IIM Composite Score: How It’s Calculated for MBA Admissions (CAT 2025)

IIM Composite Score: How It’s Calculated for MBA Admissions (CAT 2025)

Team Careers360Updated on 20 Nov 2025, 03:05 PM IST

The IIMs across the country have their selection criteria for candidates seeking admission to their MBA/PGDM/MMS courses through the CAT (Common Admission Test) examination. The selection criteria consist of several benchmark parameters in which a candidate is evaluated. The selection parameters are CAT score, past academic performance, work experience, applicant profile, educational and cultural background, etc. All these parameters are considered for IIM admission in the form of a composite score. Read this complete article to learn how to calculate composite scores for IIM. IIM Calcutta will announce the CAT 2025 result in last week of Decemeber in online mode.

LiveIIM CAT 2025 Result (OUT) LIVE: MBA admission criteria for IIMs; CAT score weightage, cut-offsDec 26, 2025 | 11:01 PM IST

IIM Kozhikode will retain its three-stage admission process for the MBA (PGP) 2026–28 batch, with CAT 2025 scores carrying a final weightage of 35 percent. The minimum overall CAT cut-off for general category candidates remains at 85 percentile, with sectional qualifying scores required in VARC, DILR, and QA. Shortlisting of candidates will be based on CAT performance, academic record, and personal interview rounds.

Read More

This Story also Contains

  1. What is the Composite Score for IIM?
  2. Key Components of Composite Scores
  3. How Composite Score for IIM is Calculated?
  4. How to Calculate Composite Score Required for IIM Callback
  5. Tips to Excel at Composite Scoring
IIM Composite Score: How It’s Calculated for MBA Admissions (CAT 2025)
How to Calculate Composite Score for IIM

What is the Composite Score for IIM?

To calculate the composite score for IIM, it is important to have a brief understanding of what a composite score for IIM is. So, the composite score is the final score that is obtained by an applicant based on the performance of their application and performance. The calculation of the composite score is done according to the weightage held by different components for the selection process. The weightage of these components may differ from one IIM to another.

Key Components of Composite Scores

Take a look at the following list of components used for calculating the composite score for IIM is given below.

  • CAT Score: The CAT score is the CAT exam pass percentage a candidate must obtain to become eligible to apply to the IIM. The CAT pass percentage is the percentile at which an IIM accepts applications from candidates.
  • Academic Performance: The academic performance includes the marks of the Bachelor’s, along with 10th and 12th standard marks. Different IIMs give different weightage to these scores at different stages of the selection process. The weightage varies from 5% to 15%.
  • Work Experience: Work experience is not made mandatory, but is given a weightage. Having good work experience acts as an added advantage.
  • Diversity Factor: Over the past few years, diversity has become an important factor that is considered by IIMs. It is done to make the batches more diverse in terms of gender and culture.
  • Personal Interview and Written Ability Test: PI and WAT are the most significant parameters of IIM selection. They often carry the most weight in the IIM selection process.
  • Normalisation: The CAT pass marks for IIM are based on the CAT normalised scores of the candidates.
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How Composite Score for IIM is Calculated?

The process of calculating the composite score for IIM is simple. However, the exact weightage and formula would differ from IIM to IIM. The method to calculate composite scores for IIM is mentioned below.

  1. The marks for different components held by a candidate are taken.
  2. The marks are then scaled down according to the weightage of a particular component.
  3. The scaled-down marks added up for the different constituents of an application.
  4. The marks thus obtained are multiplied by the multiplying factor.
  5. The total marks obtained after is the application score of the candidate based on which the candidates are finally shortlisted.
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How to Calculate Composite Score Required for IIM Callback

Different IIMs shortlist candidates based on a required composite score. The composite score required for IIM callback for different category candidates as per the previous year's trends is given below.

