CAT Reservation 2026 involves reduced eligibility criteria for SC, ST, and PwD candidates, requiring a minimum of 45% in their graduation, while EWS, NC-OBC, and General candidates need 50%. This policy, mandated by the Indian government, allocates specific quotas across various categories like OBC-NCL, SC, ST, EWS, and PwD, ensuring inclusive access to IIMs.
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CAT 2026 Category-wise Reservation Quotas: OBC, SC, ST, EWS, PwD
For CAT Reservation 2026, the Non-Creamy Layer Other Backward Caste (NC-OBC) category holds the highest reservation quota at 27%. This section details the specific category-wise reservation percentages for CAT 2026, providing a clear overview of the quotas for various groups.
| Category | Reservation Quota |
|---|---|
| SC (Scheduled Caste) | 15% |
| ST (Scheduled Tribe) | 7.5% |
| NC-OBC (Non-Creamy Layer Other Backward Caste) | 27% |
| EWS (Economically Weaker Section) | 10% |
| PwD (Persons with Disabilities) | 5% |
CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Academic Marks for Reserved Candidates
For CAT 2026, reserved categories benefit from relaxed academic mark criteria, with SC, ST, and PwD candidates requiring a minimum of 45% in their graduation. EWS and NC-OBC candidates need 50%, highlighting the specific academic requirements for CAT Reservation 2026.
| Category | Minimum Graduation% | Seat Reservation | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | 50% | _ | None |
| EWS (Economically Weaker Sections) | 50% | 10% | None |
| NC-OBC (Non Creamy Layer OBC) | 50% | 27% | None |
| SC (Scheduled Caste) | 45% | 15% | None |
| ST (Scheduled Tribe) | 45% | 7.5% | None |
| PwD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) | 45% | 5% (horizontal) | None |
This table clearly outlines the varied minimum graduation percentages and significant seat reservations for different categories in CAT 2026, with reserved categories consistently having lower academic mark requirements.
IIM Reservation Policy 2026: Seat Allocation for Reserved Categories
All IIMs adhere strictly to the Government of India’s reservation policy for admissions, impacting the CAT Reservation 2026 for various categories. This section details the seat allocation percentages and approximate numbers for reserved categories across the approximately 5,500 flagship PGP/MBA seats in 2026.
| Category | Reservation % | Approx. Seats (per 100) |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 15% | 15 seats |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 7.5% | 7–8 seats |
| OBC — Non-Creamy Layer | 27% | 27 seats |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 10% | 10 seats |
| General / Unreserved | 40.5% | ~40–41 seats |
This table clearly illustrates the specific percentage and approximate seat distribution per 100 seats for various categories. It highlights the significant allocations for reserved categories, with General/Unreserved seats making up 40.5% of the total.
Required Documents for CAT 2026 Reservation: OBC-NCL, EWS, PwD
To secure CAT Reservation 2026 for OBC-NCL, EWS, or PwD categories, candidates must understand specific eligibility criteria and document requirements. This section outlines the essential steps, from determining eligibility and obtaining valid certificates to uploading them during registration and presenting originals for verification.
- OBC-NCL Eligibility: Community on Central Government's NC-OBC list; requires Non-Creamy Layer OBC certificate.
- EWS Eligibility: Annual household income INR 8 lakh or less; requires valid Income Certificate.
- PwD Eligibility: At least 40% specified disability; requires Disability Certificate and/or UDID card.
- Issuing Authorities: Obtain Caste/Income Certificates from District Magistrate/Collector/Tehsildar or similar officials.
- CAT Reservation 2026 Registration: Upload certificates during online registration (August 1 - September 13, 2026).
- Verification: Carry original reservation certificates (with a photocopy) for interview and subsequent verification.
Further specific details regarding certificate content and additional requirements for various reservation categories, including SC/ST and PwD, are crucial for successful application.
| Requirements | Description |
|---|---|
| SC/ST Reservation | — |
| Caste Certificate Details | The certificate must include the Name of the caste/tribe, Identification as SC or ST, District and State/UT of residence, and Approval by the Government of India for SC or ST. |
| Upload of Certificates | Upload caste certificates (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD) during registration. |
| Original Certificates | Carry the original reservation certificate (with a photocopy) for the interview. |
| PwD Category | Apply for a UDID card and upload it during registration (applicable for Persons with at least 40% of the specified disability). |
This table highlights specific document requirements and key actions for various reservation categories, ensuring candidates meet all necessary criteria for CAT 2026.
