Applying for CAT 2026 Under NC OBC Category? Here's Everything You Need to Know About the Certificate

What is the NC OBC Certificate for CAT 2026 Exam

The NC OBC certificate for the CAT 2026 exam is a document that needs to be attached to the CAT application form, ensuring that the candidate belongs to the stated reserved category. It comes in the format of a form that needs to be filled out by the candidate. Similarly, candidates from SC, ST, EWS, and PwD categories are also mandatorily required to attach their category authentication certificates while filling out the application form for CAT.

How to Apply for the NC OBC Certificate for CAT 2026

The application process for the NC OBC certificate is simple. The steps to get the NC OBC certificate and other reserved category certificates are mentioned below.

1. Go to the official IIMCAT website, iimcat.ac.in.

2. Click on the name of the category given under the Certificates Proformas and Forms section.

3. A PDF will open up in the next tab containing a form.

4. Download and take a printout of the certificate for the respective reserved category.

5. Fill in all the details required.

6. Get it signed by the District Magistrate, Deputy Commissioner, etc. Also, get a seal from the respective office.

7. Once done, take a scanned copy of the signed certificate and attach it to the application form for CAT 2026.

Important Details Mentioned on NC OBC Certificate for CAT

The NC OBC certificate has to be filled with important details for authentication purposes. The details should be correct according to the government records. If false information is found in the certificate, it can lead to the termination of the candidature of a candidate. The same is the case for candidates belonging to other reserved categories (SC, ST, EWS, and PwD). Therefore, cross-check all the necessary details before submitting. The important details to be mentioned on the NC OBS certificate for CAT are given below.

1. Name

2. Address

3. Entry Number

4. Name of the district

5. O.M Number

6. Date and signature by the District Magistrate, Deputy Commissioner, etc. (with designation seal)

Importance of NC OBC Certificate for CAT 2026 Exam

If you belong to the Non-Creamy Other Backwards Classes (NC-OBC), you must produce the NC-OBC certificate for CAT 2026 duly signed by the competent authority, and enclose its photocopy at the time of the interviews. Moreover, the NC-OBC certificate must be submitted at the time of joining the programs of any of the IIMs. Failure to do so during the post -CAT selection process will result in you not being considered under the reserved category.

If you belong to the SC or ST categories, your caste/tribe must be listed in the Government of India schedule. The caste certificate that you send to IIM should be in the Government format and should clearly state:

1. Name of your caste/tribe

2. Whether you belong to a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe

3. District and the State or Union Territory of your ordinary residence

4. Government of India schedule under which your caste/tribe is approved by it as a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe.

A copy of the SC/ST and /or PWD (DA) certificate(s) must be uploaded at the time of CAT

Application online. Failure to upload a copy of the caste/class certificate will result in the rejection of your CAT 2026 registration.

The SC/ST and/or PWD (DA) certificate(s) must be shown, and a photocopy should be submitted at the time of the interviews. Moreover, the certificate(s) must be submitted at the time of joining programs of any of the IIMs.

Reservation Criteria for NC OBC Certificate for CAT 2026

As per the Government of India requirements, 15% of the seats are reserved for Scheduled Caste (SC) and 7.5% for Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates. 27% of seats are reserved for Other Backwards Classes candidates belonging to the “non-creamy” layer (NC - OBC).

As per the provision under section 39 of the PWD Act, 1995, 3% of seats are reserved for Differently Abled (DA) candidates. The three categories of disability are

1. Low vision blindness

2. Hearing impairment, and

3. Locomotor disability/cerebral palsy.

This provision is applicable if the candidate suffers from any of the listed disabilities to the extent of not less than 40%, as certified by a medical authority as prescribed and explained in the said Act.

The candidates belonging to categories for which seats are reserved need to note and read the eligibility requirements carefully before applying. It should be noted that while it is the endeavour of IIMs that the candidates belonging to SC/ST/PWD/Non-Creamy OBC categories join the Program in proportions mandated by the law, they have to meet the minimum eligibility criteria and a certain minimum level of performance in the admission process.