CAT 2026 Eligibility 2026
Eligibility
CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the eligibility requirements specified by the Indian Institutes of Management to appear for CAT 2026. The basic requirement is a recognised bachelor's degree with the minimum qualifying marks.
Educational Qualification
| Candidate Category | Minimum Graduation Marks |
|---|---|
| General, EWS and NC-OBC | 50% |
| SC, ST and PwD | 45% |
Other Eligibility Requirements
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree from a recognised university or educational institution.
Students appearing in the final year of their graduation can also apply.
Candidates whose graduation results are awaited can apply, subject to the prescribed conditions.
Candidates with professional qualifications such as CA, CS, CMA (ICWA) or FIAI may also be eligible if they meet the required criteria.
There is no upper age limit for appearing in CAT.
Candidates can take CAT multiple times, provided they meet the eligibility requirements for that examination year.
Important Points for Final-Year Students
Students who are currently pursuing their final year of graduation can appear for CAT 2026. However, they must complete their degree requirements and submit the necessary university or institution certificate within the timeline specified by the admission institute.
Meeting the CAT eligibility criteria only allows candidates to appear for the examination. Each IIM and other participating college may have additional admission requirements.