Candidates interested in applying for the CAT Exam 2026 thoroughly review the CAT Eligibility 2026 before applying. This includes understanding the specified age limits, any age relaxations available for reserved categories, and the educational qualifications required.
Common Admission Test (CAT) is conducted annually to identify eligible candidates for MBA programs at esteemed institutions. Additionally, the CAT is also used for admissions into top government and private business schools across India.
CAT Eligibility 2026
During the application process for the CAT Exam 2026, ensuring that you meet the basic eligibility criteria for MBA program admission is crucial before completing the application form. Any candidate who provides incorrect details about their age or qualifications in the online registration form will have their application immediately rejected.
- Nationality
- Age Limit
- Educational Qualification
CAT Age Limit 2026
For the CAT 2026 exam, there are no age restrictions. This means that individuals of any age can apply to take the test. Whether you are young, middle-aged, or older, you are eligible to participate in the CAT exam as long as you meet the educational requirements.
CAT Educational Qualification 2026
To be eligible for the CAT Exam 2026, candidates must have completed a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized Indian university with a minimum of 50% marks. Those in their final year of a Bachelor’s program can apply but must provide a certificate from their university confirming degree completion before the specified deadline.
It’s important to note that while 12th-grade marks are not a requirement for the CAT exam itself, they might be considered during the subsequent selection process by IIMs.
| Qualification | Percentage |
| Bachelor’s Degree from any University/ Institute recognized by UGC | 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ ST/ PwD) |
| Engineering Degree – B.Tech/ B.E. from any University/ Institute recognized by MHRD/ AICTE | 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ ST/ PwD) |
| Students who appeared in the final year of the degree examination recognized by MHRD/ AICTE/ UGC | 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ ST/ PwD) |
CAT Reservation 2026
For the exam, there are reserved seats for certain categories, including those for SC/ST and PWD candidates. All IIMs, as well as government and private institutions participating in the CAT, follow these reservation policies. When filling out the application form, it is important to select the correct category to ensure you receive the appropriate benefits and advantages as outlined in the official guidelines.
| Category | Reserve Seat |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 15% |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 7.5% |
| Other Backward Classes (NC-OBC) | 27% |
| Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) | Up to 10% |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwD) | 5% |
CAT Nationality 2026
The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) has established specific eligibility criteria based on nationality for candidates applying for admission to its MBA programs. According to these guidelines, only candidates from certain nationalities are eligible to apply. This means that applicants must meet these nationality-based criteria to be considered for admission to the MBA programs at IIM.
- Candidates must be citizens of India
- NRIs and foreign candidates can also apply for the CAT
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