IIM Ahmedabad Acceptance Rate: Admission Insights and Key Factors

IIM Ahmedabad Acceptance Rate: Admission Insights and Key Factors

Edited By Suvam Maiti | Updated on Nov 26, 2024 10:59 AM IST | #IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA)

The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), one of the prominent institutions in the domain of management education which attracts a huge number of applicants each year due to its global recognition has a very low acceptance rate. Established in 1961, IIM Ahmedabad was recently ranked 1st in the Financial Times Business School Ranking 2024, regarding career rank progress with an overall ranking of 41. Its alumni network includes influential leaders across various sectors, further enhancing its prestige. One of the most critical factors that prospective students think about is the acceptance rate when they choose to apply for the IIMs or even for the MBA courses. Read this article to know not only about the acceptance rate of IIM Ahmedabad but also crucial deciding factors like the selection process, the factors influencing the rates, etc.

Also Read: CAT Colleges Rank-Wise: Top B-Schools Accepting CAT Scores

IIM Ahmedabad Acceptance Rate: An Overview Understanding

Renowned for its rigorous academic courses and faculty, IIM Ahmedabad provides PGP programs which serve as the flagship MBA equivalent, and is designed to cultivate leaders who can navigate complex business environments. The curriculum emphasizes analytical thinking, strategic decision-making, and practical application through case studies and real-world projects. IIMA has earned a stellar reputation both nationally and internationally.PGP It has been consistently ranked among the top business schools in Asia and is often listed in global rankings such as those published by Financial Times and QS World University Rankings.

IIM Ahmedabad Acceptance Rate: Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at IIMA is one of the lowest among business schools globally, hovering around or less than 1%. This figure translates to approximately 398 seats available for more than 200,000 applicants each year for the PGP program. Such a low acceptance rate underscores the intense competition faced by candidates and highlights IIMA's commitment to maintaining high academic standards. IIMA's acceptance rate has remained low due to its selective admissions process. Over the years, as the demand for quality management education has surged in India and abroad, more candidates have sought admission to IIMA. This increase in applications has further tightened the competition, leading to an even lower acceptance rate.

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IIM Ahmedabad Acceptance Rate: Who Can Apply

The two-year Post-graduate Programme in Management (PGP) at IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA) is a full-time residential course for graduates from all disciplines wishing to choose a career in management. Those who are willing to apply for the PGP courses need to fulfill these criteria.

  • They must hold a bachelor’s degree, with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (in the case of the candidate belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC)/Scheduled Tribe (ST)/Persons with Disabilities (PwD) category, this is relaxed to 45%), of any of the recognized universities.

  • This three-year degree must be superseded by the (10+2) or equivalent.

  • Candidates appearing for the final year bachelor’s degree/equivalent qualification examination and those who have completed the degree requirements and are awaiting results can also apply.

  • Such a candidate must produce a certificate from the Principal/Head of the Department/Registrar/Director of the Institution/University certifying that the candidate is currently in the final year/is awaiting final results and has obtained at least 50% marks or equivalent (45% in case of the candidate belonging to SC/ST/PwD category) based on latest available grades/marks.

IIM Ahmedabad Acceptance Rate: Selection Process

The admissions process at IIMA consists of rigorous multiple stages:

  • Preliminary Screening: Only the candidates who have the minimum cut-off in the sectional percentile, and overall percentile and have the positive RAW score will be considered for the next stages.

  • In the screening at the same time Along with CAT scores, 10th, 12th, Graduation, and Work experience will also be taken into consideration to make the Application Rating Score (AR). This Rating score would be considered for shortlisting and WAT and PI.

  • Written Ability Test (WAT): Shortlisted candidates are required to write an essay on a given topic to assess their writing skills and ability to articulate thoughts coherently.

  • Personal Interview (PI): Candidates who perform well in WAT are invited for personal interviews where their interpersonal skills, leadership potential, and overall fit for the program are evaluated.

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This multi-tiered selection process ensures that only those who demonstrate exceptional academic prowess and personal qualities are admitted.

Read Also: IIM Ahmedabad Admission

IIM Ahmedabad Acceptance Rate: Reservation Policies

IIMA follows government-mandated reservation policies that allocate approximately 50% of seats for candidates from underrepresented communities, including Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). 27% of seats are reserved for NC-OBC, 15% for SC, 7.5% for ST Candidates, and 5% for PwD while the EWS section holds 10%. This policy aims to promote diversity and inclusion within the student body, but it also adds complexity to the admissions landscape.

