NIMCET has four eligibility conditions, and you need all four. Here they are, based on the 2026 brochure, followed by the details that trip people up.
| Condition | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian national |
| Degree | UG degree of at least 3 years with Mathematics or Statistics as a subject, or B.E./B.Tech. |
| Marks | 60% aggregate or 6.5 CGPA (out of 10) |
| Relaxed marks | 55% or 6.0 CGPA for SC, ST and PwD |
There is no age limit. For admission, you also need a NIMCET rank.
If you are unsure whether your degree type counts, the degree-by-degree eligibility guide covers BCA, B.Sc., BIT and B.Tech., and there is a separate page for B.Com and B.A. graduates. This page focuses on the marks rule, which causes the most problems.
Category-wise minimum marks
| Category | Minimum percentage | Minimum CGPA (10-point) |
|---|---|---|
| OPEN (General) | 60% | 6.5 |
| OPEN-EWS | 60% | 6.5 |
| OBC-NCL | 60% | 6.5 |
| SC | 55% | 6.0 |
| ST | 55% | 6.0 |
| PwD (any category) | 55% | 6.0 |
Notice that EWS and OBC candidates do not get a relaxation in the qualifying marks. They benefit from reserved seats at counselling, but the 60% / 6.5 line is the same as for OPEN candidates.
How your aggregate is calculated
The brochure is specific: the percentage is taken over all subjects in all years, including languages and optional or additional subjects.
Let's look at a simple example. A three-year degree with these yearly totals:
| Year | Marks obtained | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 1,180 | 2,000 |
| Year 2 | 1,250 | 2,000 |
| Year 3 | 1,210 | 2,000 |
| Total | 3,640 | 6,000 |
Aggregate . Eligible, but only by a small margin.
If your university calculates the aggregate differently (for example, by weighting years), the figure on your official mark sheet or degree certificate is what will be checked. When in doubt, ask your university for a certificate stating your aggregate.
CGPA: the rules that matter
1. You are judged on whatever your university awards. If you have a CGPA, the CGPA rule applies.
2. No conversion either way. The brochure says CGPA-to-percentage conversion, and the reverse, is not permitted. A 6.3 CGPA does not become eligible because a conversion formula turns it into 63%.
3. Other scales are converted to 10 points by proportion.
| Your CGPA | Scale | 10-point equivalent | Meets 6.5? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8 | 4 | Yes | |
| 2.5 | 4 | No (but meets 6.0 for SC/ST/PwD) | |
| 5.5 | 7 | Yes |
Proving your category
Category status is checked at counselling and admission, not when you apply. The 2026 brochure set these date rules:
- OBC-NCL and EWS: the certificate uploaded with the application had to be issued on or after 1 April 2025, and the original produced at reporting on or after 1 April 2026.
- SC/ST: use the format given in the brochure's annexures.
- PwD: at least 40% disability, certified in the brochure's format. NIMCET may accept or reject the claim.
The dates move forward every year, so check them in your year's brochure.
Situations people ask about
- Degree from an open university: accepted if the programme is approved by the UGC/AICTE and the Distance Education Council.
- Final-year students: allowed to apply; see final-year eligibility rules.
- Improvement or supplementary exams: the brochure does not set a separate rule. Your final official aggregate is what counts, so keep the final mark sheets.
- Foreign nationals: not eligible; the test is for Indian nationals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum percentage for NIMCET?
60% aggregate or 6.5 CGPA, or 55% or 6.0 CGPA for SC, ST and PwD candidates.
Do OBC and EWS candidates get a relaxation in marks?
No. The relaxation in qualifying marks applies to SC, ST and PwD candidates only.
Can I convert my CGPA to a percentage for NIMCET?
No. The brochure does not allow CGPA-to-percentage conversion.
Are language subjects included in the aggregate?
Yes. The aggregate covers all subjects in all years, including languages and optional subjects.
Is Class 12 percentage considered for NIMCET?
The qualifying-marks rule in the brochure applies to the UG degree.