August 28, 2025
Overview: What are the IIM selection criteria for 2025? The first step to get into the IIMs is clearing the CAT exam with good score and percentile. The CAT exam 2024 will be conducted on 24 November 2024 followed by WAT, GD/PI. Read on to know more!
Continue reading here to learn every detail about the IIMs admission criteria for 2025!
Also Read | CAT 2024 Registration Begins: Apply Before 13 September 2024
Every IIM follows certain eligibility criteria, but some of them are common. These include:
To get into your dream Indian Institute of Management, you must go through several processes. Although the CAT percentile is the major factor for shortlisting the candidates, your past academic history, WAT/GD and PI performance play an equal role in it. Not only this, there is some updation regarding the IIMs like:
IIM Ahmedabad is one of the dream colleges for MBA aspirants, and its final selection process for the 2026-28 batch involves multiple stages beyond just the CAT exam score.
The selection criteria balance CAT scores, Personal Interview (PI), and Analytical Writing Test (AWT) performance.
Here are the eligibility criteria for the IIM Ahmedabad selection process 2026-2028
|
Criteria |
Details |
|
Minimum Qualification |
Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) |
|
Professional Courses Eligibility |
Candidates with CA, CMA, CS or equivalent professional degrees must also have a minimum 50% aggregate marks |
|
Validity of CAT Exam |
CAT 2024 scores will be considered for IIM MBA Admission 2026-28 |
|
Overall Percentile Cutoff |
Generally ranges between 80 -99 percentile depending on the IIM and category |
|
Sectional Percentile Cutoff |
Typically between 60 – 70 percentile in each section (VARC, DILR, QA) |
|
Category-wise Relaxation |
Lower cutoffs are applicable for |
|
Selection Stage |
Weightage / Criteria |
|
Eligibility |
Minimum 50% marks in a bachelor's degree (45% for reserved) |
|
CAT 2024 Sectional Cutoffs (Overall) |
General/EWS: 80 percentile and above |
|
NC-OBC/Transgender: 75 percentile and above |
|
|
SC: 70 percentile and above |
|
|
ST: 60 percentile and above |
|
|
Shortlisting for PI & AWT |
Composite score: 65% CAT score + 35% Application Rating* |
|
Application Rating Components |
Academic scores (10th, 12th, Graduation), Work Experience (up to 60 months) |
|
Final Selection Weights |
Personal Interview: 50% |
|
CAT Score: 25% |
|
|
Application Rating: 15% |
|
|
Analytical Writing Test (AWT): 10% |
The IIM Bangalore selection process is a two-stage approach involving shortlisting for the Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI), followed by final selection based on a comprehensive composite score.
Here are the eligibility criteria for IIM Bangalore selection process 2025:
|
Eligibility Criteria |
Details |
|
Minimum Educational Qualification |
Bachelor’s degree in any discipline |
|
Minimum Marks Required |
50% marks for General category |
|
Relaxed Marks for Reserved Categories |
45% marks for SC/ST/PwD categories |
|
Valid Entrance Exam Score |
Valid CAT 2024 score mandatory |
|
Minimum CAT Percentile Cutoff |
85% for General category; lower for reserved categories |
|
Parameters |
Weightage( %) |
|
CAT score** |
55 |
|
Bachelor’s Degree |
10 |
|
Work Experience |
10 |
|
10th and 12th |
10 |
|
Gender Diversity |
05 |
Note: Weightage to CAT 2025 will be as follows: VARC - 19 points, DILR - 21 points, and QA - 15 points.
The final merit list is calculated using CAT percentile (25%), WAT (10%), PI interview (40%), academic record, and work experience. The PI assesses communication skills, leadership qualities, analytical ability, and problem-solving under pressure.
Phase 2: The performance of the candidates will be evaluated as per the weightage given in the table below and selected candidates will be offered admissions as per their cumulative score.
Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta has provided the admission policy for its flagship MBA (PGP) program for the academic session 2026-28.
In recent years, the institute has revised the evaluation process by assigning greater importance to parameters beyond the CAT score during shortlisting for the Personal Interview (PI) round.
The admission procedure for the PGP program follows a three-stage process:
Step 1: Eligibility through CAT Percentile Cut-offs
Candidates must secure the minimum sectional and overall CAT percentiles to qualify for further evaluation.
Step 2: Shortlisting for PI and WAT
Applicants meeting the criteria will be shortlisted for the Personal Interview (PI) and Writing Ability Test (WAT) rounds.
