IIM shortlisting criteria 2025: The IIM shortlisting process for 2025 is a key step in selecting candidates for the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) PGP programs. After the CAT (Common Admission Test), IIM colleges evaluate candidates based on various criteria to create a list of potential students. The shortlisting process primarily considers the CAT score, but other factors like academic performance, work experience, and diversity also play an important role.
Each IIM may have its own set of requirements, but generally, candidates are assessed on their overall profile, with weightage given to both the CAT score and other achievements. Candidates who meet the required thresholds are invited for further rounds, including Personal Interviews (PI) and Written Ability Test (WAT), to assess their suitability for the program.
IIM Shortlisting Criteria 2025
The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) follow a structured selection process for their Post Graduate Programme (PGP) admissions. While each IIM may have slight variations in their criteria, the general process involves the following stages.
IIM Shortlisting Process after CAT
The IIM shortlisting process for the 2025 batch following the CAT exam typically consists of several stages. Here's an outline of what to expect:
Eligibility Criteria
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates).
- Final-year students are also eligible, provided they submit the required documentation.
Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025
The CAT exam has three sections: Quantitative Ability (QA), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC).
Shortlisting for WAT and PI
After the CAT exam, IIM shortlist candidates for the next round, which usually involves a Personal Interview (PI) and Written Ability Test (WAT). The shortlisting process typically involves:
- Composite Score (CS)
- Shortlisting for WAT and PI
Final Selection
The final selection is based on a combination of the following factors:
- CAT Score
- WAT Score
- PI Score
- Academic History
- Work Experience
- Gender and Diversity
Reservation Policy
The IIMs follow the reservation policy as per government norms. The categories include:
Category | Reservation Percentage |
Scheduled Caste (SC) | 15% |
Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 7.5% |
Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) | 27% |
Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 10% |
Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwD) | 5% |
Also Read, IIM Reservation Policy 2025, List Of College-wise MBA Seats
IIM PGP Shortlisting Process
Here is the IIM PGP shortlisting process below:
Stage | Details |
Eligibility Criteria | Educational Qualification: Bachelor's degree with 50% (45% for SC/ST/PwD) or equivalent CGPA. Final-year students can apply with a provisional certificate. Age: No specific upper age limit, minimum 19 years. |
CAT 2025 | Sections: QA (Quantitative Ability), DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning), VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension). Cut-offs: Varies by IIM, typically between 85-95 percentile. |
Weightage for Final Selection | |
CAT Score | 40-60% (varies by IIM) |
WAT (Written Ability Test) | 10-20% |
PI (Personal Interview) | 30-50% |
Academic Performance | 10-15% (10th, 12th, and undergrad marks) |
Work Experience | 5-10% (if applicable) |
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IIM Composite Score Calculation
The Composite Score (CS) is a key factor used by IIMs for shortlisting candidates for the Personal Interview (PI) and final selection. While each IIM may have slightly different weightages for various components, the general structure for calculating the Composite Score involves the following
Component | Weightage |
CAT Score | 40% - 60% |
WAT (Written Ability Test) | 10% - 20% |
PI (Personal Interview) | 30% - 50% |
Academic Performance | 10% - 15% |
Work Experience | 5% - 10% |
Gender and Diversity | Additional |
Also Read, How To Get Admission In IIM Colleges? After 12th, Graduation
IIM Shortlisting Based on CAT Percentile
IIMs typically use CAT percentile as a key criterion for shortlisting candidates for further rounds (WAT/PI). While each IIM may set its cut-off percentiles for the CAT exam, the shortlisting process is generally based on the following structure:
