How IIM Ahmedabad Calculates Your Composite Score?

Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad is among the most prestigious management institutes in India, which has a strict and transparent procedure of entry into its Post Graduate Programme (PGP). A Composite Score (CS) is the most significant part of this process that helps to shortlist applicants to attend the Personal Interview (PI) and Writing Ability Test (WAT). This article uncovers the elements, structure and meaning of the Composite Score in relation to the CAT applicants who are planning to join IIM Ahmedabad.
Also Read: What is a 'Safe Target Percentile' for CAT 2025?

Understanding the Composite Score for IIM Ahmedabad

IIM Ahmedabad is of the opinion that the holistic approach of evaluation should balance academic performance over performance in the Common Admission Test (CAT). Unlike other institutions that make CAT scores a major factor, IIM Ahmedabad gives the past educational record of a candidate significant weightage in the form of an Application Rating (AR) in addition to considering the CAT 2025 score. The composite measure is the Composite Score (CS) that is computed as follows:

Here,

• Normalised AR (Application Rating): Represents your academic profile scoring based on standardised guidelines.

• Normalised CAT Overall Score: Your scaled CAT score adjusted for comparability within the top applicant pool.

Basically, IIM Ahmedabad uses a 65 per cent weightage of CAT performance and a 35 per cent weightage of the previous academic credentials in the shortlisting that is conducted first.
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Breaking Down the Application Rating (AR)

Application Rating is used to assess the academic record and other relevant qualifications of the candidate. It is calculated in detail depending on:

• Class 10 marks: Reflects overall school performance.

• Class 12 marks: Weighted according to the stream of education (Science, Commerce, or Humanities).

• Bachelor’s degree percentage: Evaluates undergraduate performance.

• Professional qualifications (optional): Includes certifications such as CA, ICWA, and CS, which earn additional points

Each of these is rated on a scale with a trend of assuming 100 points on any mark having a score above 90, and the lower the mark is, the fewer the points.

For example, a candidate with:

• 10th: 92% (full points)

• 12th Science: 85% ( marginally lower marks)

• Bachelor's degree: 88% would then be given a cumulative AR score based on this, and then normalised against the highest profile.

Also Read: CAT Score vs Percentile 2025: Cutoff, Score & Percentile Calculator

Concept of Normalisation for IIM Ahmedabad

Normalisation is a very essential process that would make certain fairness and comparability. AR as well as CAT scores are normalised by dividing the raw score of the candidate by the average score of the top 50 candidates who attend the selection round at IIM Ahmedabad. This is done to level off score differences in various education boards and versions of the CAT exams.
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CAT Score Weightage and Shortlisting Cutoffs

Weighting 65 per cent in the original shortlisting Composite Score, CAT 2025 alone is quite heavy. Nevertheless, the official minimum percentile is only a beginning. In the general category, IIM Ahmedabad has fixed:

• Overall CAT percentile cutoff: 80

• Sectional cutoffs: 70 in each section (VARC, DILR, QA)

Reserved categories have lower cutoff percentiles, but these thresholds only qualify candidates for consideration. The actual composite score needed to earn a call to the interview stage is usually higher, reflecting intense competition.

IIM Ahmedabad’s Composite Score methodology integrates CAT score and academic excellence in a balanced manner to identify well-rounded candidates for its MBA program. Understanding this formula helps aspirants plan their strategy realistically, focusing not only on cracking the CAT but also on sustaining strong academics and building a diverse profile. This holistic approach ensures that the best-prepared and most competent candidates earn their place at one of India’s most prestigious B-schools. By aiming high in both CAT and academic performance, and preparing diligently for the interviews, CAT 2025 aspirants can enhance their chances of joining IIM Ahmedabad’s elite management program.
If you have further queries regarding admission to top private management colleges in India , you can write to hello@collegedekho.com or call our toll free number 18005729877, or simply fill out our Common Application Form on the website.

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