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How to Get into IIMs in 2026 | 10/12/UG/WorkEx Weightage, CAT 2025 Interview Call Cut Off
IIM Admission and Selection Process 2026 includes taking the CAT 2025 exam, which is also the primary exam for getting into IIMs. CAT 2025 was conducted by IIM Kozhikode on November 30, 2025. Based on your CAT 2025 scores, candidates will then be shortlisted for further rounds, such as the Written Ability Test (WAT) and the Personal Interview (PI). For MBA admission 2026-28, the final selection for IIM admission will be based on the candidate's overall profile - CAT exam score, academic score, work experience, category and WAT and PI score.
LiveCAT 2025 Result LIVE: MBA entrance exam results on December 24? cut-offs, IIM admission requirementsDec 21, 2025 | 8:08 PM ISTRead More
To gain admission to IIM Ahmedabad, MBA aspirants usually need a CAT percentile of 99 or above. For IIM Bangalore and IIM Kozhikode, expected cut-offs typically range between 97 and 99, based on trends from previous years. Admission to India’s top business schools involves a multi-stage process that evaluates CAT scores alongside performance in personal interviews, written ability tests (WAT), group discussions, and candidates’ prior work experience.
CAT 2025 result on iimcat.ac.in. (Image: Official website)
This Story also Contains
- IIM Admission 2026 Latest Updates
- IIM 2026 Admission: Eligibility Criteria
- IIM Admission Criteria 2026-28
- IIM 2026 Admission & Selection Criteria
- IIM CAT Cutoff 2025 (Expected): Previous Year Cutoff, Fees & NIRF Ranking
- How to Get Admission in IIM After 12th in 2026?
- What After Clearing IIM Selection Process & CAT Cutoff?
As for the latest developments, IIM Ahmedabad has raised its shortlisting criteria, setting higher sectional and overall cutoffs. The CAT 2025 was conducted on November 30, 2025 and will be the gateway to all flagship MBA programs. To find out more about the IIM 2026 admission process, eligibility criteria and cutoffs, keep reading this article.
IIM Admission 2026 Latest Updates
Here is a consolidated overview of the IIM MBA admission 2026, for candidates aspiring to get admission to the MBA program at IIMs for the 2026-28.
Introduction of Joint Admission Process (JAP 2026): IIM Kashipur, IIM Raipur, IIM Ranchi and IIM Trichy will now run a joint MBA admission process for 2026-28 AY.
IIM Ahmedabad 2026 Shortlisting Criteria Increased: IIM Ahmedabad's admission criteria have raised the minimum CAT overall and sectional percentiles sharply for 2026-28 admissions.
Rising Competition & Higher Benchmarks: Overall, the bar has been raised for many top IIMs, particularly IIM A.
CAT 2025 registrations (last date) were extended to September 20, 2025.
IIM 2026 Admission: Eligibility Criteria
MBA aspirants must note that getting admission into IIMs for the 2026-28 batch will primarily be done through the CAT 2025 score. Although the eligibility criteria are largely similar for all IIMs, there are some institutes with some variations. Take a look at the detailed breakdown of the IIM eligibility criteria 2026.
Educational Qualification
IIM 2026 admission interested candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent qualification), which must be recognised by the Ministry of Education, GOI. One must ensure that they have a minimum aggregate of 50% or equivalent CGPA for General, EWS and NC-OBC categories. While candidates from the reserved category (SC, ST and PwD category) have a relaxation of 5%, making it 45% or equivalent CGPA.
Students enrolled in the final year can also apply for IIM 2026 admission, provided they submit a certificate from their college/university confirming they are in their final year. They must also complete their graduation requirements by June 2026.
Entrance Exam Requirement
The CAT 2025 entrance exam is the primary requirement for MBA admission 2026-28 in IIMs. All candidates must achieve an overall CAT and sectional cutoff.
Age Limit
Interestingly, there is no age limit for appearing in the CAT exam or applying to IIMs. Both fresh graduates and working professionals are eligible to apply.
Category-Wise Relaxation
As mentioned above, candidates from the reserved category get a relaxation of 5% in the minimum graduation marks, which means (45% is required instead of 50%). All candidates will need to go through individual IIM eligibility criteria, as there might be some variations.
IIM Admission Criteria 2026-28
Check out the following IIM admission criteria of top IIMs - IIM A, IIM B, IIM C, IIM L, IIM K and IIM Indore. Make sure you keep an eye on this page to find the admission criteria for the rest of the IIMs.
IIM Ahmedabad Admission Criteria 2026
Check out the IIM Ahmedabad admission criteria 2026-28 which we have provided in short and will help you with admission.
