CAT (Common Admission Test)
Common Admission Test Eligibility Criteria
Candidates applying for the CAT 2025 exam must meet all the specified eligibility criteria. Failure to comply with these conditions may lead to the cancellation of their application form. Below are the details of the eligibility requirements, including academic qualifications, reservation policies, number of attempts, and more:
Eligibility Criteria for CAT 2025
Candidates must meet the following conditions to be eligible for CAT 2025:
Examination
Description of the required qualifications is as follows:
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification. |
| Minimum Marks | - General/NC-OBC/EWS candidates: At least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA. - SC/ST/PwD candidates: At least 45% marks or equivalent CGPA. |
| Final Year Students | Candidates in the final year of their bachelor’s degree or awaiting results are also eligible to apply, subject to submitting proof of qualification by the specified deadline. |
| Foreign Nationals | Candidates must apply through the GMAT score and possess a valid passport. |
Reservation Policy
The reservation policy for CAT 2025 follows the Government of India guidelines:
| Category | Percentage Reserved |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 15% |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 7.5% |
| Other Backward Classes (NC-OBC) | 27% |
| Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) | 10% |
| Persons with Disabilities (PwD) | 5% |
Refer to the CAT official website or the Ministry of Education for more details on reservation policies.
Key Requirements
- Age Limit: There is no age limit for appearing in the CAT exam.
- Number of Attempts: Candidates can appear for CAT multiple times, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
CAT Exam Pattern
Sections in CAT 2025
The exam is divided into three sections:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
Duration
The total exam duration is 120 minutes (40 minutes per section). PwD candidates receive additional time.
Marking Scheme
- +3 marks for every correct answer.
- -1 mark for incorrect answers in MCQs.
- No negative marking for non-MCQs.
Important Points
- Ensure all details in the application form are correct to avoid disqualification.
- Submit valid and authentic documents for verification.
- Check updates and announcements on the official CAT website.
