CAT 2026 Reservation Policy: SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwD Seat Breakdown, Exam Date and Other Details

The CAT 2026 reservation policy is an important aspect of the admission process for candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), Other Backward Classes–Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL), Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwD). The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) follow the reservation policy prescribed by the Government of India for admissions to their programmes. 

The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 will be conducted by IIM Indore on November 29, 2026, in three sessions. The CAT 2026 registration process is currently underway and candidates can submit their applications until September 15, 2026, at 5 PM.

CAT 2026 Reservation Policy: Category-Wise Seat Breakdown

The reservation percentages followed by the IIMs are as follows:

The SC, ST, OBC-NCL and EWS reservations together account for 59.5% of seats, leaving 40.5% as the open category before applying the horizontal PwD reservation. The PwD reservation is horizontal, meaning it cuts across the other social categories rather than being a separate vertical category. 

CAT Reservation 2026: What Does PwD Reservation Mean?

The 5% PwD reservation is horizontal reservation. This means eligible PwD candidates receive reservation within their respective social category. For example, an SC candidate with benchmark disability would be considered against the PwD provision within the SC category, rather than being placed in a completely separate category.

Candidates claiming PwD reservation must meet the applicable disability criteria and provide the required documentation during the admission process.

CAT 2026 Reservation: SC Category

15% of seats in IIM programmes are reserved for candidates belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category, subject to the applicable admission rules and documentation requirements.

SC candidates must select the appropriate category while completing the CAT application form and provide the required certificate in the prescribed format when asked.

CAT 2026 Reservation: ST Category

The Scheduled Tribe (ST) category has a reservation of 7.5% of seats in accordance with the Government of India reservation framework followed by the IIMs. 

Candidates claiming ST reservation should ensure that their category certificate meets the prescribed requirements.

CAT 2026 OBC-NCL Reservation

Candidates belonging to the Other Backward Classes–Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) category are eligible for 27% reservation.

It is important to note that the reservation applies specifically to candidates who meet the Non-Creamy Layer requirements. Candidates should therefore ensure that they have the appropriate OBC-NCL certificate and satisfy the applicable conditions.

CAT 2026 EWS Reservation

The Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category has a 10% reservation in IIM admissions under the applicable Government of India norms.

Candidates seeking EWS reservation must satisfy the prescribed eligibility conditions and possess the required EWS certificate.

CAT 2026 PwD Reservation

A 5% horizontal reservation is applicable to Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwD). The provision operates across the different reservation categories rather than functioning as a separate vertical category.

Candidates claiming PwD benefits should carefully check the certificate and documentation requirements while applying for CAT 2026.

CAT 2026 Exam Date and Important Dates

IIM Indore will conduct CAT 2026 on Sunday, November 29, 2026. The CAT 2026 exam will be conducted in three sessions at test centres across India. 

The result date is based on the official schedule, while candidates should wait for IIM Indore's confirmation of the exact result release date. 

CAT 2026 Exam Pattern

CAT 2026 will be conducted as a computer-based test (CBT). The examination will have three sections:

• Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
• Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
• Quantitative Ability (QA)

The examination duration is 120 minutes, with 40 minutes allotted to each section. Candidates cannot move between sections during the respective sectional time limit.

The exam will be conducted in three sessions:

CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates applying for CAT 2026 must hold a bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA. For candidates belonging to SC, ST and PwD categories, the minimum qualifying percentage is 45%. Final-year undergraduate students can also apply, subject to the conditions specified in the CAT notification.

Candidates with professional degrees recognised by the relevant authorities may also be eligible, subject to the CAT eligibility requirements.

Also Check: CAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

CAT 2026 Application Fee

The CAT 2026 application fee varies by category:

• General, EWS and NC-OBC: Rs 2,700
• SC, ST and PwD: Rs 1,350

How Does Reservation Affect CAT Admission?

Candidates should understand that CAT reservation does not mean that a candidate is guaranteed admission to an IIM.

The reservation policy determines the number of seats earmarked for different categories. However, candidates must still meet the applicable CAT qualifying percentile, sectional requirements and individual IIM selection criteria.

Each IIM has its own admission policy. Apart from CAT performance, institutes may consider factors such as academic performance, work experience, diversity and performance in subsequent selection rounds while preparing their final admission lists.

Also Check: CAT 2026 Frequently Asked Questions