CAT Selection Process: Check IIM Admission Criteria
Students can discover the CAT selection process and IIM admission criteria to kickstart their journey towards prestigious management programs. Learn about the early stages of the selection process.
Anil Solonki3 Oct, 2023
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CAT Selection Process & IIM Admission Criteria: The process to get into IIM through CAT exams involves a few steps: Group Discussion (GD), Written Ability Test (WAT), and Personal Interview (PI). After CAT exams , IIMs begin selecting candidates for their post-graduate programs. Your CAT 2023 score will determine if you move on to GD and PI rounds. The final decision depends on many factors like your CAT performance , how you do in AWT & PI, your academics, and your extra activities. IIMs assess candidates based on a composite score from all these rounds and also consider academic records.
The IIM Admission process has three stages: an initial screening, shortlisting candidates for WAT/P I, and finally selecting candidates post WAT/PI. Be sure to carefully check the specific criteria for each IIM to avoid any last-minute issues.CAT Selection Process for MBA Admission 2024-26
To get into MBA programs 2024-26 , aspirants have to go through the CAT exam selection process . Moreover, the CAT Exam Selection Process for MBA Admission 2024-26 includes group discussion (GD), written ability test (WAT), and a personal interview (PI). Once you pass the CAT exam , you need to meet the specific CAT cutoff set by individual IIMs to proceed further. The CAT exam evaluates your skills in Quantitative aptitudes, Verbal ability. Data interpretation and logical reasonings to a computer based test. If you do well, different MBA Institutes might shortlist you for more rounds as in the CAT selection process , like interviews, group discussions, and written ability tests. All 20 IIMs will use CAT scores to shortlist candidates and the admission process can differ between these institutes. Additionally, other B- Schools also consider CAT scores for admission into post graduate management programs.CAT Selection Process 2023 for IIM Admission
The CAT exam is super important if you want to get into top business schools in India like the IIMs. After giving the CAT exam , there are a few more steps before you can secure your admission. These steps include a Group Discussion, a Written Ability Test, and a Personal Interview. The IIM selection process 2023 after the CAT exam is over. People who score well in CAT are shortlisted for these further rounds. The final decision for IIM admission proces depends on various factors, not just CAT scores . They look at your academic record, your performance in the Group Discussion and Personal Interview, as well as your extracurricular activities. Remember, the criteria for eligibility and CAT Selection Process can differ for different IIMs. So, it's really important to carefully check the requirements for each IIM to avoid any issues later. The CAT exam is scheduled for November 26, 2023, and if you're registered, you can expect your admit card on October 25. The registration process has ended. For general candidates, the registration fee was INR 2400, and for SC/ST/PwD candidates, it was INR 1200. Good luck to everyone taking the CAT exam .| IIM Selection Criteria 2023 | |
| Component | Details |
| Purpose | Admission to postgraduate management programs in Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top management institutes. |
| Selection Process | CAT Exam ➔ Group Discussion (GD) ➔ Written Ability Test (WAT) ➔ Personal Interview (PI) |
| Start of Selection Process | After the conclusion of the CAT exam |
| Shortlisting Criteria | Based on CAT 2023 score |
| Final Selection Criteria | CAT Score, AWT & PI Performance, Academic Records, Co-curricular & Extra-curricular Activities |
| Eligibility Criteria | Varies for different IIMs in India, important to check individual IIM criteria |
| CAT Exam Date | November 26, 2023 |
| Admit Card Release Date | October 25, 2023 |
| Registration Fee | General Candidates: INR 2400, SC/ST/PwD Candidates: INR 1200 |
Phases of IIM Admission and CAT Selection Process:
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Three Phases of IIM Admission and CAT Selection Process for CAT Exam 2023:
- Preliminary Screening: Initial assessment of candidates.
- Shortlisting for WAT/PI Round: Candidates are shortlisted for Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI) based on CAT scores .
- Final Selection Post WAT/PI Round: Final selection of candidates after the WAT/PI round.
