IIM Admission 2026 and PI Shortlist: CAT 2025 Percentile, Criteria, And Cutoffs
Share
IIM Admission 2026 and PI Shortlist stage is critical for MBA aspirants, following the CAT 2025 results. A high CAT percentile is essential but only the first step. The selection process for Personal Interview (PI) considers CAT percentile, sectional scores, academic history, professional experience, and overall profile.
IIM PI Shortlisting Process
The CAT 2025 percentile is the primary determinant for IIM admissions 2026 shortlisting. IIMs use a holistic approach, where meeting minimum overall and sectional percentile cutoffs makes candidates eligible for the Personal Interview (PI) and Written Ability Test (WAT). The PI shortlist is a crucial step, allowing candidates to compete for admission after their CAT 2025 results.
IIM Shortlisting Criteria 2026
IIMs consider multiple parameters for shortlisting candidates, extending beyond just the CAT score. These criteria account for academic consistency and professional experience.
Here are the detailed shortlisting criteria for some prominent IIMs, including their CAT 2025 weightage:
|
IIM Shortlisting Criteria 2026 |
||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Name of IIMs |
CAT (Interview Call) |
Class 10 |
Class 12 |
Grads |
Work Ex |
Gender/Acad |
CAT (Final Selection) |
WAT |
PI |
Acad |
Work |
Diversity |
Resume |
Academic Diversity
|
|
IIM Bangalore |
55 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
5 |
25 |
10 |
40 |
15 |
10 |
10 |
- |
- |
|
IIM Lucknow |
60 |
- |
10 |
10 |
10 |
5+5 |
30 |
10 |
40 |
10 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
- |
|
IIM Ahmedabad |
65 |
35 |
25 |
10 |
50 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
15 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
IIM Calcutta |
56 |
10 |
15 |
- |
- |
- |
4 |
30 |
8 |
48 |
6 |
8 |
- |
- |
|
IIM Indore |
55 |
10 |
25 |
- |
- |
3 |
7 |
40 |
- |
45 |
10 |
5 |
- |
- |
|
IIM Mumbai |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
60 |
20 |
20 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
IIM Udaipur |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
55 |
25 |
- |
6 |
6 |
8 |
- |
|
IIM Jammu |
100 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
42 |
30 |
- |
10 |
10 |
8 |
- |
|
IIM Kozhikode |
50 |
15 |
20 |
- |
- |
5 |
10/5 |
35 |
20 |
35 |
- |
- |
10 |
- |
|
IIM Sambalpur |
40 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
20 |
- |
5 |
40 |
- |
25 |
10 |
20 |
5 |
- |
|
IIM Amritsar |
50 |
10 |
10 |
5 |
15 |
10 |
- |
- |
(Pre-PI 60 + Post-PI 40) |
70 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
- |
|
IIM Nagpur |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
45 |
5 |
20 |
6 |
9 |
10 |
5 |
CAT 2025 Percentile Cutoffs for PI Shortlisting
Candidates must meet specific overall and sectional CAT percentiles to be shortlisted for the Personal Interview (PI) stage. Each IIM sets its own minimum requirements.
The expected CAT 2025 cutoff percentiles for various IIMs are listed below:
|
CAT 2025 Percentile Cutoffs for PI Shortlisting |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
List of IIMs |
IIM 2025 Cutoff for General Category |
CAT 2025 Cutoff for IIM for EWS |
CAT 2025 Cutoff for IIM for NC-OBC |
CAT 2025 Cutoff for IIM for SC |
CAT 2025 Cutoff for IIM for ST |
CAT 2025 Cutoff for IIM for PWD
|
|
IIM Ahmedabad |
Overall 95, Sectional 85 |
Overall 95, Sectional 85 |
To be released. |
To be released. |
To be released. |
To be released. |
|
IIM Bangalore |
VARC 80, DILR 75, QA 75, Aggregate 85 |
To be released. |
To be released. |
To be released. |
To be released. |
To be released. |
|
IIM Calcutta |
VARC ≥80, DILR ≥80, QA ≥75, Overall ≥85 |
To be released. |
To be released. |
To be released. |
To be released. |
To be released. |
|
IIM Lucknow |
VARC 85, DILR 85, QA 85, Total 90 |
To be released. |
To be released. |
To be released. |
To be released. |
To be released. |
|
IIM Kozhikode |
Overall 85, Sectional 75 |
To be released. |
To be released. |
To be released. |
To be released. |
To be released. |
IIM Shortlist Release Dates 2026
The release of IIM PI shortlist 2026 dates is a key period for aspirants. The overall timeline for IIM Shortlists is expected from January 1st week to February 1st week, 2026. CAT 2025 results release will initiate IIM admissions 2026.