IIM

Composite score (2021-2023)

Composite Score (2020-2022)

IIM Ahmedabad

Gen- 0.63

EWS- 0.58

NC OBC- 0.53

SC- 0.45

ST- 0.37

PwD- 0.22

Gen- 0.64

EWS- 0.57

NC OBC- 0.53

SC- 0.43

ST- 0.37

PwD- 0.36

IIM Bangalore

Gen- 56.55

EWS- 49.30

NC OBC- 46.48

SC- 39.82

ST- 34.28

PwD- 43.51

Gen- 60.04

EWS- 51.16

NC OBC- 48.15

SC- 40.98

ST- 30.49

PwD- 28.51

IIM Calcutta

Gen- 47.74

EWS- 46.28

NC OBC- 36.54

SC- 34.48

ST- 24.07

Gen- 50.49

EWS- 48.97

NC OBC- 36.61

SC- 33.85

ST- 21.58

IIM Lucknow

Gen- 54.54

EWS- 42.67

NC OBC- 38.97

SC- 32.95

ST- 14.65

Gen- 56.48

EWS- 46.25

NC OBC- 43.17

SC- 38.23

ST- 16.69

IIM Indore

Gen- 46.16

EWS- 41.98

NC OBC- 36.23

SC- 30.90

ST- 15.71

PwD- 18.97

Gen- 46.41

EWS- 41.78

NC OBC- 37.67

SC- 33.67

ST- 26.60

PwD- 24.85

IIM Kozhikode

Gen- 47.94

EWS- 36.46

NC OBC- 35.25

SC- 25

ST- 10.31

PwD- 13.03

Gen- 48.83

EWS- 40.48

NC OBC- 35.72

SC- 29.98

ST- 21.42

PwD- 21.1

IIM Trichy

Gen- 42.85

EWS- 37.04

NC OBC- 35.58

SC- 29.42

ST- 23.83

PwD- 19.96

Gen- 48.46

EWS- 42.65

NC OBC- 42.48

SC- 34.53

ST- 27.33

PwD- 24.49

IIM Amritsar

Gen- 47.41

EWS- 50.13

NC OBC- 47.67

SC- 39.08

ST- 33.17

Gen- 46.25

EWS- 50.88

NC OBC- 48.29

SC- 40.08

ST- 33.55

IIM Bodh Gaya

Gen- 45.07

EWS- 37.05

NC OBC- 39.43

SC- 28.16

Gen- 46.25

EWS- 38.21

NC OBC- 40.70

SC- 27.58

IIM Jammu

Gen- 68.30

EWS- 53.93

NC OBC- 56.54

SC- 47.25

ST- 27.45

Gen- 68.28

EWS- 54.11

NC OBC- 55.27

SC- 46.39

ST- 28.59

IIM Kashipur

Gen- 54.22

EWS- 48.28

NC OBC- 50.19

SC- 43.08

ST- 36.04

Gen- 55.69

EWS- 48.55

NC OBC- 50.27

SC- 43.15

ST- 36.44

IIM Nagpur

Gen- 6.35

EWS- 4.59

NC OBC- 4.56

SC- 3.11

ST- 1.35

Gen- 6.25

EWS- 4.25

NC OBC- 4.66

SC- 3.85

ST- 1.27

IIM Raipur

Gen- 68.69

EWS- 62.50

NC OBC- 64.66

SC- 53.61

ST- 45.62

Gen- 68.82

EWS- 62.58

NC OBC- 64.88

SC- 52.18

ST- 45.87

IIM Rohtak

Gen- 78.93

EWS- 68.68

NC OBC- 76.96

SC- 68.75

ST- 58.4

Gen- 79.85

EWS- 69.26

NC OBC- 77.15

SC- 69.05

ST- 57.84

IIM Sambalpur

Gen- 43.43

EWS- 33.76

NC OBC- 44.76

SC- 30.08

ST- 18.99

Gen- 43.85

EWS- 33.74

NC OBC- 45.08

SC- 29.84

ST- 19.04

IIM Sirmaur

Gen- 35.79

EWS- 28.62

NC OBC- 32.83

SC- 24.99

ST- 18.95

Gen- 36.65

EWS- 29.41

NC OBC- 33.08

SC- 25.54

ST- 18.74

IIM Udaipur

Gen- 53.36

EWS- 44.53

NC OBC- 44.78

SC- 35.04

ST- 35.02

Gen- 54.08

EWS- 44.25

NC OBC- 45.27

SC- 35.08

ST- 36.01

IIM Visakhapatnam

Gen- 77.72

EWS- 50.71

NC OBC- 71.12

SC- 58.57

ST- 51.23

Gen- 77.87

EWS- 51.14

NC OBC- 71.25

SC- 59.25

ST- 51.84


Tips to Excel at Composite Scoring

To excel at CAT composite scoring, the candidate can go through the following points.

  • Excel in CAT: Candidates must aim for high sectional and overall percentiles in the CAT exam, which will help them secure their foundation for their composite score. Usually, CAT results make up a huge chunk of the composite score components.
  • Maintain Academic Consistency: Make sure you have a good performance across 10th, 12th and graduation, as these are critical components of the composite score.
  • Gain Relevant Work Experience: If possible, have a good amount of work experience which will align with your career goals and further help in professional growth.
