IIM Admission Criteria and Selection Process 2025

IIM Admission Criteria and Selection Process Overview

The IIM admission criteria and selection process for 2025 typically involve a multi-stage evaluation, beginning with the Common Admission Test (CAT). Candidates who meet the minimum CAT percentile and academic eligibility are shortlisted for further rounds, which may include a Written Ability Test (WAT), Personal Interview (PI), and sometimes a Group Discussion (GD). Each IIM follows its specific admission policy, giving weightage to various factors such as academic performance, work experience, diversity, and CAT scores.

IIM Eligibility Criteria 2025

To apply for IIM MBA programs, candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD).
  
  

• Degrees must be from a recognized university.
  
  

• Final-year students may apply but must complete their degree on time.
  
  

2. Entrance Exam for IIM

The only exam accepted for MBA admission into IIMs is the Common Admission Test (CAT).
This aligns with your query cluster:

• IIM entrance exam
  
  

• which exam for IIM
  
  

• IIM exam for MBA
  
  

3. Age Limit

No age limit. Anyone who meets the criteria can apply.

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 IIM Selection Process 2025: Step-by-Step

The selection process for IIMs consists of multiple stages, focusing on various aspects of a candidate's profile. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Stage 1: CAT Examination

The CAT exam is the gateway to IIMs, and candidates must achieve the minimum cut-off percentile set by each institute.

Top IIMs typically require:

• 98–100 percentile for IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta
  
  

• 95–97 percentile for IIM Lucknow, Indore, Kozhikode
  
  

• 70–85 percentile for new IIMs
  
  

Stage 2: Shortlisting for WAT and PI

Candidates who meet the cut-off are shortlisted for:

Written Ability Test (WAT)

Evaluates clarity of thoughts, writing ability, and logical reasoning.

Personal Interview (PI)

Assesses:

• Academic understanding
  
  

• Communication skills
  
  

• Confidence & personality
  
  

• Work experience (if any)
  
  

• Domain knowledge
  
  

• Goals & motivation
  
  

Some IIMs also consider:

• 10th & 12th marks
  
  

• Bachelor’s degree performance
  
  

• Work experience
  
  

• Gender diversity
  
  

Academic diversity

Stage 3: Final Selection

• • CAT score
    
    

  • WAT score
    
    

  • PI performance
    
    

  • Academic history
    
    

  • Work experience
    
    

  • Diversity factors
    
    

    The final merit list is based on a composite score, which typically includes:

Each IIM calculates these scores differently, applying specific weightages to each component. For instance, top-tier IIMs may place more emphasis on CAT scores compared to newer institutes.

Admission to IIMs is a rigorous process that requires careful preparation and strategic planning. Candidates must not only excel in the CAT exam but also perform well in subsequent assessments like WAT and PI. Understanding the eligibility criteria and selection process is crucial for aspiring students aiming to secure a place in one of India’s premier management institutions.

 Expected IIM CAT Cut-Offs 2025

IIM CAT qualifying cut-offs indicate the minimum percentile candidates need to be considered for admission. In contrast, the IIM CAT final cut-offs show the percentile candidates need to get the admission call letter. The following table presents the expected qualifying and final CAT cut-off for various IIMs based on previous years’ trends: