CAT Eligibility Criteria 2025: Age Limit, Qualification, and Reservation Criteria for General, SC/ST/PwD

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most sought-after MBA entrance exams in India. Conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), CAT paves the way for admission into prestigious MBA/PGDM programs offered by IIMs and over 1,300 B-schools across the country. As the CAT 2025 exam approaches, candidates must be well-informed about its eligibility criteria, including educational qualifications, age limits, and reservation policies. This comprehensive guide covers all essential details about CAT eligibility criteria 2025.

What is CAT Exam?

The CAT exam is an annual national-level entrance test conducted by the IIMs for admission into their management programs. Apart from IIMs, several top business schools in India accept CAT scores for their MBA and PGDM courses. The exam assesses candidates on their quantitative ability, verbal ability, data interpretation, and logical reasoning skills.

CAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria Overview

The eligibility criteria for CAT 2025 primarily focus on educational qualifications, with specific requirements for different categories.

Educational Qualification: Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university.
Minimum Marks: 50% for General/EWS/NC-OBC and 45% for SC/ST/PwD.
Final Year Students: Candidates in their final year of graduation are eligible.
Professional Qualifications: CA, CS, ICWA, or FIAI are also eligible.

Detailed CAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria

1. Academic Qualification

Academic Qualification	Affiliation Required	Pass Percentage Required
Engineering Degree (BTech/BE)	Recognized by MHRD/AICTE	50% (General/EWS/NC-OBC) 45% (SC/ST/PwD)
Bachelor’s Degree in any stream	Recognized by UGC	50% (General/EWS/NC-OBC) 45% (SC/ST/PwD)
Final Year Students	University recognized by MHRD/AICTE/UGC	50% (General/EWS/NC-OBC) 45% (SC/ST/PwD)
CA/CS/ICWA/FIAI	Certification granting organization	50% (General/EWS/NC-OBC) 45% (SC/ST/PwD)

Note: Candidates with degrees not recognized by UGC, AICTE, or MHRD are not eligible.

2. Age Limit for CAT 2025

One of the most significant aspects of CAT eligibility is that there is no age limit. Any candidate meeting the educational criteria can apply, regardless of their age.

3. Final Year Students’ Eligibility

Candidates in the final year of their bachelor’s degree can apply, provided they complete their graduation with the required percentage before the commencement of the MBA program.

4. Eligibility for Candidates with Professional Qualifications

Candidates holding professional qualifications such as CA, CS, ICWA, or FIAI are eligible, provided they meet the minimum percentage criteria.

Difference Between CAT and IIM Eligibility Criteria

While CAT eligibility focuses primarily on academic qualifications, IIM eligibility criteria include additional requirements like meeting the CAT cut-off percentiles, work experience (in some cases), and performance in personal interviews and group discussions.

CAT 2025 Reservation Criteria

CAT itself does not have any reservation criteria except for the relaxation of marks for reserved categories. However, IIMs follow the reservation policies laid down by the Government of India.

Category	Percentage of Seats Reserved
SC	15%
ST	7.5%
NC-OBC	27%
PwD	5%

What is PwD Category in CAT?

Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwD) refer to those with at least 40% of a specified disability under the RPwD Act 2016. This includes:

Blindness and low vision
Deaf and hard of hearing
Locomotor disability (cerebral palsy, dwarfism, acid attack victims)
Autism, intellectual disability, and mental illness
Multiple disabilities as specified in the RPwD Act 2016

Important Dates for CAT 2025

Official Notification: July 2025
Registration Begins: First week of August 2025
Exam Date: November 2025 (tentative)

Conclusion

Understanding the CAT 2025 eligibility criteria is crucial for all aspirants. Ensure that you meet the educational qualifications, and keep an eye on the official CAT notification for any updates. With proper preparation and awareness of eligibility norms, you can successfully navigate the CAT application process and take a step closer to your MBA dream.

For more updates on CAT 2025, government exams, job notifications, and educational news, visit RozgarVaani.com regularly.

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