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IIM Lucknow Calls 2026
Receiving a call from IIM Lucknow for the PGP 2026–28 batch is a major milestone for CAT 2025 aspirants aiming to secure admission to one of India’s top B-schools. With CAT witnessing over 2.5 Lakh applicants, only the most competitive candidates receive IIM Lucknow calls 2026. This shortlist reflects the institute’s rigorous, multi-stage selection process, culminating in the WAT–PI rounds.
Lucknow's demanding process counts CAT as a huge part (60% weight) together with academic performance, duration of work experience, and diversity factors, turning into the composite score for shortlisting, which distinguishes it from others. So, whether you are celebrating a new call or planning your next steps, this guide will help you navigate the February-March interviews and the stages that follow.
This blog explains the estimated cutoffs and interview dates for IIM Lucknow 2026, outlines how to check IIM Lucknow calls online, details what to do after receiving an IIM Lucknow call, and cautions on commonly made mistakes to be avoided after IIM Lucknow call supported by data-based tables and actionable insights.
Expected Cutoff for IIM Lucknow Calls 2026
The minimum overall CAT 2025 score required for PI shortlisting by IIM Lucknow is 90 percentile for General and sectional cutoffs at 85 in VARC, DILR, QA. Expected final selection cat cutoffs are higher, around 98-99 percentile for General category, based on past trends.
Category | VARC | DILR | QA | Overall (Shortlist) | Expected Final |
General | 85 | 85 | 85 | 90 | 98-99 |
NC-OBC/EWS | 77 | 77 | 77 | 82 | 87-90 |
SC | 55 | 55 | 55 | 65 | 70-78 |
ST/PWD | 50 | 50 | 50 | 60 | 60-68 |
Composite score for shortlisting weights CAT scaled score at 60%, academics 20%, work ex 10%, diversity 10%.
Read More: IIM Lucknow Cut Off, Program Wise Previous Year Analysis
How to Check IIM Lucknow Calls 2026 Online
To check IIM Lucknow calls 2026 online for PGP (Core) and other programs, follow the official process released on January 10, 2026.
Step-by-Step Guide
Visit the IIM Lucknow official website (iiml.ac.in). Locate and click the prominent link labeled "WAT-PI Shortlist for MBA Batch 2026-28" or "PGP admission login page" on the admissions section homepage.
Enter your CAT 2025 registration number, registered email ID, date of birth, and the CAPTCHA code displayed. Click "Login" to view your shortlist status, composite score, and access the PI application form for submission. You can also download pdf under “News & Announcements” to get your admission status.
Key Tips
Shortlisted candidates also get confirmation emails with deadlines and further instructions, check spam if necessary. Only candidates who selected IIM Lucknow during the CAT 2025 registration will be considered for the interview rounds; failing to meet the qualifying cutoffs will exclude students from further consideration.
IIM Lucknow Interview Dates 2026
IIM Lucknow will hold WAT-PI rounds for PGP 2026-28 in February 2026, and the exact date, time, and place has been communicated individually to shortlisted candidates via email.
The exact IIM Lucknow interview dates 2026 are not publicly announced but depend on the specific candidate, panel and location (usually Lucknow, Delhi, Bangalore, etc.). The emails sent after the shortlist (January 10, 2026) contain the individual's schedule, wherein the interviews are often grouped in mid-to-late February to coincide with other IIMs.
Phase | Expected Timeline | Action Required |
Shortlist Release | January 10, 2026 | Check status online & submit PI form |
Interview date release | 19th January | Confirm attendance & prepare docs |
WAT-PI Rounds | February 2026 (tentative: Feb 10-28) | Attend as per the email slot |
Results | March-April 2026 | Await the final merit list |
Regularly check your registered email and iiml.ac.in for updates; respond promptly to avoid forfeiture.
Read More: IIM Lucknow Selection Criteria PDF, Application Process
What to Do After Receiving an IIM Lucknow Call
Following the announcement of the IIM Lucknow call 2026 for PGP 2026-28 WAT-PI, you must perform quickly within deadlines (generally 2-3 days after January 10, 2026).
Use the shortlist login site with your CAT 2025 information to fill out the online PI application form. Be sure to include your academic qualifications, work history, and profile responses accurately, as the panels will make references to these. Make the necessary document copies: 10th/12th/graduation marksheets, CAT scorecard, work experience certificates, category proofs, if any, and photo ID.
From the registered email, confirm your interview slot (February 2026 dates, venues like Lucknow/Delhi), reply with your attendance, and make travel arrangements (if required).
Preparation Essentials
- WAT Practice: Master 30-minute, 300-word essays on current affairs (e.g. economy, business news). Read editorials daily (The Hindu, Economic Times); structure as intro-arguments-conclusion with data/examples.
- PI Strategy: Revise academics (UG subjects deeply, especially if you are a fresher), prepare 5-6 STAR stories on work experience/leadership, current affairs, and "Why MBA/IIM Lucknow?". Expect 20-25 minute interviews; do 10-15 mocks.
- Score Focus: Minimum 12/40 PI score required; communication/body language is critical.
Prep Area | Daily Routine | Resources |
Academics | 2 hrs revision | Notes, textbooks |
Stories/Work Ex | 1 hr STAR practice | Profile review |
Current Affairs | 1 hr reading | Newspapers, apps |
Mock Interviews | 2-3 a week | Coaching/mentors |
Track iiml.ac.in for updates; consistent prep converts calls to admits.
Read More: IIM Lucknow RTI Data 2025, Shortlist Candidates, Class Profile
Common Mistakes to Avoid After IIM Lucknow Call
Once they get an IIM Lucknow call for PGP 2026-28, a lot of people who are strong in CAT unfortunately do not convert their calls due to mistakes that are actually avoidable.
Critical Mistakes to Avoid
- Delaying PI form submission: Not sending the PI form within 2-3 days after the January 10 shortlist leads to immediate rejection, so first set reminders and then upload all profile details accurately.
- Neglecting WAT practice: Overlooking the 30-minute essays on abstract topics, such as ethics and policy, results in a poor structure; not reading daily editorials or not practising mock WAT will drastically reduce the scores.
Interview Pitfalls
Mistake | Why It Hurts | Fix |
Generic "Why MBA?" answers | Shows lack of clarity; panels probe deeply | Use STAR stories from work experience/academics |
Ignoring academics (30% weight) | Weak on UG gaps invites grilling | Revise core subjects well |
Overconfidence post-call | Treats shortlist as admit; skips mock PIs | Do 15+ PI simulations |
Poor current affairs prep | Fumbles economy/news questions | Read The Hindu daily |
Weak body language | Lowers PI score (minimum 12/40 required) | Monitor your body Language |
Stay disciplined, 85%+ conversions stem from avoiding these mistakes, as per past trends.
Read More: IIM Lucknow Waitlist Movement, Previous Year Analysis
IIM Lucknow Calls 2026: Conclusion
Getting an IIM Lucknow Call 2026 is a big achievement, but it is just the first step toward final admission. The competition is tough, and the WAT and PI rounds are very important. Knowing the cutoffs, interview dates, and selection criteria will help you prepare better.
Regular interview practice, a clear understanding of your academics and work experience, and staying updated with current affairs can improve your chances of selection. Avoid common mistakes, follow all deadlines carefully, and check official updates regularly to convert your IIM Lucknow call into a final offer.
