From the CAT exam to the final admission letter — every stage, cut-off, and decision point mapped out in one place. Built by an alumnus who has walked the path.
Guidance covering every IIM — from the old flagships to the newest campuses
The IIM admission process is a sequence, not a single exam. Here is exactly what happens, when it happens, and what to do at each stage.
You need a bachelor's degree in any discipline to apply. Final-year students can also apply.
The Common Admission Test is the single gateway to almost every IIM. Registration opens in August on the official CAT portal, run each year by a rotating IIM.
The CAT tests three areas. Balanced preparation matters because most IIMs enforce sectional cut-offs, not just an overall score.
A computer-based test of roughly two hours, held in slots across the country. Scoring is normalised across slots to keep it fair.
Results arrive as a percentile — where you rank against every other test-taker. A 99 percentile means you scored better than 99% of candidates. This number drives everything that follows.
Each IIM sets and publishes its own cut-offs and selection formula. You are not shortlisted "by CAT" — you are shortlisted by individual institutes.
Shortlisted candidates face the second round — this is where many admissions are actually won or lost.
Each IIM combines your CAT score, interview performance, past academics, work experience and diversity factors into one final composite score, then ranks candidates.
Admission offers roll out based on the final rank list. Accept, pay the seat-confirmation fee, and prepare to join — you've made it into an IIM.
The IIMs never rely on a single number. Here's what each of the three gates is looking for.
Speed, accuracy and range across quant, logic and language. Watch the sectional cut-offs — a strong overall score with one weak section can still miss the mark.
Consistent academics, work experience and any academic-stream diversity feed the shortlist. Build this story long before results day.
Clear thinking, structured writing, and the ability to hold a view under questioning. Preparation here often matters more than the last CAT percentile point.
No single factor gets you in. A representative composite weighting used by many IIMs looks something like this — though every institute publishes its own exact formula each year.
The two-year MBA / PGP is the best-known path, but it isn't the only one.
One-year MBAs for experienced professionals — such as PGPX, EPGP and MBAEx — usually accept a valid GMAT or GRE score instead of the CAT.
Part-time and weekend formats let you keep your job while you study. Entry criteria vary by campus and often weigh work experience heavily.
The doctoral (FPM / PhD) route is for those aiming at research and academia, with its own admission test and interview process.
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