CAT 2026 Specific Provisions for PwD and EWS Candidates
CAT 2026 offers specific reservation provisions for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwD) candidates. EWS candidates receive a 10% reservation, while PwD candidates are allocated 5% of the total seats, ensuring inclusive opportunities.
| Categories | Reservation Percentage |
|---|---|
| General (Unreserved) | 40.5% |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 15% |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 7.50% |
| Other Backward Classes (NC-OBC) | 27% |
| Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) | 10% |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwD) | 5% |
The CAT 2026 reservation policy clearly outlines specific percentages for various categories, including 10% for EWS and 5% for PwD candidates, alongside other reserved and unreserved seats.
For Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) candidates, specific criteria and documentation are mandatory for CAT 2026 reservation benefits.
- Annual Household Income Limit: Not more than 8 lakhs.
- Required Document: Income certificate issued by the concerned authority.
- Minimum Bachelor's Degree Marks: 50% marks or equivalent CGPA.
Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwD) candidates must meet particular disability criteria and academic requirements for CAT 2026.
- Minimum Disability Percentage: At least 40% of the specified disability.
- Applicable Act: Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act, 2016).
- Required Document: UDID card.
- Minimum Bachelor's Degree Marks: 45% marks or equivalent CGPA.
All EWS and PwD candidates must adhere to strict certificate upload and submission guidelines.
- Certificate Upload: Must upload a valid EWS/PwD certificate during CAT registration.
- Certificate Submission: Show and submit a copy during interviews and IIM joining.
CAT 2026 Eligibility Comparison: General vs. Reserved Categories
A key aspect of CAT Reservation 2026 eligibility is the varying minimum bachelor's degree marks required across different candidate categories. General, EWS, and NC-OBC candidates need 50% marks, while SC, ST, and PwD candidates benefit from a reduced requirement of 45% marks or an equivalent CGPA.
| Candidate Category | Minimum Bachelor's Degree Marks |
|---|---|
| General, EWS, NC-OBC | 50% marks or equivalent CGPA |
| SC, ST, PwD | 45% marks or equivalent CGPA |
This table clearly illustrates the differential eligibility criteria based on CAT Reservation 2026 policies, providing a lower minimum score for reserved categories.
Avoiding Common Mistakes in CAT 2026 Reservation Applications
To successfully secure reservation benefits in CAT 2026, candidates must avoid common application pitfalls. Overlooking critical rules regarding reservation policy can lead to application rejection at later stages, making meticulous attention to detail paramount for all applicants seeking CAT Reservation 2026.
- Overlooking Rules: Critical reservation policy rules can lead to rejection.
- Reservation Benefits: Applicable with basic eligibility and valid document submission.
- Certificate Timeline: Upload during registration; produce at interviews and IIM joining.
- Category Change: Once selected, a category cannot be changed.
- Invalid Certificates: May lead to rejection or General category consideration.
- Missing Documentation: Meeting eligibility without proper documents results in disqualification.
Beyond these general pitfalls, adhering to specific documentation requirements and technical specifications is equally vital for a successful application.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| PwD Benchmark Disability | At least 40% as defined under RPwD Act, 2016. |
| Document Upload Specs | PDF format, max 1MB per document. |
| Scanned Documents | Clear, legible; color scans preferred for certificates. |
| SC/ST Certificate | Caste/tribe in GOI schedule; approved format with specific details. |
| NC-OBC Requirement | Non-Creamy Layer; certificate updated per Central Government list. |
| PwD UDID Card | Encouraged to apply for and upload with application. |
These detailed requirements underscore the necessity of meticulous preparation and adherence to all guidelines for reservation claims.
| Category | Reservation Percentage |
|---|---|
| General (Unreserved) | 40.5% |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 15% |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 7.5% |
| NC-OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 27% |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 10% |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwD) | 5% |
This table outlines the specific reservation percentages allocated for various categories in CAT 2026, highlighting the distribution of seats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CAT Reservation 2026?
CAT Reservation 2026 involves reduced eligibility criteria for SC/ST/PwD candidates, requiring 45% in graduation, compared to 50% for unreserved categories.
What are the eligibility requirements for CAT Reservation 2026?
For CAT Reservation 2026, candidates need a bachelor's degree with at least 45% marks or equivalent CGPA. Final-year students are also eligible, with no age limit.
How do I apply for CAT Reservation 2026?
Apply for CAT 2026 by registering online on the official website between August 1 and September 13, 2026, selecting your reservation category during the process.
What is the application timeline for CAT Reservation 2026?
The CAT 2026 registration process, which includes reservation, will begin in the first week of August at iimcat.ac.in.
What is the expected cutoff for CAT Reservation 2026?
CAT 2026 reserved category cutoffs are significantly relaxed and consistent with previous years. Aspirants should check category-wise cutoffs based on CAT 2025 trends.
