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Can We Give the CAT Exam Before Graduation?
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the gateway to India’s premier management institutes, including the IIM colleges. Like many others, if you're dreaming of joining a top IIM or prestigious business school in India but still pursuing your undergraduate degree, questions like “Is the CAT exam only for graduates?” and “Do you need a degree to take the CAT exam?” are among the most frequently asked by aspiring MBA candidates.
In this blog, we’ll clear up the confusion around the minimum qualification for the CAT exam, explain if final-year students can apply, and break down everything you need to know about CAT 2025 eligibility criteria.
Is the CAT Exam Only for Graduates?
The CAT exam is primarily designed for graduates, but it is not strictly limited to those who have already completed their degree. The eligibility criteria allow certain non-graduates to apply under specific conditions.
Minimum Qualification for CAT Exam
The minimum qualification for the CAT exam is a bachelor’s degree (in any discipline) from a recognized university. Here are the essential details:
| Qualification Type | Recognized By | Minimum Aggregate Marks (General/EWS/NC-OBC) | Minimum Aggregate Marks (SC/ST/PwD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree (any stream) | UGC/MHRD/AICTE | 50% | 45% |
| BTech/BE | UGC/MHRD/AICTE | 50% | 45% |
| Professional Degrees (CA/CS/ICWA/FIAI) | Certifying Body | 50% | 45% |
| Final Year Bachelor’s Students | UGC/MHRD/AICTE | 50% (provisional) | 45% (provisional) |
Can Final-Year Students Apply for CAT?
Yes, final-year students can apply for the CAT exam. If you are in the last year of your bachelor’s degree or awaiting results, you are eligible to appear for CAT. However, your admission will be provisional until you provide proof of completing your degree with the required marks at the time of admission.
as mentioned on the official website, candidates appearing for the final year of Bachelor’s degree/equivalent qualification examination and those who have completed degree requirements and are awaiting results can also apply. However, such candidates, if selected, will be allowed to join the programme provisionally, only if they submit a certificate from the Principal/Registrar of their University/Institution stating that they have completed all the requirements for obtaining the Bachelor’s degree/equivalent qualification.
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Do You Need a Degree to Take the CAT Exam?
You do not need to have completed your degree at the time of the CAT exam. However, you must be:
- A graduate (already completed) OR
- In the final year of your bachelor’s program (with the ability to complete the degree and meet the minimum marks requirement before admission)
CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria 2025
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Academic Degree | Bachelor’s degree or equivalent |
| Minimum Percentage (General) | 50% |
| Minimum Percentage (SC/ST/PwD) | 45% |
| Professional Degrees | CA/CS/ICWA/FIAI with required percentage |
| Final Year Students | Eligible, subject to completion of degree before admission |
| Age Limit | No upper or lower age limit |
| Number of Attempts | Unlimited (once per year) |
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Challenges to Consider if You Give the CAT Exam Before Graduation
Appearing for the CAT exam while still in college—especially before completing your graduation—can offer a strategic advantage, but it also comes with unique challenges. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
1. Time Management Difficulties
- Balancing college coursework, assignments, exams, and CAT preparation can be overwhelming.
- College events, projects, and sudden academic demands may disrupt your CAT study schedule, leading to inconsistent preparation.
- Effective time management becomes crucial, as you need to allocate dedicated hours for CAT without compromising your academic performance.
2. Risk of Burnout
- Juggling multiple responsibilities can lead to mental and physical exhaustion.
- The constant pressure to excel in both college and CAT may cause burnout, impacting your performance in both areas.
3. Limited Preparation Time
- College commitments can limit the hours available for focused CAT preparation, especially during exam seasons or project deadlines.
- You may find it challenging to maintain momentum if your CAT studies are frequently interrupted by academic obligations.
4. Overconfidence or Underestimation
- Academic success in college may lead to underestimating the difficulty of the CAT exam, which is known for its high level of complexity and competition.
- Conversely, fear of not being able to balance both may lead to self-doubt or excessive stress.
5. Maintaining Consistency and Motivation
- Staying consistent with CAT preparation while managing college life requires discipline and self-motivation.
- Fluctuations in academic workload can make it difficult to stick to a regular study routine.
6. Less Time for Mock Tests and Analysis
- Mock tests are crucial for CAT success, but you may struggle to fit enough of them into your schedule, or to properly analyze your performance for improvement.
- Sectional tests and full-length mocks require uninterrupted time blocks, which may be hard to find during busy college periods.
7. Emotional and Physical Well-being
- The dual pressure can take a toll on your mental and physical health, making it important to prioritize self-care, rest, and stress management.
| Challenge | Description |
|---|---|
| Time Management | Balancing CAT prep with college studies and activities |
| Burnout Risk | Mental and physical fatigue from juggling multiple responsibilities |
| Limited Preparation Time | Less time for focused CAT study, especially during college exams/projects |
| Overconfidence/Underestimation | Misjudging CAT’s difficulty or doubting ability to manage both |
| Consistency & Motivation | Difficulty maintaining a regular study routine |
| Fewer Mock Tests | Struggling to fit enough mocks and analysis into a busy schedule |
| Well-being | Impact on mental and physical health due to constant pressure |
Also Read, MBA Entrance Exams 2025, Check Exam-wise Important Dates
Can We Give the CAT Exam Before Graduation? Conclusion
You cannot give the CAT exam before enrolling in a bachelor’s degree program. However, you can appear for CAT in your final year of graduation. The exam is not restricted only to those who have already graduated; final-year students are welcome, provided they meet the minimum qualification requirements by the time of admission. Always check the latest official notification for any updates or changes in eligibility criteria.
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