To be eligible for CAT 2026, you need a bachelor's degree with at least at least 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) or an equivalent CGPA.
- Final year students are also eligible to apply for CAT, but they need to pass their degree with the minimum score required during the CAT admission process.
- 15% of the CAT seats are reserved for SC candidates, whereas 7.5% seats are reserved for ST candidates.
- CAT doesn’t have any age limit to apply, provided you meet the educational qualification criteria.
- Meeting the minimum marks does not guarantee a call, since each IIM verifies eligibility at every stage.
Also Read:
- Check CAT 2026 Exam Dates and Complete Schedule
- Check CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria, Educational Qualification and Minimum Marks
CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Educational Qualification
To apply for CAT 2026, you should fulfill the criteria set by the CAT authorities.
- You should be a bachelor’s degree holder with a minimum of 50% marks for the General Category, and SC, ST and PwD candidates should have 45% scores in their bachelor's degree.
- You can also apply if you are still in the final year of your degree or still waiting for your results.
- Students who completed CA, CS, or ICWA are also eligible to apply for the exam.
- Percentages are calculated as per your university regulations.
Source: Official CAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria
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Ques. What is the age limit for applying for CAT 2026?
Ans. There is no age limit to apply for CAT 2026. You just have to meet educational qualification to apply for CAT.
CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Category-Wise Minimum Marks
Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% score if they are general, EWS or OBC candidates.
- Reservation category candidates receive a 5% relaxation in the minimum score needed; they require a minimum of 45% scores in their bachelor’s degree.
- Final-year students are considered eligible if they meet the percentage cut-off on completion of their degree.
| Category | Minimum Marks Required |
|---|---|
| General / EWS / NC-OBC | 50% |
| SC / ST / PwD | 45% |
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Ques. Can final-year students apply for CAT 2026?
Ans. Yes. Final-year students can apply, provided they complete their degree with the required percentage before the IIM admission stage.
Ques. What is the minimum percentage for CAT 2026?
Ans. You need at least 50% in your bachelor's degree, or 45% if you belong to the SC, ST, or PwD category.
CAT 2026 Reservation Policy
As per the legal requirements, 15% of the seats are reserved for SC candidates and 7.5% for the ST candidates.
- NC-OBC candidates have 27% of the seats reserved for them & economically weaker candidates will have reservations upto 10%.
- PwD candidates have 5% of seats reserved under each category.
- Candidates who are applying for reservations have to submit the relevant documents to be considered for admission.
| Category | CAT 2026 Reservation |
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | 15% |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 7.5% |
| Other Backward Classes (NC-OBC) | 27% |
| Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) | Upto 10% |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwD) | 5% (Horizontal reservation) |
Source: The official CAT 2025 Eligility and Reservation
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CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Reddit Discussion
A user on the r/CATPrep Reddit thread, asked a confusion if their educational background meets the eligibility criteria for the CAT 2026. As per the another user, CAT only have 1 requirement that is to have a score of at least 50% in your bachelor’s degree.
Your career or educational gap doesn’t matter or come into picture to apply for CAT.
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