CAT Eligibility Criteria 2024- Check Qualification, Age Limit, Reservation, Marks Details

Updated By Subhashri Roy on 19 Mar, 2024 12:06

Registration Starts On August 04, 2024

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CAT Eligibility Criteria 2024

IIM Calcutta will release the CAT eligibility 2024 on the official website at iimcat.ac.in along with the CAT 2024 notification. Candidates interested in taking the CAT 2024 exam must have a Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum aggregate score of 50% (45% for SC/ ST/ PwD category). The IIM CAT eligibility 2024 for final-year students is also the same and provisional admission can be granted if they meet the minimum percentage requirement.

Candidates who wish to appear for the CAT 2024 exam must go through the detailed CAT eligibility 2024 before applying. They must meet the eligibility rules specified by the exam conducting authority, otherwise, they will not be allowed to register or appear for the exam. If the candidates apply for the CAT 2024 exam without satisfying the mandatory eligibility norms, their candidature will be cancelled.

The CAT exam 2024 will be conducted on November 24, 2024, by IIM Calcutta in three slots. The CAT registration 2024 will begin in August 2024. Candidates who will successfully register for the exam can download their CAT 2024 admit card which will be released in October 2024. CAT (Common Admission Test) is a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted by IIMs every year on a rotational basis for admission into PGP/ MBA/ PGDM courses.

Find category-wise CAT eligibility 2024 and other important information like CAT exam qualification, CAT eligibility 2024 for final year students, and more on this page.

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CAT Eligibility 2024: Highlights

Candidates must also note that the CAT eligibility 2024 of different MBA colleges in India may differ. It is also essential to go through the CAT eligibility 2024 specified by a college before applying. Here are the key highlights of the CAT exam eligibility:

Particulars

Details

CAT Minimum Educational Qualification

Bachelor's degree from a recognized institute in any stream

CAT Minimum Marks for General Category

50% Aggregate Marks

CAT Minimum Marks for Reserved Category

45% for SC/ST/PwD Candidates

Age Limit for CAT Eligibility 2024

None

Nationality

Both Indian and Foreign Nationals Eligible

Work Experience

Not Mandatory But Preferred

Reservation

SC, ST, NC-OBC, PwD, EWS

CAT Eligibility 2024 for General & NC-OBC Category

Exam takers can find the CAT eligibility 2024 for the General and NC-OBC categories below.

  • Minimum Qualification for CAT Eligibility 2024: Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized University or educational institution is the minimum CAT eligibility 2024 required for registration. Candidates can also have professional degrees such as CA/CS/ICWA.
  • Minimum Percentage Required for CAT Eligibility 2024: Candidates must have a score of 50% in graduation or its equivalent in any stream.
  • CAT Eligibility 2024 for Final Year Students: Candidates who are in their final year of graduation degree or awaiting results can also apply. However, the final admission will be subjected to the aggregate score in the graduation.

CAT Eligibility 2024 for Reserved (SC/ ST/ PwD) Category

Candidates interested in applying for the CAT exam 2024 under SC, ST, and PwD categories must take note of the following CAT Eligibility 2024.

  • Minimum Qualification for CAT Eligibility 2024: The required CAT exam qualification is a bachelor’s degree from a recognized University or educational institution. Candidates can also have professional degrees such as CA/CS/ICWA.
  • Minimum Percentage Required for CAT Eligibility 2024: Candidates must have a score of 45% in graduation or its equivalent in any stream.
  • CAT Eligibility 2024 for Final Year Students: Candidates who are in their final year of graduation degree or awaiting results can also apply. However, the final admission will be subjected to the aggregate score in the graduation.
Top Management Colleges :

CAT Eligibility 2024: Age Limit

There is no age limit set by the exam conducting authorities of CAT for any category of candidates who are applying for the exam. Candidates of all groups who meet the minimum qualification and percentage required for the CAT exam are eligible to apply for it.

Since the CAT eligibility 2024 requires candidates to have completed a Bachelor's degree, it is expected that CAT candidates will be over a certain age automatically. Also, it is important to note that even though candidates need not meet a certain age limit to appear for CAT, when applying for MBA admissions candidates may be required to meet an age criteria depending on the course and institute they pick.

