What is NC OBC Certificate for CAT 2025 - How to Apply for CAT 2025 Category Certificates Online?

What is NC OBC Certificate for CAT 2025 - How to Apply for CAT 2025 Category Certificates Online?

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CAT Application Date:01 Aug' 25 - 13 Sep' 25

Himanshu ShekharUpdated on 29 Aug 2025, 10:17 AM IST

The NC OBC Certificate for CAT is an official document in India that certifies that an individual belongs to the 'non-creamy' layer of the Other Backwards Classes (OBC) category. This is for all those who have a family income below a certain threshold, typically Rs. 8 lakhs per year.

What is NC OBC Certificate for CAT 2025 - How to Apply for CAT 2025 Category Certificates Online?
NC OBC Certificate for CAT

The NC OBC certificate for the CAT exam helps the NC OBC category candidates authenticate their identity. The NC OBC certificate for CAT is effective in availing of the prescribed reservation benefits in CAT. Along with NC OBC, the candidates from other reserved categories like SC, ST, EWS, and PwD also need to have the category certificate for CAT to avail the same benefits.

LiveCAT 2025 Registration LIVE: IIM Kozhikode to close application window in 3 days; IIM admission criteriaSep 10, 2025 | 9:51 PM IST

Candidates can apply for CAT 2025 by following these steps:

  • Visit the official website iimcat.ac.in.
  • Click on “Register” to generate a User ID.
  • Log in and complete the application form.
  • Upload required documents and pay the application fee.
  • Submit the form and download the confirmation page for reference.
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What is the NC OBC Certificate for CAT

The NC OBC certificate for CAT 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 by the candidate. Similarly to that 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.

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How to Apply for the NC OBC Certificate for CAT

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 of CAT 2025.
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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 for 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)
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Importance of NC OBC Certificate for CAT

If you belong to the Non-Creamy Other Backward Classes (NC-OBC), you must produce the NC-OBC certificate for CAT duly signed by the competent authority and enclose its photocopy at the time of 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 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 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 Scheduled Caste or 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 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

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 Backward 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 endeavor 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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the validity of NC OBC certificate?
A:

An OBC-NCL (Other Backwards Classes - Non-Creamy Layer) certificate is generally valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance for Central Government purposes. While for the State Government application, the validity may differ, and in some cases, a District Magistrate (DM) issued certificate might be valid for three years. 

Q: How many days to get an NC OBC certificate?
A:

The time to receive an OBC Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) certificate varies by location and the application status of the candidate. The certificate is typically available within 10 to 30 days or more after the application, with some expedited processes available for renewals. 

Q: What documents are required for CAT registration 2025?
A:

The following are the list of documents required for CAT registration 2025:

  • Class 10 and 12 marksheets
  • Graduate marksheets
  • Work experience certificate (if applicable)
  • Photo identification
  • Pasport-size photograph
  • Signature
  • Category certificates such as SC/ST/PwD certiticate ( if applicable)
Q: Is an NC-OBC certificate required for CAT registration?
A:

Yes, a valid NC-OBC certificate authenticated by an appropriate authority must be submitted by the candidate in the admission process to IIMs.

Q: What is the validity of the NC OBC certificate for CAT?
A:

The validity of the NC OBC certificate for CAT is limited to one year. If a candidate fills out the CAT form for the subsequent year under a reserved category, they would have to attach a scanned copy of a newly issued NC OBC certificate.

Q: Can I change my category from general to OBC in CAT?
A:

The CAT form has the field of category that is mandatory to be filled by the candidates. The candidates can choose their category. Candidates choosing any reserved category such as SC, ST, SBC, EWS, and PwD are required to attach a category certificate for authentication purposes.

Q: What is the NC OBC certificate for CAT?
A:

The NC OBC certificate for CAT is an important document for the candidates belonging to the non-creamy layer of the Other Backward Classes. The NC OBC certificate for CAT helps the NC OBC category candidates authenticate their identity.

Q: What is the difference between an OBC certificate and an NC OBC certificate?
A:

The difference between an OBC and an NC OBC certificate is that of net family income. The OBC category is the one with above 8 lakh net family income while the NC OBC category is the one with a net family income of below 8 lakhs.

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Questions related to CAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CAT ?

Yes, you can pursue an MBA at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), Lucknow, through the CAT exam.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Educational Qualification: A bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) from a recognized university.

  • Entrance Exam: A valid CAT score is required for admission.

Admission Process:

  1. Application: Register online through the BBAU admission portal.

  2. Entrance Exam: Appear for the CAT exam and obtain a valid score.

  3. Counseling: Shortlisted candidates will be called for counseling based on their CAT scores.

  4. Document Verification: Submit necessary documents for verification.

  5. Fee Payment: Complete the fee payment to confirm admission.

Course Details:

  • Duration: 2 years (full-time).

  • Specializations: Finance, Marketing, Human Resource Management, among others.

Placement Opportunities:
BBAU has a strong placement record, with top companies recruiting MBA graduates.

For more details and to apply, visit the  official BBAU MBA admission page

Hello Amgothu

With 305 marks in ICAR PG and being from ST category, your chances of getting an AIEEA (CAT) seat is good, especially in plant sciences and less competitive subjects

Hello

As you said you by mistakenly done that,  you don't need to get worry regarding that ,

Just inform the help desk and carry the correct certifications , the state certificate will not disqualify you .

The steps you can follow is -

1. You can check if the correction window is available or not

2. Contact the CAT desk immediately.

Hope this helps

In CAT registration, you cannot create a new user ID with the same mobile number, even if you use a different email ID. Each mobile number and email can be linked to only one account. If you already registered once, the system will not accept a duplicate with that number. To register again, you must use a new mobile number and new email ID. If you lost your old login, you can recover it through the forgot password/user ID option on the CAT portal.



Yes, you can fill the CAT form even if you currently have a backlog. CAT eligibility requires you to be in your final year of graduation or already graduated backlogs don’t stop you from applying.

While filling the form:

  • Enter the aggregate percentage/CGPA of marks you have obtained up to the latest semester for which results are declared (in your case till 4th semester).

  • There will be an option to mention that you have a backlog.

  • If you clear the backlog later, you’ll just need to show the updated marks during admission.