Introduction
The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 is one of the most competitive management entrance exams in India, serving as the gateway to prestigious IIMs and top B-Schools. To ensure diversity and inclusivity, CAT follows the Government of India’s reservation policy. Aspirants from reserved categories such as SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwD, and Women candidates benefit from relaxation in eligibility, cut-offs, and seat allotments.
In this blog by Planet E, we provide a detailed breakdown of reservation policies, category-wise seat distribution, eligibility criteria, and benefits for CAT 2025 aspirants.
CAT 2025 Reservation Policy
As per the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Education, the following reservation percentages are applicable in IIM admissions through CAT 2025:
- Scheduled Caste (SC): 15%
- Scheduled Tribe (ST): 7.5%
- Other Backward Classes – Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL): 27%
- Economically Weaker Section (EWS): 10%
- Persons with Disability (PwD): 5% (horizontal reservation across all categories)
- Women Candidates – No fixed percentage mandated by the government, but IIMs actively promote gender diversity through special weightage and scholarships.
Category-Wise Details
1. Scheduled Caste (SC) Reservation – 15%
- SC candidates are eligible for 15% of total seats in IIMs.
- They enjoy relaxation in eligibility criteria and cut-off marks.
- Required document: Valid Caste Certificate issued by a competent authority.
2. Scheduled Tribe (ST) Reservation – 7.5%
- 7.5% seats are reserved for ST candidates.
- Relaxation in academic cut-offs during shortlisting.
- Required document: Valid ST Certificate.
3. Other Backward Classes – Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) – 27%
- OBC-NCL candidates are entitled to 27% reservation.
- They must produce a valid OBC-NCL Certificate as per government format.
- Creamy layer candidates are not eligible for this benefit.
4. Economically Weaker Section (EWS) – 10%
- Introduced in 2019, EWS reservation offers 10% quota.
- Eligibility: Candidate’s family income should be less than ₹8 lakhs per annum.
- Required document: Valid EWS Certificate issued for the current financial year.
5. Persons with Disability (PwD) – 5%
- 5% horizontal reservation is available across all categories.
- Disabilities include: Low vision, hearing impairment, locomotor disability, cerebral palsy, and other benchmark disabilities.
- Relaxations: Extra time during CAT exam, scribe facility, and special seating arrangements.
- Required document: Valid PwD Certificate.
6. Women Reservation / Gender Diversity Initiatives
- Although no official percentage is fixed, IIMs promote gender diversity by:
- Providing extra weightage during shortlisting.
- Offering exclusive scholarships.
- Reserving supernumerary seats in some IIMs.
Reservation in CAT Eligibility and Cut-offs
- Eligibility Relaxation:
- General category: Minimum 50% aggregate in graduation.
- SC/ST/PwD categories: Minimum 45% aggregate.
- Cut-off Relaxation:
- Reserved categories generally have lower sectional and overall cut-offs compared to General category candidates.
Important Documents Required for Reservation Benefits
- Caste/Tribe Certificate (SC/ST).
- OBC-NCL Certificate (valid for the current year).
- EWS Certificate (valid for the current financial year).
- Disability Certificate (PwD).
- Identity proof (Aadhar, PAN, Passport, etc.).
Note: All certificates must follow the prescribed Government of India format.
Key Takeaways for CAT 2025 Aspirants
- Reservation ensures equal opportunities for underprivileged and diverse groups.
- Each candidate must upload valid certificates at the time of CAT application.
- Women candidates benefit from diversity initiatives, even without fixed quota.
- PwD candidates receive exam-day assistance and relaxed eligibility.
- The system ensures that talent from all backgrounds gets represented at the top management institutes.
Conclusion
The CAT 2025 reservation policy plays a vital role in shaping India’s management education ecosystem. By offering fair opportunities to SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwD, and women candidates, IIMs ensure inclusivity, diversity, and social justice.
At Planet E, we guide aspirants through every stage of CAT preparation – from understanding reservation benefits to cracking the toughest questions. Stay tuned with us for expert strategies, updates, and personalized mentorship for CAT 2025 success.