The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of India’s most prestigious entrance exams for admission to top-notch business schools offering management programs. Conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), CAT serves as a gateway for aspirants seeking admission to MBA, PGDM, and other management programs. To appear for the CAT exam, candidates must fulfil certain eligibility criteria, including the CAT exam syllabus and specific requirements for IIMs. In this article, we will provide a detailed overview of the CAT exam eligibility criteria, focusing on MBA admissions and the eligibility criteria for candidates from the Other Backward Classes (OBC).
In this blog, we will cover all the important details regarding CAT 2025 Exam Eligibility Criteria, including educational qualifications, age limits, reservation policies, and other key requirements.
CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria 2025 Highlights
| Qualification | Requirements |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Work Experience | Not Compulsory |
| Reservation | As per category |
| Age | No Age Limit |
CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria 2025: Qualification, Age Limit & Reservation Details
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD) from a recognized university.
- Final Year Students: Candidates in the final year of graduation or awaiting results can also apply, provided they complete their degree before admission.
- Age Limit: There is no upper age limit to appear for the CAT exam.
- Number of Attempts: No restriction on the number of attempts for CAT.
- Reservation Criteria: As per government norms:
-
- SC: 15%
- ST: 7.5%
- OBC-NCL: 27%
- EWS: 10%
- PwD: 5%
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CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria 2025 – Academic Qualification
Candidates aspiring to take the CAT exam must hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university or institution. The bachelor’s degree duration should be at least three years. It is important to note that candidates appearing for the final year of their bachelor’s degree or awaiting results are also eligible to apply, provided they meet the eligibility criteria for their respective management programs.
CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria 2025 – Minimum Percentage
There is no specific minimum percentage requirement to appear for the CAT exam. Candidates from all academic backgrounds are eligible to apply. The CAT exam focuses more on evaluating the candidates’ aptitude, logical reasoning, and problem-solving skills than their academic percentages.
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CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria for IIMs 2025
Apart from meeting the general eligibility criteria mentioned above, candidates aiming for admission to the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) must fulfil additional requirements. Each IIM may have specific eligibility criteria, including academic performance, work experience, and even sectional cut-offs in the CAT exam. Aspirants must thoroughly check the eligibility criteria specified by the respective IIMs they wish to apply to.
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CAT Reservation Criteria 2025
IIMs and other participating institutes follow the reservation policies per the guidelines set by the Government of India. The reserved categories include Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), and Persons with Disabilities (PwD). Candidates belonging to these categories must provide the necessary certificates during the admission process to avail of reservation benefits. The specific CAT eligibility criteria for OBC candidates align with the reservation policies.
CAT Eligibility Criteria 2025 for Final Year Students
- Students who are in the final year of their bachelor’s degree or awaiting results can also apply for CAT.
- If selected for admission to an IIM or any other B-school, such candidates must submit proof of completing their degree within the stipulated time frame set by the respective institute.
CAT Exam Eligibility for Foreign Nationals & NRIs
Foreign nationals and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can also apply for CAT if they meet the following conditions:
- Must possess a bachelor’s degree with the required percentage of marks.
- Many top B-schools accept GMAT scores instead of CAT for international applicants.
- Specific IIMs may have additional requirements for foreign applicants, which should be checked on their respective websites.
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CAT Exam Registration Process 2025
Once candidates ensure they meet the eligibility criteria, they need to register for the CAT exam. The registration process usually occurs online, and candidates must provide the required information, such as personal details, academic qualifications, and category information. They also need to upload scanned copies of their photograph, signature, and other necessary documents as per the instructions provided.
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Understanding the CAT exam eligibility criteria, including the CAT exam syllabus and specific requirements for IIMs and different categories, is crucial for aspiring management students who wish to pursue their studies in prestigious institutions.
By meeting the academic requirements and preparing well for the exam, candidates increase their chances of securing admissions into top business schools and pave the way for a successful career in the field of management. Aspirants are advised to stay updated with the official CAT website and follow the guidelines to ensure a smooth application process. The CAT exam presents an excellent platform for individuals to showcase their abilities and achieve their goals in the realm of business management.
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CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria 2025 FAQS
Q: What is the eligibility criteria for the CAT exam?
A: The eligibility criteria for the CAT exam include holding a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university or institution. Candidates in their final year of graduation or awaiting results are also eligible to apply.
Q: Is there any age limit to appear for the CAT exam?
A: No, there is no upper age limit to appear for the CAT exam. Candidates of any age can apply as long as they meet the academic qualification criteria.
Q: Are there any specific percentage requirements for the CAT exam?
No, there are no specific minimum percentage requirements for the CAT exam. Candidates from all academic backgrounds are eligible to apply.
Q: Are there any specific eligibility criteria for the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)?
Apart from the general eligibility criteria, each IIM may have its specific requirements, which can include academic performance, work experience, and even sectional cut-offs in the CAT exam. Aspirants should check the eligibility criteria specified by the IIMs they wish to apply to.
Q: Can foreign nationals apply for the CAT exam?
Yes, foreign nationals are eligible to apply for the CAT exam. However, they must fulfil specific criteria and follow the admission process designed for them.