  • Diversify your Portfolio: Next, you will need to engage in extracurricular activities, leadership goals and other pursuits which will add value to your profile.
  • Prepare for WAT-PI: Lastly, a candidate must have a strong performance in the Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI), which will enhance the composite score and overall changes of conversions for admission.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is 7.5 CGPA good for IIM?
A:

A 7.5 CGPA is generally considered satisfactory for IIM admissions, but is not exceptionally high and won't guarantee admission to any of the top IIMs.

Q: Is 22 a good composite score in CAT?
A:

A composite score of 22 in the CAT exam is generally not considered good. It mostly depends on the specific scoring system and the colleges that a candidate targets. 

Q: Can I get IIM at 97 percentile?
A:

A general candidate will require above 99% to land a call for admission to IIM. There are three CAP rounds until the final seleection of the candidates, Such calls require the candidates to have a minimum of 95%.

Q: How to calculate IIM a composite score?
A:

The IIM calculates scores based on the adjustment of the actual scores according to the weightage of each constituent component. The components used to calculate the composite score remain the same for every IIM but the weightage might vary from one IIM to another.

Q: How to calculate the composite score for IIM Jammu?
A:

For IIM Jammu the composite score can be calculated by adding the scores listed below.

  • 0.4* CAT percentile
  • PI weightage: 30 marks
  • Overall profile weightage: 30 marks
Q: What is a good composite score in CAT?
A:

A good composite score in CAT for getting into IIMs is around the 97-99 percentile mark. For other top-rated B schools, a good composite score in CAT will be around the 90-95 percentile.

Q: How is the composite score calculated in IIMs for final selection?
A:

For final selection in IIMs a final composite score is calculated. The parameters along with the formula are calculated as: FCS= 0.5 (Normalized PI Score) +0.1 (Normalized WAT score) +0.4 (Composite score).

Q: How do I check my composite score?
A:

To calculate a composite score for IIM admissions, you will need to consider factors such as CAT score, academic record, work experience (if any) and diversity (gender and academic background).

Q: Is 22 a good composite score in CAT?
A:

A composite score of 22 in the CAT exam is generally not considered good. It mostly depends on the specific scoring system and the colleges that a candidate targets. 

Q: How do I check my composite score?
A:

To calculate a composite score for IIM admissions, you will need to consider factors such as CAT score, academic record, work experience (if any) and diversity (gender and academic background).

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Questions related to CAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CAT ?

HELLO,

With an overall 98.54 percentile ( QA/DILR 97.55, VARC 94.89) and strong academics 9/9/0, you have a good profile. As a B.Tech candidate you can expect calls from :-

  • IIM Shillong
  • IIM Udaipur
  • IIM Trichy
  • IIM Ranchi
  • IIM Raipur
  • IIM Kashipur
  • IIM Nagpur
  • IIM Indore is Boderline

Hope this will help you !