IIM Ahmedabad Acceptance Rate: Significance of Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate serves as a critical indicator of an institution's selectivity and prestige. For prospective students considering IIMA:

  • Quality Assurance: A low acceptance rate often correlates with high academic standards and rigorous training.

  • Networking Opportunities: Admitted students benefit from being part of a highly selective cohort that fosters strong networking opportunities with peers and alumni.

  • Career Prospects: Graduates from IIMA often enjoy enhanced career prospects due to the institution's reputation among employers.

IIM Ahmedabad Acceptance Rate: Implications for Applicants

The low acceptance rate at IIMA has several implications for prospective students:

1. Intense Competition

Given the extremely low acceptance rate, applicants must not only excel academically but also showcase unique personal qualities that set them apart from thousands of other candidates. This competition necessitates a well-rounded application that highlights academic achievements, professional experiences, leadership roles, and extracurricular activities.

2. Preparation Strategies

To navigate this competitive landscape successfully, candidates should adopt comprehensive preparation strategies:

  • Academic Preparation: Achieving a high score on the CAT is paramount; thus, many candidates invest significant time in preparing through coaching classes or self-study.

  • WAT Preparation: Practising essay writing on diverse topics helps candidates articulate their thoughts clearly during WAT.

  • Mock Interviews: Engaging in mock interviews can help candidates prepare effectively for personal interviews by refining their communication skills and confidence.

3. Emphasis on Diversity

Understanding that diversity is valued in admissions can help candidates tailor their applications effectively. Highlighting unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives can enhance an applicant's appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it hard to get into IIM Ahmedabad?

Yes. Due to its rigorous selection process and criteria, getting into IIM Ahmedabad is tough. 

2. What is the acceptance rate of IIMA?

The acceptance rate of IIMA hovers around 1 %. 

3. Which IIM is the toughest to get into?

IIM Bangalore and IIM Ahmedabad are the toughest to get into.

4. Can a poor student afford IIM Ahmedabad?

Once selected the students have the opportunity to avail the scholarships. So yes, a poor student can afford IIM Ahmedabad through various scholarships.

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Questions related to IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA)

Have a question related to IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA) ?

Hello there,

A BSc graduate with an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad can expect a highly competitive salary package due to the prestige of the institute and the skills acquired. On average, IIM Ahmedabad MBA graduates receive starting salaries in the range of Rs. 20-35 lakhs per annum . However, depending on the industry, company, and role, salaries can be much higher, with top placements reaching Rs. 50 lakhs or more annually, particularly in sectors like consulting, finance, and technology. Experience, specialization during the MBA, and job role will also significantly influence salary outcomes.

Hope this information was helpful. Good Luck!

While your scores are decent, the IIMs typically have a preference for candidates with higher academic scores, especially in graduation. Generally, the higher your scores, the better your chances, but there's more to the evaluation process.


Other Important Factors which they consider is CAT Score performance in this exam is crucial. A high percentile (usually above 90) can significantly enhance your chances, especially if your academic scores are on the lower side.

Also,Relevant work experience can improve your profile. Candidates with strong work experience (especially in leadership roles) are often given preference.

Your performance in the PI and WAT is critical. Strong communication skills, clarity of thought, and a good understanding of current affairs can help you stand out

Involvement in extracurricular activities, leadership roles, or social initiatives can enhance your profile.

No, the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM Ahmedabad) does not offer a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) course. IIM Ahmedabad is primarily known for its postgraduate and doctoral programs, particularly the Post Graduate Program in Management (PGP), which is equivalent to an MBA.

For information about other MBA colleges in India, you can go through the link below.

https://bschool.careers360.com/colleges/list-of-bba-colleges-in-india

Generally the calls are not solely depends upon your academic performance IIM A B C : Generally looks for a CAT score of around 98-99 percentile if you get this percentile you will surely get call from them and to you need to have good experience in order to get top iim however ,IIM-L, IIM-K, IIM-I, IIM-S, all the new IIM’s and other colleges like FMS, MDI Gurgoan, SP JAIN XLRI, IIFT accepts 97 percentile. So there are so many colleges in which you can take admission. So give cat exam with proper planning and you will surely get IIM’s call.

Hello aspirant,
To secure a seat in the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for an MBA program, candidates typically need to appear for the Common Admission Test (CAT). CAT is a national-level entrance exam conducted annually by the IIMs on a rotational basis. However, some IIMs also accept other entrance exams such as GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) for international candidates or those with substantial work experience.

Thank you

Hope it helps you.

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