CAT Exam Eligibility: Age, Education, and Other Key Requirements The Common Admission Test, commonly known as CAT, is one of the most prominent and competitive MBA entrance exams in India. Conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), the CAT exam attracts a large number of aspirants every year who wish to pursue a management career. The CAT exam assesses candidates' aptitude and skills in various areas, including quantitative aptitude, verbal ability, logical reasoning, and data interpretation, among others. However, before aspirants can appear for the exam, they must meet the eligibility criteria set by the exam conducting authority. In this blog, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the CAT exam eligibility criteria, covering age limit, educational qualification, work experience, minimum percentage required for graduation, and documents required for the CAT exam. This information will help aspiring candidates determine if they meet the necessary requirements and can apply for the exam to fulfill their dream of pursuing a management career. Educational Qualification for CAT Exam Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a recognized university or institution with at least 50% marks or an equivalent CGPA. For candidates belonging to SC, ST, and PwD categories, the minimum percentage of marks required is 45%. Table of Content Educational Qualification for CAT Exam Work Experience Age Limit Minimum Percentage Required for Graduation Documents Required for CAT Exam Other Key Requirements for CAT Exam Conclusion Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
In the case of candidates who are in the final year of their bachelor’s degree or its equivalent, they are also eligible to apply for the exam. However, they must provide a certificate from the institution stating that they have completed all the requirements for obtaining the degree and their final examination results will be declared by a certain date. Failure to produce the necessary documents at the time of admission will result in the cancellation of the candidate's admission. Work Experience The CAT exam does not have any specific work experience requirements. However, some business schools may prefer candidates who have some work experience. In such cases, candidates with work experience may have an advantage over those without. Candidates with work experience are also eligible to apply for the exam, provided that they meet the other CAT eligibility criteria. Age Limit As mentioned earlier, there is no age limit for candidates appearing in the CAT exam. This means that candidates of all age groups are eligible to apply for the exam, provided that they meet the other eligibility criteria. Minimum Percentage Required for Graduation Candidates must have a minimum of 50% marks or an equivalent CGPA in their bachelor's degree or its equivalent. However, candidates belonging to SC, ST, and PwD categories require a minimum of 45% marks or an equivalent CGPA. It is important to note that this percentage requirement may vary for different business schools. Therefore, candidates must ensure that they meet the minimum CAT eligibility criteria of the business school they wish to apply to. Documents Required for CAT Exam Candidates are required to upload certain documents during the registration process for the CAT exam. These documents include the candidate's photograph, signature, and category certificate (in case of SC/ST/PwD candidates). Candidates are advised
to keep these documents handy and ensure that they meet the specifications required by the exam conducting authority. Other Key Requirements for CAT Exam Apart from the age and educational qualification, there are some other key requirements that aspiring candidates must meet to be eligible for the CAT exam. These requirements are as follows: ● Indian citizens and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are eligible to apply for the exam. ● Candidates belonging to SC, ST, and PwD categories must provide valid caste or disability certificates at the time of admission. ● The CAT exam is held in English medium only. Therefore, candidates must have a good understanding of the English language. ● Candidates must possess a valid and unique email ID and mobile number, which they will need to provide during the registration process. ● Candidates must not have any criminal record, and they must not be debarred by any government authority or regulatory body from taking the exam. Conclusion The CAT exam is a highly competitive management entrance exam that requires candidates to meet specific CAT Exam eligibility criteria. The age limit is not a factor, but candidates must possess a bachelor's degree or its equivalent with at least 50% marks or an equivalent CGPA. Additionally, candidates belonging to SC, ST, and PwD categories require a minimum of 45% marks. Aspiring candidates must also meet other key requirements, such as possessing a good understanding of the English language, having a valid and unique email ID and mobile number, and not having a criminal record or being debarred from taking the exam by any government authority or regulatory body. By fulfilling these eligibility criteria, candidates can apply for and take the CAT exam and pave their way towards a successful management career.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1. Is there any age limit for appearing in the CAT exam? Ans. No, there is no age limit for appearing in the CAT exam. Candidates of all age groups are eligible to apply for the exam, provided that they meet the other eligibility criteria. Q2. What is the minimum educational qualification required to appear in the CAT exam? Ans. Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized university or institution to be eligible to apply for the CAT exam. Q3. Is work experience required to appear in the CAT exam? Ans. No, there is no specific work experience requirement for appearing in the CAT exam. However, some business schools may prefer candidates with work experience. Q4. What is the minimum percentage required for graduation to appear in the CAT exam? Ans. Candidates must have a minimum of 50% marks or an equivalent CGPA in their bachelor's degree or its equivalent. However, candidates belonging to SC, ST, and PwD categories require a minimum of 45% marks or an equivalent CGPA. Q5. What documents are required for the CAT exam? Ans. Candidates are required to upload certain documents during the registration process for the CAT exam, including their photograph, signature, and category certificate (in case of SC/ST/PwD candidates). Q6. Can candidates who have completed their degree through correspondence or distance learning mode apply for the CAT exam? Ans. Yes, candidates who have completed their degree through correspondence or distance learning mode are eligible to apply for the CAT exam, provided that the program is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) or the Distance Education Bureau (DEB).