IIM Kozhikode Cut-off 2026
The Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode is one of the top MBA colleges in the country. Admission to the institute involves a highly competitive selection process. For the candidates who are aspiring the PGP 2026-2028 batch, a clear understanding of the cutoff structure is essential to navigate the selection process effectively.
Download IIM Kozhikode Selection Criteria PDF
IIM Kozhikode Overall Cut-off
IIM Kozhikode will follow a comprehensive three-stage selection process for its postgraduate program admissions for the next cycle, and in that, the overall CAT cutoff will serve as the initial screening filter, which will help in knowing who is eligible to proceed beyond Stage 1.
For the 2026 admissions cycle, the institute has set clear minimum requirements regarding the CAT percentile that candidates must meet to even register for the selection process.
IIM Kozhikode Overall CAT Percentile Requirements (Stage 1) | ||
Category | Overall CAT Percentile | |
General (GEN) | 85 | |
OBC-NCL/EWS | 75 | |
SC | 65 | |
ST/PwD | 55 | |
It's important to note that meeting these minimum CAT percentile criteria will only qualify candidates for registration. One must understand that this is just a pre-interview registration process and does not guarantee an interview call. Because, the actual selection for Stage 2 (personal interview shortlisting) is based upon an aggregate index score that will consider multiple factors.
The Aggregate Index Score calculation will include the CAT 2026 Index Score (50%), Class X percentage (15%), Class XII percentage (20%), Gender/Academic Diversity Score (10% / 5%) and Work Experience Score (5%).
IIM Kozhikode Section-Wise Cut-off
IIM Kozhikode enforces strict sectional cutoffs for the three sections of CAT: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) and Quantitative Ability (QA). The institute's admission criteria clearly mention that "only candidates obtaining a positive (greater than zero) scaled score in all sections of CAT 2025 will be considered." This means that candidates have to clear the sectional cutoff in each section to remain eligible, regardless of their overall percentile.
IIM Kozhikode Sectional Percentile Requirements 2026 | ||||
Category | VARC Sectional | DILR Sectional | QA Sectional | |
General | 75 | 75 | 75 | |
OBC-NCL/EWS | 65 | 65 | 65 | |
SC | 55 | 55 | 55 | |
ST/PwD | 45 | 45 | 45 | |
IIM Kozhikode Category-Wise Cut-off
Candidates who possess or do not possess a Graduation degree but have completed CA, CMA (ICWA) or CS must have secured at least 50 percent aggregate marks in their CA, CMA (ICWA), or CS examination.
Stage 1: Minimum Eligibility Requirements
Category | CAT Overall | CAT Sectional | Class X % | Class XII % | Graduation % |
GEN | 85 | 75 | 60 | 60 | 60 |
OBC-NCL | 75 | 65 | 60 | 60 | 60 |
EWS | 75 | 65 | 60 | 60 | 60 |
SC | 65 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 60 |
ST | 55 | 45 | 55 | 55 | 60 |
PwD | 55 | 45 | 55 | 55 | 60 |
IIM Kozhikode Previous Year Cut-off Analysis (2025)
The IIM Kozhikode's previous year's cut-off plays an important role in understanding like what target they need to achieve.
Category/Profile | 2025 Final Cutoff | |
Engineer + Male (GEN) | 99.5+ | |
Non-Engineer + Male (GEN) | 99+ | |
Engineer + Female (GEN) | 98+ | |
Non-Engineer + Female (GEN) | 97+ | |
SC (Male Engineer) | 88 | |
ST (Male Engineer) | 83 | |
OBC (Male Engineer) | 98 |
How Much Does the IIM Kozhikode Sectional Cut-off Play a Role in Selection?
The sectional cut-offs play a very crucial role than just acting as an initial screening in the selection procedure at IIM Kozhikode.
To begin with, sectional cut-offs function as strict eligibility criteria. Even if a candidate has an excellent overall CAT percentile, failing to clear the cut-off in any one section leads to outright elimination at Stage 1.
Secondly, the sectional scores also influence shortlisting in the next stage, as the IIM Kozhikode uses the scaled scores from all three CAT sections, giving them equal weight while calculating the CAT Index Score for Stage 2 and since this score contributes 50% of the Aggregate Index Score, strong performance in each section not only keeps a candidate in the race but also improves their chances of receiving a personal interview call
IIM Kozhikode Cut-off 2026: Conclusion
The IIM Kozhikode Cut Off 2026 sets a clear benchmark for MBA aspirants aiming to secure admission to one of India’s top management institutes. While meeting the overall CAT cutoff is essential for registration, candidates must also focus equally on sectional performance, as failing in any one section leads to disqualification. Academic consistency, diversity factors, and work experience further strengthen a candidate’s profile during shortlisting.
Understanding previous year cutoff trends and the weightage used in the Aggregate Index Score can help aspirants set realistic targets. To improve chances of receiving a PI call, candidates should aim well above the minimum cutoffs and maintain balanced performance across all CAT sections. Strategic preparation remains the key to converting an IIM Kozhikode call.
