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IIM Indore Selection Criteria Changed
IIM Indore has officially released its revised 2026–28 PGP admission criteria, bringing several important changes to how candidates will be evaluated. From updated weightages to the inclusion of work experience and changes in the composite score formula, the entire selection process has become more structured and academically focused. Below is the complete breakdown in an easy, section-wise format.
What’s New in IIM Indore Selection Criteria
IIM Indore has made significant modifications to its selection process for the 2026–28 PGP batch. These changes aim to create a more balanced evaluation system focusing on academic consistency, CAT performance, and interview quality.
Reduced Weightage for Class 10 Marks (39% → 10%)
Class 10 marks now have a much smaller impact in the selection process.
Higher Weightage to Class 12 Marks (20% → 25%)
The institute now gives more importance to Class 12 performance, making strong academic consistency more valuable.
Work Experience Weightage Added (3 Marks)
For the first time, professional experience counts toward the Stage-II Composite Score. This benefits working professionals.
CAT QA Weightage Increased to 23 Marks
QA now has the highest weightage among CAT sections during shortlisting.
Increased Sectional Weightage for VARC & DILR
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VARC: 16
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DILR: 16
This ensures balanced weightage across all CAT sections.
Diversity Factor Increased to 7 Marks
Candidates from certain academic backgrounds or categories get a small but meaningful boost.
Clearer Rules for CGPA-to-Percentage Conversion
CGPA must be converted strictly as per university guidelines, reducing ambiguity during verification.
Mandatory Selection of IIM Indore During CAT Registration
Candidates must opt for the IIM Indore PGP program while registering for CAT 2025. No post-registration changes will be accepted.
These changes collectively aim to select academically strong, well-rounded, and professionally capable candidates.
Also Read, IIM Indore MBA Fees 2025, Fee Structure, Scholarships, Hostel Fees
Previous vs Updated Selection Criteria at IIM Indore
To understand the full impact of the changes, it’s important to compare the old and new criteria. The new model emphasizes academics and CAT sectional performance more than before.
To understand the shift better, here’s a side-by-side comparison of what’s changed:
| Component | Old Criteria (2025–27) | New Criteria (2026–28) |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Marks Weight | 39% normalized | 10% normalized |
| 12th Marks Weight | 20% normalized | 25% normalized |
| CAT VARC Weight | 10 | 16 |
| CAT DILR Weight | 10 | 16 |
| CAT QA Weight | 15 | 23 |
| Diversity Factor | 6 | 7 |
| Work Experience | Not Included | 3 Marks |
| PI Weightage | 45 | 45 (same) |
Also Read, IIM Indore Cut Off 2025, Category-wise Previous Year Analysis
IIM Indore Selection Criteria 2026
IIM Indore follows a clear and structured three-stage selection process. First, candidates must meet the basic eligibility rules. Next, they are shortlisted for the Personal Interview (PI) based on their CAT 2025 sectional and overall percentiles. Finally, admissions are offered by preparing a merit list using the Final Composite Score (FCS). This process ensures a fair and well-rounded evaluation of every applicant.
Stage 1: CAT 2025 Cutoff Percentiles (Sectional + Overall)
To qualify, candidates must clear the minimum percentile requirements:
| Category | QA | DILR | VARC | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | 80 | 80 | 80 | 90 |
| EWS | 80 | 80 | 80 | 90 |
| NC-OBC | 70 | 70 | 70 | 80 |
| SC | 55 | 55 | 55 | 60 |
| ST | 40 | 40 | 40 | 45 |
| PwD | 40 | 40 | 40 | 45 |
Candidates meeting these cutoffs proceed to the next stage.
Stage 2: How IIM Indore Shortlists Candidates Now
Candidates who meet Stage I requirements are evaluated using a Composite Score (CS). The new formula places greater weight on academics and CAT performance.
Components & Weightage
| Component | Weight |
|---|---|
| 10th Marks | 10 |
| 12th Marks | 25 |
| CAT VARC Score | 16 |
| CAT DILR Score | 16 |
| CAT QA Score | 23 |
| Diversity Factor | 7 |
| Work Experience | 3 |
Notes:
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Scores are normalized using Z-scores.
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For candidates missing 10th/12th marks due to COVID, weightage is redistributed.
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Shortlisted candidates will be notified in January 2026.
Only those meeting minimum performance standards in PI parameters will proceed to Stage III.
Stage 3: Final Selection – New Final Composite Score (FCS)
The Final Composite Score (FCS) determines admission offers.
Final Selection Score Breakdown:-
| Component | Weight |
|---|---|
| 10th Marks | 5 |
| 12th Marks | 5 |
| CAT VARC | 20 |
| CAT DILR | 10 |
| CAT QA | 10 |
| PI | 45 |
| Diversity Factor | 5 |
Key Insight:-
PI performance can significantly impact final merit ranking due to its 45% weight.
Also Read, IIM Indore Placements 2025, Check Average & Highest Package
IIM Indore Reservation Policy 2025
The final selection at IIM Indore is according to the reservation norms, CAT cutoffs, and PI scores. Candidates interested in checking the reservation norms at IIM Indore may go through the table below.
| Category | Reservation Criteria |
| OBC candidates belonging to the 'Non-Creamy' layer (OBC-NC) | 27% |
| SC | 15% |
| ST | 7.5% |
| EWS | 10% |
| PwD | 5% |
Also Read, CAT Response Sheet 2025
IIM Indore Shortlisting Process 2025
The second stage of the 3 stage selection process at IIM Indore comprises shortlisting for the PI round. Check the table below for more details on the sectional CAT 2024 cutoffs required for the IIM Indore shortlisting process for PI.
| Category | QA | DILR | VARC |
| General | 80 | 80 | 80 |
| EWS | 80 | 80 | 80 |
| NC-OBC | 70 | 70 | 70 |
| SC | 55 | 55 | 55 |
| ST | 40 | 40 | 40 |
| PwD | 40 | 40 | 40 |
Impact of Changes on CAT / XAT / Other Entrance Exams
The updated criteria directly influence how aspirants should prepare for CAT and present their academic profile.
How It Affects Aspirants:-
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QA becomes a crucial differentiator due to its high weight
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Students with stronger Class 12 scores gain an advantage
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Work experience adds extra points for professionals
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CAT remains the only accepted exam
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PI preparation continues to be extremely important
IIM Indore Selection Criteria Changed: Conclusion
The IIM Indore Selection Criteria 2026–28 introduces meaningful changes that impact CAT aspirants directly. With increased emphasis on Class 12 marks, QA, work experience, and PI performance, students must adjust their preparation strategy accordingly.
IIM Indore aims to create a well-rounded batch—focused on academic excellence, analytical capability, and personal maturity. If you're targeting this prestigious institute, understanding the revised criteria is your first big step.
With the right strategy, consistent preparation, and focused PI training, you can significantly improve your chances of securing admission to IIM Indore.