CAT Eligibility 2024 for Equivalent Degrees

Candidates having professional degrees such as Chartered Accountancy/ Company Secretary/ ICWA (Cost Management Accountant) with 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) also satisfy IIM CAT eligibility 2024. The CAT exam percentage is calculated based on the procedure followed by the respective university or institution. If there is no provision at the university or institution for converting CGPA into equivalent marks, the equivalence would be established by dividing the CGPA by the maximum possible CGPA and multiplying the result by 100. 

Note: The authorities may verify a candidate's eligibility at various stages during the CAT selection process at IIMs. Another thing that candidates must keep in mind is that meeting the minimum CAT Eligibility 2024 will not guarantee admission to the IIMs. In addition, throughout the selection process, candidates must maintain a valid and unique email account and phone number.

CAT Eligibility 2024 for Final Year Students

Candidates in their final year usually feel uncertain of their eligibility for the CAT entrance exam. Check the following points to know CAT eligibility 2024 for final-year students.

  • All bachelor's degree candidates in their final year are eligible to apply for the CAT exam.
  • However, if chosen for further consideration, these students must complete their bachelor's degree with the requisite grade and present documentation of this at the time of selection.
  • The candidate's results in the subsequent admissions stages will be invalid if they are unable to satisfy this requirement.

Documents Required for Final Year Students

Freshers and individuals with previous work experience typically make up between 40% and 60% of CAT applicants. Thus, the number of students taking the CAT in their last year is relatively considerable. Clearing the CAT eligibility 2024 is the first step. The following additional documentation must be provided by applicants in order to meet the CAT eligibility 2024:

  • An additional document, given that the individual does not already have their final degree certificate indicating the overall grade they received.
  • The signatures of the Principal, Head of Department, Registrar, and Director of the Institute are required on the certificate, confirming the candidate's passing grade of at least 50% on the day the certificate is issued.

CAT Eligibility 2024: Work Experience

Candidates frequently question whether their job experience will have an impact on the whole application and exam procedure because it is a requirement for the CAT application form. The significance of job experience in the CAT exam is clarified in the following points:

  • Work experience is not a mandatory eligibility requirement for candidates taking the CAT entrance exam.
  • Although there is a section on the CAT application for prior work experience, it is not a mandatory requirement for completion of the registration process.
  • In the final phases of the IIMs admissions process, work experience is given some consideration. The CAT exam, however, will not take experience into account when determining scores or eligibility.

CAT Eligibility 2024: Marks Calculation

The following formula is used to determine the CAT eligibility 2024:

  • Universities and other educational institutions have their own standards for determining graduation marks. This technique will serve as the foundation for calculating CAT scores.
  • The method provided by the institution must be used to convert the marks to percentages if the university offers grades or CGPA in place of marks.
  • If the institution doesn't provide a method for converting marks or CGPA to percentages, it must be done through direct conversion. It implies that the candidate should divide the achieved CGPA by the highest CGPA possible and multiply the result by 100.

IIM CAT Eligibility 2024: Reservation Criteria

A certain percentage of seats are reserved for the unreserved category in the IIMs required by law. Reserved category aspirants must go through the CAT eligibility 2024 before applying. Check the table below to learn about the CAT reservation criteria for different categories:

CAT Reservation Criteria

Category

Reserved Percentage

NC-OBC (Non-Creamy Other Backward Classes)

27%

SC (Scheduled Caste)

15%

Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)

up to 10%

ST (Scheduled Tribe)

7.5%

PwD (Person with Disability)

5%

Note: Being eligible for reservation under various categories does not guarantee admission at IIMs. Candidates are shortlisted if they fulfill the prescribed eligibility criteria, score the minimum required percentile in the CAT exam, and perform well in subsequent rounds of the admission process.

Also ReadCheck Seat Reservation Policy at IIM

CAT Eligibility 2024: Who Falls Under the CAT PwD Category?

