IIM Calcutta, the prime choice for most of the MBA aspirants is one of the premier business schools in India. The institute maintains its rich legacy by selecting the brightest minds each year for its diverse and dynamic programs. IIM-Calcutta follows a rigorous admission process to uphold its position in academic excellence and leadership development. The admission criteria and selection process is explained in detail in this blog. MBA offered by IIM Calcutta is a post graduate level two year residential program designed to help students gain excellent managerial skills and become high level decision makers. The program equips them with specific skills in finance, accounting, marketing and operations. The criteria for admission and selection process follows a six level approach.
IIM Calcutta Selection Criteria: Sectional & Overall Cutoffs
CAT score is the first gateway to IIM Calcutta. The aspiring candidates need to excel in this exam which assesses their quantitative, verbal and logical skills. The CAT score is an important component , often acting as initial filter in the selection process. Candidates are required to meet minimum requirements on both section wise and overall percentile as mentioned in the table below-
| Category | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | Quantitative Ability (QA) | Overall Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OPEN | ≥80 | ≥80 | ≥75 | ≥85 |
| EWS | ≥70 | ≥65 | ≥65 | ≥75 |
| NC-OBC | ≥70 | ≥65 | ≥65 | ≥75 |
| SC | ≥65 | ≥60 | ≥60 | ≥70 |
| ST | ≥55 | ≥55 | ≥55 | ≥65 |
| PwD | ≥45 | ≥45 | ≥45 | ≥55 |
Also Read, IIM Calcutta Placements
IIM Calcutta Selection Criteria: Class 10 and Class 12 Weightage
IIM Calcutta looks for strong academic foundation. Though there isn't any strict cutoff for academic scores but a higher academic score would provide more points that will add to higher chances of selection for the final stage. Moreover IIM Calcutta has announced zero weightage for bachelor's degree marks in shortlisting process. However it gives considerable importance to 10th and 12 th grade marks , giving different points for different range of scores summarized in the table below:
| Class 10 Marks (in %) | Points | Class 12 Marks (in %) | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| ≥80 | 10 | ≥80 | 15 |
| ≥75 and <80 | 8 | ≥75 and <80 | 12 |
| ≥70 and <75 | 6 | ≥70 and <75 | 9 |
| ≥65 and <70 | 4 | ≥65 and <70 | 6 |
| ≥60 and <65 | 2 | ≥60 and <65 | 3 |
| <60 | 0 | <60 | 0 |
IIM-Calcutta Selection Criteria: PI & WAT Weightage
Candidates meeting the CAT cutoffs will be called for Personal Interview (PI) and Writing Ability Test (WAT) based on the overall score derived using the parameters and the corresponding weightages given to each aspect as highlighted in table below:
| Parameters | Weight | Method of Calculation |
|---|---|---|
| CAT 2023 Score | 56 | (A/B) x 56 |
| Class 10 marks | 10 | As per Table mentioned above |
| Class 12 marks | 15 | As per Table mentioned above |
| Gender Diversity Factor | 4 | 4 points will be awarded for female and transgender candidates only. |
| Total | 85 | |
| A = Candidate’s CAT 2023 Total Overall Scaled Score & B = Maximum possible CAT 2023 Total Overall Scaled Score | ||
Note: The given information is valid for admission process of 2024 and is sourced from official website of IIM-Calcutta.
WAT & PI stage would assess candidate's communication skills, analytical thinking and suitability for the program.
Also Read, IIM Calcutta Cut offs
IIM Calcutta Selection Criteria: Diversity Factor
The institute not only places a strong emphasis on diversity but promotes inclusivity as well. Additionally they actively seek candidates from various disciplines ultimately promoting a multi-faceted learning environment. Different points are awarded for various academic categories provided the candidate presents a mark sheet proving that he/she has passed the relevant degree/course. The points awarded for numerous academic qualifications are provided in the table below:
| S.No. | Academic Categories | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bachelor's degree in engineering stream (or) Master’s degree in engineering stream (or) Integrated Master’s degree in engineering stream | 0 |
| 2 | Bachelor's degree in non-engineering stream | 4 |
| 3 | Dual bachelor’s degree in Law (e.g. BA LLB, BSc. LLB, B.Com LLB, BBA LLB). | 5 |
| 4 | Bachelor's degree in engineering stream and Masters in non-engineering stream | 2 |
| 5 | Bachelor's degree in non-engineering stream and Masters in non-engineering stream | 5 |
| 6 | Dual/Integrated degree where bachelors is non-engineering and masters is in non-engineering stream | 5 |
| 7 | Dual/Integrated degree where Bachelors is engineering stream and Masters is non-engineering stream | 1 |
| 8 | CA/ICWA/CS or Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India (FIAI) without having a bachelor’s degree. | 5 |
| 9 | CA/ICWA/CS or Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India (FIAI) with a bachelor’s degree. | 6 |
| 10 | CA/ICWA/CS or Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India (FIAI) with or without a bachelor’s degree, and with Masters in non-engineering stream. | 6 |
| 11 | Integrated bachelor’s degree in Law and Masters in non-engineering stream. | 6 |
IIM Calcutta Selection Criteria: Work Experience
Work Experience holds a significant weight in the admission process . Firstly it should be a full time work experience minimum of 6 months. Secondly it should be pursued after the completion of the bachelor's degree supported by a letter from employer and a payslip. Internships, training , articleship or any sort of unpaid work won't be considered. Points distributed for Work Experience are as follows:
Work Experience (X) | Points |
| Less than or equal to 6 months | 0 |
| Greater than 6 months but less than or equal to 24 months | X/3 |
| Greater than 24 months but less than or equal to 36 months | 8 |
| Greater than 36 months but less than or equal to 48 months | 26-(X/2) |
| Greater than 48 months | 2 |
IIM Calcutta Selection Criteria: Final Selection
The final selection at IIM- Calcutta is a holistic process taking into account CAT scores, academic profile, work experience, diversity and performance in WAT-PI.
| Parameters | Weights |
|---|---|
| CAT 2023 Score | 30 |
| Personal Interview (PI) | 48 |
| Writing Ability Test (WAT) | 08 |
| Points awarded for Academic Diversity at Bachelor’s and Master’s level for non-engineering degrees and professional qualifications | 06 |
| Work Experience (as per the formula provided) | 08 |
| Total | 100 |