Step 3: Final Selection Criteria
The final list of selected candidates is prepared based on multiple performance indicators, including CAT score, PI, WAT, academic diversity, and work experience.
|
Evaluation Component |
Weightage |
|
CAT 2025 Score |
30 |
|
Personal Interview (PI) |
48 |
|
Writing Ability Test (WAT) |
08 |
|
Academic Diversity (Bachelor’s/Master’s level, non-engineering degrees, professional courses) |
06 |
|
Work Experience (evaluated as per given formula) |
08 |
|
Total |
100 |
Here are the major steps of the IIM Lucknow admission process and selection criteria:
For shortlisting candidates for the Writing Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds, IIM Lucknow considers both sectional and overall CAT percentile cutoffs.
After being shortlisted, candidates must complete and submit the WAT-PI online form before the deadline.
After the WAT-PI stage, the final score for admission is calculated based on different weightages assigned to academic and non-academic factors.
|
Component |
MBA & MBA-SM |
MBA-ABM |
|
CAT 2025 Score |
30 |
35 |
|
Academic Performance (Class 12 + Graduation Marks) |
10 (5+5) |
10 (5+5) |
|
Diversity Factor |
5 |
5 |
|
Work Experience |
5 |
NA |
|
Writing Ability Test (WAT) |
10 |
10 |
|
Personal Interview (PI) |
40 |
40 |
|
Total |
100 |
100 |
IIM Indore will announce its admission policy online. The selection of candidates will be based on their CAT 2025 score, academic background, and other factors.
Applicants can check their shortlist status by logging in with their CAT 2025 registration details (registration number, email ID, or date of birth).
The admission process at IIM Indore is carried out in three phases:
In this step, candidates are screened to ensure they meet the basic requirements set by the institute.
Candidates are shortlisted for the PI round based on:
After the PI round, the final merit list is prepared. This list considers multiple factors such as CAT performance, PI score, academic achievements, gender diversity, and work experience.
The final score is calculated based on the following parameters:
|
Parameter |
Weightage |
|
Class 10th Marks |
12.5% |
|
CAT 2025 – VARC |
18.75% |
|
CAT 2025 – DILR |
9.375% |
|
CAT 2025 – QA |
9.375% |
|
Personal Interview |
50% |
|
Total Composite Score |
100% |
The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Rohtak will publish its admission guidelines for the Post Graduate Programme (PGP) in online mode.
Applicants will be able to check their results for IIM Rohtak PGP by using their application number along with their date of birth.
Based on the CAT 2025 scores, shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in the institute’s selection process. Admission to the PGP programme will be carried out through a five-step procedure, as listed below:
Stage 1: Online registration for admission to the PGP 2026–28 batch
Stage 2: Participation in the online Personal Interview (PI)
Stage 3: Declaration of the final merit list considering CAT scores, PI performance, and diversity factors
Stage 4: Issuance of provisional admission offers for the PGP 2026–28 cohort
Stage 5: Reporting at IIM Rohtak for commencement of the Post Graduate Programme
|
Category |
Overall Percentile Cutoff |
|
General |
97 |
|
EWS |
93 |
|
NC-OBC |
83 |
|
SC |
60 |
|
ST |
50 |
|
DAP |
40 – 87 |
The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode will release its admission policy for the Post Graduate Programme (PGP) 2026–28 batch. The selection process for admission is carried out in three main phases:
IIM Kozhikode Selection Criteria Phase 1 – Registration:
Candidates who meet the minimum eligibility criteria of IIM Kozhikode need to register for the admission process.
IIM Kozhikode Selection Criteria Phase 2 – Shortlisting for WAT & PI:
Based on their CAT 2025 performance, applicants will be shortlisted for the Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI).
