Is There Any Reservation Criteria in the CAT Exam?

Common Admission Test (CAT)

Exam Date
30th November, 2025

Tushar
Tushar

Table of Content

The Common Admission Test or CAT is a national entrance examination for admission to the IIMs and other leading business schools in India. To support the reserved category students, the CAT reservation plays a crucial role in the process of admissions. The CAT 2025 reservation for current year is expected to be as follows:

Scheduled Caste (SC): 15%, Scheduled Tribe (ST): 7.5%, Other Backward Classes (OBC - Non-Creamy Layer): 27% and more.

The IIMs adhere to these Reservation policies from the moment they shortlist candidates for interviewing to the moment they make the final admissions to MBA and PGDM. The current reserved classes are SC (Scheduled Castes), ST (Scheduled Tribes), OBC-NCL (Other Backward Classes, Non Creamy Layer), EWS (Economically Weaker Section), and PwD (Persons with Disabilities). All categories have a reserved percentage of seats in IIMs as per the previous Government of India rules.

But all students have to undergo the same exam procedure. The CAT reservation policy of the candidates with reserved classes is not available until the results of the exam are declared. Students must meet the CAT Eligibility Criteria as per GOI to avails all benefits of reservation policies. All the applicants who ask for a reservation must upload valid and updated certificates while applying for CAT, while applying for admissions, and whenever asked. To learn more about the reservation policy of the CAT exam, kindly refer to the following.

Reservation Policy of CAT Exam

The following table contains complete CAT reservation criteria for the current academic year.

Category

Reservation Percentage

Scheduled Caste (SC)

15%

Scheduled Tribe (ST)

7.50%

Other Backward Classes (OBC – NCL)

27%

Economically Weaker Section (EWS)

10%

Persons with Disabilities (PwD)

5%

General (Unreserved)

Remaining Seats

CAT Reservation Eligibility Criteria - Category Wise

Students are provided with eligibility criteria to avail reservation policy below.

1. Scheduled Caste (SC)

  • The candidates should be of a Scheduled Caste included in the official SC list of the Government of India.
  • A valid certificate from a competent authority to prove SC status is necessary.
  • Certificate must be in the format of the central government (not state specific alone).

2. Scheduled Tribe (ST)

  • The applicants should be of a Scheduled Tribe recognized by the Government of India.
  • A valid ST certificate in the prescribed format should be uploaded.
  • The certificate should be given by an authority competent, normally a District Magistrate or above.

3. Other Backward Classes – Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL)

  • Candidates should be of the Non-Creamy Layer of the OBC category.
  • A current OBC-NCL certificate (within the last year as per CAT notification year) should be submitted.
  • Certificates should be in central government format.
  • Creamy Layer OBC candidates are excluded from the reservation.

4. Economically Weaker Section (EWS)

  • Should not belong to SC/ST/OBC categories.
  • The total income of the family should be below ₹8 lakh per annum.
  • Families should not possess high-value assets such as high-value agricultural land or housing properties above limits prescribed by the government.
  • A proper EWS certificate from a competent authority is required.

5. Persons with Disabilities (PwD)

Candidates having any kind of disability as described in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 are entitled.

  • Disabilities qualifying for consideration:

→Vision impairment

→Hearing impairment

→Locomotor disability

→Mental illness, etc.

  • A valid PwD certificate issued by a medical authority is mandatory.
  • Candidates may opt for a scribe and other help, as per rule.

Also Check: How Many Students are Expected to Register for the CAT Exam this Year?

Documents Required to Avail CAT Reservation Policy

Students looking to get benefits through the CAT reservation criteria, will have to submit all the required documents mentioned below.

Category

Required Document(s)

SC

Valid SC certificate (Central Govt. format) issued by a competent authority

ST

Valid ST certificate (Central Govt. format) issued by a competent authority

OBC–NCL

OBC–NCL certificate issued after April 1, 2024 (Central Govt. format only)

EWS

Valid EWS certificate issued by a competent authority (as per Govt. of India norms)

PwD

Disability certificate (minimum 40% disability), issued by a recognized medical board

Fee Structure for Reservation in CAT Exam 2025

Students can gain an idea about CAT fee structure for reserved category students below.

  • SC- Scheduled Caste: INR 1250
  • ST- Scheduled Tribe: INR 1250
  • PwD- Persons with Disabilities: INR 1250
  • NC-OBC - Non-Creamy Other Backward Caste: INR 2500
  • Economically weaker section: INR 2500

Also Check: How to Select Courses During IIM CAT Registration?

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CAT reservation policy?

The CAT exam reserves seats for SC (15%), ST (7.5%), OBC-NCL (27%), EWS (10%), and PwD (5%) categories. The remaining seats are for the general category. These reservations apply throughout the admission process.

How to get CAT reservation benefits?

To avail reservation benefits, you must belong to a reserved category and possess a valid, up-to-date certificate issued by a competent authority in the central government format. Upload this certificate during the application process.

What documents are needed for CAT reservation?

You need a valid certificate from a competent authority proving your SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, or PwD status. The certificate format must be as per central government guidelines. Ensure its validity as per the CAT notification.

Is it possible to apply for CAT reservation later?

No, you must apply for reservation and upload the required documents during the CAT application process itself. There is no provision to apply for reservation later.

Why does CAT have a reservation policy?

The CAT reservation policy aims to provide equal opportunities to students from underrepresented communities, ensuring their participation in IIMs and other top business schools.

What is the CAT fee for reserved categories?

The CAT application fee varies by category. SC, ST, and PwD candidates pay INR 1250, while OBC-NCL and EWS candidates pay INR 2500.

Can I get CAT reservation if my OBC certificate is old?

No. Your OBC-NCL certificate must be current (issued within the timeframe specified in the CAT notification, usually within the last year). An outdated certificate will not be accepted.

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