CAT Exam Eligibility for IIM, IIM Admission Criteria and Selection Process 2023
Anil Solonki19 Aug, 2023
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The CAT 2022 results are now available. Take a look at the updated admission criteria for all 20 IIM institutes. Get insights into CAT 2022 cutoffs, shortlisting criteria, WAT-PI scores, and more, which are crucial aspects of the IIM selection process for the year 2023.
IIM Admission Criteria and Selection Process for 2023 - The initial step towards securing a spot in IIMs involves taking the CAT exam. The subsequent stages encompass the Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI). These two components serve as the key factors in the IIM MBA admission process. They are conducted subsequent to the announcement of the CAT results. Applicants who meet the CAT cutoff are shortlisted for the WAT and PI rounds. Ultimately, the final decision for IIM admission is based on a holistic evaluation of the candidate's profile, including CAT score, academic achievements, work experience, category, and WAT/PI performance. CAT 2022 took place on November 27, and the results were revealed on December 21. The IIM admission procedure for the 2023-25 MBA/PGP batch is underway, with all IIMs having published their PI shortlists. The interview phase is expected to occur in February.IIM Admission and Selection Criteria 2023-25
The IIMs have introduced their admission criteria and selection process for the year 2023, releasing these guidelines individually starting from August. These criteria are made public before the CAT exam and results, allowing candidates to understand the cutoffs for shortlisting, selection criteria, parameters, and the process itself. The IIM admission process goes beyond CAT percentiles and considers factors such as WAT/GD and PI performance, academic background, diversity in academics and gender, as well as work experience. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many IIMs adapted by omitting WAT and GD and conducting the PI round via video calls for admissions in the 2021 and 2022 batches. The 2023 batch's admission process might witness face-to-face PIs as the pandemic situation improves. Following the release of the CAT 2022 results, the 20 IIM campuses began screening test takers based on their CAT scores and academic records (performance in Class 10, Class 12, and graduation). Specific CAT cutoff percentiles have been set for each IIM, taking into account sections and categories. These cutoff percentiles and the weight assigned to CAT scores (and other factors) for shortlisting into the WAT/GD-PI round differ among the various IIMs.Stages of IIM Admission and Selection Process
The IIM admission procedure consists of three distinct stages. Here's a simple overview of these three stages: Stage 1: Shortlisting Based on CAT Score- After the CAT 2022 results are announced, candidates need to apply for the WAT/GD-PI round of each IIM through official notifications on their respective websites. Those meeting the shortlist cutoff must log in using their CAT IDs to provide their names and CAT scores. Stage 2: WAT/GD-PI Screening- During this phase, candidates who applied for the WAT/GD-PI round are chosen based on their CAT scores and academic records. Interview letters are then sent to the selected candidates, inviting them to participate in the WAT-GD-PI round. While this round was traditionally held in designated cities from February to April, since 2020, only the PI is conducted online via video conferencing. Stage 3: Composite Score Calculation and Final Selection- In the third and final stage of IIM admission, each candidate's composite score is calculated using various parameters to determine their final selection. Eight key parameters are considered for this composite score, and their definitions are as follows:| IIM Admission Parameter | What Does It Mean? |
| CAT score | Overall percentile score obtained in CAT exam. |
| Graduation Score | The aggregate percentage obtained in a three-year degree course or equivalent. |
| Class 12 Score | The aggregate percentage scored in Class 12 or equivalent. |
| Class 10 Score | The aggregate percentage scored in Class 10 or equivalent. |
| WAT/GD-PI | Each candidate's performance in WAT/GD-PI is assessed and marks are allotted accordingly. |
| Academic Diversity | Candidates from non-engineering backgrounds are given extra points to ensure a fair representation of students from other streams. The points for academic diversity vary for each campus. |
| Gender Diversity | The IIMs give extra points to female and transgender candidates to encourage fair representation of each gender. The points for gender diversity vary for each campus. |
| Work Experience | Extra points (from 1–5) are given to candidates with prior work experience. For this, a range is defined from lowest to highest. The points for work experience vary for each campus. |
What is CAT Composite Score?