IIM Kozhikode Selection Criteria Phase 3 – Final Selection:
The final admission list will be prepared by considering various components such as CAT score, PI, WAT, and academic/professional profile.
|
Category |
Overall CAT Percentile |
Sectional Percentile |
Class 10% |
Class 12% |
|
General |
85 |
75 |
60 |
60 |
|
NC-OBC / EWS |
75 |
65 |
60 |
60 |
|
SC |
65 |
55 |
55 |
55 |
|
ST / PwD |
55 |
45 |
55 |
55 |
IIM Kozhikode Selection Criteria Parameters
|
Component |
Weight |
|
CAT 2025 Index Score |
35% |
|
PI Score |
35% |
|
WAT Score |
20% |
|
Resume Score |
10% |
Admission to the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ranchi for the 2026-2028 academic session is primarily determined by a candidate’s performance in the CAT 2025 examination, Personal Interview (PI), and their academic and professional profile.
|
Category |
VARC |
DILR |
QA |
Overall Percentile |
|
General |
70 |
70 |
70 |
92 |
|
NC-OBC |
45 |
45 |
45 |
74 |
|
EWS |
40 |
40 |
40 |
70 |
|
SC |
35 |
35 |
35 |
54 |
|
ST |
25 |
32 |
32.5 |
40 |
|
DAP |
25 |
32 |
32.5 |
40 |
After completion of the WAT and PI, IIM Ranchi creates a Consolidated Merit List (CML). The merit list is prepared using multiple parameters, including:
Admission offers are extended to candidates in accordance with their ranking in this merit list.
For admission to its PGP batch 2026–28, IIM Udaipur will take part in the Common Admission Process (CAP) 2026.
The final merit list for admission will be prepared by considering:
|
Category |
VARC |
DILR |
QA |
Overall Percentile |
|
General |
70 |
70 |
70 |
92 |
|
EWS |
40 |
40 |
40 |
70 |
|
NC-OBC |
45 |
45 |
45 |
74 |
|
SC |
35 |
35 |
35 |
54 |
|
ST |
25 |
25 |
32.5 |
40 |
|
DAP |
25 |
25 |
32.5 |
40 |
The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Visakhapatnam will release its detailed admission policy for the 2026–28 Post Graduate Program (PGP) batch soon.
The shortlisting of candidates will be based on multiple parameters such as CAT 2025 performance, academic background, gender diversity, and prior work experience.
The admission process at IIM Vizag is conducted in three stages:
|
Category |
VARC |
DILR |
QA |
Overall Percentile |
|
General |
70 |
70 |
70 |
80 |
|
EWS |
63 |
63 |
63 |
72 |
|
NC-OBC |
63 |
63 |
63 |
72 |
|
SC |
40 |
40 |
40 |
45 |
|
ST |
30 |
30 |
30 |
35 |
|
PwD/DA |
30 |
30 |
30 |
35 |
|
Category |
VARC |
DILR |
QA |
Overall |
|
General |
70 |
70 |
70 |
92 |
|
EWS |
40 |
40 |
40 |
70 |
|
NC-OBC |
45 |
45 |
45 |
74 |
|
SC |
35 |
35 |
35 |
54 |
|
ST |
25 |
32 |
32.5 |
40 |
|
DAP* |
25 |
32 |
32.5 |
40 |
*DAP = Differently Abled Persons (applicable across all categories through horizontal reservation).
The admission process at IIM Jammu follows a three-stage selection procedure. Candidates are primarily evaluated on their CAT 2025 scores, followed by further shortlisting rounds, and finally, the preparation of a merit list for admission.
|
Category |
VARC |
DILR |
QA |
Overall |
|
General |
72 |
72 |
72 |
91 |
|
NC-OBC |
48 |
48 |
48 |
74 |
|
EWS |
48 |
48 |
48 |
74 |
|
Scheduled Caste |
42 |
42 |
42 |
54 |
|
Scheduled Tribe |
24 |
24 |
29 |
32 |
|
DAP (PWD) |
24 |
24 |
29 |
32 |
1. Shortlisting through CAT Percentile:
Candidates meeting the minimum cut-off are shortlisted for the next stage.
2. Expression of Interest (EOI):
Shortlisted applicants need to confirm their interest in the admission process by submitting the EOI form.
3. Final Merit List Preparation:
The merit list is prepared based on CAT scores, academic records, work experience, and diversity factors.
The admission procedure for the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Sirmaur is carried out in two stages.
The evaluation process is divided as follows:
Phase 1 – Shortlisting for Personal Presence Process (PPP)
Candidates are shortlisted for further rounds based on their CAT 2025 scores and cut-off percentiles.
