Physics Wallah

How to Get Admission in IIM: Eligibility Criteria, WAT-PI Shortlist, CAT Cut Off

Learn how to get admission in IIMs with detailed insights into eligibility, CAT cut-offs, WAT-PI rounds, and final selection criteria. Check IIM admission key points and required documents.
authorImageShivani Kumari19 Dec, 2024
Share

Share

How to Get Admission in IIM

How to Get Admission in IIM: To get admission in IIMs candidates must qualify for CAT with required cut off. Each IIM sets its individual CAT cut-off score after the release of CAT result and scorecard. Further, the IIMs send PI and WAT call letters to deserving candidates. Those who clear the subsequent selection rounds are provided with the IIM admission offer.

For final selection, IIMs consider candidates’ academic qualifications, CAT scores, WAT and PI performance, category, and work experience. Each IIM releases its admission criteria before the CAT exam. Candidates can check the IIM admission requirements by visiting their official websites. CAT exam 2024 was conducted by IIM Calcutta on 24 November in three slots. The CAT 2024 result will tentatively be released on 19 December . Following the announcement of the result, IIMs will screen candidates based on their CAT performance and prepare the shortlist for PI and WAT rounds.

IIM Eligibility Criteria

CAT and IIM eligibility requirements are almost similar. Candidates who fulfil the requirements for the CAT exam are also eligible to apply for IIM admission. However, they need to meet a few other requirements like CAT cut off, WAT and PI score cut off. Provided below are the notable IIM eligibility criteria:
  • General category candidates must have a bachelor's degree with a minimum 50% aggregate score or equivalent CGPA. For ST, SC, and PwD categories, the minimum aggregate score requirement is 45%.
  • UG final-year candidates are also eligible for CAT and IIM admissions. However, these candidates must submit their degree certificates at the time of admission.
  • To receive a call letter for IIM WAT and PI, candidates must meet the IIM CAT cut off requirements.

How to Get Admission in IIM?

Candidates are selected for IIM admission based on their CAT scores. Next, they need to participate in IIM WAT and PI rounds. Further, their composite score is calculated based on various parameters. The following points elaborate on the IIM admission steps:

Shortlisting Based on CAT Scores

After the announcement of the CAT result, candidates have to apply for WAT, GD, and PI rounds. For this candidates need to visit the official website of their preferred IIM and register for subsequent selection rounds by providing their CAT score details. Further, the admission committee of each IIM evaluates the applications of various candidates and sends call letters based on their CAT scores.

WAT and PI Screening

Candidates who receive the WAT and PI call letters need to visit the allocated centre on a specified date to participate in the evaluation process. WAT and PI for IIM admission are generally conducted between February and April in offline mode. Candidates’ performance in these rounds is crucial for preparing the final merit list of selected candidates. 10 new IIMs conduct WAT and PI through the IIM CAP process. Under CAP, candidates need to appear for a common WAT PI round, and their scores are considered by all participating IIMs to create the final admission shortlist.

Composite Score Calculation

In the final stage of the IIM selection process, candidates’ composite score is calculated by considering their educational qualification, CAT scores, WAT and PI performance, work experience, etc.

Crucial Documents for IIM WAT/GD-PI Round

Here are the notable documents candidates must submit to participate in the IIM WAT and PI stage:
  • Class 10th, 12th, and graduation marksheets. Candidates must submit both original and self-attested photocopies of their mark sheets.
  • Caste/Class/Disability Certificate (if applicable).
  • Final year candidates must provide a certificate from the Principal/Registrar/Director of their university.

IIM CAT Cut Off

The table below presents the institute-wise CAT cut off for IIM admission:
IIM CAT Cut Off (Expected)
IIM Qualifying CAT Cut Offs Final CAT Cut Offs
IIM Ahmedabad 80 99-100
IIM Calcutta 85 99
IIM Bangalore 85 99-100
IIM Indore 90 97-99
IIM Lucknow 90 97-99
IIM Amritsar 85 95-96
IIM Kozhikode 85 97-98
IIM Sambalpur 93 95-96
IIM Nagpur 85 95-96
IIM Raipur 93 94-95
IIM Trichy 93 94-95
IIM Kashipur 94 94-95
IIM Ranchi 93 94-95
IIM Udaipur 93 92-94
IIM Vizag 80 92-94
IIM Shillong 75 90-94
IIM Bodhgaya 93 92-94
IIM Rohtak 95 95-97
IIM Sirmaur 93 90-94
IIM Mumbai 85 90-94
IIM Jammu 93 90-94

IIM Admission Key Points

The admission process for the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for the 2024-2025 academic year is structured and competitive, focusing on multiple criteria to assess candidates.

Eligibility Requirements : Candidates must possess a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in their undergraduate degree (or equivalent CGPA), with a slightly lower threshold of 45% for SC, ST, and PWD categories. Those in their final year of graduation are also eligible to apply, provided they meet the cut-off scores set by the IIMs for the Common Admission Test (CAT).

Selection Process : The selection process is divided into three main stages. The first stage involves shortlisting candidates based on their CAT scores, which will be conducted on November 24, 2024. Following this, shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in the Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI), which are crucial components of the selection process. The WAT assesses candidates' writing skills and ability to articulate their thoughts clearly, while the PI evaluates their confidence, communication skills, and overall personality.

Final Selection Criteria : The final selection is based on a composite score that includes various parameters such as CAT score, academic performance (including Class 10 and Class 12 marks), work experience, and performance in the WAT and PI. Additionally, factors like academic diversity and gender diversity are considered to ensure a well-rounded cohort.

Achieve your target of pursuing MBA from IIMs with thorough preparation offered by PW CAT Online Coaching experts. Join PW CAT Coaching Class to access regular live lectures, recorded video lessons, updated study materials, DPPs, and mock tests with performance analysis.

How to Get Admission in IIM FAQs

Can I go to IIM without CAT?

Candidates can take admission in online or weekend MBA courses offered by IIM without taking CAT. However, for full time 2-years MBA or PGPO courses, candidates must clear CAT with required cut off score.

Is it hard to get into IIM?

IIM acceptance rate ranges between 1%-2%. Therefore, it is very challenging to seek admission to IIMs. Candidates must follow a strategic and rigorous preparation habit to qualify for IIM admissions.

How are students selected for IIM?

Students are selected for IIM based on their CAT scores, WAT-PI performance, academic qualification, work experience, and gender.

What is the fees of IIM MBA?

MBA course fees vary at different IIM centres. On average, candidates need to pay INR 17-27 lakhs to pursue an MBA from IIMs.

Does IIM have 100% placement?

Many IIMs report to offer 100% placements to MBA graduates. These include IIM Kozhikode, IIM Lucknow, IIM Calcutta, and more.
Popup Close ImagePopup Open Image
Talk to a counsellorHave doubts? Our support team will be happy to assist you!
Popup Image
Join 15 Million students on the app today!
Point IconLive & recorded classes available at ease
Point IconDashboard for progress tracking
Point IconMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
Download ButtonDownload Button
Banner Image
Banner Image
Free Learning Resources
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others

Copyright © 2025 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.