CAT Age Limit: The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a gateway for admission to various management programmes of IIMs and other top B-schools in India. Candidates must fulfil all the CAT eligibility criteria outlined by the exam authorities before applying. This information also allows candidates from different backgrounds to make an informed decision. The eligibility criteria cover several aspects such as the CAT age limit, qualification, and nationality. However, there are no age restrictions for applicants. It means they can apply for this management entrance exam till they fulfil all the CAT educational qualifications and other eligibility conditions. Applications or candidatures will be rejected if candidates are found ineligible. Further details about the CAT age limit in India and other related information on this page.
CAT Age Limit in India
The Indian Institutes of Management release CAT eligibility criteria along with the official notification on their official website. Lakhs of students appear for the CAT exam every year to secure admission to the various management courses in IIMs or other top B-schools. The CAT age limit in India is an essential part of the eligibility criteria. It helps applicants identify whether they can apply for the exam/admission process. In brief, there are no maximum and minimum age limitations imposed on candidates aspiring to take the CAT exam. However, they must hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC, ST, PwD) to be eligible. In this article, we have discussed the CAT age limit across all categories and other related details for the reference of the candidates.
CAT Age Limit for General Category
There is no CAT age limit for applicants belonging to the general category. It means they can appear for these entrance exams at any age, provided they fulfil the CAT educational qualification and other eligibility.
CAT Age Limit for OBC
CAT does not have any age limit for applicants belonging to the Other Backwards Classes non-creamy layer (NC-OBC) category. Anyone who holds the prescribed educational qualification can apply for the entrance exam, regardless of their age.
CAT Age Limit for SC/ST/EWS and PwD
There is no CAT age limit for candidates belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwD) category. Candidates of any age can appear for CAT till they fulfil the educational eligibility criteria and other conditions.
What is the Maximum Age to Apply for CAT?
There is no upper/maximum age limit for candidates who wish to apply for the CAT exam. They can attempt the Common Admission Test (CAT) as long as they fulfil the minimum educational qualification (bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks for General/OBC and 45% for SC, ST, PwD).
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Can I take a CAT exam at the age of 40?
Yes. You are eligible to appear in the CAT exam at the age of 40, as there is no upper age limit restriction. However, you must hold a prescribed qualification to be eligible to apply. Many aspirants in their late 30s and 40s appear in the CAT exam to secure MBA admissions for their professional or personal growth.
Does IIM have a CAT Exam Age limit?
One of the most frequent questions asked by aspirants “Is there any CAT age limit for IIMs”. The answer is No. There is no age restriction set by the IIMs. You are eligible for the CAT exam if you possess certain qualifications and meet other admission criteria specified by the authorities.
CAT Age Limit for Working Professionals
Professionals with careers considering the CAT exam might question if their age could hinder their goals. There are no CAT age limit restrictions for working professionals. In fact, their work experience serves as a significant benefit when applying for admissions to IIMs or other top B-schools in India.
Who is Eligible for CAT?
Apart from knowing the CAT age limit, candidates must also check the minimum qualification required to apply for this entrance exam. The minimum qualification for this exam is a bachelor’s degree with required marks from a recognised University. Check the CAT exam educational qualification in detail below for the candidate’s reference:
- Bachelor’s Degree with 50% marks (45% for Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Persons with Disability (PwD) categories) from any recognised University.
- Aspirants appearing for the final year of their qualifying degree and those who are awaiting results can also apply.
- Candidates applying for the CAT exam must meet any one of the following conditions:
a) Hold a Bachelor’s degree with the required marks.
b) Completed professional degree (CA/CS/ICWA (CMA)/Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India (FIAI)) with required marks.
c) Appearing in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree with the required marks.
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CAT Age Limit FAQs
The IIMs have not prescribed any minimum or maximum age limit for the CAT exam. However, candidates must meet all other requirements, like educational qualifications and other factors, to be eligible.
The minimum CAT educational qualification is a bachelor’s degree, with at least 50% marks (45% for SC, ST, PwD).
There are no age limitations for candidates from the OBC, SC, or ST categories who wish to apply for the CAT examination.
No upper age limit is prescribed by the exam authorities to apply for CAT exam.
There are no restrictions on a number of attempts for the CAT exam. You are eligible as long as you satisfy the prescribed qualifications and other criteria.
Yes. Candidates who have completed a professional degree (CA/CS/ICWA (CMA)/Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India (FIAI)) with the required marks are eligible.
Candidates who have not completed their Bachelor’s degree with the minimum required marks are not eligible for CAT.
The CAT exam qualification is a Bachelor’s Degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent (45% for Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Persons with Disability (PwD) categories) from any recognised University.