If you thought you were too late to apply for CAT 2017, you will be happy to note that the registration date for the examination has been extended till 25 September 2017. So, you still have time. However, make sure you fulfill the eligibility criteria, or your application will be rejected. Either you won’t be able to appear for the exam or your application will be disqualified at the admission stage.
Eligibility for CAT
The eligibility criteria for CAT 2017 are the same as the previous years. You must meet these norms in order to appear for the examination. If you do not meet even one criterion, you will be disqualified during the admission process, as all IIMs make sure that they verify the eligibility when admissions are going on. Hence, be sure to read the eligibility requirements, which are as follows:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university.
- Any equivalent qualifications should be recognized by the Ministry of Human Resources and Development.
- Candidates should get a minimum of 50 per cent aggregate marks in their final year if they belong to the general category.
- Candidates belonging to SC, ST, and other reserved categories should score a minimum of 45 per cent aggregate marks.
- Candidates in their final year of graduation can appear for CAT, as long as they meet all the norms at the time of admission.
- Candidates with professional degrees, like CA, ICWA and CS, are also eligible to appear for the examination.
There is no age limit for CAT, so even professionals who are currently working and have several years of experience can appear for the examination later in life, as long as they fulfil the eligibility norms.
Reservation in CAT
All government institutes, including the IIMs, have reservations, as mandated by the government. Even certain private educational institutes have seats reserved for different categories. Hence, a certain number of seats are reserved for candidates from SC, ST, PwD, and NC-OBC categories. When you register for CAT, you will have to enter your reservation status along with a certificate to support it.
Reservation of seats in IIMs is as follows:
- Non-creamy OBC – 27 per cent
- SC – 15 per cent
- ST – 7.5 per cent
- PwD – 3 per cent
Things to Remember When Applying for CAT
When you apply for CAT, there are certain things you should keep in mind during the application process.
- Read and understand the instructions before you proceed with registration and application.
- If you make a mistake during registration, you will have to start afresh using a new email ID.
- You cannot make any changes in your application form after you pay the application fee.
- Mandatory columns in the form are marked with asterisks (*) and you have to fill them out. If you don’t, you will be unable to submit the form.
- You have to fill out your CAT application in 30 minutes, and in one sitting. If you fail to do this, you will have to start all over again.
- You will be allowed to make minor changes, such as marks scored, selected programs, and work experience. However, you will not be able to change other academic details, preferred city to attempt the examination and your personal details.
CAT Application Fee
For 2017, the CAT application fee has been increased marginally. The fee is non-refundable and has to be paid online. The methods for payment are credit card, debit card, internet banking, e-wallets, and cash cards.
General and NC-OBC candidates have topay INR 1,800, while SC, ST, and PWD candidates have to pay INR 900 as application fee.