The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the doorway to India’s finest management institutes i.e the IIMs. It is important for MBA aspirants to know the entire sequence of the CAT selection process in order to have a chance for admission in one of the IIMs. There is much more to the IIM exam selection process than a good score in the CAT exam. The IIM exam selection process is a multi-stage process and believes to shortlist candidates based on holistic evaluation through academic performance, written ability and personal interviews. CAT exam result 2024 marks the starting point for MBA aspirants to have a clearer picture of the complete CAT selection process, which will gear them towards the IIM cut off 2024 requirements, and ultimately prepare them for the CAT cutoff 2024 IIMs ambitions.
CAT 2025 Exam Dates & Schedule
The CAT 2025 exam will take place on November 30, 2025; the official notification for candidate registrations will be released no later than July 30, 2025. Candidates should note that registration for CAT 2025 will begin in the first week of August 2025 and will end in the third week of September 2025, and if we look at the previous cycle of CAT registration for CAT 2024 (i.e Last date to fill CAT form 2024 was in September), CAT 2025 will have the same timeline.
| Event | Expected Date |
| Official Notification | July 30, 2025 |
| Registration Opens | August 1, 2025 |
| Registration Closes | September 21, 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | October 2025 |
| CAT Exam Date | November 30, 2025 |
| Result Declaration | January 2026 |
| IIM Shortlist Release | February 2026 |
| Interview Call Letter Distribution | February-March 2026 |
| WAT-PI Rounds | March-April 2026 |
| Final Results | May 2026 |
| Admission Confirmation | June 2026 |
Eligibility for IIM Admission
Before diving into the CAT selection process, understanding the eligibility criteria is essential for all IIM exam aspirants.
IIM Eligibility Criteria
The basic eligibility requirements for IIM admission through CAT include:
- Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PWD categories)
- Final Year Students: Can apply if results are awaited
- Age Limit: No age restriction for CAT exam
- Nationality: Indian nationals and foreign nationals are eligible
- Attempt Limit: No restriction on number of attempts
Stages of IIM Admission Process
The IIM admission process through CAT follows a structured approach that evaluates candidates across multiple parameters. Understanding these stages of the CAT selection process is crucial for success.
Selection Procedure of IIMs Through CAT Score
Stage 1: CAT Exam & Score Normalization
The IIM selection process begins with the CAT 2025 exam, followed by shortlisting candidates based on CAT 2025 results. The exam consists of three sections:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
CAT scores are normalized across different test sessions to ensure fairness, with results expressed in percentiles rather than raw scores.
Stage 2: IIM Shortlisting for WAT-PI
IIM Shortlist Status
What is IIM Shortlist?
The IIM shortlist is the preliminary selection of candidates based on CAT scores and other parameters. When candidates ask “is CAT result 2024 out”, they’re essentially waiting to know if they’ve made it to the IIM shortlist. The shortlist determines which candidates will be called for the next stage of the CAT selection process.
The IIMs will open the shortlist window based on the CAT cut-offs two to three days after the result announcement. IIM shortlisting criteria vary among colleges under CAT but typically include:
- CAT Percentile: Primary screening factor based on CAT cut off requirements
- Academic Performance: 10th, 12th, and graduation scores
- Work Experience: Professional experience weightage
- Diversity Factors: Academic diversity, gender diversity, state diversity
- Category: Reserved category considerations
IIM Waitlist Movement
After the initial shortlist, IIMs also maintain waitlists. IIM waitlist movement occurs when shortlisted candidates don’t join, creating opportunities for waitlisted candidates. The waitlist movement typically happens in multiple rounds between May to July, depending on seat availability and candidate responses.
Stage 3: IIM Admission: GD-PI-WAT Round & WAT/PI Preparation Tips
IIM Admission: GD-PI-WAT Round & WAT/PI Preparation Tips
Shortlisted candidates receive CAT interview call letters and are called for the WAT-PI rounds, which typically include:
Written Ability Test (WAT):
- Duration: 20-30 minutes
- Format: Essay writing on contemporary topics
- Evaluation: Language skills, analytical thinking, and content quality
Personal Interview (PI):
- Duration: 15-25 minutes
- Format: Panel interview with 2-3 professors
- Areas: Academic background, current affairs, leadership potential, career goals
IIMs WAT-GD-PI: Important Documents to Carry
For the WAT-PI rounds, candidates must carry:
- Academic Documents: 10th, 12th, graduation mark sheets and certificates
- CAT Admit Card & Scorecard: Original and photocopies
- Work Experience Certificates: If applicable
- Category Certificate: For reserved category candidates
- Photo Identity Proof: Aadhar card, passport, driving license
- Passport Size Photographs: Recent photographs for documentation
Stage 4: CAT Admission Process: Parameters for Final Selection Process
CAT Admission Process: Parameters for Final Selection Process
IIM Ahmedabad or any other IIM doesn’t give direct admission only on the basis of CAT percentile. The final selection in the CAT selection process considers multiple parameters. After all these rounds, a final list of shortlisted candidates is prepared using a composite score that combines performance across all stages, ensuring the CAT qualifying marks are just the beginning of the evaluation process.