Phase 2 – Final Merit List Preparation
The final merit list is prepared by considering candidates’ CAT performance, their scores in the PPP, and other selection parameters as per the institute’s admission policy.
|
Category |
QA |
DILR |
VARC |
Overall Percentile |
|
General |
75 |
75 |
75 |
95 |
|
EWS |
55 |
55 |
55 |
81 |
|
NC-OBC |
52 |
52 |
52 |
81 |
|
Scheduled Caste |
45 |
45 |
45 |
66 |
|
Scheduled Tribe |
30 |
25 |
25 |
42 |
|
DAP |
30 |
25 |
25 |
42 |
The admission procedure for IIM Trichy is divided into three major stages:
IIM Trichy announces the admission outcome online. For the flagship MBA program, the intake size is approximately 240 students.
In the final merit calculation, the CAT score carries a 50% weightage, while other components
such as PI performance and academic background contribute significantly as well. To promote gender diversity, female candidates are awarded a 5% weightage.
|
Category |
QA |
DILR |
VARC |
Overall Percentile |
|
General |
70 |
70 |
70 |
92 |
|
NC-OBC |
45 |
45 |
45 |
74 |
|
EWS |
40 |
40 |
40 |
70 |
|
SC |
35 |
35 |
35 |
54 |
|
ST |
32.5 |
32 |
25 |
40 |
|
DAP |
32.5 |
32 |
25 |
40 |
The admission process at IIM Sambalpur is carried out in three distinct phases.
Candidates are first shortlisted based on their CAT 2025 performance.
Shortlisted candidates are then invited to participate in the PA process, which generally includes a Personal Interview and related assessments.
After concluding the above stages, IIM Sambalpur compiles the Final Selection List. This is prepared by evaluating multiple parameters such as:
The minimum sectional and overall cutoffs differ across categories.
|
Category |
QA |
DILR |
VRC |
Overall Percentile |
|
General |
65 |
65 |
65 |
85 |
|
EWS |
60 |
60 |
60 |
80 |
|
NC-OBC |
55 |
55 |
55 |
75 |
|
SC |
40 |
40 |
40 |
55 |
|
ST |
35 |
35 |
35 |
40 |
|
DAP |
35 |
35 |
35 |
40 |
The admission process at IIM Amritsar is conducted in two stages: the pre-personal interview (Pre-PI) stage and the personal interview (PI) stage. Candidates must meet the minimum eligibility requirements specified by the institute to be considered for admission to the MBA batch of 2026–28.
The selection process at IIM Amritsar evaluates applicants on several factors, including:
In the Pre-PI stage, candidates are shortlisted primarily based on their CAT 2025 scores (both sectional and overall percentiles).
Applicants shortlisted from Stage 1 are invited for a personal interview, where further assessment determines the final selection for the MBA programme.
The minimum sectional and overall CAT percentiles required for shortlisting (category-wise) are as follows:
|
Category |
Quantitative Aptitude |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning |
Verbal & Reading Comprehension |
Overall Percentile |
|
General |
80 |
75 |
75 |
90 |
|
EWS |
80 |
75 |
75 |
90 |
|
NC-OBC |
65 |
60 |
60 |
80 |
|
SC |
55 |
50 |
50 |
55 |
|
ST |
35 |
35 |
35 |
40 |
|
PwD |
35 |
35 |
35 |
40 |
The admission process at IIM Kashipur takes place in three main stages. Candidates are assessed on multiple factors such as CAT 2025 scores, academic performance (Class 10th & 12th), graduation marks, professional qualifications, work experience, and performance in the Personal Interview (PI).
Stage 1: CAT 2025 Scores
All applicants must appear for the CAT 2025 exam. Based on the percentile cut-offs set by IIM Kashipur, candidates will be shortlisted for the next round.
Stage 2: Shortlisting for Personal Interview (PI)
Candidates who meet the required cut-off scores will be invited for the PI round. The shortlist is prepared using CAT performance along with other parameters such as academic records, work experience, and diversity factors.
Stage 3: Final Merit List
After the PI round, a final merit list is prepared. This list includes candidates who successfully clear the interview and achieve the required composite score. Admission offers are made to candidates based on this list.
|
Category |
QA |
DILR |
VRC |
Overall Percentile |
|
General |
75 |
75 |
75 |
95 |
|
EWS |
55 |
55 |
55 |
81 |
|
NC-OBC |
52 |
52 |
52 |
81 |
|
SC |
45 |
45 |
45 |
66 |
|
ST |
30 |
25 |
25 |
42 |
|
DAP |
30 |
25 |
25 |
42 |
Personal Interview (PI) Weight
Other Components Considered for Final Merit List
|
Component |
Weight |
|
CAT 2025 Score |
33% |
|
Class 10 Marks |
5% |
|
Class 12 Marks |
5% |
|
Graduation Score |
5% |
|
Professional Qualifications (CA/CS/ICWA) |
5% |
|
Work Experience |
12% |
|
Academic Diversity |
4% |
|
Gender/Diversity Factor (Female/Transgender) |
6% |
|
Total (excluding PI) |
75% |
The admission process at IIM Shillong is carried out in two major stages – (i) shortlisting candidates for the Personal Interview (PI) round, and (ii) preparing the final merit list for admission offers.
