CAT 2026: Common Admission Test

CAT Exam Eligibility

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of India's most competitive entrance examinations for admission to MBA and PGDM programs offered by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and many other leading business schools. Before applying, candidates should ensure they meet the prescribed eligibility criteria.

Applicants must possess a bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognized university or educational institution. Candidates belonging to the General, EWS, and OBC categories are required to have secured at least 50% aggregate marks or an equivalent CGPA, while candidates from the SC, ST, and PwD categories must have obtained a minimum of 45% aggregate marks.

Students who are in the final year of their undergraduate program or are awaiting their final examination results are also eligible to apply for the CAT exam. However, they must complete their degree requirements within the timeline specified by the admission authorities and provide the necessary documents during the admission process.

One of the major advantages of the CAT exam is that there is no upper or lower age limit for candidates. Additionally, there is no restriction on the number of attempts, allowing aspirants to appear for the examination multiple times to improve their scores and strengthen their chances of admission.

Meeting the CAT eligibility criteria allows candidates to appear for the examination, but it does not guarantee admission to any management institute. Each IIM and participating B-school has its own selection process, which may include shortlisting based on CAT scores, academic performance, work experience, written ability tests, group discussions, and personal interviews. Candidates are advised to review the admission policies of their preferred institutes before submitting their applications.

It is important to provide accurate academic and personal information while filling out the CAT application form. Any discrepancy in the details or failure to meet the eligibility requirements at the time of admission may result in the cancellation of candidature. Therefore, applicants should carefully verify all information and ensure they fulfill the eligibility conditions before applying for the examination.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Visit official website iimcat.ac.in


2. Register using valid email and mobile number


3. Fill personal, academic and contact details


4. Upload photo, signature and category certificate (if applicable)


5. Pay application fee (₹2500 for General, ₹1250 for SC/ST/PwD)

Q1. What is CAT?

A: CAT (Common Admission Test) is a national-level entrance examination conducted for admission to management programs, primarily MBA/PGDM courses at Indian Institutes of Management and other participating business schools.

Q2. Who conducts the CAT exam?

A: The CAT exam is conducted annually by one of the Indian Institutes of Management on a rotational basis.

Q3. What are the main sections in the CAT exam?

A: The CAT exam generally consists of three sections:

• Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)


• Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)


• Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

Q4. What is the eligibility criteria for CAT?

A: Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree with the required minimum percentage criteria specified by the conducting authority. Final-year undergraduate students can also apply, subject to eligibility conditions.

Q5. How is the CAT score calculated?

A: CAT scores are calculated based on candidate performance, including correct and incorrect responses, followed by score normalization and percentile calculation.

Q6. What is CAT percentile?

A: CAT percentile represents a candidate’s relative performance compared to other test takers. A higher percentile indicates a better rank among candidates.

Q7. How can candidates prepare for CAT?

A: Effective preparation includes:

• Building conceptual understanding


• Practicing previous-year questions


• Taking mock tests


• Improving time management skills


• Analyzing performance regularly

Q8. Is there negative marking in CAT?

A: Yes, CAT generally includes negative marking for incorrect answers in multiple-choice questions, while some non-MCQ questions may not have negative marking.

Q9. How long is the CAT exam duration?

A: The exam duration and section timings are announced each year in the official CAT notification.

Q10. Which skills are tested in CAT?

A: CAT evaluates quantitative ability, logical reasoning, data interpretation skills, reading comprehension, and verbal ability.