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IIM Colleges Need Separate Application Form?
Are you planning to apply to top IIM colleges in 2025? Confused about separate forms and wondering if there's a way to get into IIM without CAT? You're not alone. Every year, many applicants miss out on great opportunities simply because they didn’t know which IIMs ask for individual forms or what options exist beyond CAT.
This guide breaks it all down in simple terms so that you don’t miss anything important.
List of IIMs That Need a Separate Application Form
Some IIMs require a second stage application, separate from the CAT registration. If you're targeting these, make sure to fill out their individual forms in time.
| IIM | Form Fee | Last Date to Apply (Tentative) | Status |
| IIM Rohtak | ₹3,095 | 3 January 2026 | Separate form required |
| IIM Mumbai (ex-NITIE) | ₹0 | 31 January 2026 | Separate application needed |
| IIM Amritsar | ₹1,000 - Others ₹500 - SC/ST | 25 January 2026 | Form expected to open soon |
| IIM Visakhapatnam | ₹1,000 | Early January 2026 | Application date to be announced |
| IIM Raipur | ₹1,000 | Not released | Form not yet available |
What the Separate Application Form Includes?
The second-stage application process for these IIMs typically includes the following:
- CAT details: Roll number, percentile
- Academic records: Class 10th, 12th, graduation
- Work experience: Company name, role, duration
- Extra documents: Resume, ID proof, category certificate if applicable
- Application fee: ₹1,000 to ₹3,000 (online payment)
- Statement of Purpose or essays (optional at some IIMs)
Make sure to fill this form before the given deadline. Without this step, your CAT score won’t be considered for these institutes.
Also Read, CAT Answer Key 2025, Release Date OUT, Download Link
Important Dates for Separate application forms for IIMs
The IIMs mentioned above need separate application form doesn’t mean that they won’t consider CAT scores. They will consider the CAT score for the shortlisting and final selection of the exam. They just want a separate application form than a CAT application form.
To apply for these MBA colleges students need to keep visiting the official websites of these colleges for the dates. The application form of these institutes opens for a short time. So, aspirants need to be extra cautious about the application dates.
Once they open the applications for the PGP program we will provide the direct link here on this page. To give you the estimate around which they closed their application form is given in the table below:
| IIM | Last date (Tenetative) | Direct Link |
| IIM Rohtak | 5th Jan 2026 | Not Open Yet |
| IIM Mumbai (ex-NITIE) | 31st Jan 2026 | Not Open Yet |
| IIM Amritsar | 24th Jan 2026 | Not Open Yet |
| IIM Visakhapatnam | 17th Feb 2026 | Not Open Yet |
| IIM Raipur | 15th Jan 2025 | Not Open Yet |
Also Read, CAT Response Sheet 2025 Date OUT, Download Official PDF
IIM MBA Admission 2025
While CAT is the main gateway to IIMs, competition is high, so students must concentrate on preparation well and follow the given process to avoid any kind of mistakes during the admissions.
| Stage | Details |
| CAT Registration | Apply online through the official CAT portal (usually opens in August–September). |
| CAT Exam | Appear for the CAT exam, conducted in November across multiple test cities. |
| Shortlisting by IIMs | Based on CAT percentile and academic profile. Each IIM has its own criteria. |
| Evaluation Criteria | Includes CAT score, past academics (10th, 12th, graduation), work experience, and diversity (gender/academic background). |
| WAT & PI Rounds | Shortlisted candidates are invited for Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI). |
| Final Selection | Composite score is calculated using all components. Final offers are made accordingly. |
Key Takeaways for IIM Admission with CAT
- CAT is mandatory for admission to the 2-year flagship PGP/MBA programs at all IIMs.
- Registration starts in August, and the exam is conducted in November every year.
- CAT score alone is not enough; academic history, work experience, and diversity also matter.
- Each IIM has a different shortlisting and final selection criteria, with different weightages.
- WAT and PI rounds are crucial in the final selection. Performance in these rounds greatly affects your chances.
- Final selection is based on a composite score that includes CAT, academics, WAT-PI, and profile factors.
- Category-based reservations apply as per government norms:
- OBC – 27%
- SC – 15%
- ST – 7.5%
- EWS – 10%
- PwD – 5%
- Cutoffs vary from 76 to 95 percentile depending on the IIM and category.
Also Read, CAT Application Form Correction 2025, Dates, Fees, Errors
IIM Colleges Need Separate Application Form?: Conclusion
As mentioned above, CAT is considered common for all kinds of management studies. However, based on your experience, you can opt for different programs and colleges. So students who are aspiring for top IIMs must check the websites of the colleges daily for announcements.
