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The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are among the top business schools globally, offering postgraduate, doctoral and executive programs in management. With 21 IIMs across the country, the admission process is highly competitive and varies slightly from one IIM to another.
CAT Exam: CAT is the primary exam for admission to all IIMs. Conducted annually, it evaluates candidates on three sections: verbal ability and reading comprehension (VARC), quantitative ability (QA), and data interpretation and logical reasoning (DILR).
A high percentile score, generally above 90-99 depending on the IIM, is essential to secure a call for the next stage of the admission process.
While the CAT 2024 final answer key is already out, the candidates now await the results for admission to programmes for the 2025 academic year.
Shortlisting for personal interviews (PI): Each IIM uses its criteria to shortlist candidates for the next stages, considering CAT scores, academic records, work experience, and diversity factors.
CAT Score Weightage: While CAT scores are critical, their weightage varies. Older IIMs like IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and IIM Calcutta often give more importance to CAT scores, whereas newer IIMs may balance it with other factors.
Academic Performance: Marks scored in Class 10, Class 12, and graduation plays a significant role. Consistently high marks can boost chances significantly.
Work Experience: Candidates with 1 to 3 years of professional experience often gain additional points.
Diversity Factors: Gender and academic diversity are encouraged. Non-engineering backgrounds and female candidates often receive extra points.
Written Ability Test (WAT), personal interview (PI), and group discussion (GD): Shortlisted candidates appear for these rounds, depending on the specific IIM’s process.
WAT evaluates writing skills and thought clarity while PI assesses communication skills, knowledge, and personality and GD tests teamwork, leadership, and decision-making.
IIMs assign a composite score based on various components like CAT score, PI/WAT performance, academic profile, work experience, and diversity.
IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA) emphasises on academic consistency and CAT percentile. It uses the Academic Rating (AR) to shortlist candidates for PI.
IIM Bangalore (IIMB) focuses on work experience and consistency in academic performance.
IIM Calcutta (IIMC) prioritises CAT scores and academic performance, with less emphasis on work experience.
Newer IIMs including IIM Kashipur, IIM Trichy, and IIM Udaipur place greater emphasis on holistic evaluation, including CAT scores, academic diversity, and WAT/PI performance.
Some IIMs, like IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak, offer Integrated Programs in Management (IPM) for Class 12 graduates, with admissions through exams like IPMAT.
IIMs also follow the Government of India’s reservation policy. Twenty seven per cent seats are reserved for OBC (non-creamy layer) students, 15 per cent is reserved for SC, 7.5 per cent for ST, 10 per cent for EWS and 5 per cent for PwD.
While CAT is the cornerstone of the IIM admission process, each institute has its unique selection criteria to ensure a diverse and capable cohort. Aspirants should focus on excelling in CAT, maintaining a strong academic record, and preparing thoroughly for WAT/PI rounds to enhance their chances of securing admission to these premier institutions.