-
CAT Selection Process 2023:
- Components: Group Discussion (GD), Written Ability Test (WAT), Personal Interview (PI).
- Timing: Starts after the conclusion of the CAT exam.
- Shortlisting: Candidates are chosen for further rounds (GD and PI) based on CAT 2023 scores.
-
Factors for Final Selection:
- Diverse Attributes: Consideration of CAT performance , WAT & PI performance, academic records, co-curricular, and extracurricular activities.
-
Varying Eligibility and Selection Criteria:
- Different IIMs: Criteria differ for various IIMs in India.
- Importance of Checking: Crucial to carefully review IIM selection criteria and eligibility to avoid last-minute issues.
-
Final Merit List Generation:
- Weightages: CAT scores, academic background & diversity, work experience, and gender diversity contribute to the final merit list.
Final Merit List Generated in the IIM admission process 2023
Here are the different aspects of Final Merit List Generated in the IIM admission process 2023 & CAT Selection Process 2023 :| Criteria for IIM Merit List | Details |
| Factors Considered | Performance in CAT, AWT & PI, Academic Record, Co-curricular & Extra-curricular Activities |
| Importance of CAT Score | Highest weightage in the selection process |
| Selection Criteria | Merit-based in each category, meeting minimum eligibility doesn't guarantee admission |
| Final Selection Completion | By the end of May 2023 |
| Notification Method | Candidates informed via email upon selection |
| Waitlist System | Reserved batch for waitlisted candidates, seats offered based on withdrawals |
| Merit List Preparation | Weightages assigned to CAT scores, Academic Profile & Diversity, Work Experience, Gender Diversity |
Key Parameters & Weightage for CAT Exam:
In the IIM selection process 2023 , several factors are considered. The CAT exam score holds the most weight, ranging from 50% to 70%. Academic performance and diversity contribute significantly, with a weightage of 10% to 30%. Work experience counts too, usually making up 5% to 10%. Gender diversity is valued, accounting for 1% to 3%. Performance in the Written Ability Test & Personal Interview ranges from 10% to 30%. Previous rounds, like Group Discussions, matter, usually having a 10% to 20% weightage. These elements collectively decide a candidate's admission prospects, ensuring a well-rounded evaluation.| CAT Parameters | Weightage |
| CAT 2023 | 25 |
| PI | 30 |
| WAT | 10 |
| Class 10 | 10 |
| Class 12 | 5 |
| Graduation | 10 |
| Weighted Work Experience | 10 |
| Total | 100 |
Important Documents to be Carried at WAT/ GD and PI Time
When you go for MBA college interviews (WAT/GD and PI rounds), make sure you have these documents with you:- IIM Interview Call Letter
- CAT 2023 Scorecard
- Class 10, Class 12, and Graduation Mark Sheets & Certificates
- Work Experience Certificate (if you have one)
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Address Proof
- ID Card
Final CAT Selection Process- IIM Admission Process 2023
Here are the prime highlighted aspects and parameter of Final CAT Selection Process , IIM Admission Process 2023 listed below:| Parameters | Details |
| CAT 2023 | Overall percentile score obtained in CAT 2023 exam. |
| Class 10 | The aggregate percentage marks in class 10 |
| Class 12 | The aggregate percentage marks in class 12 |
| Graduation | The aggregate percentage in 3 or 4 year’s degree course |
| WAT/ GD-PI | In WAT / GD-PI the performance of each candidate is evaluated and marks are allotted accordingly. |
| Academic Diversity | Candidates with a non-engineering background are awarded extra points to ensure a fair representation of students from other streams. Points for academic diversity vary for each campus. |
| Gender Diversity | IIMs give extra points to women/ transgender people to promote fair representation of each gender. Points for gender diversity vary for each campus. |
| Work Experience | Additional points are awarded to candidates with work experience. For this, a limit of experience is defined as the lowest to the highest. Points for work experience vary for each campus. |
Common Admission Process for New IIMs
The newer IIMs like Ranchi, Raipur, Trichy, Udaipur, Kashipur, and others have a joint counseling system called Common Admission Process (CAP). They'll select candidates and ask them to attend a common written ability test and personal interview. After these tests, each IIM will publish its own list based on how well candidates performed.-
List of New IIMs to Follow the CAP-Based CAT result 2023
| IIM Jammu | IIM Ranchi |
| IIM Sirmaur | IIM Kashipur |
| IIM Sambalpur | IIM Bodhgaya |
| IIM Trichy | IIM Udaipur |
| IIM Raipur | - |
Important Highlights of IIM CAP
- Participating IIMs send shortlisted candidates for Written Ability Test and Personal Interview (WAT-PI) to the coordinating IIM handling the Common Admission Process (CAP).
