The CAT 2026 eligibility criteria are the first checkpoint every MBA aspirant must clear before applying for India’s most competitive management entrance exam. Many candidates focus only on preparation but overlook critical rules regarding age limits, educational qualifications, minimum graduation percentage, and reservation policy, which can lead to rejection at later stages.
Understanding the eligibility for the CAT exam 2026 ensures you meet all academic and category requirements before registration. It helps you plan your CAT journey confidently, without last-minute surprises.
CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Key Highlights (At a Glance)
Before filling out the application form, aspirants should review the CAT 2026 eligibility criteria to ensure compliance with all exam rules. Eligibility for the CAT exam 2026 is primarily based on educational qualifications, minimum marks, and category-wise requirements.
The table below provides a quick overview.
| Eligibility Parameter | CAT 2026 Requirement |
| Age Limit | No minimum or maximum age limit |
| Minimum Qualification | Bachelor’s degree (any discipline) |
| Graduation Marks | 50% (General/EWS/NC-OBC), 45% (SC/ST/PwD) |
| Final-Year Students | Eligible (provisional admission) |
| Attempt Limit | No restriction |
CAT 2026 Age Limit: Is There Any Upper or Lower Age Bar?
As per the official CAT 2026 eligibility criteria, there is no age limit to appear for the exam. The CAT 2026 age limit does not specify any minimum or maximum age requirement, making the exam accessible to fresh graduates, working professionals, and candidates returning to academics after a gap.
Additionally, there is no restriction on the number of attempts. Eligibility for the CAT exam 2026 is determined purely by academic qualification, not by age.
CAT 2026 Educational Qualification Requirements
The CAT 2026 eligibility criteria clearly define the academic requirements candidates must meet to apply for the exam. Eligibility for the CAT exam 2026 is not restricted by academic stream, making it open to candidates from Arts, Commerce, Science, Engineering, and other disciplines.
- Minimum Educational Qualification
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree of minimum three years duration from a university or institution recognised by UGC, AICTE, or an equivalent statutory body. Degrees obtained through distance or open learning modes are also valid, provided the institution is recognised.
- Minimum Marks Required (Category-Wise)
| Category | Minimum Graduation Percentage |
| General / EWS / NC-OBC | 50% aggregate or equivalent CGPA |
| SC / ST / PwD | 45% aggregate or equivalent CGPA |
- Accepted Professional Degrees
Candidates holding CA, CS, CMA (ICWA), or FIAI qualifications are also eligible for CAT 2026, subject to the same minimum marks criteria.
CAT 2026 Eligibility for Final-Year Students & Result-Awaiting Candidates
The CAT 2026 eligibility criteria allow final-year undergraduate students and candidates awaiting their results to apply for the exam. Eligibility for the CAT exam 2026 in such cases is provisional and subject to meeting degree completion requirements within the timeline specified by the IIMs.
Final-year candidates must submit a certificate from the Registrar/Principal/Head of Institution confirming that all requirements for the bachelor’s degree will be completed by the prescribed date.
At the time of admission, candidates must produce proof of graduation with the required minimum percentage (50% for General/EWS/NC-OBC and 45% for SC/ST/PwD). Failure to submit valid documents leads to cancellation of admission.
CAT 2026 Reservation Policy: Category-Wise Seat Allocation
The CAT 2026 eligibility criteria follow the Government of India’s reservation norms to ensure equitable access to management education. Reservation benefits are applicable only if candidates meet the basic eligibility for the CAT exam 2026 and submit valid documents during registration and admission.
Category-Wise Reservation in CAT 2026
| Category | Reservation Percentage |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 15% |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 7.5% |
| NC-OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 27% |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 10% |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwD) | 5% |
PwD candidates must have at least 40% benchmark disability as defined under the RPwD Act, 2016. Category certificates must be uploaded during registration and produced later.
Once a category is selected, it cannot be changed, and invalid or outdated certificates may lead to rejection or General category consideration.
Special Eligibility Scenarios Aspirants Commonly Ask About
Several aspirants meet the CAT 2026 eligibility criteria but remain unsure due to special academic or personal situations. The eligibility for the CAT exam 2026 in these cases is clarified below:
- Candidates with backlogs: Allowed to apply for CAT 2026, but all backlogs must be cleared and degree requirements completed before the IIM admission deadline.
- Working professionals: No minimum or maximum work experience is required. Freshers and experienced candidates are equally eligible.
