IIM Calcutta Selection Criteria 2025: The CAT exam is over now, and the exam result has also been released. Consequently, you are moving closer to achieving your MBA admission dream. As the CAT result will help you secure admission into the top IIM colleges, IITs, and other prestigious business schools of India, understanding the next steps is crucial. Moreover, gaining admission to a renowned institution like IIM Calcutta is a significant accomplishment. Interestingly, IIM Calcutta was the first IIM established in India, making it even more prestigious. Therefore, having a clear understanding of its selection criteria for the MBA 2025-27 batch is essential. So, let’s dive into IIM Calcutta admission process.
The MBA program at IIM Calcutta is a two-year, full time, post graduate course. Further, the curriculum includes:
- Core Curriculum: It includes compulsory credit and non-credit courses.
- Summer Internship: It is present between first and second year.
- Specialization: Consider elective courses in the second year.
Also Read, IIM Calcutta Executive MBA 2025, Eligibility, Fees, Placements
IIM Calcutta Eligibility Criteria 2025
In order to be eligible for the IIM Calcutta MBA program, make sure you follow all the below written conditions:
- Academic Qualification: These are:
- Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates).
- Moreover, for integrated master’s or dual degree holders, the aggregate percentage of marks till August 3, 2024, will be considered.
- Work Experience: Only work experience post-bachelor’s degree is considered. Moreover, it should be supported by required documentation.
- Final Year Students/Candidate’s Whose Results Awaited: Those in the final year of their bachelor's degree/similar program can apply. In fact, those who have finished the degree requirements and are awaiting results can also apply.
- Foreign Degrees: Must be certified equivalent by the Association of Indian Universities.
Note: Applicants should note that mere fulfilment of minimum eligibility criteria will not ensure shortlisting by IIM Calcutta.
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IIM Calcutta Selection Process 2025
Take a look at the shortlisting procedure and selection criteria for MBA at IIM Calcutta. It has two major steps. Further, take a look:
IIM Calcutta Shortlisting Process for Personal Interview (PI) and Writing Ability Test (WAT)
This consists of 3 stages. These are as follows:
Stage I:
Meeting the minimum CAT 2024 percentile requirements is the first step to enter into the IIM Calcutta selection process 2025. So, take a look:
IIM Calcutta Minimum Cut-off 2025
| Category | VARC (≥) | DILR (≥) | QA (≥) | Overall (≥) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
These cutoffs indicate the minimum performance standards expected in the CAT exam. It shows the minimum scores required in the different sections; VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension), DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning), and QA (Quantitative Ability). With respect to the different categories.
Also Read, IIM Calcutta Summer Placements 2025, Average Package, Top Recruiters
Stage II:
Once the candidates have met the minimum CAT cut off, IIM Calcutta considers other factors. Such as grade 10, 12 marks and gender diversity also as essential features for further shortlisting students for the PI and WAT round. So, take a look at the weightage of all factors for getting to the PI and WAT round.
IIM Calcutta Shortlisting Criteria for PI and WAT Round
| Parameter | Weight |
| CAT 2024 Score | 56 |
| Class 10 Marks | 10 |
| Class 12 Marks | 15 |
| Gender Diversity | 4 |
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IIM Calcutta's, Class 10 and 12 Scoring Criteria
| 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 |
Stage III:
Candidates shortlisted in Stage II undergo a Personal Interview (PI) and Writing Ability Test (WAT) round.
The PI Round of IIM Calcutta
PI refers to the personal interview round. It's a crucial stage in the admissions process. Moreover, it is a one-on-one conversation between the candidate and the interviewer. Further, interview questions might be tailored to the candidate's response in order to assess a candidate's suitability for the program.
The WAT Round of IIM Calcutta
WAT stands for the Written Ability Test. It is basically an essay that is to be written by the candidate on a given topic. Further, the duration provided to write the essay is around 20-30 minutes. Moreover, it aims to test clarity of thought, analytical thinking and language proficiency.
IIM Calcutta Final Selection Criteria
After you are done with the PI and WAT round, submitted your documents, etc., there is no effort to be made by you. Further, the final decision is made by the institute. Thus, the parameters and weights for final selection to the MBA program at IIM Calcutta are as follows.
| Parameters | Weights |
| CAT 2024 Score | 30 |
| Personal Interview (PI) | 48 |
| Writing Ability Test (WAT) | 08 |
| Points awarded for Academic Diversity at Bachelor’s and Master’s level | 06 |
| Work Experience | 08 |
| Total | 100 |
Note: The final selection list will be based on merit in each category. Further, the minimum eligibility criteria would not automatically qualify the candidate for admission into IIM Calcutta.
Also Read, IIM Calcutta Cut Off 2025, Category-wise Previous Year Analysis
IIM Calcutta Work Experience Points:
| Condition | Value |
|---|---|
| if x <= 6 | 0 |
| if 6 < x <= 24 | x / 3 |
| if 24 < x <= 36 | 8 |
| if 36 < x <= 48 | 26 – (x / 2) |
| if x > 48 | 2 |
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IIM Calcutta Reservation Policy 2025
IIM Calcutta follows the Government of India’s reservation norms for admission to Central Educational Institutions (CEIs). Moreover, the seats are reserved in the following manner:
- Scheduled Caste (SC): 15%
- Scheduled Tribe (ST): 7.5%
- Other Backward Classes (Non-Creamy Layer) [NC-OBC]: 27%
- Economically Weaker Sections (EWS): 10%
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwD): 5%
Remember, valid certificates must be furnished if you are taking admission through any reservation category.
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Tips to Improve Your Chances of Admission to IIM Calcutta
Follow the below written tips and tricks to maximize your chances of getting into IIM Calcutta’s MBA program:
- Ace the CAT Exam: Firstly, prepare well for the CAT exam. Make sure to score well. So that, you are able to clear the cut-off with a good margin. Moreover, focus on achieving a high percentile in all three sections and a great overall percentile.
- Strong Academic Profile: Secondly, if you are young, make sure your academics are good, because then you do have time to improve your score. In fact, class 10 and 12 results are given priority during selection.
- Build Relevant Work Experience: If you are done with your UG, then you must get quality work experience in relevant fields. In fact, this will truly enhance your profile.
- Prepare for PI and WAT: Lastly, research on what kind of questions are commonly asked in IIM interviews. Moreover, practice mock interviews and essay writing to excel in these components.
Also Read, IIM Calcutta MBA Fees 2025, Fee Structure, Scholarship, Hostel Fees
IIM Calcutta Selection Criteria 2025: Conclusion
Getting into IIM Calcutta not just requires a good score in the CAT exam but a great performance in different arenas. Such as academic performance, WAT, PI, and others as mentioned above. However, being optimistic is the best attitude you can possess while this admission journey goes on. So, good luck! Hope you make it to your dream college!
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