While registering for CAT (Common Admission Test) 2025, candidates generally have a question regarding whether one can choose the preferred IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management) while filling the CAT application form. While CAT 2026 is the gateway to all 21 IIMs, the initial registration does not allow one to choose a particular IIM to be admitted to. Instead, the candidates must convey their preference for different programmes (PGP, MBA, etc.) of different IIMs where they prefer to be admitted.
According to this preference, their CAT exam scores, academic history, work experience, and others, each IIM can shortlist them for subsequent rounds such as WAT, PI, or GD. One should remember that CAT registration is central but individual IIMs have their own admission policy and cutoff criteria.
Therefore, choosing favorite programs and campuses while filling CAT forms is more of an indication of interest and not a choice or locking of any specific IIM. In this article, students can find all the factors on which CAT seat allotment depends. Candidates can refer to the same to aim for the right IIM with their academic record, work experience and CAT 2025 percentile.
Factors IIMs Consider to Select Candidates for Admission
Students can check out the following table to know what factors will their admission to IIM be based on.
Factor | Description |
CAT Score/Percentile | This is the most important factor for shortlisting. Each IIM has its own cutoff percentile, often 95–99+ for top IIMs. |
Academic Profile | Marks in 10th, 12th, and graduation are considered. Some IIMs use profile-based shortlisting methods that favor consistent academics. |
Work Experience | Quality and duration of work experience may add weightage in the final selection at several IIMs. |
Gender & Academic Diversity | Many IIMs offer diversity points to encourage more participation from non-engineering backgrounds and female candidates. |
WAT-PI Performance | After shortlisting, performance in Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI) is critical for final admission. |
Program Choices Made During CAT Registration | Only the IIMs/programs you selected while registering for CAT will consider you for shortlisting. |
Steps for CAT 2025 Registration
Students can simply follow the below listed steps to apply for the CAT 2025.
- Visit the official website of CAT
- Click on the “Register” and proceed with the registration
- Now log in with your registration credentials
- Access the application form and start filling it out
- Fill in personal, academic, and work experience details as per the requirements
- Select preferred exam location
- Upload all the required documents such as academic certificates, category certificates, etc.
- To finalize the application process, candidates will be required to pay the CAT 2025 application fees
- Review the application form carefully and submit it after verification
- Download and save a copy of the confirmation page for future reference
CAT 2025 Selection Procedure
CAT Result Declaration: CAT results typically get declared in January. Your sectional and overall percentiles will be displayed on your scorecard.
Shortlisting by IIMs: Each IIM will create its own shortlist for WAT-PI round. It is dependent on your CAT score and the courses you selected while registering with CAT.
WAT-PI Process (Written Ability Test & Personal Interview): Shortlisted candidates are required to undergo the WAT and PI process. The shortlisted candidates must also attend the group discussions (GD) conducted by some IIMs.
Final Shortlisting & Merit Lists: Various IIMs apply various parameters (CAT score, WAT-PI score, academics, work experience, etc.) to evaluate a candidate and create final merit lists for all of them.
Extend Admission Offer: If you are selected, one or more of the IIMs or other institutions will extend an admission offer to you. You can then take the offer and go through the admission procedure like verification of your documents and fee payment.
How IIMs Use Students Preferences After CAT Result
Students registering for CAT are required to fill program preferences and they must choose programs offered by IIMs to be considered an eligible candidate for IIMs to select you. These choices should be made based on a student's future goals and interest, irrespective of how reputed an institution is. Candidates must note that if they choose programs that are not offered by IIMs they'll not be considered an ideal fit for the institute even if they gain good marks. Refer to the following to know how this process works:
- Students will be considered for programs and IIMs they choose while CAT 2025 registration.
- There is no specific order and candidates' admission offers will depend on their preferences filled in the form.
- After submitting the form, there will not be an opportunity to edit it.
- Once the IIMs select candidates, students will receive calls for a personal interview round or written ability test.
- Candidates must qualify the PI and WAT rounds to prove their eligibility to pursue the desired program at IIM.
Also Check: CAT Exam not required for IIM Lucknow? new blended MBA program by IIM Lucknow