IIM Ahmedabad Admission Stages | Admission Criteria | Weight/Cutoffs |
Minimum Qualifying Cuts (for Shortlisting to AWT/PI) |
|
|
Shortlisting (Stage 1) | Composite score (CS) combining CAT + AR for AWT/PI call | CS = 0.65 × Normalised CAT score + 0.35 × Normalised AR score Shortlisting per category & academic discipline (AC / ACRC groups) Subject to upper caps on number of candidates per group |
Final Selection (Stage 2) | Final Composite Score (FCS) combining PI, AWT, CAT & AR | FCS = 0.50 × Normalised PI + 0.10 × Normalised AWT + 0.25 × Normalised CAT + 0.15 × AR Offers made category-wise as per reservation norms |
Eligibility Criteria |
|
IIM Bangalore Admission Criteria 2026
The following is the IIM Bangalore Admission Criteria 2026-28, written in short, which will help you with the admission process.
IIM Bangalore Admission Stages | Components & Weights | Cutoffs |
Pre-PI Shortlisting |
| To be eligible for shortlisting, candidates must cross the minimum CAT cutoffs (both overall and sectional) |
Final Selection (post PI/WAT) |
| The highest weightage will be given to the PI round in the final composite score. |
IIM Calcutta Admission Criteria 2026
The following table mentions the expected IIM Calcutta admission criteria for 2026, which will soon be released by the institute.
IIM Calcutta Admission Stages | Components & Weights | Cutoffs |
Shortlisting of candidates for PI based on CAT score | Composite score will be calculated based on
| Academic discipline groups (Science, Commerce, Arts) will be considered separately. |
Conduct of PI round | PI shortlisting parameters
Total - 85 Points | PI and WAT scores will have a significant influence |
Calculation of Composite Score for final selection | Components
Total - 100 points | Ensure you have balanced weightage |
Other | GMAT score will be accepted for foreign/international applicants | Will need proof of degree/final marksheet will be required before program starts |
IIM Lucknow Admission Criteria 2026
Below mentioned is the IIM Lucknow Admission Criteria 2026-28 in short, which will help you.
IIM Lucknow Admission Stages | Components | Weightage | Details |
Stage 1: Shortlisting |
Total: 80% |
|
General: 80-90 EWS/NC-OBC: 72-82 SC: 55-65 ST/PwD: 50-60 Based on |
Stage 2: Final Selection |
Total: 100% |
|
IIM Kozhikode Admission Criteria 2026
IIM Kozhikode Admission Stages | Components | Weightage | Details |
Stage 1: Shortlisting |
Total: 75% |
| Minimum overall and sectional percentile required (eg. 85 percentile for General category) |
Stage 2: Final Selection |
Total: 100% |
|
IIM Indore Admission Criteria 2026
IIM Indore Admission Stages 2026 | Components | Weightage | Conditions |
Stage 1: Shortlisting for PI/WAT |
|
| Candidates must meet overall and sectional cutoffs |
Stage 2: Final Selection |
|
| Contribute to final composite score |
IIM 2026 Admission & Selection Criteria
Every year, IIMs announce their admission and selection process, which helps candidates to know the shortlist, cut-off, selection criteria and several other parameters for shortlisting candidates. Take a look at the following IIM selection process for 2026, which includes all the stages for admission that the candidate will need to go through to get into an IIM.
Stage 1: CAT Exam (Nov 30, 2025): One of the most crucial exams for IIM 2026 admission. All candidates must meet both sectional and overall cutoffs to be eligible for the same. The exam assesses Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability, and Logical Reasoning.
Stage 2: IIM Shortlist 2026 Based on Profile Evaluation: Once the candidate has cleared the first stage, they will then be evaluated based on their academic records (Class 10 & 12), graduation marks, extracurricular activities and work experience.
Stage 3: WAT-GD-PI Round: All shortlisted candidates will be called in to participate in the Written Ability Test (WAT) to assess their writing skills and clarity of thought, and a Personal Interview (PI) to evaluate personality and communication skills.
Stage 4: Final Selection: Will be based on one’s composite score, which includes the CAT score, academic performance, work experience and WAT/PI scores.
Question: What is the CAT composite score?
Answer: A CAT composite score is a comprehensive score which is calculated by each IIM to shortlist candidates for MBA admission.
IIM CAT Cutoff 2025 (Expected): Previous Year Cutoff, Fees & NIRF Ranking
Check out the following table, which lists the expected CAT 2025 cutoff, previous year cutoff, admission fees and NIRF 2025 ranking.
IIMs in India | IIM CAT 2025 Cutoff (Expected) | IIM CAT 2024 Cutoff | IIM Admission Fees (Approx.) | NIRF MBA 2025 Ranking |
99+ | 93.7 | Rs. 25 Lakhs | 1 | |
99+ | 91.97 | Rs. 24.5 Lakhs | 2 | |
99+ | 92.92 | Rs. 25 Lakhs | 7 | |
97-98 | – | Rs. 21 Lakhs | 5 | |
97-98 | 98.14 | Rs. 22.5 Lakhs | 3 | |
96-97 | 92.92 | Rs. 22 Lakhs | 8 | |
90-92 | – | Rs. 17 Lakhs | 64 | |
– | 94 | — | 25 | |
90-92 | – | Rs. 16 Lakhs | 34 | |
— | – | — | — | |
IIM Raipur | 92-94 | — | Rs. 16 Lakhs | 15 |
IIM Ranchi | 92-94 | – | Rs. 16 Lakhs | 18 |
90-91 | 82.03 | — | 29 | |
92-94 | — | Rs. 21 Lakhs | 21 | |
90-91 | – | Rs. 15 Lakhs | 31 | |
92-94 | – | Rs. 17 Lakhs | 38 | |
89-90 | – | Rs. 15 Lakhs | 51 | |
94-95 | 96 | Rs. 18 Lakhs | 19 | |
IIM Mumbai (formerly NITIE) | 95 | 85 | Rs. 14 Lakhs | 6 |
How to Get Admission in IIM After 12th in 2026?