Candidates who have a benchmark disability are categorized as PwD candidates when it comes to the CAT exam. Candidates who fall under this category are allowed certain concessions and benefits in order to compensate for their disabilities. Candidates who fall under this category must not be less than 40% of a specific disability as specified in the Schedule of the RPwD Act 2016. The disabilities that fall under the CAT PwD category are as follows:

  • Blindness and/or low vision
  • Deaf and/or hard of hearing
  • Autism, any specific learning disability, intellectual disability, and/or mental illness
  • Locomotor disability including cerebral palsy, cured leprosy, dwarfism, acid attack victims and/or muscular dystrophy.
  • Multiple disabilities from amongst persons under clauses (a) to (d)
  • Other 'specified disabilities' mentioned in 'The Schedule' of the RPwD Act 2016

How to Convert Percentage of Marks into Grades for CAT 2024

Sometimes mark sheet contains marks in grades or CGPA, which must be converted into percentage marks to help the authorities determine the CAT Eligibility 2024. Every University or Institution converts the CGPA or grade scores obtained by the candidates into percentage marks to determine their CAT eligibility 2024. Candidates must note that every University or Institution employs its formula in converting the grade scores or CGPA into percentage scores to know whether they meet the requirements for the CAT Eligibility 2024. If any University or Institution does not have a working formula to convert the grade/CGPA scores into percentage scores, then a universal formula will be deployed to calculate the percentile scores of the candidates. The formula is:

Additionally, candidates should refer to the guidelines for converting CGPA to the Percentage specified by their university for more information.

Who is Not Eligible for CAT 2024?

Candidates who are not eligible for the CAT exam according to the CAT Eligibility Criteria 2024 are those who:

  • Have not completed their Bachelor’s degree or any professional degree such as CS/CA/ICWA 
  • Candidates have not completed their graduation but are pursuing a professional course and are in the final year of the same.
  • Belong to the general category and have secured less than 50% aggregate in graduation to meet the CAT eligibility 2024.
  • Belong to SC/ST/PwD category and have secured less than 45% aggregate in graduation
  • Have completed their graduation from a college or institution for satisfying the CAT eligibility 2024 that is not recognized by either of AICTE/UGC/MHRD-Government of India.

Additional CAT Eligibility 2024 Facts

Here are some additional CAT Eligibility 2024 facts that the candidates should know:

  • Candidates who have completed their graduation in the old system are eligible to appear for the CAT exam. The degree obtained by the candidates under such a system must be approved and recognized by UGC to meet the CAT eligibility 2024 requirements.
  • Keeping in view the CAT 2024 eligibility, shortlisting candidates in the IIMs is based on various factors and does not depend only on the candidates fulfilling the CAT 2024 eligibility.
  • The candidates must furnish their valid and working email addresses and cellular number throughout the selection process.
  • There is no maximum age limit to appear for the CAT exam.

CAT Eligibility 2024: Important Information for Reserved Category CAT 2024 Applicants

SC or ST category candidates must submit the caste certificate in a format approved by the Government under the CAT eligibility 2024. Also, the caste/tribe that a candidate belongs to must be listed in the Government of India schedule. The caste certificate should clearly state:

(a) Name of the candidate's caste/tribe;

(b) Whether the candidate belongs to SC or ST category;

(c) District and the State or Union Territory of the aspirant's ordinary residence; and

(d) the appropriate Government of India schedule under which the caste/tribe is approved by it as SC or ST.

Candidates must upload a copy of the SC/ ST/ NC-OBC/ PwD certificate(s) during CAT registration 2024. Failure to do so will lead to the rejection of their CAT registration.

At the time of interviews, candidates must show the SC/ ST/ NC-OBC/ PwD certificate(s) and submit a photocopy to clear the CAT exam eligibility criteria. If a candidate fails to do so during the selection process at IIMs, they will not be considered under the reserved category.

