IIM Selection Criteria 2025-27: CAT Cutoffs, GD/PI/WAT, Weightage

IIM Selection Criteria 2025-27 involves the requirements that candidates must meet to get MBA admission into the IIMs. These include CAT score, academic record, work experience, diversity, written ability test, group discussion, and personal interview performance. IIM admission criteria differ for each IIM institute depending on the CAT score and academic requirements. IIM selection criteria change based on the yearly performance of the institute and admission statistics of the previous year.

Candidates who qualify for the CAT 2025 exam and meet the qualifying cutoff set by individual IIMs are selected for the Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI). The IIM selection criteria also include meeting the final CAT cutoff 2025 requirements. The final admission into IIMs is based on the candidate's overall profile - CAT score, academic background, work experience, category, and WAT & PI score. If you are seeking admission into IIMs, then go through the complete details about IIM admission criteria 2025-27 provided below.

Also Read :

Stages of IIM Admission Process 2025-27

The IIM selection criteria 2025 is divided mainly into three steps as provided below:

Stage 1: Shortlisting of Candidates Based on CAT Score

Once the CAT results are out, candidates will be selected based on their CAT scores. Each IIM will invite them to apply for the WAT/GD-PI round. Candidates need to submit their names and CAT scores while applying for the WAT/ PI round.

Stage 2: Written Ability Test and Personal Interview

To be selected for the next round, candidates must perform well in the WAT, PI, and GD rounds. These rounds will test their leadership qualities, personality, intelligence, knowledge, and communication skills.

Stage 3: Calculation of Composite Score and Final Selection

In this stage, a final selection list will be prepared after considering the candidates' performance in the WAT, PI, CAT exam, Work Experience, Diversity, and Academic Records of the candidates.

Candidates selected for admission will be informed about their selection via mail. They will then have to confirm their admission by filling out the offer acceptance form and paying the requisite admission acceptance fee (adjustable in the first instalment of the tuition fee). Those who fail to submit the admission acceptance fee before the deadline will be considered ineligible and their seats will be passed on to the next deserving candidate. IIM also offers a facility for deferring admission through which candidates who want to earn some experience before pursuing the PGP course can postpone their admission for up to a maximum of two years.

IIM Admission Process 2025 Based on CAT

The step-wise process to get admission in IIMs based on CAT can be checked from the infographic provided below:

• Register for the CAT Exam: Registering for the CAT exam is the initial step for candidates who intend to pursue MBA courses through the CAT.
• Appear for CAT: Every year, the CAT exam is given to applicants for management programs offered by some of the best B-schools in India that recognize CAT scores.
• Apply to MBA Colleges Accepting CAT: The application process for MBA colleges accepting CAT starts around the same time as the CAT exam.
• Wait for CAT Results and Admission Calls: Candidates must be patient and wait for the CAT results to be announced and the admission calls to take place based on their CAT results.
• Appear for GD/PI/WAT Rounds: The final stage of the MBA selection process is the GD/PI/WAT rounds that are conducted for students who are selected for these phases based on their performance in the CAT exam.
• Meet Final IIM Cutoff & Receive Offer Letter: The last stage includes meeting the final cutoff released by IIMs. Once all the stages of the CAT Selection process are complete, candidates will receive their offer letter if they are selected for admission.

Weightage for IIM Selection Criteria 2025-27

The weightage of different parameters changes during the final selection at IIMs. Have a look at the table below to know where each element falls. What's remarkable is that CAT scores weigh in at about 40%, and your academic performance from school and college account for a tremendous 50% in terms of the final choice.

This balanced assessment emphasizes the importance of performing not only well in the CAT exam but also in academic studies throughout your education.

IIM Eligibility Criteria 2025-27

The IIM admission criteria 2025 will be the same as the CAT 2025 eligibility criteria i.e. 50% marks in graduation. Those who are eligible to apply for CAT are also eligible to get admission into IIM. However, there are some additional requirements that the candidates must meet to get admission into IIM. The IIM eligibility criteria are provided below.

• Candidates need to meet the shortlisting cutoff to be eligible for an IIM interview call

• Those who have satisfied the minimum cutoff of IIM need to satisfy the call cutoff of IIM to have higher chances of getting a call from IIM

• Candidates who are appearing for the final year of graduation are also eligible for admission. These candidates will have to submit their passing certificate along with other documents before the date decided by the college.

