CAT Eligibility
The detailed CAT Eligibility 2024 is explained here for CAT 2024 exam aspirants. The eligibility for the CAT exam hasn’t changed for the past several years. So the candidates can expect the same CAT eligibility criteria for the upcoming exam. Before starting with the preparation, candidates need to know the complete CAT 2024 eligibility criteria, and age limit to understand whether they are eligible for CAT or not.
It is always suggested to check the official website of respective IIMs to know the IIM exam eligibility. Note down if there are any special CAT eligibility criteria for IIMs. It is because, CAT is just an entrance exam, and scoring a good rank in CAT does not guarantee getting selected in the IIM selection process.
CAT Eligibility 2024: Overview
For CAT 2024, the eligibility criteria typically follow the guidelines set by the conducting body, which is the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). Here’s a general overview of the eligibility criteria for CAT:
Educational Qualification:
- Candidates should hold a bachelor’s degree, with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (for general category).
- For SC, ST, and PwD candidates, the minimum marks required is usually 45%.
Final Year Students:
- Candidates appearing for the final year of their bachelor’s degree/equivalent qualification examination can also apply. They must ensure they fulfill the minimum eligibility criteria at the time of application and subsequently at the time of admission.
CAT 2023 Eligibility: Important Highlights
The key criteria for CAT eligibility are summarised in the table below.
| Components | Details |
| CAT age limit | None |
| Educational Eligibility | Graduate |
| Work Experience | None |
| Minimum Marks in Graduation | 50% (45% for Reserved Category) |
| Reservation | As per Category |
CAT Eligibility: What is Included in It?
The detailed CAT eligibility criteria are given below. There are certain points regarding the CAT eligibility criteria that the candidate should be aware of. The points that are discussed in this article are as follows:
- CAT eligibility with respect to the educational qualification
- CAT exam eligibility for final-year graduate students
- CAT eligibility criteria for students with backlogs
- CAT eligibility and reservation details
Before going to the eligibility details, it is important to get familiar with the details about the CAT exam and what this exam is all about. A brief introduction to the CAT exam is given below.
According to the official CAT Exam Eligibility 2023, there is no maximum age for taking the test. As there are no restrictions on maximum age, candidates who desire to apply for CAT 2023 should only review the other CAT Eligibility criteria.
| CAT Exam Age Limit | Limitation |
| Upper Age Limit | Not Applicable |
What is CAT Eligibility Criteria 2024: Academic Qualification
| Qualification | Required Affiliation | Required Pass Percentage |
| Engineering Degree – B.Tech/ B.E. | Recognized by MHRD/AICTE * | 50% (45% for SC, ST, and PWD candidates) |
| Bachelor’s Degree from any University | Recognized by UGC | 50% (45% for SC, ST, and PWD candidates) |
| Students who are in their final year of a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are also eligible to take CAT Exam** | Continuing graduation from University Recognized by MHRD/AICTE or UGC | 50% (45% for SC, ST, and PWD candidates) |
Important Notes:
* The university has to be declared incorporated by an Act of the Parliament or State Legislature in India or declared as a Deemed to Be a University under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956.
** Such candidates have to submit a certificate from the Registrar/Principal of their
respective university or institution. The certificate must state that they have completed all the requirements for obtaining the equivalent qualification on the date of the issue of the certificate.
Important:
It should be noted that the percentage an individual obtains in the bachelor’s degree would be calculated on the basis of practice followed by the concerned institution or university. If a percentage conversion scheme is unavailable for a particular university, the candidate’s CGPA will be divided by the maximum possible CGPA and multiplied the result by 100.
Video on CAT Eligibility Criteria 2024
CAT Eligibility: Reservation Details
The IIMs have included some reservations for the different category students applying for any of the business administration programmes. The reservation details of the IIMs are explained below in a comprehensive way.
| Category | Reserved Percentage |
| SC (Scheduled Caste) | 15% |
| ST (Scheduled Tribe) | 7.5% |
| NC-OBC (Non-creamy Other Backward Classes) | 27% |
| Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) | up to 10% |
| PWD (Person With Disability) | 5% |
It should be noted that the candidates belonging to any of the above-mentioned castes are required to upload the caste certificate during registration and carry a photocopy of it during document verification. For further details about the caste certificate, check the below-given article.