- Candidates with gap years: Gap years do not affect CAT 2026 eligibility, though explanations may be required during interviews.
- Distance/Open University graduates: Eligible if the degree is from a recognised institution.
- NRI/OCI/foreign degree holders: Eligible if the bachelor’s degree is recognised and the minimum marks criteria are met.
CAT Eligibility vs IIM Admission Criteria: Don’t Confuse the Two
Many candidates mistakenly assume that meeting the CAT 2026 eligibility criteria guarantees admission to an IIM. In reality, eligibility for the CAT exam 2026 only determines whether a candidate can appear for the test.
IIM admission criteria are decided independently by each institute and include CAT percentile, academic profile, work experience, diversity factors, and performance in WAT/PI rounds.
Hence, being CAT-eligible does not automatically ensure an IIM shortlist or final admission.
Documents Required to Prove CAT 2026 Eligibility
To validate their eligibility for CAT 2026, candidates must produce supporting documents at various stages of the admission process.
Meeting the eligibility requirements for the CAT exam 2026 without proper documentation can still result in disqualification.
Key documents include:
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and semester-wise mark sheets
- Final-year completion certificate (if applicable)
- Valid category certificate (SC/ST/NC-OBC/EWS) or PwD certificate
- Government-issued photo ID
Previous Related Blogs You May Find Useful
To gain a complete understanding of the CAT exam beyond the CAT 2026 eligibility criteria, aspirants can also refer to these related resources:
- CAT 2026 Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme Explained
- CAT 2026 Syllabus: Section-Wise Topics & Weightage
- CAT Previous Year Slot-Wise Analysis & Difficulty Trends
- How CAT Percentile Impacts IIM Shortlisting
These guides help connect eligibility with preparation and admission strategy.
How Tarkashastra Helps CAT 2026 Aspirants Stay Eligibility-Safe & Exam-Ready
Understanding the CAT 2026 eligibility criteria is only the first step; applying them correctly is equally important.
Tarkashastra supports aspirants by providing structured guidance on CAT 2026 eligibility, including profile evaluation, category verification, and assistance with form filling.
Aspirants receive clarity on graduation percentage calculation, final-year eligibility documentation, and reservation compliance. Alongside eligibility support,
Tarkashastra’s CAT preparation programs align exam strategy with IIM shortlisting logic, ensuring candidates are not only eligible but also competitively prepared for CAT 2026.
Final Checklist Before Applying for CAT 2026
Before submitting the application, candidates should recheck the CAT 2026 eligibility criteria to avoid rejection at later stages.
Ensure your bachelor’s degree meets the required minimum graduation percentage, category certificates are valid and updated, and final-year candidates have the necessary completion certificate ready.
Verifying eligibility for the CAT exam 2026 in advance helps aspirants focus entirely on preparation, knowing that all academic and category requirements are fully compliant.
FAQs: CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
1. What are the CAT 2026 eligibility criteria?
Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline with 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD). Final-year students can also apply provisionally.
2. Is there any age limit for CAT 2026?
No. There is no minimum or maximum age limit to appear for the CAT exam.
3. Can final-year students apply for CAT 2026?
Yes. Final-year candidates are eligible but must submit a degree completion certificate within the deadline specified by the IIMs.
4. What is the minimum graduation percentage required for CAT 2026?
- General/EWS/NC-OBC: 50%
- SC/ST/PwD: 45%
5. Are professional degree holders eligible for CAT 2026?
Yes. Candidates with CA, CS, CMA (ICWA), or FIAI qualifications are eligible if they meet the minimum marks criteria.
6. Does CAT 2026 have any attempt limit?
No. There is no restriction on the number of attempts for CAT.
7. Is work experience mandatory for CAT 2026 eligibility?
No. Freshers and working professionals are equally eligible. Work experience is considered only during the IIM selection.
8. Can candidates with backlogs apply for CAT 2026?
Yes, but all backlogs must be cleared before final admission, and degree proof must be submitted on time.
9. What is the CAT 2026 reservation policy?
CAT follows the Government of India norms:
SC – 15%, ST – 7.5%, NC-OBC – 27%, EWS – 10%, PwD – 5%.
10. Does meeting the CAT eligibility guarantee IIM admission?
No. CAT eligibility allows you to take the exam. Still, IIM admission depends on CAT percentile, academics, work experience, and PI/WAT performance.
