CAT 2024 Eligibility Criteria (Available), Qualification, Age Limit – Check Category Wise Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for the CAT Exam 2024 outline the requirements candidates must fulfil to qualify for and participate in the test. These criteria typically cover academic qualifications, previous academic achievements, age limits, and other relevant factors. Every year, the CAT conducting authorities publish updated eligibility guidelines for the forthcoming examination.

The CAT eligibility criteria for 2024 will be published by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) along with the CAT notification on the official website iimcat.ac.in. These criteria encompass the requirements candidates must meet to qualify for and successfully clear the CAT exam. They typically include academic qualifications, past academic performance, age limits, and other relevant requirements.

The CAT exam, conducted for admission to MBA/PGDM programs offered by IIMs and over 1,200 other B-schools in India, requires candidates to have completed graduation or be in their final year of a degree course. This eligibility criterion applies to both Reserved and Unreserved category students, and there are no specific minimum marks required to appear for the exam.

CAT Eligibility Criteria 2024

According to the eligibility criteria for CAT 2024, candidates must satisfy specific requirements established by the conducting authority. Before filling out the CAT application form and commencing preparation for the exam, candidates should understand who qualifies to take the CAT exam. Aspiring candidates interested in this MBA entrance exam must meet the following eligibility criteria for CAT 2024:

• Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognized university.
• Open-category candidates need to achieve at least 50% in their bachelor’s degree.
• SC/ST/PwD category candidates must attain a minimum of 45% in their bachelor’s degree.
• Students in the final year of their bachelor’s degree are eligible to apply but must submit a completion certificate from the principal or registrar of their university or institution by the deadline set by the respective IIMs.
• While work experience is advantageous and may offer additional weightage, it is not a mandatory requirement according to the CAT 2024 eligibility criteria.

Key Highlights

Candidates who intend to take the CAT exam must meet the eligibility requirements. Each year, the exam authority announces the eligibility criteria on its official website.

CAT Age Limit

All MBA aspirants should be aware of the CAT exam eligibility criteria, including the specified age requirements, before applying. Candidates planning to take this MBA entrance exam can find the CAT exam age limit details below.

• Minimum age eligibility for the CAT exam: The CAT exam has no minimum age requirement for candidates, meaning anyone, regardless of age, can apply for the CAT 2024 exam. The main eligibility criterion is holding a degree with the required marks.
• CAT maximum age limit: Additionally, there is no maximum age limit for the CAT exam. Individuals can apply for CAT 2024 at any stage in their career, as there are no age restrictions imposed by the CAT entrance exam eligibility criteria.

CAT Eligibility Criteria 2024 – Academic Qualification

The CAT Eligibility Criteria 2024 for academic qualifications require candidates to possess a bachelor’s degree with a minimum specified percentage, ensuring they meet the educational standards set by the conducting authority.

Here are the detailed CAT eligibility criteria for IIM:

There are no specific CAT eligibility criteria related to 12th marks. A bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD) is required, which must be obtained after completing intermediate education.

MHRD/AICTE Requirement: The university must be established by an Act of Parliament or State Legislature in India or recognized as a university under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956.

Note: Candidates appearing in the final year of their degree examination must submit a certificate from the Registrar/Principal of their institution. This certificate should confirm that the candidate has met all the requirements for an equivalent qualification as of the date of issuance.

CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria 2024: Graduation Marks

The minimum educational qualification required to apply for the CAT 2024 exam is graduation. Below are the CAT eligibility criteria and minimum marks required for general and reserved category candidates:

*Note: Candidates must ensure their institution is recognized by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), or the University Grants Commission (UGC). Students in their final year of graduation or its equivalent are also eligible to take the CAT exam, provided their university is recognized by AICTE, MHRD, or UGC.

CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria – Registration with Backlogs

CAT aspirants who have academic backlogs during their graduate program can indeed apply and register for the CAT 2024 exam without any issues.

Candidates who have scored above 50% (45% for reserved categories), including those with supplementary exams, are eligible to apply for CAT 2024. During CAT 2024 registration, candidates in their final year of bachelor’s degree studies should select “Yes” when asked if they are in their final year. This allows them to proceed with their application for the exam.

IIM CAT 2024 Eligibility- Reservation Criteria

IIMs have their own individual selection criteria for admission, adhering to reservation guidelines set by the Government of India. Below is the CAT eligibility criteria table for various categories:

Reservation Policy for Person with Disability (PwD)

PwD category candidates are required to present a PwD certificate issued by an authorized body. They can only avail of the benefits reserved for PwD candidates by submitting this certification. Accepted disabilities under the PwD reservation include:

• Low vision/blindness
• Hearing impairment
• Locomotor disability or cerebral palsy

CAT Eligibility Criteria 2024 – Marks Calculation

CAT percentile calculation considers the procedures followed by respective institutions or universities where candidates completed their degrees. For converting CGPA and grades into percentages, institutions’ certified practices are applied. In cases where no specific conversion method is provided by the institution, the percentage is calculated by dividing the candidate’s CGPA by the maximum CGPA and multiplying the result by 100. For instance, a CGPA of 8.8 out of a maximum of 10 translates to (8.8/10) * 100 = 88%.

Who is not eligible for CAT 2024?

Here are the eligibility conditions related to professional degrees and recognition for the CAT exam:

• Professional Degree (CS/CA/ICWA): If a candidate is pursuing a professional degree (CS/CA/ICWA) without completing their bachelor’s degree, they are eligible to apply for CAT provided they meet the minimum academic qualifications after completing their professional degree.
• Simultaneous Pursuit of Bachelor’s and Professional Degree: Candidates pursuing both a bachelor’s degree and a professional degree concurrently but have not completed both are eligible to apply for CAT. They must ensure they meet the minimum academic criteria upon completion of their degrees.
• Minimum Percentage Requirement: Candidates must achieve at least 50% aggregate marks in their degree (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) to be eligible to apply for CAT.
• Recognition of Degree: The candidate’s bachelor’s degree must be recognized by MHRD/AICTE/UGC. If the degree is not recognized by these authorities, the candidate will be ineligible to appear for the CAT examination.

CAT Eligibility Criteria – Work Experience Requirements

Candidates applying for CAT 2024 are not obligated to have any prior work experience. Even if the CAT application form inquires about work experience, it is not a mandatory requirement. It is important to note that while some weightage may be considered by IIMs for work experience during final selections, the specific weightage remains undisclosed and varies among different IIMs.

IIM Eligibility Vs CAT Eligibility

When considering the eligibility criteria for CAT and IIM admissions, it’s important to note some distinctions:

• Age Criteria: There is no age limit for both CAT exam qualification and admission to IIMs.
• Bachelor’s Degree Requirement: For CAT exam qualification, a two-year bachelor’s degree is accepted. However, for admission to IIMs and their management programs, a three-year bachelor’s degree is required. This is a specific requirement set by IIMs.

CAT Eligibility 2024 FAQs

If you have any other queries about CAT Eligibility Criteria 2024, you can leave your query below in the comment box.

Sunil Kushwaha

As a dedicated Biology Science graduate, I’m passionate about sharing the latest updates in national and state entrance exams through my blog. I aim to keep aspiring students informed about exam trends, important dates, and changes in syllabi. With a keen interest in education, I strive to offer valuable insights for students navigating the competitive landscape of entrance examinations and admission tests. Stay updated with me.