IIM Admission 2026 Latest Updates & Major Changes You Must Take Note Of
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  • IIM Admission 2026 Latest Updates & Major Changes You Must Take Note Of

IIM Admission 2026 Latest Updates & Major Changes You Must Take Note Of

#MBA
Suvam MaitiUpdated on 24 Sep 2025, 10:19 AM IST

IIM 2026 Admission Latest Updates & Changes: There have been several crucial changes in IIM admission 2026. IIM Ahmedabad, which has recently published its IIM admission criteria, increased the IIM Ahmedabad cutoff by 15%. For the general candidates, the minimum IIM Ahmedabad CAT cutoff 2025 is 95. However, the IIM Lucknow CAT 2025 cutoff remained at 90. Apart from these two, major IIM admission 2026 developments include the announcement of IIM JAP 2026 lead by IIM Raipur and IIM Udaipur quitting CAP 2026. Explore the article to learn more about the major changes in IIM admission 2026.

This Story also Contains

  1. IIM Admission 2026: Major Changes & Updates So Far
  2. Changes in IIM Admission 2026: IIM Ahmedabad Cutoff 2026 Increased 15 %
  3. IIM Ahmedabad Selection Criteria 2026
  4. IIM Lucknow Admission Criteria 2026 Released: Cutoff remains the same
  5. IIM Lucknow Selection Criteria 2026
  6. IIM Admission 2026 Latest Update: JAP 2026 Announced; IIM Raipur to Coordinate Admission
  7. Changes in IIM 2026 Admission: IIMs are opting out of CAP 2026
  8. IIM Admission 2026 Latest Update: IIM Udaipur Opts Out of IIM CAP 2026
  9. IIM Guwahati became the 22nd IIM: IIM Admission to start in 2026?
  10. IIM Samabalpur NIRF Ranking 2025: Highest Gainer Among IIMs
  11. IIM Sambalpur NIRF Ranking over the Years
IIM Admission 2026 Latest Updates & Major Changes You Must Take Note Of
IIM Admission 2026 Latest Updates & Major Changes You Must Take Note Of

IIM Admission 2026: Major Changes & Updates So Far

  1. IIM Ahmedabad Cutoff 2026 Increased

  2. IIM Lucknow Cutoff 2026 remained the same

  3. IIM JAP 2026 announced

  4. IIMs opting out of CAP

  5. IIM Udaipur opt for Individual Selection

  6. IIM Guwahati Sets Up

  7. IIM Sambalpur gains the most in the NIRF Ranking 2025 among IIMs

Changes in IIM Admission 2026: IIM Ahmedabad Cutoff 2026 Increased 15 %

IIM Ahmedabad remains at the top preference of the candidates in the IIM admission, being the top B-School in India. As per the IIM Ahmedabad admission criteria 2026, released last month, the IIM Ahmedabad CAT cutoff 2025 was increased 15% compared to the last year. IIM Ahmedabad Cutoff 2026 for General and EWS candidates was increased to 95 percentile from 80 percentile. While IIM Ahmedabad CAT cutoff 2025 for SC increased to 85, IIM Ahmedabad cutoff for ST moved up to 75, and OBC (NC) candidates now have to score 90 percentile in CAT 2025 to match the IIM Ahmedabad Cutoff 2026 as per IIM Ahmedabad selection criteria 2026. Apart from the increase in the overall IIM Ahmedabad CAT Cutoff 2025, the sectional Cutoffs for IIM Ahmedabad were also increased in this IIM Admission 2026 session.

In the table below, look at the IIM Ahmedabad CAT Cutoff year-wise comparison.

IIM Ahmedabad CAT Cutoff: 2025 vs 2024

IIM Ahmedabad Admission 2026

General /EWS

NC-OBC

SC

ST

PWD

IIM Ahmedabad CAT 2025 Cutoff (percentile)

Overall: 95

VARC: 85
DILR: 85
QA: 75

Overall: 90

VARC: 80
DILR: 80
QA: 70

Overall: 85

VARC: 75
DILR: 75
QA: 65

Overall: 75

VARC: 65
DILR: 65
QA: 55

Overall: 85-65

VARC: 75-55
DILR: 75-55
QA: 75 -55

IIM Ahmedabad CAT 2024 Cutoff (percentile)

Overall: 80

VARC: 70
DILR: 70
QA: 70

Overall: 75

VARC: 65
DILR: 65
QA: 65

Overall: 70

VARC: 60
DILR: 60
QA: 60

Overall: 60

VARC: 50
DILR: 50
QA: 50

Overall: 70-60

VARC: 50-60
DILR: 50-60
QA: 50-60

IIM Ahmedabad Selection Criteria 2026

Recently, IIM Ahmedabad has released the IIM Ahmedabad selection criteria 2026. IIM Ahmedabad admission is based on 3 rounds: a) Ahmedabad Pre-PI selection b) IIM Ahmedabad PI-WAT rounds c) IIM Ahmedabad Final Merit List 2026

