One of the most important and often misunderstood aspects of this process is the reservation policy. Understanding how it works can have a direct impact on your eligibility, cutoffs, selection chances, and even fee structure at the IIMs and other top B-schools.
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So, what exactly is CAT reservation?
It’s a government-mandated policy that ensures equal opportunity for candidates from underrepresented and disadvantaged groups. Implemented across IIMs and many leading management institutes, this policy aims to create a level playing field in one of the most competitive exams in India.
Understanding the Reservation Landscape for CAT 2025
The reservation policy in CAT and IIM admissions isn’t just a bureaucratic formality, it’s a vital step toward creating a diverse and inclusive academic environment. The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), along with other top B-schools that accept CAT scores, implement this policy to ensure that candidates from all backgrounds get a fair chance to compete.
This framework is aligned with constitutional mandates and aims to address historical social and economic disparities. It ensures that deserving candidates from underrepresented communities are given opportunities to pursue management education, even if systemic barriers have affected their access to resources in the past.
The Key Reservation Categories
Here’s a breakdown of the major categories that benefit from reservation in CAT 2025:
- Scheduled Castes (SC)
- Scheduled Tribes (ST)
- Other Backward Classes – Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL)
- Economically Weaker Section (EWS)
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwD)
These categories are not mutually exclusive—you can only claim reservation under one applicable category, and supporting documentation is essential during the application and admission process.
Category-Wise Breakdown of CAT Reservation
Understanding the exact reservation percentages, eligibility criteria, and documentation requirements for each category is crucial. Errors in certificates or confusion around eligibility can delay or even jeopardize your admission.
Let’s go category by category:
A. Scheduled Caste (SC) Reservation
Reservation Percentage is 15% of seats are reserved for SC candidates.
Eligibility:
Candidates must possess a valid SC Caste Certificate issued in the Government of India’s prescribed format.
Key Takeaway: Ensure your certificate is updated, legible, and issued by a competent authority. Any outdated or improperly formatted document can lead to rejection during the verification process.
B. Scheduled Tribe (ST) Reservation
Reservation Percentage is 7.5% of seats are reserved for ST candidates.
Eligibility:
A valid ST Caste Certificate in the Government of India’s format is mandatory.
Key Takeaway: Your certificate should clearly mention the tribe’s name, district, and state, all of which must match the official list of Scheduled Tribes recognized for that area.
C. Other Backward Classes (OBC – Non-Creamy Layer)
Reservation Percentage is 27% of seats are reserved for OBC-NCL candidates.
Eligibility:
- Belong to the OBC category listed in the central list.
- Belong to the Non-Creamy Layer as defined by the government.
- Have a valid OBC-NCL certificate issued on or after April 1, 2025.
- Exam fees for OBC
D. Economically Weaker Section (EWS) Reservation
Reservation Percentage is 10% of seats are reserved for EWS candidates.
Eligibility:
- You must not fall under SC, ST, or OBC categories
- Your family’s gross annual income must be below ₹8 lakh
- You must not own assets such as:
- Agricultural land ≥ 5 acres
- Residential flat ≥ 1000 sq. ft.
- Residential plot ≥ 100/200 sq. yards (in notified/non-notified areas)
Document Requirement: Valid EWS certificate for the financial year 2024–25
Key Takeaway: Both income and asset exclusions determine eligibility—meet both to qualify.
E. Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwD) Reservation
Reservation Percentage is 5% of seats in each category (General, SC, ST, OBC, EWS) are reserved for PwD candidates.
Eligibility:
- Must have at least 40% disability, as defined in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
- Vision impairment, hearing loss, locomotor disabilities
- Intellectual disabilities, specific learning disorders, autism, etc.
Document Requirement: Valid PwD certificate or UDID card from a recognized authority
Key Takeaway: If eligible, you’re entitled to exam accommodations like extra time, scribe support, and accessible seating—but only if your documents are valid and submitted on time.
What is a Non-Creamy Layer?
The Non-Creamy Layer status is based on annual family income and social position. If your family’s gross annual income exceeds ₹8 lakh, you fall under the Creamy Layer and are not eligible for reservation benefits under OBC.
Important Note: Non-Creamy Layer status is determined not just by income but also by parental occupation and social status. For example, children of Class I officers or professionals (regardless of current income) may be excluded.
What About Women’s and Academic Diversity?
There is no separate reservation for women in the CAT exam or IIM admissions. However, to promote gender balance, many IIMs award diversity points to female candidates during the shortlisting and final selection stages.
Similarly, candidates from non-engineering backgrounds may also receive academic diversity points. These points help ensure a more diverse and inclusive classroom environment.
Key Documents and Application Process
A. Document Checklist (Category-Wise)
Make sure you have the right documents in the correct format before applying. Here’s what each reserved category needs:
- SC/ST: Caste Certificate in the Government of India format, issued by a competent authority.
- OBC-NCL: Valid Non-Creamy Layer certificate issued on or after April 1, 2025.
- EWS: EWS certificate for the financial year 2024–25.
- PwD: Valid PwD certificate or UDID card, stating at least 40% disability.
🔗 Need help with documentation? Check out our step-by-step CAT 2025 registration guide.
B. Application Fees (As Per Category)
CAT 2025 application fees vary by category:
- General/EWS/OBC: Higher fee (exact amount announced with official notification)
- SC/ST/PwD: Lower fee, often 50% or more discounted
Always verify the official CAT website for the exact amount before payment.
C. The No-Change Rule
Once your CAT application is submitted, you cannot change your category under any circumstances. Choose carefully and upload valid documents—mistakes here can cost you eligibility or even disqualification during admission.
Final Thoughts
I hope this blog is giving you the full overview of reservation in the CAT exam. If you are having problems while registering for the CAT exam, Check out our step-by-step CAT 2025 registration guide. Percentilers