IIM Selection Criteria 2025 and PGP Seats

Check the table provided below to know the selection criteria for IIMs 2025 and the total PGP seats available at the IIMs:

Final CAT 2025 Cutoff for IIMs (Expected)

The minimum score required to be considered for admission to the flagship management programs offered by the Indian Institutes of Management is known as the final CAT cutoff 2025 for IIM admission. Given that there is intense competition for admission to the IIMs, it should be expected that the final CAT cutoff in 2025 will be significantly higher than the qualifying CAT cutoff. That being said, in order to prepare for the CAT exam and the selection process, candidates need to be aware of the final CAT cutoff 2025 for admission to IIM. Check out the following table to learn about the anticipated final CAT cutoff for IIM admission in 2025:

IIM Admission Criteria 2025: Important Points to Remember

Some of the important points related to the IIM admission criteria 2025 that the candidates must keep in mind during the selection process are listed below

• Candidates who get selected for the WAT/ PI round will be informed via mail after the result declaration

• Candidates need to apply for the interview call. After this, the college will inform the candidates about their selection

• Candidates need to participate in WAT/GD-PI to get selected for the final phase of admission

List of MBA Colleges Accepting CAT 2025 Scores

Check out the list of all MBA colleges that accept the CAT percentile within the given range. It will give you an estimate of your chances of getting admission into the college of your choice.

Changes in the IIM Selection Criteria 2025-27 for IIM Kozhikode

The IIM Kozhikode has revised the admission process for the year 2025-27. Here is a nutshell summary of the changes in the criteria and requirements:

• Weightage Criteria for Selection:
  • CAT Scores: This will hold the highest value at 45% and influence the shortlisting for the WAT and PI rounds.
• Academic Performance:
  • Class 10 Marks: carry 25 % of the overall weightage
  • Class 12 Marks carry 15% of weightage
• Diversity Factor:
  • Academic Diversity: Adds a 10% value to the overall evaluation.
  • Gender Diversity: Receives a 5% weightage.
• Work Experience: Allocated 5% weightage.
• Key Changes Compared to Last Year: The combined weightage for academic and gender diversity has increased from 10% to 15%.
• Selection Process Overview: The admission process consists of three stages, with specific benchmarks for each stage:
  • Stage 1: Eligibility Criteria
    • Minimum CAT Percentile:
      • Overall: 85%
      • Sectional: 75%
    • Academic Qualifications: At least 60% marks in Class 10 and Class 12.
  • Stage 2: Shortlisting for WAT and PI
    • The candidates have to qualify on the defined parameters of CAT scores, academic diversity, and gender diversity to qualify for this stage.
    • The shortlist is determined by an Aggregate Index Score (AIS) that is based on the following factors:
      • CAT performance
      • Class 10 and Class 12 scores
      • Work experience
      • Diversity factors (academic and gender).
      • Final Selection

The final list of selected candidates will be based on their overall performance in all components, which includes WAT, PI, and AIS

If you are targeting IIMs, it is important to realize that scoring a high CAT percentile is not enough. You will also require an impressive profile to get a call from either of the IIMs. This means that you must have a good academic background as well as quality work experience. Performance in the personal interview (PI), group discussion (GD), and writing ability test (WAT) also play an essential role in the selection procedure. Candidates must also note that IIMs give points for gender diversity to maintain a balance on campus.

Once the CAT 2025 exam is over, you can check the CAT 2025 exam analysis and CAT 2025 cutoff to calculate your chances of getting selected at any IIM. You can also predict your CAT 2025 percentile through our CAT Percentile Predictor 2025 or use our CAT College Predictor 2025 to find out the best colleges according to their CAT scores 2025.

Documents to Present in WAT/GD-PI Round

• Marksheets of Standard 10, Class 12 and Graduation (original and self-attested photocopies)
• Caste/class and/or disability certificate in case of the SC, ST, NC-OBC and PwD candidates (original and self-attested photocopies)
• Candidates appearing for the final year bachelor's degree (or equivalent) examination must display a certificate from the Principal/Registrar/Director of the university/institution certifying that he/she has obtained 50 percent aggregate or equivalent (45 per cent in case of the candidates belonging to SC, ST, and PwD category) in the latest available grades/marks
• The deadline for the submission of the marksheet and passing certificate is December 31 of that year. Non-submission of these documents by the deadline will automatically result in the cancellation of admission

IIM Admission 2025 – WAT/PI Preparation Tips

Since the Personal Interview (PI) or Written Ability Test (WAT) is a common feature of the IIM selection process 2025, the PI provides the admission committee with an opportunity to examine not only an applicant’s logical and verbal reasoning abilities but also their communication skills and personality.

• The best approach to prepare for the PI is to practice the interview skills. The easiest way to do this is by attending the mock interviews. Mock interviews are an excellent way to prepare for an interview.
• It is to be kept in mind that mock interviews can be useful only if they are conducted by trained individuals. It is crucial to select a mock interview which is tailored to the admission process of your desired Business school.
• It is also crucial to keep in mind that the best way to prepare for an interview is to be yourself. The most effective method to prepare for the PI is to prepare for the “real thing” i.e., to conduct “mock” interviews in a “real-world” environment.

Related Articles: