Nearly 2 lakh candidates appear for CAT Exam every year out of which only a few thousand candidates are selected for admission in IIMs. However, CAT Score is accepted by numerous Management Institutes across the country. The Selection Criteria of all the 20 IIMs may Vary from each other. The CAT selection process is exactly similar to CAT counselling and is conducted in 3 phases.
First phase
Each test takers will be shortlisted on the basis of his/her CAT score viz-a-viz CAT cut offs fixed by each IIM individually for that year. Minimum IIM cut-offs are generally over90 percentile for General candidates (much lower for reserved category candidates), which means, those who will score above 90 percentile in CAT will be eligible for the interview round. But whether they are invited for the interview, depends on the actual CAT score and past academic record. CAT cut-offs of newer IIMs will range between 70-80 percentile.
Second phase
In this phase, IIMs will conduct WAT/PI round. This stage is the decider as the selection panel finalises a candidate on the basis of their performance in this round. A few years ago, the IIMs replaced GD with WAT. For the past couple of years, some of the IIMs conduct only the PI.
Also read → CAT result 2025
Third phase
In this phase, the candidates will be scored on the basis of their academic performance and work experience. Here’s a break up of parameters on which candidates will be selected for IIM admission 2026.
Common Selection Criteria of IIMs is mentioned below
All the IIMs release their selection criteria every year. According to the notifications released, the selection procedure for the current year is similar to that of previous years.
- Most of the Indian Institutes of Management follow two-step selection process i.e. the CAT Score and the Witten Ability Test (WAT) & Personal Interview (PI) Round.
- The candidates who qualify the CAT examination and falls within the Cut Off of the respective Institute will be called for the second step i.e. WAT and PI Round.
- Most of the Indian Institutes of Management weightage to CAT score and Personal Interview. Though, other factors such as academic performance, work experience etc. are also considered by the institutes.
- The institutes do not conduct any common counseling for admission in various management courses.
Eligibility Verification
If a candidate is short-listed for interviews by any IIM, he/she has to comply with the following eligibility verification:
Mark sheets and Degree Certificate
A candidate must show all the original mark sheets and submit attested copies to prove his/her eligibility at the time of interview. Further, if a candidate is selected for a program, original degree certificate and mark sheets of all semesters/years along with their attested copies must be submitted for verification at the time of joining the program.
Reservation Category Requirements
If short-listed for interview SC, ST, NC-OBC and DA candidates must show the original caste/class and/or disability certificate and submit a photocopy at the time of interview. Further, if a candidate is selected for a program, the original certificate of qualifying degree and attested copy of the same must be
submitted for verification at the time of joining a programme.
Candidates in the Final Year of Graduation
If short-listed for interview, candidates appearing or the final bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification examination must show an original certificate from the Principal/Registrar/Director of the university/institution certifying that the candidate has obtained 50% marks or equivalent (45% in case of
the candidates belonging to SC, ST, and DA category)based on latest available grades/marks. He/she must submit an attested copy of the original certificate at the time of interview.
Academic | Degree | Final Year Students | Work Experience |
Bachelor's Degree | Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Technology | Candidates will be admitted only if they graduate securing at least 50% marks | Firstly, it is not mandatory to hold work experience |
50% marks in aggregate for General Category | Degree equivalent to bachelor's degree in Engineering & Technology of Professional Societies | Must show an original certificate in case of qualifying the examination | It contributes to some weightage by the IIMs |
45% marks in aggregate for Reserved Categories | Bachelor's degree recognized by Association of Indian Universities | Must submit the photocopy of original certificates when asked | It does not contribute to selection until the final stage of selection |
-- | Any qualification not mentioned here are also eligible to apply | -- | -- |
