and exam structure in detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CAT eligibility criteria?

CAT eligibility criteria refer to the minimum academic qualification, marks, and conditions prescribed by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) that a candidate must meet to apply for the Common Admission Test (CAT).

Am I eligible for the CAT exam?

You are eligible for CAT if you have completed or are in the final year of a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university and meet the minimum graduation marks required for your category

Is graduation compulsory for CAT?

Yes, graduation is compulsory for CAT. Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline. Diploma-only qualifications are not considered eligible for CAT.

What is the minimum percentage required in graduation for CAT?

General, NC-OBC, and EWS candidates must have at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA in graduation. SC, ST, and PwD candidates must have a minimum of 45%.

Are final-year students allowed to apply for CAT?

Yes, final-year undergraduate students or candidates awaiting results are allowed to apply for CAT. Admission is provisional and subject to completion of the degree within the specified timeline.

Is there any age limit for the CAT exam?

No, there is no age limit for the CAT exam. Candidates of any age can apply as long as they meet the academic eligibility requirements.

How many times can I give the CAT exam?

There is no limit on the number of attempts for CAT. Candidates can appear for the exam any number of times without restriction.

Is work experience required for CAT eligibility?

No, work experience is not required to appear for CAT. Both freshers and working professionals are equally eligible to take the exam.

Can candidates with backlogs or supplementary exams apply for CAT?

Yes, candidates with backlogs or those appearing for supplementary examinations can apply for CAT, provided they complete their graduation requirements before admission.

Does meeting CAT eligibility criteria guarantee admission to IIMs?

No, meeting CAT eligibility criteria only allows a candidate to apply for the exam. Admission depends on CAT score, academic profile, and institute-specific selection processes.

Where can I check the official CAT eligibility guidelines?

Official CAT eligibility guidelines are published every year in the CAT notification released by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on the official CAT website.

Who is not eligible to apply for the CAT exam?

Candidates without a bachelor’s degree, diploma-only holders, and those who do not meet the minimum graduation marks required for their category are not eligible to apply for CAT.