For the 2026-28 PGP batch, candidates must appear for CAT 2025, as it serves as the initial step for screening applicants. Apart from CAT performance, factors such as academic record (Class 10th & 12th marks), work experience, and gender diversity will also play a role in the overall evaluation.
|
Category |
VRC |
DILR |
QA |
|
DA |
50 |
50 |
50 |
|
SC |
50 |
50 |
50 |
|
ST |
60 |
60 |
60 |
|
EWS |
75 |
75 |
75 |
|
Others |
75 |
75 |
75 |
|
Component |
Weightage |
|
CAT 2025 Score |
40% |
|
Personal Interview (PI) |
40% |
|
Gender Diversity |
10% |
|
Application Rating Score* |
10% |
The eligibility and admission process for MBA programmes at IIM Mumbai has been officially released. To secure admission, applicants must hold a valid CAT 2025 score, which will serve as the primary shortlisting parameter.
Besides CAT scores, academic records (Class 10th and 12th), educational qualifications, and professional work experience will also play a role in the selection process.
The complete admission procedure at IIM Mumbai follows three major stages:
The minimum sectional as well as overall percentile requirements for different categories are:
|
Category |
VARC (Sec–I) |
DILR (Sec–II) |
QA (Sec–III) |
Overall Percentile |
|
General (OPEN) |
≥80 |
≥80 |
≥75 |
≥85 |
|
NC–OBC |
≥70 |
≥65 |
≥65 |
≥75 |
|
EWS |
≥70 |
≥65 |
≥65 |
≥75 |
|
SC |
≥65 |
≥60 |
≥60 |
≥70 |
|
ST |
≥55 |
≥55 |
≥55 |
≥65 |
|
PwD |
≥45 |
≥45 |
≥45 |
≥55 |
The final merit list for MBA admissions at IIM Mumbai is prepared on the basis of the following criteria:
|
Parameter |
Weightage (%) |
|
CAT 2025 Score |
55 |
|
Personal Interview (PI) |
20 |
|
Academic Record & Work Experience |
20 |
|
Gender Diversity |
5 |
|
Total |
100 |
The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bodh Gaya will announce its detailed admission process for the MBA programme. The selection procedure is primarily based on multiple factors such as the CAT 2025 score, academic background (Class 10 & 12 marks), work experience, and performance in the personal interview.
The admission process at IIM Bodh Gaya generally takes place in the following stages:
|
Category |
QA (%) |
DILR (%) |
VARC (%) |
Overall (%) |
|
General |
70 |
70 |
70 |
92 |
|
EWS |
40 |
40 |
40 |
70 |
|
NC-OBC |
45 |
45 |
45 |
74 |
|
SC |
35 |
35 |
35 |
54 |
|
ST |
32.5 |
25 |
25 |
40 |
|
DAP |
32.5 |
25 |
25 |
40 |
The final selection list is compiled after assigning weightages to different components:
|
Component |
Weightage |
|
CAT 2025 Score |
50% |
|
Personal Interview (PI) |
20% |
|
Candidate’s Profile* |
30% |
The IIM admission criteria 2026-28 ensure a fair and holistic selection process that considers more than just high CAT scores—factors like academic consistency, work experience, and interview performance play a vital role.
While IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Kozhikode remain the top IIMs in India, every IIM offers unique strengths for MBA aspirants.
As admissions kick off post-CAT 2025 results, candidates should prepare strategically for the WAT, GD, and PI rounds to maximize their chances of securing a seat in their dream IIM.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CAT exam, and why is it crucial for IIM admissions?

How are candidates shortlisted for WAT-PI rounds after the CAT exam?

What role does academic performance play in the IIM selection process?

Are there any diversity factors considered in the selection criteria?

What should I prepare for in the WAT and PI rounds?

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