The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026, which will be conducted by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore, is scheduled to be held on November 29, 2026. The registration process will begin on August 3 and conclude on September 15.
Candidates planning to appear for the MBA entrance exam must carefully check the eligibility criteria before applying. The CAT 2026 notification outlines the minimum educational qualifications, marks requirements, and provisions for final-year students and reserved category candidates.
Here’s a detailed look at who can apply for CAT 2026.
Who is Eligible for CAT 2026?
Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or educational institution. General, EWS, and NC-OBC category candidates must have secured at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA in their undergraduate degree, while SC, ST, and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) candidates need a minimum of 45% marks.
The degree must be awarded by a university established by an Act of Parliament or State Legislature, a deemed university recognised under the UGC Act, 1956, or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Ministry of Education.
Can Final-Year Students Apply?
Yes. Candidates who are in the final year of their bachelor’s degree programme or those awaiting their results are also eligible to apply for CAT 2026. However, candidates offered admission will have to submit a certificate from their university or institution confirming that they have completed all the requirements for obtaining their degree within the timeline specified by the respective IIM.
Are Professional Degree Holders Eligible?
Candidates who have completed professional qualifications such as Chartered Accountancy (CA), Company Secretary (CS), Cost and Management Accountancy (CMA/ICWA), or Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India (FIAI) with the required minimum marks are also eligible to apply.
How Will CGPA Be Calculated?
The percentage of marks will be calculated according to the policy followed by the candidate’s university or institution. If the institution provides a CGPA-to-percentage conversion formula, that will be used.
If no conversion scheme is available, candidates can calculate their percentage by dividing their CGPA by the maximum possible CGPA and multiplying the result by 100.
Reservation and Documents Required
CAT 2026 follows the Government of India’s reservation policy. Seats are reserved for SC (15%), ST (7.5%), NC-OBC (27%), EWS (up to 10%), and PwBD (5%) candidates. Reserved category candidates must upload the relevant certificates while registering for CAT 2026. Failure to do so may lead to rejection of the application or loss of reservation benefits during admission.
Candidates should note that meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee shortlisting or admission at any IIM, as each institute follows its own selection process.