Marks Calculation
- Percentage is calculated as per the university's criteria. If CGPA is used it is converted to percentage based on the university's criteria.
Selection Verification
- Eligibility may be verified at any stage of the selection process. Maintaining a valid email and mobile number is mandatory.
Reservation
- Seats are reserved as per legal requirements 15% for SC, 7.5% for ST, 27% for NC-OBC up to 10% for EWS and 5% for PwD with the reservation criteria based on the central government's current lists.
Age Limits
There are no age restrictions for CAT. So you can take the exam at any age.
Experience
CAT eligibility criteria do not specify any necessary work experience. So both freshers and experienced candidates can take the exam. However some of the B-schools do consider work experience during admission.
Number of Attempts
You can appear for CAT any number of times in a lifetime.
What is the CAT eligibility criteria of getting into IIMs?
Eligibility for getting into IIM through CAT has not changed much over the years. Your work experience extracurricular activities academic background and admissions score all play a role in getting into IIM. Work experience is not a mandatory requirementfor getting admission into IIMs.
Who is not eligible for CAT 2025?
As defined by IIMs, the following conditions can make you ineligible for CAT 2025:
- If you have neither completed any bachelor’s degree nor pursued one.
- If you have completed any professional degree but not bachelor's degree.
- If you score below 50% as General Category and below 45% as SC/ST/PwD candidates.
- If your Bachelor’s degree is not recognized by AICTE/UGC/MHRD-Govt. of India.
What are the Reservation Criteria in IIMs?
IIMs follow the given reservation format:
| Category |
Reserved Seats (In Percentage) |
| Schedule Cast (SC) |
15% |
| Schedule Tribe (ST) |
7.5% |
| Other Backward Classes (NC-OBC) |
27% |
| Economically Weaker Section |
10% |
| PWD(Persons with Disability) |
3% |
Over the years the CAT eligibility criteria has more or less remained the same since 2014. For more information check the official CAT website.
FAQs Regarding CAT Eligibility 2025
1. What is the validity of CAT score?
CAT scorecard is valid for 1 year only.
2. Can I appear for CAT in my third year?
If it is the final year of your graduation you can take the CAT exam.
3. Is CAT only for MBA/PGDM programs?
Yes the institutes need CAT scores only for MBA/PGDM admissions.
4. Who determines the CAT Exam Eligibility?
IIMs decide and declare the eligibility criteria for CAT.
5. Is class 12th marks considered for CAT?
No class 12th marks have no role in CAT eligibility.
6. Can I give CAT after my master degree?
Yes you can give CAT after any master degree.
7. Can I get admission in IIM after class 12th?
You can get admission in only the five-year integrated programs offered by some of the IIMs. However you cannot seek admission in two-year MBA/PGDM or appear in CAT without bachelor degree.
8. Can I get into an IIM without taking CAT?
In case of MBA/PGDM admissions IIMs require CAT scores. However they also accept GMAT scores. So if you plan not to give CAT you need have gained a good score in GMAT.
9. Are CAT scores accepted in any foreign B-schools?
Yes there are a few foreign institutes that accept CAT scores for MBA/MIM/other masters in management. These include HEC Paris, SP Jain School Of Global Management, Singapore Management University, etc.
Yes you can take CAT in spite of backlog. However you need to clear it before taking admission in any of the B-schools.
No you need to be graduate student or be in final year of graduation in order to sit for CAT.
Class 12th marks donot matter in CAT but do have an impact on your B-school admissions.
Yes you can take CAT after any sort of bachelor degree provided it is approved by UGC or equivalent authority.
There are no passing marks mentioned by CAT committee. However different B-schools do have different CAT cut-offs. So if you are targetting a specific set of B-schools you need to be aware of their cut-off figures and study accordingly. Most top B-schools have a cut-off of 90+ percentiles.
Yes you surely can. Several freshers and working professionals happen to crack CAT in the first attempt with focused and dedicated preparation. It is not a surprise that some of the 99 percentilers did it in their first attempt. So you can too!
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