CAT Eligibility Criteria: Qualification, Marks and Final-Year Rules

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level entrance exam used by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other participating institutions for admission to MBA and other management programmes. Before applying, candidates should understand the CAT eligibility criteria, including graduation requirements, minimum marks, category-wise relaxation and rules for final-year students. You can also explore the CAT exam guide to learn more about the examination.

In brief, candidates generally need a recognised bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA. For candidates belonging to the SC, ST and PwD categories, the minimum is generally 45%. Students in the final year of their bachelor's degree can also apply, subject to the applicable requirements. Always check the official notification for the exam year you are applying for.

CAT Eligibility Criteria at a Glance

These are the standard eligibility rules. Candidates should verify the current year's CAT notification and the admission policy of each institute before applying. For a broader understanding of academic requirements, read our guide to MBA eligibility criteria in India.

1. What Is the Educational Qualification Required for CAT?

Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree from a recognised university or institution, or an equivalent qualification accepted under the applicable CAT eligibility rules.

Graduates from a wide range of disciplines can apply, including:

• Bachelor of Arts (BA)
• Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
• Bachelor of Science (BSc)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
• Bachelor of Technology (BTech) or Bachelor of Engineering (BE)
• Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA)
• Other recognised bachelor's degrees

You do not need to hold a BBA, BCom or another management-related degree to take CAT. Students from engineering, science, arts, commerce and other eligible backgrounds can apply if they meet the qualification and marks requirements.

Certain recognised professional qualifications may also be accepted under the applicable rules. Check the current CAT notification for the exact list and conditions.

2. What Are the Minimum Marks Required for CAT?

The standard minimum graduation marks are:

The applicable category rules and required supporting documents should be checked in the official notification.

Can You Apply for CAT With Less Than 50% in Graduation?

If you belong to the General, EWS or NC-OBC category and have less than 50% in graduation, you may not meet the standard minimum academic eligibility requirement. The corresponding standard threshold for SC, ST and PwD candidates is 45%.

However, candidates should not confuse eligibility to take CAT with the criteria used by an institute to shortlist applicants. Individual IIMs may apply additional academic requirements, CAT percentile cut-offs and other selection parameters.

Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee admission. To understand the steps that follow the entrance exam, read our guide to the MBA admission process.

3. Can Final-Year Students Apply for CAT?

Yes. Students in the final year of their bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification can generally apply for CAT.

This option is useful for students who want to take the entrance exam before their graduation results are declared.

Final-year candidates should keep the following points in mind:

• Enter the marks available for the semesters or academic years completed so far, following the instructions in the application form.
• Complete the bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification within the applicable requirements.
• Meet the required graduation marks threshold.
• Obtain and submit the certificates, mark sheets and degree documents requested by the institute.
• Follow the deadline specified by the relevant IIM or other institution.

If you have completed your degree requirements but are waiting for your results, check the current CAT notification and the admission policies of your target institutions for the applicable rules.

What Happens If Your Final-Year Graduation Marks Fall Below the Required Percentage?

Being allowed to apply as a final-year student does not remove the minimum graduation marks requirement. If your final result does not meet the applicable threshold, you may no longer satisfy the academic eligibility requirements for admission.

Always confirm the current rules and document-submission deadlines before accepting an offer.

4. Is There an Age Limit for CAT?

CAT generally does not prescribe an upper age limit for eligible candidates. Graduates who meet the academic requirements can consider taking the exam regardless of whether they are fresh graduates or older applicants.

However, candidates should confirm the applicable notification for their exam year and check whether their preferred management programme has any additional conditions.

5. Is Work Experience Required for CAT?

No. Work experience is not generally compulsory to appear for CAT. Eligible fresh graduates and candidates with professional experience can take the exam.

However, work experience may be considered during the admission and shortlisting process by some institutions. The weight assigned to it varies by institute and programme. For a broader overview of the application journey, explore our MBA admission guide.

6. How Are Graduation Marks or CGPA Calculated for CAT Eligibility?

Your graduation percentage should be calculated according to the rules followed by your university or institution.

Keep these points in mind:

• If your university provides an aggregate percentage: Use the percentage awarded by your university, as instructed in the application form.
• If your university does not provide an aggregate percentage: Follow the prescribed method using the marks listed across the relevant subjects, semesters or academic years.
• If your result is in CGPA or letter grades: Use the conversion method certified by your university or institution.
• If your university has no CGPA-to-percentage conversion scheme: Follow the formula specified in the applicable CAT instructions.

Do not assume that every university uses the same conversion formula. Keep your official mark sheets and conversion certificate, if required, ready for verification.

7. Are Class 10 and Class 12 Marks Required for CAT Eligibility?

The basic CAT academic eligibility requirement focuses on graduation or an accepted equivalent qualification. Class 10 and Class 12 marks are also collected as part of the application and may be considered by institutions during admission shortlisting.

Individual IIMs can use school-level academic performance, graduation marks, CAT performance, work experience, interviews and other parameters in their selection processes. The exact weightage and cut-offs differ across institutes.

Therefore, lower Class 10 or Class 12 marks do not automatically mean that you cannot take CAT, but they may affect your admission prospects at particular institutions. Review the MBA admission guide and the selection policy published by each institution for further context.

8. Can You Appear for CAT After Class 12?

No. Passing Class 12 alone does not satisfy the standard academic qualification requirement for CAT.

You generally need to have completed a recognised bachelor's degree, be in the final year of the degree, or meet another accepted qualification route under the applicable CAT rules.

If you are currently in Class 12, your next step is to pursue a bachelor's degree and check the eligibility requirements before applying for CAT.

9. Does Meeting CAT Eligibility Guarantee Admission to an IIM?

No. CAT eligibility only determines whether you meet the basic requirements to appear for the exam. Admission to an IIM is a separate process.

Depending on the institution and programme, the selection process may consider:

• Overall CAT percentile
• Sectional CAT percentiles
• Class 10 and Class 12 marks
• Graduation performance
• Work experience
• Written assessments, interviews or other selection rounds
• Applicable category and programme-specific criteria

Each IIM publishes its own admission policy. Candidates should also compare the top MBA entrance exams in India to understand alternative exams that may be accepted by their preferred management institutions.

10. Documents to Keep Ready for CAT and Admission

Prepare the relevant documents in advance, following the official application instructions:

• Class 10 mark sheet or certificate
• Class 12 mark sheet or certificate
• Graduation mark sheets and degree certificate, if available
• CGPA-to-percentage conversion certificate, if applicable
• Final-year or provisional documents, where required
• Valid category certificate, if applicable
• Government-issued identification and other documents requested in the application

The documents needed during CAT registration may differ from those required later by an IIM. Follow the instructions for each stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Takeaway

Before applying for CAT, confirm your graduation qualification, category-wise minimum marks and final-year status. Also review the admission criteria of your target IIMs, because meeting CAT eligibility does not guarantee shortlisting or admission.

If you have not taken CAT or are exploring other admission routes, read our guide to MBA colleges without CAT. Once you have identified suitable options, use our guide on how to choose an MBA college to compare institutions based on fees, programmes, placements and career goals.

For the most accurate information, refer to the official CAT website and the latest admission policies published by the institutions you want to apply to.