Also Read: How to Apply for Category Certificates for CAT 2024

IIM vs CAT Eligibility Criteria 2024

Many times, candidates ponder over the question if there is any difference between IIM and CAT exam eligibility. To ensure all the speculations over this question are put to rest, CollegeDekho provides the candidates with the only difference in the CAT exam and IIM eligibility criteria. Candidates who have graduated from the old two-year graduation system satisfy the CAT exam 2024 eligibility criteria, but such candidates cannot pursue their desired management course from IIM. Candidates who want to pursue management at any of the IIMs after qualifying for the CAT exam must have completed their graduation from the contemporary three-year graduation system. Except for this, there is no difference in IIM and CAT exam eligibility criteria.

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FAQs about CAT Eligibility

Can final year students apply for the CAT 2024?

Yes, final year students can apply for the CAT 2024. As stated by its administrating authority, candidates who are appearing for their final year or who already have appeared for their final year, irrespective of the field of their academic background, can apply for the CAT exam 2024. As it takes nine to twelve months to adequately prepare for the CAT, it is a perfect time for aspirants to study for the exam while also simultaneously completing their final year of college.

Is there any CAT exam age limit?

No, there is no CAT exam age limit. Also, there is no cap on the number of times one can take the CAT exam 2024. The only criterion to sit for CAT is that the applicants must be studying in their final year or obtained a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate. However, candidates must remember that if they are targeting to work for a reputed firm, a few companies consider the number of CAT attempts a candidate takes as an eligibility criterion. 

What is the CAT exam eligibility 2024?

The CAT exam eligibility 2024 includes that a candidate must hold a bachelor's degree in any field from an accredited institution or possess a comparable credential recognized by the Indian Ministry of HRD. The minimum percentage required for CAT for general category candidates is 50% while 45% is required for reserved categories. There is no CAT exam age limit. Also, work experience is not mandatory, however, students having some may be given an advantage during the selection process.

I am in the final year of my bachelor's degree. Am I eligible for CAT exam 2024?

Yes, aspirants who are in the final year of their bachelor's degree are eligible for the CAT exam 2024. In accordance with the organising authorities, regardless of academic background, anyone who is studying in their last year of graduation or has graduated with at least a 50% mark is eligible to take the CAT 2024 exam.

I have completed my CS professional degree. Am I eligible for CAT 2024?

Yes, students who have completed their CS professional degree are eligible to appear for CAT 2024. As stated by the conducting authority, anyone who is studying in their final year of graduation or has completed their graduation by obtaining at least 50% aggregate can take the CAT exam irrespective of their academic background.

I have not completed my bachelor's degree. Am I eligible for CAT 2024?

If an applicant has not completed their bachelor's degree, they are still eligible for CAT 2024 only if they are studying in the final year of their degree. Students cannot register for the CAT exam 2024 if they are 12th pass or if they are in the first and second year or third/fourth/fifth year (depending upon the degree). Also, the candidate is not permitted to submit an application for the CAT if their degree score is lower than 50% (45% for ST, SC or PwD categories).

Is there any reservations for PwD candidates in CAT 2024?

Yes, there is a 5% reservation for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwD) in CAT 2024. Government regulations provide that 27% of seats are reserved for applicants from the NC-OBC, 15% for candidates from the SC, 7.5% for candidates from the ST, 5% for candidates with benchmark disabilities (PwD), and up to 10% for applicants from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). The IIMs adhere to the government of India's specified reservation policies.

Am I eligible for CAT 2024 if I have a backlog?

Yes, students with a backlog are eligible for CAT 2024 as long as they clear their graduation with at least 50% marks (45% in case of reserved categories) before the final admission. If you are not able to clear the backlog before the IIM selection process, then your application will be rejected.

Who sets the CAT exam eligibility criteria?

The CAT exam eligibility criteria are set by the conducting authority. One of the IIMs is responsible for deciding CAT eligibility criteria 2024 which are released along with CAT 2024 notification. The basic CAT exam qualification includes a bachelor's degree with 50% marks (45% for reserved categories).

Do CAT eligibility criteria involve 12th marks?

No, CAT eligibility criteria don't involve 12th marks. A student's aggregate score in the bachelor's degree is considered while registering for CAT. However, during the election process, a few IIMs give 10% weightage to a candidate's marks in the Class 12th.

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