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vipin yadav

Updated on Apr 9, 2026•education

Are final year degree students eligible for the CAT?

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5 Answers
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Michael Jons
Answered on Apr 9, 2026

Yes, students in their final year of graduation can apply for the CAT (Common Admission Test). Even if your results are not declared yet, you are still allowed to appear for the exam. This gives students a chance to plan for higher studies like MBA without taking a gap after completing their degree.

But there is a condition you must follow. If you qualify and get selected by a management institute, you need to show proof that you have completed your graduation within the given deadline. This usually includes submitting your final marksheet or degree certificate.

If you are unable to complete your degree on time, your admission can be cancelled. So, final year students are eligible, but timely graduation is necessary.

 
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John Andrew
Answered on Apr 9, 2026

Yes, final year degree students are eligible to appear for the CAT (Common Admission Test). Students who are in the last year of their bachelor’s degree or are awaiting their final results can apply and take the exam. This allows them to continue their studies without taking a gap year.

However, there is an important condition. If selected by a management institute, candidates must provide proof of completing their degree within the specified time, usually before admission is finalized. Failing to do so can lead to cancellation of admission.

So, final year students can safely apply for CAT, but they must complete their graduation on time to secure admission.

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European Quality Certification Services
Answered on Apr 8, 2026

Yes, final-year degree students are eligible for the CAT (Common Admission Test).

Students who are in the final year of their bachelor’s degree or awaiting results can apply for the CAT exam.
However, they must complete their degree with the required marks before admission.
If selected, they need to provide proof of graduation during the admission process.
There is no age limit, and students from any stream can apply.

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Vikesh Kumar
Knowledge Driven Thinker
Answered on Apr 8, 2026

Yes, final year degree students are eligible to appear for the CAT exam. According to the eligibility criteria set by Indian Institutes of Management, candidates who are in the final year of their bachelor’s degree or are awaiting their results can apply for CAT. This means you do not need to have completed your graduation at the time of filling out the form. However, there is an important condition: if you are shortlisted and offered admission by any IIM such as IIM Ahmedabad or IIM Bangalore, you must complete your degree within the specified time, usually by June or July of the admission year. You will also be required to submit proof of graduation, such as your final marksheet or degree certificate. If you fail to meet this requirement, your admission may be cancelled. Additionally, you must meet the minimum percentage criteria, which is generally 50% for general category students and 45% for reserved categories. Therefore, final year students can safely prepare and appear for CAT without waiting for their results, but they must ensure they pass their degree on time. Overall, CAT provides a great opportunity for final year students to directly move into management studies after graduation.

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Himanshu Bansal
Answered on Apr 8, 2026

Yes, final-year degree students are absolutely eligible to appear for CAT.
If you’re in the last year of your bachelor’s degree or waiting for your final result, you can still apply.

You just need to make sure that, at the time of admission, you’re able to submit proof that you completed your degree within the required timeline set by the institute.

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