Specific IIM PI Shortlist Release Dates and their current status are provided below:
|
IIM Shortlist Release Dates 2026 |
|
|---|---|
|
Name of the IIM |
PI Shortlist Release Date/Status
|
|
IIM Ahmedabad |
Jan 08, 2026 – 3:30 PM (Released) |
|
IIM Amritsar |
Stage 1 Qualifying Cutoff Jan 05, 2026 – 11:30 AM (Released), Application Open on January 7, 2026 |
|
IIM Bangalore |
Jan 13, 2026 – 5:26 PM (Released) |
|
IIM Bodhgaya |
To be released. |
|
IIM Calcutta |
Jan 08, 2026 – 11:30 AM (Released) |
|
IIM Indore |
Jan 14, 2026 (Released) |
|
IIM Jammu |
To be released. |
|
IIM Kashipur |
To be released. |
|
IIM Kozhikode |
Jan 03, 2026 (Released) |
|
IIM Lucknow |
Jan 10, 2026 – 2:30 PM (Released) |
|
IIM Mumbai |
To be released. |
|
IIM Nagpur |
To be released. |
|
IIM Raipur |
To be released. |
|
IIM Ranchi |
To be released. |
|
IIM Rohtak |
To be released. Application Open on January 8, 2026, Last date for Application January 09, 2026 |
|
IIM Sambalpur |
Jan 08, 2026 – 7:00 PM (Released) |
|
IIM Shillong |
To be released. |
|
IIM Sirmaur |
To be released. (Application Open on January 8, 2026) |
|
IIM Trichy |
To be released. |
|
IIM Udaipur |
Jan 08, 2026 – 6:30 PM (Released) |
|
IIM Vizag |
Stage 1 Shortlist Out Jan 07, 2026 – 02:30 PM (Released), Call for PI to start from February 02, 2026, Last date for PI shortlist application January 23, 2026 |
How to Check IIM Shortlist Status
Candidates can check their IIM PI/WAT shortlist status online. Accessing the official website of the respective IIM is the primary method for verification.
Follow these steps to check your IIM PI/WAT shortlist:
-
Visit the official website of the specific IIM you applied to.
-
Locate the “Admissions” or “PGP 2026–28” section.
-
Log in using your CAT 2025 registration ID and password.
-
View or download your PI/WAT shortlist PDF or check the dashboard notification.
What After PI Shortlist
After the PI Shortlist in IIM Admission 2026, candidates proceed to the Personal Interview (PI) and often the Written Ability Test (WAT), followed by final selection based on composite scores.
-
PI Process: Shortlisted candidates receive interview letters via email and must complete any required forms or slot bookings promptly. PIs, along with WAT, occur from February to April 2026 across designated cities, varying by IIM or processes like CAP/JAP.
Performance in PI and WAT is scored alongside CAT, academics, and diversity factors. -
Final Selection: Institutes calculate a composite score using weights for CAT (typically 30-60%), PI/WAT (20-50%), academics, work experience, and diversity. Final admission offers are emailed in April-May 2026, requiring acceptance fees to confirm seats.
Waitlists activate post-initial offers; deferral options exist for up to two years in some cases.
Important Instructions & Guidelines
Throughout the IIM admission process, candidates must adhere to specific instructions. This ensures a smooth application and interview experience.
It is crucial to:
-
Regularly check official IIM websites for updates on shortlisting and interview schedules.
-
Prepare thoroughly for the Personal Interview (PI) and Written Ability Test (WAT).
-
Ensure all academic and professional documents are authentic and ready for verification.
-
Follow the specific instructions provided by each IIM for their application and interview process.