If you’re planning to take the CAT exam, you’ll need to meet the eligibility rules set by the IIMs. This means you should have either finished your bachelor’s degree or be in your final year. There is no restriction on the number of times you can appear for CAT 2025.

• If you’re from the General, EWS, or OBC category, you’ll need at least 50% marks (or equivalent CGPA) in your graduation.
• If you’re from the SC, ST, or PwD category, you get some relaxation—the minimum is 45% marks.
• And don’t worry if you’re still in your final year of college. You can apply for CAT too, as long as you complete your degree with the required marks before admission.

The CAT eligibility criteria, along with the required minimum percentage in the UG programme, vary for different categories of candidates. Also, candidates having work experience after their graduation will have an added advantage over those who don’t score a few extra marks during the personal interview round but it is not a compulsion to have work experience.

CAT Eligibility Relaxation 2025

The good thing about CAT is that it’s not just for toppers from one background, the exam is designed to be inclusive. If you belong to a reserved category, you get certain relaxations in both the eligibility marks and the admission process.

• Lower Graduation Marks Needed: If you’re from the General, OBC, or EWS category, you’ll need 50% marks in your bachelor’s. But if you belong to SC, ST, or PwD, the requirement is a little easier — just 45% is enough.
• Reserved Seats at IIMs: The IIMs follow the government’s reservation rules. This means:
  • 27% seats for OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)
  • 15% for SC candidates
  • 7.5% for ST candidates
  • 10% for EWS
  • 5% for PwD students
• Certificate Check: To claim these benefits, you’ll need to show valid category or disability certificates at the time of admission. No certificate = no relaxation.

The only catch is if you don’t clear your degree in time, your admission offer can get cancelled, even if you score 99+ percentile. So, if you’re in your last year, go for it! Many students actually find it easier to crack CAT during their graduation because they’re still in study mode.

CAT 2025 Reservation Policy

Also Read

• CAT 2025 Application Form Correction
• CAT 2025 Reservation

CAT 2025 Eligibility for NRIs & Foreign Candidates

If you’re an NRI, foreign national, or holding a PIO/OCI card, you can still apply for an MBA at the IIMs, but the process is slightly different.

• For CAT Applicants (NRIs in India): If you’re an NRI living in India and meet the same graduation eligibility (50% for General/OBC, 45% for SC/ST/PwD), you can directly register for CAT 2025 like any other student.
• For Foreign Nationals (Outside India): Most IIMs accept GMAT/GRE scores instead of CAT for admission. So, if you’re applying from abroad, you’ll usually need to submit your GMAT/GRE score along with your application.
• Documents Needed: Passport, NRI/OCI/PIO proof, and academic transcripts will be required at the time of application/admission.

Can Final Year Students Apply for CAT 2025?

Yes, final-year students can definitely apply for CAT 2025, and many toppers do it while still in college! You don’t have to wait to finish your degree to take the exam. Here is the process to apply as a final year student -

• While filling the CAT form, just select the option that you’re in the final year.
• Your college will need to confirm that you’ll complete your graduation on time.
• Later, when you get shortlisted by IIMs or other B-schools, you’ll have to show your provisional degree or final mark sheet before admission.

Also Read:

• CAT 2025 Document Specification
• CAT 2025 Registration Fee