IIM Selection Criteria 2026-28: CAT Cutoffs, GD/PI/WAT, Weightage

IIM Selection Criteria 2026-28 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 2026 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 2026 requirements.

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Stages of IIM Admission Process 2026-28

The IIM selection criteria 2026 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 2026 for CAT MBA

Refer to the table below for details about the IIM MBA admission process:

Weightage for IIM Selection Criteria 2026-28

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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.

IIM Selection Criteria 2026 and PGP Seats

Check the table provided below to know the selection criteria for IIMs 2026 and the total PGP seats available at the IIMs:

Final CAT 2026 Cutoff for IIMs (Expected)

Given that there is intense competition for admission to the IIMs, it should be expected that the final CAT cutoff in 2026 will be significantly higher than the qualifying CAT cutoff. Check out the following table to learn about the anticipated final CAT cutoff for IIM admission in 2026:

List of MBA Colleges Accepting CAT 2026 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 2026-28 for IIM Kozhikode

The IIM Kozhikode has revised the admission process for the year 2026-28. 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 2026 exam is over, you can check the CAT 2026 exam analysis and CAT 2026 cutoff to calculate your chances of getting selected at any IIM. You can also predict your CAT 2026 percentile through our CAT Percentile Predictor 2026 or use our CAT College Predictor 2026 to find out the best colleges according to their CAT scores 2026.

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