The Common Admission Test (CAT) is not only a gateway to the IIMs but also ensures that students from various sections of society have equal opportunities for admission. The CAT 2025 reservation rules are framed as per the legal requirements of the Government of India. Candidates applying for CAT 2025 must carefully understand these reservation guidelines to avoid any confusion during registration, selection, or admission processes.
Seat Reservation Structure for CAT 2025
The following percentage of seats will be reserved for different categories as per the CAT 2025 reservation rules:Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates 15% seats for Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates 7.5% seats Other Backward Classes – Non-Creamy Layer (NC-OBC) candidates 27% seats Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) candidates Up to 10% seats Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwD) 5% seats
CAT 2025: Central Government List for Reservations
For a candidate to be eligible under the SC/ST/NC-OBC/EWS categories, the Central Government’s approved list as on the last date of CAT 2025 registration will be applicable. Any subsequent changes in the reservation status will not be considered for CAT 2025 or for the selection process of IIMs.
For the updated state-wise list of OBC categories and details on the “creamy layer,” candidates can visit the official National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) website: http://www.ncbc.nic.in.
CAT 2025 Reservation Rules for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwD)
As per the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act 2016), 5% of the seats are reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwD).
A “Person with Benchmark Disability” means a person with at least 40% of a specified disability, as certified by a competent authority. Disabilities covered under the RPwD Act 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 disabilities, and mental illness
- Multiple disabilities under the above categories
- Other disabilities specified in the Schedule of the RPwD Act 2016
Candidates from the PwD category are encouraged to apply for a UDID (Unique Disability ID) card and upload it during the CAT 2025 application process.
Eligibility Requirements for Reserved Categories
While IIMs strive to ensure fair representation of SC/ST/NC-OBC/EWS/PwD candidates, applicants must meet the minimum eligibility criteria and achieve a certain minimum level of performance to be considered for shortlisting and admission. The reservation benefits do not guarantee admission unless the candidate clears the required selection stages.
Applicants must also carefully read the updated admission process of individual IIMs through their official websites, as each IIM has its own selection criteria.
Caste and Category Certificates
Candidates applying under SC, ST, NC-OBC, EWS, or PwD categories must submit valid certificates in Government of India-approved formats. Key points include:
- The SC/ST certificate must clearly mention:
- Name of the caste/tribe
- Whether the candidate belongs to SC or ST
- District, State, or Union Territory of ordinary residence
- The applicable Government of India schedule under which the caste/tribe is recognized
- A copy of the caste/class certificate must be uploaded during the CAT 2025 registration. Failure to upload the document will result in the rejection of the application.
- The same certificate(s) must be shown during the interview round and submitted at the time of joining any IIM program.
CAT 2025 Reservation Rules: Don’t Skip This Information
- No changes in the category will be entertained after completing the CAT 2025 registration.
- Ensure that the uploaded caste or category certificates are valid, accurate, and in the correct format.
- Candidates failing to submit proper documents at any stage (registration, interview, or admission) will be considered under the general category.
ALSO READ: CAT 2025 Admit Card Release Date (5 Nov)
Brief Overview
The CAT 2025 admission form will be available online from 1 August 2025, and candidates must complete the registration before the CAT 2025 admission date ends. The CAT admission 2025 last date to submit the CAT 2025 application form is 13 September 2025. Applicants are required to fill out the CAT 2025 application carefully, upload documents, and pay the CAT 2025 application fee online. Missing the CAT 2025 application deadline will result in disqualification from the exam. For all updates, candidates should regularly check the official website for notifications regarding CAT 2025 admission and related procedures.
