IIT Madras MBA Shortlist 2026: Have you applied for the IIT Madras MBA 2026-2028 program? The shortlist for the MBA admissions process has now been released. You can go to the IIT Madras official website, log in, and check your application status.
On February 19, 2026, IIT Madras released the MBA shortlist for 2026-2028 admissions. If you have been shortlisted, you must now schedule your Personal Interview (PI) date within the given deadline. Thousands of candidates applied to IIT Madras through CAT 2025, making this shortlist a significant achievement. However, the journey is not over yet - the final selection stage is still ahead. To help you prepare effectively, this article provides complete details about the IIT Madras MBA 2026-28 Personal Interview dates, the detailed selection process, expected cut-off trends, and the final weightage criteria used for preparing the merit list.
Download IIT Madras MBA Selection Criteria 2026 PDF
IIT Madras MBA Shortlist 2026
This shortlist is the first major step in the admission process. It decides who will attend the interview round.
On 19 February 2026, IIT Madras announced the shortlist for PI and Reflective Writing. Only candidates meeting the composite score requirement received interview calls.
Important Shortlist Announcement Timeline:
| Event | Date |
| MBA Registration Start | 25 December 2025 |
| Application Deadline | 8 February 2026 |
| Shortlist Release | 19 February 2026 |
| Interview Process | March 2026 |
| Final Result | May 2026 |
This means the shortlist came just 11 days after applications closed, showing a fast selection process.
Interview Cities and Dates:
Shortlisted candidates must attend interviews in the assigned cities.
| City | Interview Dates |
| Mumbai | 6, 7, 8 March 2026 |
| Delhi | 13, 14, 15 March 2026 |
| Chennai | 20, 21, 22 March 2026 |
| Hyderabad | 28, 29 March 2026 |
| Kolkata | 28, 29 March 2026 |
Candidates will also complete Reflective Writing during the same process.
Note: Ensure you selected the right date and place. Don’t be anxious while filling in the details.
Read More: IIT Madras MBA Selection Criteria 2026, Cut Off, Fees, Eligibility
IIT Madras MBA Cutoff 2026
Cutoff is the minimum CAT percentile needed for IIT Madras shortlist consideration. However, the institute does not mention any minimum cut-off for shortlisting. It depends on your composite score.
Based on shortlist trends, here are the expected cutoffs. Once the official cut offs released, you can check them.
Category-Wise CAT Cutoff 2026 (Expected)
| Category | Overall Cutoff |
| General | 90+ |
| OBC | 75+ |
| SC | 50+ |
| ST | 60+ |
| EWS | 80+ |
For General category students, a 90+ percentile is usually needed for interview calls.
But remember, cutoff alone does not guarantee interview shortlist.
IIT Madras also checks:
- Academic marks
- Work experience
- Academic and Gender Diversity
A strong profile can improve chances even with a lower score. Let’s check those details in the next section.
IIT Madras MBA Selection Process 2026
The IIT Madras MBA selection process happens in two main stages. Each stage tests different skills.
Stage 1: Shortlisting Stage
IIT Madras MBA Shortlisting depends on the composite score. This is the first stage. Only eligible candidates are shortlisted for the interview.
Shortlisting depends on CAT score, academic marks, and profile factors.
Minimum Eligibility Required for Shortlisting
| Requirement | Minimum Criteria |
| Graduation Marks | 60% (55% for SC/ST/PwD) |
| Entrance Exam | Valid CAT 2025 score |
| IIT Graduates | CGPA 8.0 or above (CAT not required) |
| Sponsored Candidates | 60% marks + Minimum 2 years work experience in the sponsoring organization. |
| Foreign / NRI | Valid GMAT score |
| Defence Personnel | 55% marks (CAT not required) |
Final-year students can also apply. Admission remains provisional until degree completion.
Note: But ensure you can make the best impression with your activities and interests towards the MBA program.
Shortlisting Weightage Table
Composite score for IIT Madras MBA shortlisting.
| Parameter | Weightage (Marks) |
| CAT Score | 75 Marks |
| 10th Marks | 2 Marks |
| 12th Marks | 3 Marks |
| Graduation Marks | 5 Marks |
| Work Experience | 10 Marks |
| Academic Diversity | 2 Marks |
| Gender Diversity | 3 Marks |
| Total | 100 Marks |
What Interview Panel Checks
Since the Personal Interview plays a decisive role in the final selection process, candidates must prepare strategically and demonstrate confidence, clarity, and genuine motivation for pursuing an MBA.
They check:
- Subject knowledge
- Communication skills
- Confidence
- Career clarity
- Business awareness
Freshers also get equal opportunity.
Sponsored candidates must have a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience.
IIT graduates with a CGPA of 8+ get a CAT exemption.
Defense candidates also do not need CAT.
Note: Ensure you are applying under the correct section.
Read More: IIT Madras MBA Cut Off 2026, Expected CAT Cut Off, Past Trends
IIT Madras MBA Final Merit List 2026
The final merit list decides admission offers. IIT Madras will release the list in May 2026. This list is prepared using the final composite score.
Final Merit List Calculation Table
| Component |
| Personal Interview |
| Reflective Writing |
| CAT Score |
| Academics |
| Work Experience |
| Other Achievements |
The institute has not explicitly disclosed the weightage for the above components. Students with the highest score get admission.
After Final Selection
Students with the best overall performance get selected. Selected students will receive:
- Offer letter
- Fee payment details
- Joining instructions
Classes will begin in July 2026.
Programme Timeline
| Event | Date |
| Final Result | May 2026 |
| Fee Payment | June 2026 |
| Joining | July 2026 |
| Classes Start | July 2026 |
Note: Make sure you note all the dates in your calendar.
How to Check IIT Madras MBA Shortlist 2026-28
Checking the shortlist is simple. Follow these steps carefully.
Steps to Check Shortlist
- Visit the official DoMS IIT Madras admission website
- Click on MBA Admission 2026 Login
- Enter Email ID
- Enter Password
- Click Login
- Check shortlist status
If shortlisted, interview details will appear. Students will also receive an email notification.
In case you forgot the password, you can click “forgot password” and enter your registered email and you will get a link to your mail, create a new password, and again log in.
IIT Madras MBA Shortlist 2026: Conclusion
The IIT Madras MBA 2026-28 shortlist is an important step in your admission journey. If you have received an interview call, your next focus should be on preparing well for the Personal Interview (PI), reflective writing, and understanding how the final merit list is prepared. Since IIT Madras selects students based on a composite score, your CAT score, academic marks, and work experience all matter in the final decision.
The interviews will be held in March 2026, and the final results are expected in May 2026. Shortlisted candidates should prepare in a smart and planned way and regularly check official updates. A confident interview performance along with a strong academic and professional profile can increase your chances of getting admission to the IIT Madras MBA 2026-28 program.