Hello aspirant,

Your kid has a good profile even in the general category with a BTech from IIT Delhi, three years of excellent job experience in a leading industry, and a 96 percentile in the CAT. He has a strong chance at reputable MBA schools like IIM Shillong, IIM Udaipur, IIM Trichy, IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, and others, depending on interview performance and profile match, even though the top IIMs often require higher percentiles.

Thank you

Hope it helps you

With an overall CAT percentile of 82.71 in CAT 2025 as a general category candidate, along with section-wise percentiles of 80.56 in VARC, 75.81 in DILR and 84.56 in QA, your chances at top IIMs are limited, as most older IIMs usually shortlist general category candidates at much higher percentiles. However, this percentile still keeps you eligible for admission calls from several Tier-2 and Tier-3 MBA colleges across India, especially those that consider overall performance, academic background and work experience along with CAT scores. You can expect calls from institutes such as IMT Nagpur, IMI Bhubaneswar, FORE School of Management (some programs), TAPMI Manipal (borderline), Great Lakes Institute of Management (Chennai or Gurgaon for PGPM/PGDM variants), K J Somaiya (depending on cut-offs), GIM Goa (through CAT or other exams), and state-level universities that accept CAT scores. Additionally, many good private universities and autonomous B-schools consider candidates in the 80–85 percentile range and conduct their own GD-PI rounds. To improve your chances, you should apply widely, prepare well for interviews, and highlight your academics, work experience, certifications and extracurricular achievements, as final selection is not based on CAT score alone.

All the best.

With an overall CAT 2025 percentile of 82.71, you are unlikely to get calls from the IIMs (including new or baby IIMs), as most of them generally shortlist candidates at 90+ percentile, even after considering category and profile factors. However, this percentile is still quite decent and opens doors to many good Tier-2 and Tier-3 MBA colleges in India that offer solid academics, reasonable placements, and good industry exposure.

At around 80–85 percentile, you have a strong chance of getting shortlisted by institutes such as IMI Bhubaneswar, IMT Nagpur, IMT Hyderabad, XIME Bangalore/Chennai, TAPMI Manipal (borderline, profile-dependent), IFMR GSB Krea University, FORE School of Management (certain programs), GIM Goa (specialised programs), LIBA Chennai (borderline), K J Somaiya Institute of Management (profile-based), Great Lakes Chennai/Gurgaon (PGDM – profile matters a lot), and Welingkar Mumbai (especially through profile + GDPI). Many reputed state universities and private institutes like PUMBA Pune, Delhi School of Management (DTU – if accepting CAT that year), BIMTECH (some programs), NDIM Delhi, ITM Navi Mumbai, and Jaipuria Institute of Management campuses are also realistic options.

Your sectional percentiles (VARC 80.56, DILR 75.81, QA 84.56) are fairly balanced, which works in your favor, as several colleges apply sectional cut-offs around 60–70 percentile. Final selection will depend not only on CAT score but also on academic background, graduation marks, work experience, diversity factors, and GD-PI performance. If you have work experience, it significantly improves your chances at colleges like Great Lakes, FORE, IFMR, and Welingkar.

In summary, while top IIMs are not achievable at 82.71 percentile, you can still secure admission into reputed mid-tier MBA colleges that provide good ROI and career growth if you perform well in the GD-PI process. It is advisable to apply broadly, focus on profile-based institutes, and prepare seriously for interviews to convert the best possible calls.

With 84.91 percentile in CAT (General, male, no work experience), top colleges like IIMs, IITs, FMS, MDI, etc. are not possible. You may get calls from private institutes such as IMT Nagpur/Hyderabad, IMI Bhubaneswar, XIME, SDMIMD, Welingkar (some programs) and similar colleges. Universities like Amity or LPU are also options.

It’s better to choose carefully, as placements and ROI may be average. Reattempting CAT or trying XAT/CMAT could improve options.