IIM CAT Eligibility Criteria 2025 explains the essential requirements that candidates must meet before applying for the Common Admission Test (CAT). Check the complete criteria, including details on age limit, educational qualifications, and reservation rules, to confirm your eligibility for the exam.
IIM CAT Eligibility Criteria 2025
The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have shared the IIM CAT Eligibility Criteria 2025 on its official website iimcat.ac.in. Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet all the required conditions. The eligibility is mainly based on three key factors: educational qualifications, reservation policies, and category-specific requirements. Only those who meet all these criteria will be considered eligible for the IIM CAT 2025 Exam. You can find the complete details about eligibility in the article below.
Also Read: IIM CAT 2025 Apply Online Link Active @iimcat.ac.in, Apply Before 13 Sept
IIM CAT 2025 Eligibility Highlights
| Organization | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) |
| Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree (minimum 50% for General/EWS/NC-OBC; 45% for SC/ST/PwD) |
| Age Limit | No upper age limit |
| Attempts | No restriction |
| Official Website | iimcat.ac.in |
IIM CAT Eligibility 2025 Educational Qualification
According to the IIM CAT 2025 eligibility, candidates must meet at least one of the following:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) from a recognized university or institution.
- Hold a professional degree such as CA/CS/ICWA (CMA)/FIAI with the required percentage.
- Be in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification, provided they can produce a certificate from their institution confirming completion before the stipulated date.
The method of calculating percentages depends on the respective university/institution. If CGPA is awarded and no conversion method exists, the CGPA will be converted by dividing by the maximum CGPA and multiplying by 100.
IIM CAT Eligibility 2025 Reservation Policy
As per the Government of India rules:
- 15% seats are reserved for SC candidates.
- 7.5% for ST candidates.
- 27% for NC-OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates.
- 10% for EWS candidates.
- 5% for PwD candidates (as per RPwD Act 2016).
PwD categories include:
- Blindness & low vision
- Deaf & hard of hearing
- Locomotor disability (including cerebral palsy, dwarfism, leprosy cured, acid attack victims, muscular dystrophy)
- Autism, intellectual disability, mental illness, specific learning disability
- Multiple disabilities
Candidates applying under reservation must upload valid caste/category certificates in the prescribed Government of India format during registration and again at the time of admission.
Important Notes for Candidates
- Mere fulfillment of minimum eligibility does not guarantee shortlisting.
- Each IIM may set its own minimum cut-off and selection process.
- Candidates must maintain a valid email ID and mobile number throughout the admission process.
- No category change will be allowed after registration.
IIM CAT 2025 Eligibility: FAQs
Q1. What is the minimum qualification required for CAT 2025?
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD).
Q2. Can final-year students apply for CAT 2025?
Yes, final-year students can apply, provided they produce a certificate confirming degree completion before the stipulated date.
Q3. Is there any age limit for CAT 2025?
No, there is no upper age limit to apply for CAT 2025.
Q4. Are professional qualifications like CA/CS/ICWA valid for CAT eligibility?
Yes, candidates with CA, CS, ICWA (CMA), or FIAI qualifications with required marks are eligible.
Q5. How much reservation is given for OBC candidates in CAT 2025?
27% of the seats are reserved for OBC candidates belonging to the non-creamy layer category.