IIM | Overall CAT Percentile Cut-off | Sectional Cut-off |
IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA) | 95 (General) / 85 (SC/ST/PwD) | 85 (General) / 75 (SC/ST/PwD) |
IIM Bangalore (IIMB) | 90-95 (General) / 80-85 (SC/ST/PwD) | 80-85 (General) / 70-75 (SC/ST/PwD) |
IIM Calcutta (IIMC) | 90 (General) / 80 (SC/ST/PwD) | 80 (General) / 70 (SC/ST/PwD) |
IIM Lucknow (IIML) | 90 (General) / 80 (SC/ST/PwD) | 80 (General) / 70 (SC/ST/PwD) |
IIM Kozhikode (IIMK) | 90 (General) / 80 (SC/ST/PwD) | 80 (General) / 70 (SC/ST/PwD) |
IIM Indore (IIMI) | 90 (General) / 80 (SC/ST/PwD) | 80 (General) / 70 (SC/ST/PwD) |
IIM Shillong (IIMS) | 85-90 (General) / 75-80 (SC/ST/PwD) | 75-80 (General) / 65-70 (SC/ST/PwD) |
Also Read, IIM MBA Fees 2025, College-wise Fee Structure Analysis
How IIMs shortlist Candidates Based on CAT Scores
Here's how IIMs typically shortlist candidates based on CAT scores:
Shortlisting Criteria Based on CAT Scores
IIMs set a minimum overall CAT percentile required for shortlisting candidates. The percentile needed to be shortlisted varies from IIM to IIM and can also depend on the category (General, OBC, SC, ST, PwD).
Factors Beyond CAT Scores for Shortlisting
While CAT scores play a crucial role in the shortlisting process, IIMs also consider the following factors when selecting candidates:
Academic Performance
IIMs consider the academic history of candidates, including:
- Class 10, 12 marks: Higher marks in these exams may earn additional points during the shortlisting process.
- Undergraduate Performance: Candidates with a consistent academic record and high marks in their undergraduate studies are often given preference.
Work Experience
IIMs award additional points for work experience, especially if it’s relevant to the program. However, work experience is not mandatory. More work experience usually earns a candidate more points, but there are limits to how much weight work experience carries in the selection process.
Gender and Diversity
IIMs typically provide additional points to candidates from underrepresented genders and diverse academic backgrounds (i.e., candidates from disciplines like Arts, Commerce, etc.). This helps ensure diversity in the incoming cohort.
Reservation Categories
IIMs follow the reservation policy set by the government for various categories, including OBC (Other Backward Classes), SC (Scheduled Castes), ST (Scheduled Tribes), and PwD (Persons with Disabilities). Reserved category candidates usually have lower overall and sectional CAT percentile cut-offs.
IIM Shortlisting for WAT & PI Based on CAT Percentile
After the CAT results are declared, IIMs typically shortlist candidates for the WAT (Written Ability Test) and PI (Personal Interview) rounds based on:
- Overall CAT Percentile: This is the primary criterion, as a high overall percentile increases the chances of being shortlisted.
- Sectional Percentiles: Candidates must meet the sectional cut-offs in each of the CAT sections (QA, DILR, VARC).
- Composite Score: Some IIMs may use a composite score that combines CAT scores, academic performance, and other factors to generate a final shortlist.
Composite Score Calculation
To assess a candidate holistically, many IIMs calculate a composite score that incorporates multiple factors:
- CAT Score (Overall and Sectional)
- Academic Performance (Class 10, 12, and undergraduate marks)
- Work Experience
- Gender Diversity
- Reservation Category (for SC, ST, OBC, PwD candidates)
IIM Shortlisting Criteria 2025: Conclusion
The IIM shortlisting criteria 2025 is a multi-stage process that goes beyond just CAT percentile. While scoring high in CAT is essential, candidates must also focus on building a strong academic record, showcasing relevant work experience, and preparing for WAT and PI rounds. IIMs follow a holistic approach, ensuring that students with diverse educational and professional backgrounds are given fair opportunities.
In addition, factors like gender diversity and reservation policies play a crucial role in shaping the final shortlist. Understanding the IIM selection process 2025 in detail helps aspirants plan their preparation strategy more effectively. Scoring well in CAT, coupled with strong communication skills, academic consistency, and confidence in interviews, can significantly boost one’s chances of securing admission to a top IIM.