If you wish to get admission in IIM after completing your 12th, then we have got you. Read the following ways through which you will get admission.
How to Get Admission in IIM After 12th in 2026?
To get admission into an IIM right after completing your 12th in 2026, you will have to qualify for the IPMAT (Integrated Program in Management) entrance exam. Once you clear it, you will have to undergo a Written Ability Test (WAT) and a Personal Interview (PI).
All those candidates who clear these rounds will be successfully admitted to IIMs’ IPM programs, which is a five-year integrated program which leads to a management degree.
How to Get Admission in IIM After Graduation in 2026?
If you have completed your graduation and aspire to study MBA in an IIM, then you will need to take the Common Admission Test (CAT). Once the CAT results are released, IIMs will shortlist all candidates based on their CAT score, academic profile and several other factors.
All shortlisted candidates will then have to participate in further rounds such as the Written Ability Test (WAT) and a Personal Interview (PI). The final selection will be based on the composite score that considers the CAT score, academic performance, WAT performance and PI performance.
What After Clearing IIM Selection Process & CAT Cutoff?
Cracking the CAT cutoff and clearing the IIM selection process (WAT/GD/PI) is just the beginning. Once the candidate reaches the final merit list, there are a few important steps which they will need to take before they officially become an IIM student.
Reviewing Admission Offers
Accepting the Offer & Paying Admission Fee
Withdrawal Policy
Document Verification
Pre-Joining Prep
Commencement of the Academic Session
CAT 2025 Percentile Predictor
Use the CAT Percentile Predictor to estimate your score, gauge your performance, and know your chances of getting shortlisted by IIMs.
Use NowFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How to get admission in IIM after 12?
A:
All candidates with a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks or equivalent CGPA. Applicants who come under reserved categories such as SC, ST, PwD should have a minimum of 45%
Q: What is the entrance exam for IIM 2026 admission?
A:
The main entrance exam for IIMs in 2026 is the CAT 2025 (Common Admission Test), which was held on November 30, 2025. CAT 2025 registrations began on August 1, 2025.
Q: Can I get into IIM without CAT?
A:
Yes, it is possible but not with all IIMs. There are certain programs, such as Executive Post Graduate Programs (EPGP) at IIMs like Bangalore, that may not require CAT scores and may accept GMAT or GRE.
Q: How many attempts are there in CAT?
A:
There is no set limit to the number of attempts on the CAT (Common Admission Test) exam. Candidates can appear for the exam as many times as they wish, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
Q: Does a CAT require 12th marks?
A:
Not necessarily; your 12th marks are not directly required for the CAT exam. However, they are considered by IIMs and for other MBA programmes.
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Questions related to CAT
On Question asked by student community
Have a question related to CAT ?
Hello,
For a raw score of 56 in CAT 2025 Slot 3, your expected overall percentile is likely to be in the range of the 90th-95th percentile. The exact percentile can vary slightly on the final normalization process and the process and performance of all test-takers. In this article you'll find more about the CAT result.
I hope it will clear your query!!
Hello,
With a projected CAT percentile of 87% but not clearing sectional cutoffs, your chances at top IIMs are limited because they require both overall percentile and sectional minimums. However, you still have a good shot at other reputed management institutes and non-IIM B-schools. Consider colleges like NMIMS, SPJIMR, IMT, TAPMI, Great Lakes, and other well-ranked private or state-level B-schools that accept CAT scores and weigh your profile holistically. Your academic record, BSc in Animation with 80%, and 5 years of work experience at Ubisoft India are strong points and may help in institutes that value work experience in their selection process. Also, explore institutes that accept XAT, MAT, or CMAT, where your profile can be competitive.
Hope this helps you.
Good Morning,
NIT Rourkela CAT cutoff range is between 70-85 percentiles for the general category. 70 is the minimum percentile needed to apply, and 85 is the highest percentile. However, the maximum percentile depends on the particular year competition. It can be changed.
Thank You.
If you filled the UGC NET form under EWS but you don’t have a valid EWS certificate, then forget using the EWS category. They won’t accept it. You’ll automatically be treated as General category during document verification.
And no, this won’t make your form “invalid” or “illegal.” It just means you won’t get the EWS benefit.
So yes — you can still go for General category posts and Professor recruitment. Just don’t try to submit a fake/invalid certificate; that will get you disqualified.
Hello,
If your CAT admit card shows your surname first followed by your first name as entered in the form, it is correct. You do not need to worry about this format as long as it matches the details you provided. Ensure all other information on the admit card is accurate and carry it to the exam along with the required identification documents.
Hope this helps you.
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