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What Is the Minimum Percentage Required for CAT 2026?
One of the most common questions among MBA aspirants is whether there is a minimum percentage requirement to appear for CAT 2026. The answer is yes, but the eligibility criteria are based only on your graduation marks, not your Class 10 or Class 12 scores.
To be eligible for CAT 2026:
- General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates: Minimum 50% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA in a bachelor's degree.
- SC, ST and PwD candidates: Minimum 45% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA in a bachelor's degree.
Candidates with a professional degree such as CA, CS, CMA (ICWA), or FIAI are also eligible, provided they meet the required percentage criteria. There is no upper age limit and no restriction on the number of CAT attempts. These eligibility conditions have been retained in the CAT 2026 notification.
CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Educational Qualification and Marks
To apply for CAT 2026, candidates must fulfil the educational qualification prescribed by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).
The eligibility requirements are:
- Hold a Bachelor's degree from a recognised university or educational institution.
- Secure the minimum qualifying marks prescribed for your category.
- Candidates with an equivalent qualification recognised by the Government of India are also eligible.
- Professional degree holders such as CA, CS, CMA (ICWA), or FIAI can also apply.
- Candidates awaiting their final-year results are eligible to register provisionally.
How is the Percentage Calculated?
If your university awards CGPA or grades instead of percentage, convert it using the university's official conversion formula. If no official formula exists, follow the conversion method mentioned in the CAT application guidelines. Always enter the aggregate marks exactly as per your university's rules.
Category-Wise Minimum Graduation Percentage for CAT 2026
The minimum graduation percentage differs based on the reservation category:
Category | Minimum Graduation Percentage |
General | 50% |
EWS | 50% |
NC-OBC | 50% |
SC | 45% |
ST | 45% |
PwD | 45% |
Candidates whose results are declared in the form of CGPA must convert their scores into percentage using the method accepted by their university before filling out the CAT application form.
Can You Apply for CAT 2026 with Less Than 50% Marks?
Yes, but it depends on your category.
- General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates with less than 50% graduation marks are not eligible to apply for CAT 2026.
- SC, ST and PwD candidates can apply if they have at least 45% marks in graduation.
If you belong to the General category and have secured 49% or below, you do not meet the CAT Admission criteria. Similarly, reserved category candidates with less than 45% are also not eligible.
Keep in mind that this is only the minimum eligibility to write CAT. Many top IIMs consider your academic profile, work experience, diversity factors, and CAT percentile during the admission process, so meeting the minimum marks does not guarantee admission.
CAT 2026 Eligibility for Final-Year Students and Professional Degree Holders
Final-Year Students:
Students appearing in the final year of their bachelor's degree or awaiting their final results are eligible to apply for CAT 2026.
However, admission will remain provisional until they submit proof of passing their qualifying degree within the timelines specified by the admitting institute.
Professional Degree Holders:
Candidates possessing any of the following professional qualifications are also eligible:
- Chartered Accountant (CA)
- Company Secretary (CS)
- Cost and Management Accountant (CMA/ICWA)
- Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India (FIAI)
They must satisfy the same minimum percentage requirement applicable to their category.
Does Class 10 or 12 Percentage Matter for CAT 2026?
No. Your Class 10 and Class 12 marks are not considered while determining CAT eligibility.
To register for CAT 2026, only your graduation marks (or equivalent qualification) are checked.
However, candidates should understand an important distinction:
- For CAT registration: Class 10 and 12 marks do not affect your eligibility.
- For IIM admissions: Many IIMs award weightage to Class 10 and Class 12 academic performance while preparing shortlists and final merit lists. Therefore, although they do not determine whether you can take CAT, they may influence your chances of receiving interview calls from certain institutes
Also Read: How to Get Into IIM With Average Academics? Complete Guide
What Is the Minimum Percentage Required for CAT 2026: Conclusion
The minimum percentage required for CAT 2026 is 50% for General, EWS, and NC-OBC candidates and 45% for SC, ST, and PwD candidates in their bachelor's degree. Final-year students and candidates with recognised professional qualifications such as CA, CS, CMA, and FIAI are also eligible, provided they satisfy the prescribed criteria. Before submitting your CAT 2026 application, verify your graduation percentage, category eligibility, and CGPA conversion method carefully. Meeting the eligibility criteria is only the first step—aiming for a high CAT percentile and maintaining a strong academic profile can significantly improve your chances of securing admission to top IIMs and other leading MBA colleges.
