Updated on Jun 06, 2025
Ankita Banerjee
CAT Eligibility Criteria for 2025 are the minimum requirements for students to fulfil in order to appear for CAT exam 2025. For this year, it is expected that IIM Kozhikode will conduct the CAT exam. The official notification for CAT 2025 will be out on 30th July, 2025, and the registration process is likely to commence from the first week of August 2025.
To be eligible for CAT 2025, students are required to score at least 50% marks in their bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution/ university. However, for SC/ ST students, the minimum marks required are 45%. Applications are also accepted from students who are in their final year of graduation or have finished their bachelor’s degree but are waiting for their results. In this case, such candidates are offered provisional admission based on their CAT 2025 scores. Also, students should provide a certificate from their institution or the university’s vice-chancellor or registrar. This certificate needs to be issued on or before the date specified by the relevant IIM. To explore more about CAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria for MBA, students are advised to go through the complete article.
CAT Eligibility Criteria 2025: Overview
CAT 2025 is an important exam for students who want to pursue management programs from reputed IIMs, or other top B-schools in India. It is mandatory for aspirants to fulfil CAT Exam 2025 Eligibility Criteria to appear for this exam:
Check: CAT Exam Pattern 2025
CAT Eligibility Criteria 2025: Academic Criteria
To appear for CAT 2025, candidates have to meet the minimum eligibility requirements, which include having a bachelor’s degree. The minimum marks required differ based on students’ categories. For more details, refer to the sections provided below:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline or stream from a recognized institute/ university.
- Minimum Marks Required: For general category candidates, the minimum marks required are 50% or an equivalent CGPA in their bachelor’s degree. However, for SC/ ST candidates, 45% marks or equivalent CGPA is required to be able to sit for the CAT exam 2025.
CAT Eligibility Criteria: Final Year Students
Candidates who are in their final year of graduation or whose graduation results are pending can still apply for CAT 2025, and take the exam. However, they will be required to provide proof stating that they met all the eligibility requirements for receiving the Bachelor’s degree by the specified deadline. The proof of the candidates’ eligibility should be submitted during the CAT Application Process 2025, in the form of a certificate from the Vice-Chancellor or Registrar of their university.
Without having the bachelor’s degree marks or scores, students can appear for CAT 2025. However, this does not guarantee admission to IIMs. The CAT 2025 Eligibility of the final year students are stated below in the table format:
CAT Eligibility Criteria 2025: Special Reservation Criteria
Candidates belonging to the reserved category, such as SC, ST or Pwd, can enjoy some reservation policies set by the IIMs. Canddiates who are seeking admission under these categories should ensure that they meet all the academic and other eligibility requirements. Also, such candidates are required to submit necessary documents like a caste certificate to claim the reserved seats. Students can find the reservation criteria category-wise in the table presented below:
CAT Eligibility Criteria 2025 FAQs
What are the eligibility criteria for CAT 2025?
To be eligible for CAT 2025, candidates are required to hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from an institute/ university recognised by the government of India. The minimum marks students are required to obtain for their graduation is 50% (general candidates).
Is there any reservation policy for reserved category students in CAT 2025?
Yes, there is a specific reservation policy that IIMs follow for the reserved category students. 15% of the seats are reserved for SC, 7.5% for ST, 27% for NC-OBC, and 5% for Pwd.
Which professional degrees are accepted for CAT 2025?
CAT 2025 eligibility requirements also include professional degrees like CA, CS or ICWA. Students holding any of these degrees are considered eligible for CAT 2025.
Can students of the final year appear for CAT 2025?
The exam conducting authorities allow students to appear for CAT 2025 who are in their final year of graduation. In such cases, students must produce a certificate from the Principal/ Vice-Chancellor/ Registrar from their institution or university stating that they meet all other eligibility requirements for CAT 2025.
What is the age limit for taking the CAT exam 2025?
There is no specific requirement for taking the CAT 2025. Students are just required to meet the minimum requirements set by the authorities to appear for CAT 2025.
If I meet the eligibility criteria for CAT 2025, is my admission to IIM guaranteed?
Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria is the first step to getting admission into IIM. To secure a seat at the esteemed IIMs, students should qualify for CAT, sit for WAT and PI, and then secure admission.
What are the minimum marks required for SC students to be eligible for CAT 2025?
The minimum mark requirements for CAT 2025 for SC students are comparatively lower. SC students should secure at least 45% marks in their bachelor’s degree.
What is the admission process for getting into IIMs?
The first step to get admission into IIMs is meeting the minimum eligibility criteria for CAT 2025. After securing a valid score in CAT 2025, the respective IIMs will release the cutoff score on their respective website. Students will be called for WAT and PI rounds. Upon clearing these rounds, they will be offered admission.
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