The CAT exam is India’s most prestigious entrance test for admission into top MBA colleges like the IIMs, FMS, SPJIMR, and more. As lakhs of aspirants gear up for the exam each year, understanding the CAT eligibility criteria, including cat age limit, qualifications, reservation norms, and attempt limits is crucial for your application and preparation strategy. This guide breaks down every eligibility aspect for CAT 2025 to help you get started with clarity and confidence.
Table of Contents
What is the CAT Exam For?
The CAT exam (Common Admission Test) is India’s premier entrance exam for admission to MBA, PGDM, Executive MBA, and FPM (Fellow Program in Management) courses. Conducted by the IIMs, the CAT exam is a gateway to over 1,200 business schools including IIM Ahmedabad, FMS Delhi, SPJIMR, MDI Gurgaon, and IITs.
For a breakdown of top ROI-focused programs, explore Top MBA Colleges with Low Fees and High MBA Packages in India (2025) and Top MBA Colleges for Consulting in India (2025).
Designed for graduates and professionals, the CAT exam evaluates aptitude across:
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
Start your journey: Join CAT Coaching with Coachify
Also explore Coachify’s Foundation Course and 1-on-1 counselling for a personalized strategy from IIM mentors.
CAT Eligibility Criteria 2025: Key Requirements
Understanding the CAT eligibility criteria is essential before you register. Here's a summary of the latest CAT eligibility criteria for 2025:
| Requirement |
Details |
| Educational Qualification |
Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or institution |
| Minimum Marks |
50% (General/EWS/OBC); 45% (SC/ST/PwD) |
| Final Year Students |
Eligible if graduation completes by June 2026 |
| CAT Age Limit |
No upper or lower limit |
| Number of Attempts |
Unlimited |
The CAT eligibility criteria are designed to allow a wide range of students from different streams and professions.
Before applying, it’s smart to check this Step-by-Step CAT Form Filling Guide 2025 with complete documentation support.
Accepted Degrees for CAT Exam
Candidates appearing for the CAT exam must have one of the following degrees:
- Standard bachelor's degrees (B.A., B.Com., B.Sc., B.Tech, BBA, etc.)
- Professional degrees (CA, CS, ICWA)
- Degrees from universities recognized by UGC or AIU
There is no stream-specific restriction in the CAT eligibility criteria — candidates from science, commerce, arts, or engineering can apply.
Final-Year Students: Can They Apply?
Yes, students currently in their final year of graduation can register for the 2025 exam. They must submit a certificate from their university or college stating that they will complete the degree requirements by June 2026.
If you're preparing while completing college, explore our guide: How to Crack CAT in 6 Months for time-efficient preparation strategies. Also download CAT 2025 Syllabus PDF and the VARC Cheat Sheet for time-efficient coverage.
Do Class 10 and 12 Marks Matter?
While your Class 10 and 12 academic scores are not a part of CAT eligibility criteria, they play an indirect role during the admission process at IIMs and other top institutes.
| Stage |
Considered? |
| CAT Registration |
No |
| B-School Shortlisting |
Yes |
| Final Selection |
Yes |
Colleges like IIM Ahmedabad factor in consistency across your academic history. Read more in How to Get Into IIM Ahmedabad.
CAT Age Limit 2025: Is There a Restriction?
There is no CAT age limit for appearing in the test. Whether you're a fresh graduate or a working professional in your 30s or 40s, you can apply as long as you meet the academic qualifications.
| Age Criteria |
Status |
| Minimum Age |
Not specified |
| Maximum Age |
Not applicable |
The same applies across categories. To compare admission policies across B-schools, see Top 50 MBA Colleges in India 2025. Also compare fees, salary and ROI trends in IIM MBA Fees 2025 and MBA Finance Salary in India 2025.
Reservation Policy for CAT 2025
CAT follows the Government of India’s reservation policy during the admission process at IIMs and other public B-schools:
| Category |
Reservation |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) |
15% |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) |
7.5% |
| Other Backward Class (OBC - Non Creamy Layer) |
27% |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) |
10% |
| Persons with Disabilities (PwD) |
5% |
Make sure your category certificate is valid and issued by a recognized authority. To understand how these impact waitlist movements, read IIM Kashipur Waitlist Movements 2025.
CAT Eligibility for International & NRI Candidates
Candidates holding foreign passports or residing outside India can apply, provided they have:
- Their undergraduate degree is recognized by AIU
- They provide valid documentation and transcripts
- They appear for CAT (some IIMs may allow GMAT)
Many top institutes like IIM Udaipur and IIM Shillong also welcome international profiles.
These candidates may also be required to verify their degrees during admission.
Which Courses Accept CAT Exam Scores?
The CAT exam is accepted for admissions into:
- 2-Year Full-time MBA / PGDM
- Executive MBA (EMBA)
- Fellow Program in Management (FPM)
- Integrated Management Courses (at IIMs and IITs)
Want to align your career goals? Check Which Field is Best for MBA in India 2025 or explore niche domains like MBA in Hospital Management and Business Analytics.
Documents Required for CAT Registration and Admission
To verify CAT eligibility, keep the following documents ready:
- Class 10 & 12 mark sheets
- Bachelor’s degree certificate or provisional
- Category/EWS/PwD certificates (if applicable)
- Final-year certificate for June 2026 graduates
- Valid photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport)
Download free resources like the CAT Quant Formula Book and practice Previous Year Papers to build confidence early.
IIM Admission vs CAT Eligibility
While meeting the CAT eligibility criteria allows you to take the test, admission to IIMs involves more stages:
- Sectional and overall percentile cutoffs
- Written Ability Test (WAT)
- Personal Interview (PI)
- Academic & Work Experience Evaluation
For CAT 2025 prep strategy, read CAT Coaching vs Self Study – What Toppers Recommend and compare Best CAT Coaching for 2025.
Conclusion
The Common Admission Test opens up opportunities for graduates and working professionals to enter top business schools across India. With broad eligibility criteria and no restrictions on age or number of attempts, it remains accessible to a diverse set of candidates. Whether you're aiming for a flagship MBA, executive program, or a doctoral track, planning ahead and understanding the requirements will set you up for success.
For a guided preparation experience, explore personalized courses, expert mentorship, and real-time support from the team at Coachify.
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