- The coordinating IIM conducts WAT-PI rounds for candidates from all participating IIMs.
- After WAT-PI, participating IIMs assess candidates based on their performance in WAT, PI, CAT score, and overall profile.
- Individual merit lists are created by each IIM using the evaluation data to offer admissions.
- The final list of selected candidates is published on respective IIM websites, accessible only to candidates with specific institute logins or CAT IDs.
IIM Shortlist Status 2024 Based On CAT Score 2023
Following the release of CAT results 2023 , the IIMs will reveal the selected candidates for the 2024-26 sessions. To understand the approximate dates for shortlisting and the available seats for MBA and PGP programs, applicants can consult the table below, displaying information from the previous year.| IIMs | Shortlist Release Date | Number of Seats in MBA/PGP (Tentative) |
| IIM Ahmedabad | Second week of January 2023 | 395 |
| IIM Kozhikode | First week of January 2023 | 375 |
| IIM Jammu | First week of March, 2023 | 240 |
| IIM Visakhapatnam | Last week of January 2023 | 120 |
| IIM Rohtak | Last week of January 2023 | 240 |
| IIM Calcutta | Third week of January 2023 | 460 |
| IIM Lucknow | Third week of January 2023 | 500 |
| IIM Sambalpur | First week of March, 2023 | 120 |
| IIM Bangalore | Third week of January 2023 | 400 |
| IIM Amritsar | First week of March, 2023 | 160 |
| IIM Raipur | Last week of January 2023 | 260 |
| IIM Ranchi | Last week of January 2023 | 185 |
| IIM Kashipur | First week of March, 2023 | 240 |
| IIM Udaipur | Last week of January 2023 | 260 |
| IIM Trichy | Last week of January 2023 | 240 |
| IIM Shillong | Last week of January 2023 | 180 |
| IIM Indore | Third week of January 2023 | 450 |
| IIM Sirmaur | First week of March, 2023 | 120 |
| IIM Nagpur | First week of March, 2023 | 130 |
| IIM Bodhgaya | First week of March, 2023 | 120 |
CAT Selection Process FAQs
What is CAT and why is it important for IIM admission?
CAT stands for Common Admission Test. It is a national-level entrance exam conducted annually by the IIMs for admission into their postgraduate management programs. CAT scores are crucial as they serve as the primary screening criterion for IIM admissions.
How are candidates shortlisted for further rounds after CAT?
After CAT, candidates are shortlisted based on their exam performance. Shortlisted candidates are then invited for Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI) rounds. These rounds assess various skills and attributes essential for business education and leadership roles.
What are the criteria other than CAT scores considered for selection?
Besides CAT scores, IIMs consider factors such as academic performance, work experience, diversity, and performance in WAT, GD, and PI rounds. A candidate's well-rounded profile, including achievements and experiences, is taken into account during the selection process.
How can I check the specific admission criteria for different IIMs?
Each IIM has its own admission criteria and weightage for CAT scores, academics, work experience, etc. To know the exact details, candidates should visit the official website of the respective IIMs. They regularly update their criteria and provide comprehensive information for aspiring students.
What role does the final merit list play in the selection process?
The final merit list is prepared after considering CAT scores, performance in WAT, GD, and PI rounds, academic background, work experience, and diversity. It is the ultimate basis for granting admission. Candidates on the merit list are offered seats in the respective IIMs for their MBA or PGP programs.
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