In the case of PwD category students, they must bring a PwD certificate issued by a competent authority. The different categories of disabilities that are accepted under PwD reservation are the individuals with:
- Blindness or partial blindness
- Hearing disabilities
- Locomotor disabilities (dwarfism, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, leprosy cured, and acid attack victims)
- Other disabilities like autism, any mental illness, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, etc.
PwD candidates are suggested to go through Section 39 of the PWD Act, 1995, to check the list of all disabilities under this category. Candidates applying for the PwD category should have at least 40% of disability as certified by any medical authority.
What is Importance of CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria 2024
The eligibility criteria for CAT 2024 play a crucial role in ensuring fairness, transparency, and efficiency in the selection process for management programs offered by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other participating institutions. Here are several reasons why the CAT exam eligibility criteria for 2024 are important:
Fair Selection Process: By setting minimum educational qualifications and other eligibility standards, CAT ensures that all candidates who apply for the exam meet a certain academic threshold. This helps in maintaining fairness and equity in the selection process.
Quality of Candidates: The eligibility criteria ensure that candidates possess the foundational knowledge and academic aptitude necessary to pursue management education at the postgraduate level. This helps in attracting candidates who are likely to succeed in rigorous management programs.
Compliance with Institutional Requirements: Different management institutes may have specific eligibility criteria beyond the basic requirements set by CAT. Adhering to these criteria ensures that candidates meet the specific prerequisites of the institutions they wish to apply to.
Legal and Administrative Compliance: Setting clear eligibility criteria helps in complying with legal standards and administrative regulations governing the conduct of entrance examinations in India. It ensures that the entire admission process is conducted transparently and in accordance with established norms.
Efficient Resource Utilization: Eligibility criteria help in managing resources efficiently by ensuring that only eligible candidates participate in the examination and subsequent selection processes. This reduces administrative burdens and enhances the overall effectiveness of the selection process.
Candidate Preparedness: By specifying the eligibility criteria well in advance, CAT allows candidates to prepare adequately for the exam and plan their application strategy accordingly. This promotes informed decision-making among aspirants.
Maintaining Exam Integrity: Eligibility criteria contribute to maintaining the integrity of the CAT exam by ensuring that only genuine and eligible candidates participate. This helps in preventing misuse of the examination process and maintaining its credibility.
These eligibility criteria are based on past trends and can be subject to slight changes each year, so candidates are advised to refer to the official CAT 2024 notification for precise details and updates.
Frequently Asked Questions on CAT Eligibility
Q1 Who decides CAT Eligibility Criteria?
the IIMs collectively determine the CAT eligibility criteria to ensure a fair and transparent selection process for candidates aspiring to pursue management education in India. Candidates are advised to refer to the official CAT notification each year for the most accurate and detailed eligibility criteria applicable for that exam cycle.
Q2 What is CAT Age Limit?
CAT does not have an age limit, making it accessible to candidates from diverse age groups who meet the educational qualifications and other specified criteria. This inclusiveness allows a wide range of individuals, from fresh graduates to working professionals, to pursue management education through the CAT exam.Q3 What is CAT Eligibility for poor students?
while CAT eligibility criteria do not explicitly address economic status, various support mechanisms and opportunities may exist within the IIMs and other institutes to assist economically disadvantaged students. Candidates are encouraged to explore these options and seek information from the respective institutes regarding scholarships, fee waivers, and other forms of financial assistance available to them.
Q4 Is a backlog candidate eligible for CAT 2024?candidates with backlogs in their bachelor’s degree are generally eligible to appear for CAT 2024, provided they meet the other eligibility criteria regarding academic qualifications and any other requirements specified by the IIMs or participating institutes.
Other Requirements:
- It’s important to meet the specific eligibility criteria of the IIMs and other management institutes where CAT scores are accepted.
- Candidates must adhere to the registration deadlines and application procedures specified by the conducting body.
- Indian nationals, as well as foreign nationals, are eligible to apply.
- Foreign nationals should check with individual IIMs regarding specific eligibility requirement.
CAT Exam Tips & Tricks Related Resources:
The candidates can check the links given below to know the tips and tricks to ace the CAT exam: