If you’re planning to pursue an MBA from India’s top B-schools, you’ve probably heard about the CAT exam. But before diving into preparation, it’s essential to understand the CAT exam criteria, including qualification, age limits, stream eligibility, and other key requirements.
This guide provides a detailed overview of the CAT exam eligibility criteria, addresses common questions like “Who can give the CAT exam?”, “Can I give CAT after 12th?”, and breaks down eligibility across academic streams and categories. Let’s decode everything step by step.
What is the CAT Exam?
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level entrance exam conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on a rotational basis. It is the gateway to over 20 IIMs and 1000+ other top MBA colleges in India.
CAT evaluates a candidate’s ability in three major areas:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
To appear for this exam, you must meet certain CAT exam qualifications, academic percentages, and category-based requirements.
CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria 2025
Here’s the updated CAT exam eligibility criteria:
✅ 1. Educational Qualification
Minimum Qualification:
- The candidate must have a Bachelor’s degree in any stream from a recognized university.
- Final-year students (graduating in 2025) can also apply.
Minimum Percentage Requirement:
- General, EWS, and OBC-NCL categories: Minimum 50% aggregate or equivalent CGPA.
- SC, ST, and PWD categories: Minimum 45% aggregate.
CAT exam qualification is based on graduation only, not on Class 12 or Class 10 marks.
🧑🎓 2. Final Year Students
Yes, if you’re in the final year of your Bachelor’s degree, you are eligible to apply. However, if selected, you must submit proof of completion of your degree within the specified timeline set by the IIMs.
🔄 3. No Restriction on Number of Attempts
Wondering how many times we can give the CAT exam?
There is no limit to the number of attempts. You can appear for CAT as many times as you wish, provided you meet the eligibility conditions each year.
CAT Age Limit in India
There is no upper or lower age limit to appear for the CAT exam.
✳️ CAT Age Limit Highlights:
| Criteria | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | No minimum age specified |
| Maximum Age | No maximum age specified |
| CAT minimum age | Not officially defined |
| CAT maximum age | Not applicable |
Whether you are 21 or 41, if you have a valid Bachelor’s degree with required marks, you can apply. This makes the CAT exam one of the most inclusive management entrance tests in the country.
CAT Exam is for Which Stream?
Another common query is “CAT exam is for which stream?”
You can apply for the CAT exam regardless of your educational background. Whether you studied Science, Commerce, Arts, Engineering, Law, or Medical – you are eligible.
Some of the top CAT toppers have even come from non-technical backgrounds, including humanities, literature, and fine arts.
Can I Give the CAT After the 12th?
No, you cannot give the CAT after the 12th.
The CAT exam is only open to graduates or final-year graduating students. If you’ve just completed Class 12, you’ll need to complete a Bachelor’s degree first.
This is a popular search query, so let’s clarify again:
Can I give CAT exam after 12th?
❌ No, you must have a graduate degree or be in the final year of graduation.
Who Can Apply for the CAT Exam?
Let’s summarize who can write the CAT exam or who can apply for the CAT exam:
| Category | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree Holders | ✅ Yes |
| Final Year UG Students | ✅ Yes |
| Diploma Holders | ❌ No |
| Class 12 Pass | ❌ No |
| Age Above 30 | ✅ Yes |
| Non-Engineers | ✅ Yes |
| Working Professionals | ✅ Yes |
So, if you’re wondering who can give CAT exam, the answer includes:
- Engineers
- B.Com/B.A./B.Sc. graduates
- Working professionals
- Final year UG students
- Anyone with a UGC-recognized degree and a valid percentage
CAT Reservation Criteria
CAT exam also follows reservation policies as per the Government of India. The categories eligible for reservation are:
- SC (Scheduled Castes): 15%
- ST (Scheduled Tribes): 7.5%
- OBC-NCL (Other Backward Classes – Non-Creamy Layer): 27%
- EWS (Economically Weaker Section): 10%
- PWD (Persons with Disabilities): 5% horizontal reservation across all categories
To claim the reservation, candidates must produce valid documents at the time of application and admission.
CAT Eligibility Criteria: 12th Marks & Percentage
There is no specific CAT eligibility criteria based on 12th marks.
That means:
- Even if you scored below 60% in 12th, you can still apply for CAT.
- IIMs may look at your overall academic profile during admission, but it won’t affect your eligibility for the CAT exam itself.
📌 Note: Some top IIMs follow academic weightage for shortlisting, where your 10th and 12th scores may be considered. But these do not impact your CAT exam qualification.
CAT Exam Criteria – Summary Table
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree (Final-year also eligible) |
| Minimum Percentage | 50% (Gen/EWS/OBC) |
| Age Limit | No minimum or maximum age |
| Stream Eligibility | Open to all streams |
| CAT Attempts Allowed | Unlimited |
| 12th Marks Requirement | No restriction |
| Can Apply After 12th | ❌ No |
| Reservation Policy | As per Government of India rules |
How to Give the CAT Exam?
Step-by-Step Process:
- Check CAT Exam Qualification (as above)
- Register on the official website – https://iimcat.ac.in
- Fill the application form with documents and details
- Pay the exam fee
- Download the admit card
- Appear for CAT exam
- Wait for results and apply to B-schools
For students wondering how to give CAT exam, this is the standard process followed every year.
Top MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Score
Once you qualify, you can apply to the best B-schools in India. Here’s a list of top colleges:
| B-School Name | Location |
|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | Gujarat |
| IIM Bangalore | Karnataka |
| IIM Calcutta | West Bengal |
| IIM Lucknow | Uttar Pradesh |
| FMS Delhi | New Delhi |
| MDI Gurgaon | Haryana |
| SPJIMR Mumbai | Maharashtra |
| RCM Bhubaneswar | Odisha |
RCM Bhubaneswar is among the top MBA colleges in India that accepts the CAT score and offers high placement opportunities with an affordable fee structure.
FAQs on CAT Exam Criteria
Q1. What is the minimum age for the CAT exam?
There is no minimum age defined. Usually, candidates aged 20+ appear after graduation.
Q2. Is there any maximum age limit for the CAT exam?
No, there is no upper age limit to take the CAT exam.
Q3. Can diploma holders apply for CAT?
No. 3-year diploma holders without a degree are not eligible for CAT.
Q4. What is the required qualification for CAT?
You need a Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks (45% for reserved categories).
Q5. Is CAT exam only for engineers?
No. Students from all academic streams can apply – Arts, Commerce, Science, etc.
Conclusion
If you have completed your graduation or are in your final year, you’re likely eligible for CAT. There’s no bar on age or stream, and multiple attempts are allowed.
This makes the CAT exam a highly flexible and inclusive option for those aiming to study at the top MBA colleges in India.
Whether you’re a working professional, a fresh graduate, or planning ahead, understanding the CAT exam qualification, age limits, and stream eligibility helps you confidently plan your MBA journey.
🏆 Bonus: Plan Your MBA at RCM Bhubaneswar
RCM Bhubaneswar is ranked among the top MBA colleges in India and accepts CAT, MAT, XAT, and OJEE scores. With a legacy of 42+ years, industry tie-ups, and excellent ROI, RCM is the preferred choice for management aspirants across India.