IIM Ahmedabad PI Shortlisting criteria 2026 is -

IIM Ahmedabad PI Shortlisting 2026IIM Ahmedabad Selection Weightage 2026
IIM Ahmedabad CAT Cutoff 202565%
IIM Ahmedabad AS 202535%
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IIM Ahmedabad Final Merit List criteria 2026 is -

IIM Ahmedabad Final Merit List 2026IIM Ahmedabad Selection Weightage 2026
IIM Ahmedabad PI 2025 score50%
IIM Ahmedabad 2025 AWT score10%
IIM Ahmedabad CAT Score 202525%
IIM Ahmedabad Application Rating Score 202515%
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IIM Lucknow Admission Criteria 2026 Released: Cutoff remains the same

In another IIM 2026 admission latest update, IIM Lucknow has released the 2026-28 batch admission criteria. Though IIM Ahmedabad increased the IIM Ahmedabad CAT Cutoff 2025, IIM Lucknow Cutoff 2026 remained the same from last year. According to the IIM Lucknow admission criteria 2026, IIM Lucknow CAT cutoff 2025 for the general candidates is 90 percentile, while IIM Lucknow Cutoff 2026 for SC/ST remained at 60 percentile for IIM Admission 2026 session

In the table below, look at the IIM Lucknow CAT Cutoff year-wise comparison.

IIM Lucknow CAT Cutoff: 2025 vs 2024

IIM Lucknow Admission 2026

General

NC-OBC

EWS

SC

ST

PWD

IIM Lucknow CAT 2025 Cutoff (percentile)

90


VARC: 85
DILR: 85

QA: 85

82


VARC: 77
DILR: 77

QA: 77

82


VARC: 77
DILR: 77

QA: 77

65


VARC: 55
DILR : 55

QA: 55

60


VARC: 50
DILR : 50

QA: 50


60


VARC: 50
DILR : 50

QA: 50


IIM Lucknow CAT 2024 Cutoff (percentile)

90


VARC: 85
DILR: 85

QA: 85

82


VARC: 77
DILR: 77

QA: 77

82


VARC: 77
DILR: 77

QA: 77

65


VARC: 55
DILR : 55

QA: 55

60


VARC: 50
DILR : 50

QA: 50


60


VARC: 50
DILR : 50

QA: 50


IIM Lucknow Selection Criteria 2026

IIM Lucknow has released the IIM Lucknow selection criteria 2026, and as mentioned earlier IIM Lucknow cutoff 2026 remained the same. IIM Lucknow admission is based on 3 rounds: a) IIM Lucknow Pre-PI selection b) IIM Lucknow PI-WAT rounds c) IIM Lucknow Final Merit List 2026

IIM Lucknow PI Shortlisting criteria 2026 is -

IIM Lucknow PI Shortlisting 2026IIM Ahmedabad Selection Weightage 2026
IIM Lucknow Scaled CAT Score 202560%
IIM Lucknow HSC Marks10%
IIM Lucknow Graduation Marks10%
IIM Lucknow Work experience10%
IIM Lucknow Diversity: Academic Discipline5%
IIM Lucknow Diversity: Gender Diversity
5%
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IIM Lucknow Final Merit List criteria 2026 is -

IIM Lucknow Final Merit List 2026IIM Ahmedabad Selection Weightage 2026
IIM Lucknow CAT 2025 Score30%
IIM Lucknow academic performance
(HSC+ Graduation)
5+5 = 10 %
IIM Lucknow Diversity Factor5 %
IIM Lucknow Work Experience5 %
IIM Lucknow PI 2025 score40%
IIM Lucknow 2025 WAT score10%

IIM Admission 2026 Latest Update: JAP 2026 Announced; IIM Raipur to Coordinate Admission

IIM Raipur, which left IIM CAP 2025 on the pretext of better control over the IIM Raipur admission, announced the formation of IIM JAP 2026 in the upcoming IIM admission 2026. Along with another three IIMs - IIM Kashipur, IIM Ranchi and IIM Tiruchirapalli, IIM Raipur will initiate its own separate Joint Admission Process 2026 (JAP 2026). According to the JAP 2026 notification, JAP application process will begin after the CAT 2025. With the formation of JAP 2026, IIM Admission 2026 will witness 4 IIM selection processes in 2026.

JAP 2026 Announced: Key Highlights

  • What is JAP 2026: Joint Admission Process 2026 (JAP 2026)

  • No. of IIMs Participating in JAP 2026: IIM Raipur, IIM Kashipur, IIM Ranchi, IIM Tiruchirapalli.

