CAT 2026 notification has been released by IIM Indore. The CAT exam will be conducted on November 29, 2026, and the registration process will begin on August 3, 2026. MBA aspirants planning to appear for CAT 2026 must review the eligibility criteria carefully before applying.
CAT 2026 is a national‑level postgraduate entrance exam for admission to MBA and PGDM programs offered by more than 1,300 B‑Schools across India. The minimum eligibility requirement is a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. CAT scores are accepted in both percentage and CGPA formats for admission.
CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
To appear for CAT 2026, candidates must fulfill the prescribed eligibility criteria, as mentioned below:
- Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a UGC‑recognized university, securing the minimum marks required as per the CAT 2026 eligibility norms.
- Candidates who have completed a professional qualification such as CA, CS, ICWA (CMA), or Fellowship of the Institute of Actuaries of India (FIAI) with the required minimum marks are also eligible to apply for CAT 2026.
CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Percentage Marks
CAT 2026 aspirants must secure the minimum qualifying marks in their graduation degree, as specified under the eligibility criteria.
| Category | Minimum Marks Requirement |
| General, EWS and NC-OBC Candidates | 50% |
| SC/ST/PwBD Candidates | 45% |
For candidates presenting grades or CGPA, the conversion into percentage will follow the official method prescribed by their respective institution. If no such conversion scheme exists, the percentage will be calculated by dividing the obtained CGPA by the maximum CGPA and multiplying the result by 100.
CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Final Year Rules
CAT 2026 eligibility criteria also outline specific rules for candidates currently in the final year of their graduation:
- Final‑year bachelor’s degree students are also eligible to apply for CAT 2026. However, their admission will remain provisional until they submit the official marksheet of their final year.
- Such candidates must also ensure that the average score of their first and second‑year results meet the minimum marks requirement specified under CAT 2026 eligibility norms.
CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Reservation Policy
For admission to IIMs and other leading B‑Schools accepting CAT scores, the following reservation policy will be applied:
| Category | Reservation Policy |
| SC | 15% |
| ST | 7.5% |
| NC-OBC | 27% |
| EWS | 10% |
FAQs – CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Ques: Which programs accept CAT 2026 scores?
Ans: CAT 2026 scores are accepted by over 1,300 B‑Schools across India for admission to MBA and PGDM programs. These include the prestigious IIMs and other leading management institutes that recognize CAT as the primary gateway for postgraduate management education.
Ques: Is there an age limit for CAT 2026?
Ans: No, CAT 2026 does not prescribe any age limit for applicants. As long as candidates meet the academic eligibility criteria, they can apply regardless of age.
Ques: Can international students apply for CAT 2026?
Ans: Yes, foreign nationals and NRIs can apply for CAT 2026, provided they hold a valid bachelor’s degree with the required marks. Some IIMs may also accept GMAT scores for international applicants, but CAT remains the primary route for admission to most institutes.
