CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Graduation Marks, Age Limit and Attempts

The CAT 2026 information bulletin has been released on the official CAT website on July 25, 2026. The CAT 2026 registration will begin on August 3, 2026 and will conclude on September 15, 2026.

Before applying for CAT 2026, check whether you meet all the eligibility criteria.

• CAT 2026 eligibility criteria require a bachelor’s degree in any discipline with at least 50% aggregate marks.
• The SC/ST/PwD candidate should have 45% aggregate marks in graduation.
• According to CAT eligibility requirement, there is no maximum or minimum age limit.
• A final year student is eligible to appear for CAT 2026, but if selected, should submit an eligibility document signed by the Principal at the time of admission.
• There is no limit on the number of CAT attempts but must fulfil the eligibility criteria.

Related Articles: 

• CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Educational Qualification, Minimum Marks, Age Limit
• CAT 2026: Exam Date, Registration, Application Form, Eligibility, Syllabus

Key Summary

• IIM Indore is the conducting body for CAT 2026 and will be conducted on November 29, 2026 in a CBT mode.
• Candidates need to pay INR 2700 as CAT 2026 registration fee and SC/ST/PwD candidates have to pay INR 1350.
• You can select upto five test cities while filling out the CAT application form 2026.

CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria Quick Overview

According to CAT 2026 information bulletin, the CAT 2026 eligibility criteria remain unchanged from previois years. The table below gives you a snapshot of all key eligibility parameters at a glance.

Related Articles: 

• CAT Registration 2026 (Soon): Apply Online, Last Date, Registration Link @ iimcat.ac.in 
• IIM CAT 2026 Application Fee Increased at iimcat.ac.in; Check Last Date to Register

---

Educational Qualification Required for CAT 2026

You must hold a bachelor’s degree of at least three years’ duration from a university or institution recognised by an appropriate statutory authority in India.

• There is no restriction on the stream or subject of your undergraduate degree- arts, science, commerce, engineering, law, medicine, and all other disciplines are accepted.
• Holders of professional degrees such as CA, CS, or ICWA are also eligible, provided the degree is recognised as equivalent to a bachelor’s degree by the competent authority.
• The IIMs verify original degree certificates and mark sheets during the admission round ensure all documents are in order before applying.

Related Article: CAT Documents Required 2026: Check Documents Required for CAT Registration and Exam Day

According to a Reddit discussion, a user wanted to know whether she is eligible for CAT 2026 with 69% aggregate marks in BSc and a gap year after completion of Master degree. 

In the discussion, it was suggested that she is eligible for CAT 2026. The only requirement is a bachelor’s degree with at least 50%, and her BSc already satisfies that. Being a female and from a non-engineering background can also help a little in diversity in some B-schools.The gap year isn’t a big issue, but she should be able to explain it in interviews.

Source: Reddit

---

Minimum Percentage Required for CAT 2026

Candidates should hold a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) with no age limit. The table below lists the category-wise minimum graduation percentage for CAT 2026.

Source: iimcat.ac.in

Related Article: How to Apply for CAT 2026: Registration Guide for MBA Aspirants

---

Age Limit for CAT 2026

There is no minimum or maximum age limit for appearing in CAT 2026.

• Working professionals, recent graduates, and final year students can all apply without any age-related restriction. 
• The only criterion that matters is your educational qualification and the minimum marks you have secured in graduation.

Is Work Experience Required for CAT 2026?

No, work experience is not required for CAT 2026. According to CAT eligibility requirements freshers are eligible, provided meeting the minimum percentage required in CAT. The only advantage for candidates having work experience will be during preparation of composite scores as some IIMs have weightages assigned for experience.

Related Article: CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria: 50% Marks Rule, Final-Year Students & Reservation

---

Number of Attempts Allowed in CAT 2026

There is no limit on the number of times you can appear for CAT.

• You can attempt CAT every year until you achieve the score you need for your target IIM or management programme. 
• It is important to note that each year’s CAT score is valid only for that particular admission cycle. 
• If you appeared in CAT 2025 but did not convert any calls, you must appear in CAT 2026 to be considered for admissions.

Related Article: 

• CAT Exam Pattern 2026: Section-wise Pattern, Marking Scheme, Syllabus, Question Paper
• CAT Syllabus 2026- Download Syllabus PDF, Section-wise Weightage and Preparation Tips​

---

CAT 2026 Eligibility for Final Year Graduation Students

Students appearing in the final year of their bachelor’s degree programme are eligible to apply for CAT 2026.

• If you receive an admission offer from an IIM or any other participating institution, the offer will be provisional.
• You must submit your final graduation mark sheets and degree certificate showing the required minimum percentage before the deadline set by the respective institute.

If your final graduation result shows marks below the required threshold (50% for General/EWS/OBC-NCL, 45% for SC/ST/PwD), your provisional admission will stand cancelled.

Plan your CAT preparation without letting it affect your graduation performance both outcomes depend on each other.

Related Article: CAT 2026 5 month Preparation Strategy