  • JAP 2026 Co-ordinator: IIM Raipur.

  • JAP 2026 Accepted Score: CAT 2025.

  • JAP 2026 Dates: To be announced later.

  • JAP 2026 Application Date: To be announced later.

  • IIM JAP 2026 Cutoff: To be released later.

  • Goal of JAP 2026: Single Admission Process, Meeting IIM Standard, Transparent, Aspirant-Focused Admission

Learn More: What is the difference between CAP, JAP and SAP?
Recent Development in MBA Admissions 2026

Changes in IIM 2026 Admission: IIMs are opting out of CAP 2026

IIM CAP, which provided a single window common admission test to the new and baby IIMs, looks like gradually losing its importance in the IIM selection process 2026. On the one hand, IIM CAP 2026 made life easier through a single admission process for IIM aspirants; on the other hand, those IIMs participating in IIM CAP 2026 made the IIM Admission process less expensive and less time-consuming.

However, in the last two years, more and more IIMs have left IIM CAP, citing several reasons ranging from better control over the IIM admission process to matching the standard of the students in IIM Admission.

  • IIM CAP 2026: IIM Udaipur opted out of IIM CAP 2026 for the individual IIM Admission

  • IIM Admission 2026: JAP 2026 announced, IIM Raipur to coordinate, IIM Trichy, IIM Kashipur, and IIM Ranchi will join.

  • IIM CAP 2025: 8 IIMs participated; IIM Bodhgaya coordinated.

  • IIM CAP 2025: IIM Raipur opted out of IIM CAP 2025.

  • IIM CAP 2025: IIM Sambalpur Opted out of IIM CAP 2025.

  • IIM CAP 2024: 10 IIMs Participated; IIM Kashipur coordinated

IIM Admission 2026 Latest Update: IIM Udaipur Opts Out of IIM CAP 2026

IIM Udaipur, which has been a part of IIM CAP for the last couple of years, have decided to opt out of the IIM CAP 2026. As the IIM Admission 2026 session is about to get started, management aspirants predict that the individual IIM Udaipur selection would increase the IIM Udaipur CAT Cutoff 2025.

IIM Udaipur announced its separate IIM selection 2026 because of the following reasons

  1. As IIM Udaipur is gradually moving towards a globally recognised management school, the independent IIM Udaipur selection process would be a huge boost towards that global outlook.

  2. Apart from that, the independent IIM admission will also cater for the IIM Udaipur selection criteria based on the distinct strengths and values of IIM Udaipur, keeping in mind the academic priorities and aspirations.

IIM Udaipur CAT Cutoff: 2025 vs 2024

IIM Udaipur Admission 2026

General

NC-OBC

EWS

SC

ST

PWD

IIM Udaipur CAT 2025 Cutoff (expected)

95 +


VARC: 75
DILR: 75

QA: 75

81 +


VARC: 77
DILR: 77

QA: 77

81 +


VARC: 77
DILR: 77

QA: 77

66 +


VARC: 55
DILR : 55

QA: 55

42 +


VARC: 50
DILR : 50

QA: 50


42 +


VARC: 50
DILR : 50

QA: 50


IIM Udaipur CAT 2024 Cutoff (part of CAP 2025)

95


VARC: 75
DILR: 75

QA: 75

81


VARC: 77
DILR: 77

QA: 77

81


VARC: 77
DILR: 77

QA: 77

66


VARC: 55
DILR : 55

QA: 55

42


VARC: 50
DILR : 50

QA: 50


42


VARC: 50
DILR : 50

QA: 50


IIM Guwahati became the 22nd IIM: IIM Admission to start in 2026?

IIM Guwahati became the 22nd IIM after the clearance from the Indian parliament on August 20, 2025. With Rs 555 Cr. funding, IIM Guwahati is not only the 2nd IIM from the North East region of India after IIM Shillong, but at the same time became an institute of national importance. On the very same day, the Union Education Minister also pointed out that IIM Guwahati will start functioning from the current IIM Admission 2026 session, including appointing IIM Guwahati professors as well as conducting IIM Guwahati MBA admissions. However, there has been no official communication about the IIM Guwahati admission process 2026.

  • 22nd IIM : IIM Guwahati is 1st IIM from Assam , 2nd from North East after IIM Shillong , 22nd IIM of India.

  • Exams Accepted: CAT 2025

  • IIM Guwahati Admission Date 2026: Yet to be announced.

  • IIM Guwahati Application Date 2026: Yet to be announced.

  • IIM Guwahati Cutoff 2026: Yet to be published.

