CAT 2026 Reservation Policy: Category-Wise Reservation, Eligibility, Documents & Rules
CAT 2026 Reservation PolicyCAT 2026 Reservation Policy: The IIM reservation policy for CAT 2026 admissions is based on the Government of India’s prescribed guidelines for reserved categories. Students seeking reservation benefits must meet the required eligibility conditions and provide valid supporting documents during the application process.
However, fulfilling the reservation criteria does not ensure admission to an IIM. Students must also satisfy the prescribed eligibility requirements, secure a competitive score in CAT 2026, and meet the selection criteria of the respective IIMs.
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CAT 2026: Category-Wise Reservation Details
The CAT 2026 category-wise reservation details are given below:
Category | Reservation |
Scheduled Caste (SC) | 15% |
Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 7.5% |
Non-Creamy Layer OBC (NC-OBC) | 27% |
Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | Up to 10% |
Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) | 5% |
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CAT 2026: Eligibility for Reservation Benefits
Students can avail themselves of CAT 2026 reservation benefits only if they belong to a category recognised under the Government of India’s reservation policy. The applicable Central Government category list available on the last date of CAT 2026 registration will be considered final for determining reservation eligibility.
Any changes in a student’s category status or subsequent government notifications issued after the registration deadline will not be considered for CAT 2026 or the admission process conducted by the IIMs.
CAT 2026 Application Fee: Check Category-Wise Fees
The CAT 2026 category-wise registration fee is provided below:
Category | Registration Fee |
All Other Categories | ₹2,700 |
SC | ₹1,350 |
ST | ₹1,350 |
PwBD | ₹1,350 |
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CAT 2026: Category-Wise Eligibility Marks
The CAT 2026 minimum eligibility marks for different categories are given below:
Category | Minimum Marks |
General, EWS, NC-OBC | 50% |
SC, ST, PwBD | 45% |
CAT 2026: NC-OBC Certificate Requirements
Students applying under the NC-OBC category for CAT 2026 must fulfil the prescribed certificate requirements. The NC-OBC certificate should be issued on or after April 1, 2026, and must follow the prescribed Government of India format.
Students who have applied for a new NC-OBC certificate but have not received it yet can still apply by uploading the required supporting documents. These include the NC-OBC Certificate Undertaking available on the CAT website, an older NC-OBC certificate issued before April 1, 2026, and proof of having submitted an application for a fresh certificate to the concerned authority. Failure to submit all the required documents may lead to disqualification from the CAT 2026 admission process.
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CAT 2026: EWS Certificate Requirements
Students applying under the EWS category for CAT 2026 must ensure that their EWS certificate is valid for the academic year 2026–27. The income and asset assessment mentioned in the certificate should be based on the financial year 2025–26.
Students who have applied for a fresh EWS certificate but are yet to receive it can submit the application by uploading the EWS Certificate Undertaking, their previous EWS certificate, and proof of application for the latest certificate. As per the CAT 2026 Information Bulletin, failure to submit the complete set of required documents may result in disqualification from the admission process.
CAT 2026: PwBD Reservation Criteria
As per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act), 5% of seats are reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD). A student is considered a Person with Benchmark Disability if they have at least 40% of a specified disability, as certified by the competent authority.
The recognised disability categories include blindness and low vision; deaf and hard of hearing; locomotor disability, including cerebral palsy, leprosy cured, dwarfism, acid attack victims and muscular dystrophy; autism, intellectual disability, specific learning disability and mental illness; multiple disabilities; and other specified disabilities covered under the RPwD Act, 2016. The CAT 2026 Information Bulletin also advises eligible PwBD students to apply for and upload their Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card, wherever applicable.
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CAT 2026 Reservation: Documents Required
Students seeking reservation benefits under CAT 2026 must upload the relevant category certificate while completing the application form. The documents required may vary depending on the student’s category.
The applicable documents include SC Certificate, ST Certificate, NC-OBC Certificate, EWS Certificate, PwBD Certificate, and the UDID Card, wherever applicable for PwBD students. Shortlisted students must also produce the original certificates during the interview and admission process for verification.
CAT 2026: Important Rules for Reserved Category Students
The key instructions for reserved category students in CAT 2026 are as follows:
- Students must upload a valid category certificate while filling out the CAT 2026 application form.
- The certificate should meet the prescribed Government of India guidelines.
- Students must ensure that all uploaded documents are valid and accurate.
- Original certificates may be required during the interview and admission process.
- Any discrepancy or failure to submit the required documents may affect the student’s reservation benefit or admission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques: Who is eligible for reservation in CAT 2026?
Ans: Students belonging to SC, ST, NC-OBC, EWS, and PwBD categories can claim reservation benefits as per the applicable Government of India guidelines.
Ques: What documents are required to claim CAT 2026 reservation?
Ans: Students must upload the applicable SC, ST, NC-OBC, EWS, or PwBD certificate. PwBD students can also upload their UDID Card, wherever applicable.
Ques: Is a valid category certificate mandatory for CAT 2026?
Ans: Yes, students must submit a valid certificate meeting the prescribed requirements to claim reservation benefits.
Ques: Do reserved category students have to produce original certificates?
Ans: Yes, shortlisted students may be required to produce their original certificates during the interview and admission process for verification.
Ques: Does CAT 2026 reservation guarantee admission to an IIM?
Ans: No. Reservation provides the applicable quota benefit, but admission also depends on CAT performance, eligibility, and the selection criteria of the respective IIM.