The composite score is the total score (out of 100) that a candidate achieves in the final selection process, determined by the parameters mentioned earlier. For specifics on how each IIM campus assigns weightage to these parameters and computes the composite score, you can find detailed information in the table of campus-wise IIM admission and selection criteria provided below.IIM Eligibility Criteria
Each year, more than two lakh MBA aspirants undertake the CAT exam for the chance to secure one of roughly 5,000 MBA seats across the 20 IIM campuses. In CAT 2022, around 2.55 lakh candidates applied, with 2.22 lakh candidates taking the test. In CAT 2021, the applicant count was 2.32 lakh, and 1.92 lakh candidates appeared for the exam. Similarly, in 2020, approximately 2.30 lakh candidates registered for the exam, out of which 1.90 lakh appeared. In CAT 2019, the total applications received were 2.44 lakh, and over 2.09 lakh candidates participated in the exam. IIM eligibility criteria are identical to the CAT eligibility criteria, which require a minimum of 50 percent aggregate marks in graduation. Those eligible for CAT are also eligible for IIM admission; however, they must satisfy additional requirements for the selection process. The key points of IIM eligibility criteria are as follows:- A minimum of 50 percent aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA (45 percent for SC, ST, and PWD/DA category) in graduation is the fundamental eligibility.
- Candidates currently in their final year of bachelor's degree/equivalent qualification or awaiting results are also eligible to apply.
- To receive an IIM interview call, candidates must meet the IIM shortlist/qualifying cut-off.
- To anticipate an interview call and partake in WAT/GD-PI, candidates must fulfill the minimum IIM call cut-off.
IIM CAT Cut Offs: Qualifying vs Final
Refer to the table provided for a comparison between the CAT cut-offs from the previous year and the projected final CAT cut-offs.| IIM | Qualifying CAT Cut Offs | Expected CAT Cut Offs |
| IIM Ahmedabad | 80 | 99-100 |
| IIM Bangalore | 85 | 99-100 |
| IIM Calcutta | 85 | 99 |
| IIM Lucknow | 90 | 97-99 |
| IIM Amritsar | 85 | 95-96 |
| IIM Kozhikode | 85 | 97-98 |
| IIM Indore | 90 | 97-99 |
| IIM Ranchi | 93 | 94-95 |
| IIM Raipur | 93 | 94-95 |
| IIM Trichy | 93 | 94-95 |
| IIM Sambalpur | 93 | 94-95 |
| IIM Nagpur | 85 | 95-96 |
Key Points to Note in the IIM Admission Process:
- Selection for the second phase of the IIM admission process is based on CAT 2022 scores and academic history.
- The shortlisting occurs online, where candidates apply for interview calls. Institutes contact selected candidates through email.
- Participation in the WAT/GD-PI is essential to qualify for the final phase of admission, which involves calculating the composite score for ultimate selection.
Documents to Present in WAT/GD-PI Round
For the admission process, you will need to provide:- Original and self-attested photocopies of Class 10, Class 12, and Graduation mark sheets.
- A caste/class and/or disability certificate if you belong to SC, ST, NC-OBC, or PwD category (original and photocopy).
- If you're in your final year of a bachelor's degree or equivalent, a certificate from your university/institution's Principal/Registrar/Director is necessary. This certificate should confirm that you've secured a minimum of 50 percent aggregate (or equivalent, with 45 percent for SC, ST, and PwD candidates) in the latest available grades/marks.
CAT Exam Eligibility for IIM, FAQs
Q1: Can anyone apply for the CAT exam to get admission to IIMs? Ans : No, candidates need to meet the CAT eligibility criteria, which include having a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in graduation (45% for SC, ST, and PWD/DA category candidates). Q2: Is there an age limit for CAT exam eligibility? Ans : No, there is no age limit to appear for the CAT exam. Q3: Can candidates in their final year of graduation apply for CAT and subsequently for IIM admission? Ans : Yes, candidates in their final year of bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification can apply for both CAT and IIM admission. Q4: How are candidates shortlisted for the IIM admission process? Ans : Candidates are initially shortlisted based on their CAT scores and academic records. They need to apply for the interview call, and if selected, they receive further communication from the IIMs. Q5: Can candidates defer their IIM admission? Ans : Yes, IIMs have a provision for candidates to defer admission for up to a maximum of two years, especially for those who want to gain work experience before pursuing the course.🔥 Trending Blogs
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