IIM Samabalpur NIRF Ranking 2025: Highest Gainer Among IIMs

IIM Sambalpur, which opted for the individual IIM admission last year, has been ranked 34 in the NIRF Ranking 2025, in the management domain, and was the highest gainer among the IIMs this year. Though IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore and IIM Kozhikode gained the first three spots among the top management colleges in India, it was a giant leap for IIM Sambalpur that gained the spotlight. However, rather than being a surprise improvement of the IIM Sambalpur inthe NIRF Ranking 2025 in the last couple of years. From the NIRF ranking 2022, where Sambalpur was ranked 66, it has moved gradually upwards in the next three years to reach 34 in the NIRF Ranking 2025.

IIM Sambalpur NIRF Ranking over the Years

Years

NIRF Rank

TLR

RPC

GO

OI

Perception

Score

NIRF 2025

34
(Up by 16 ranks)

80.96

20.77

84.61

80.34

31.31

58.59

NIRF 2024

50
(Up by 8 ranks)

64.06

18.02

81.32

75.56

30.31

51.47

NIRF 2023

58

(Up by 8 ranks)

70.41

14.09

78.38

74.76

23.95

50.9

NIRF 2022

66

56.84

13.00

84.26

70.52

22.58

47.11


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Which is the top-most non-IIM MBA college in the NIRF Ranking 2025?
A:

IIT Delhi is the top-most non-IIM MBA college in the NIRF Ranking 2025. 

Q: Which is the top-most MBA college in the NIRF Ranking 2025?
A:

IIM Ahmedabad is the top-most MBA college in the NIRF Ranking 2025. 

Q: The JAP 2026 will start?
A:

JAP 2026 will start after the publication of the CAT 2025 results. 

Q: What is JAP 2026?
A:

JAP 2026 stands for Joint Admission Process 2026, a common admission process for 4 IIMs - IIM Raipur, IIM Kashipur, IIM Ranchi, IIM Tiruchirapalli 

Q: What is the IIM Guwahati budget?
A:

IIM Guwahati Budget is Rs. 555 Cr.

Q: What is the IIM Ahmedabad Cutoff 2026?
A:

IIM Ahmedabad Cutoff 2026 for the general candidates is 95 percentile. 

Q: Will IIM Guwahati start working in 2025?
A:

The Union Education Minister has stated that IIM Guwahati will start operation in 2025-206 sessions. 

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Questions related to MBA

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to MBA ?

Yes, MBA in FinTech is a good option if you are interested in the combination of finance and technology. After this course you can work in roles like FinTech product manager, financial analyst, blockchain/crypto specialist, risk & compliance manager, or business development manager in banks, startups, and financial companies.

For the salary part, freshers usually start with around 5–10 LPA in normal companies and in bigger FinTech firms or banks it can even go up to 10–15 LPA, depending on your skills, college, and location.

If you do Data Science and then an MBA in Finance, you can get many high-paying jobs. Some of the best options are:

1. CFO (Chief Financial Officer) – You manage a company’s finances, budgeting, and reports. Big companies pay 40 lakh to 1 crore per year.

2. Investment Banker – You help clients raise money and do mergers or acquisitions. Salaries start around 10–12 lakh for freshers and can go up to 30 lakh or more with experience.

3. Chief Data Officer – You lead data strategies in companies. Pay can be 80 lakh to 1.3 crore per year.

4. Machine Learning Engineer / AI Scientist – You create AI and ML models. Salary is around 35–42 lakh per year.

5. Product Manager – You manage product strategy and market positioning. Can earn 89 lakh to 1.1 crore per year in big tech companies.

6. Financial Actuary – You analyze financial risks. Pay is around 25–30 lakh per year.

Hello,

If you have made a mistake while entering your education details in KEA PGCET MBA option entry, you cannot edit it directly once it is submitted. You need to contact KEA immediately.

You can:

  • Call the KEA helpline numbers.

  • Or visit the KEA office with your documents.

They will guide you on how to correct the mistake. Do it quickly, as corrections are allowed only within the given time.

Hope it helps !

The cut off for national exams like CAT or XAT required for admission for Masters in Business Administration (MBA) program may vary b collage and years. The top tier or top MBA collages like IIMs may require 98-100 percentile. F or more details you can go through: https://bschool.careers360.com/articles/cat-cutoff

Thank you.

Hey! If you are looking for a fully online MBA with minimum fees while staying in Gadchiroli, you can consider a few good options. The most budget-friendly is IGNOU Online/Distance MBA, which comes around 60,000–70,000 for the whole program and is recognized by UGC-DEB. Apart from that, universities like Bharati Vidyapeeth Online (approx 1.6 lakh) and DY Patil Vidyapeeth Online (approx 1.7 lakh) also provide online MBAs with flexible learning and multiple specialisations.

If cost is your main concern, IGNOU is the best choice. But if you want better exposure and placement assistance, then Bharati Vidyapeeth or DY Patil could be good options. Just make sure the course you choose is UGC-approved so that your degree is valid everywhere.