IIM Shortlist Components and Weightage
Each IIM has its unique weightage system for the CAT selection process and final selection. Understanding these components is crucial for success in the IIM exam preparation strategy.
IIM Ahmedabad
- Pre-WAT/PI Shortlist: CAT score 65%, academics & diversity 35%
- Final Admission (Post-PI/AWT):
PI: 50%
AWT: 10%
CAT: 25%
Academic Rating (10th, 12th, UG): ≤15% as part of AR
IIM Bangalore
- Stage I (Pre-PI shortlist)
CAT: 55 (VARC 19, DILR 21, QA 15)
10th: 10
12th: 10
Graduation: 10
Work Experience/Professional: 10
Gender Diversity: 5 - Stage II (Post-PI final score)
PI: 40
WAT: 10
CAT: 25 (VARC 8.75, DILR 10, QA 6.25)
10th: 5
12th: 5
UG: 5
Work Exp/Prof.: 10
Work-experience score: up to 10 marks based on length (max at 36+ months)
IIM Calcutta
- Stage I (WAT‑PI Shortlist) :
CAT: 56%
10th marks: 10%
12th marks: 15%
Gender diversity: 4%
(Candidates meeting sectional & overall cutoffs are evaluated.)
- Final Admission:
CAT: 30%
PI: 48%
WAT: 8%
Academic diversity (UG/Masters/non‑engineers): 6%
Work experience: 8%
IIM Lucknow
Shortlisting: CAT 60%, Academic 20%, Diversity (gender/academic) 20%
Final: CAT + PI/WAT (significant), though exact breakdown isn’t officially disclosed.
IIM Kozhikode
Shortlist: CAT 50%, Academics (10th/12th) 45%, Diversity 10%
Final: PI and WAT become key, details not widely published.
IIM Indore
Shortlisting: CAT only 35%, academics (10th/12th/UG) ∼76%, diversity 4%
Final: Emphasis shifts to PI/WAT; CAT and academics still matter.
| IIM | Shortlist (%) | Final Admission (%) |
| Ahmedabad | CAT 65; Academics/Diversity 35 | PI 50; AWT 10; CAT 25; Academics ≤15 |
| Bangalore | CAT 55; 10th/12th/UG each 10; WE/Prof 10; Gender 5 | PI 40; WAT 10; CAT 25; Boards/UG 5 each; WE/Prof 10 |
| Calcutta | CAT 56; 10th 10; 12th 15; Gender 4 | CAT 30; PI 48; WAT 8; Acad diversity 6; WE 8 |
| Lucknow | CAT 60; Acad 20; Diversity 20 | Detailed only qualitatively: PI/WAT heavy |
| Kozhikode | CAT 50; Academics 45; Diversity 10 | PI/WAT heavy – exact % not public |
| Indore | CAT 35; Academics 76; Diversity 4 | PI/WAT heavy – exact % not public |
IIM Common Admission Process (CAP) in Old and New IIMs
The IIM Common Admission Process (CAP) is followed by newer IIMs to streamline the CAT selection process. However, older IIMs like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta have their independent admission procedures.
Old IIMs (A, B, C, L, K, I)
- Independent admission process
- Unique weightage criteria
- Separate WAT-PI rounds
- Individual interview call letters
New IIMs (CAP Process)
- Common admission process
- Centralized WAT-PI rounds
- Uniform evaluation criteria
- Single application for multiple IIMs
Do All IIMs Follow the Same CAT Selection Process?
No, each IIM has its distinct CAT selection process and criteria among colleges under CAT:
- IIM Ahmedabad places maximum emphasis on CAT scores (70% weightage) in the IIM exam evaluation
- IIM Bangalore gives equal importance to academics and WAT-PI performance in their CAT selection process
- IIM Calcutta has a balanced approach with moderate weightage to all factors
- Newer IIMs often have more flexible criteria to attract diverse candidates through the CAP process
IIM Admission Criteria – For All 21 IIMs
Top 6 IIMs (A, B, C, L, K, I)
- CAT Cutoff: 95-99+ percentile
- Academic Criteria: 60% minimum in 10th, 12th
- Selection Process: Individual WAT-PI rounds
- Weightage: Higher emphasis on CAT scores
Remaining 15 IIMs
- CAT Cutoff: 85-95 percentile
- Academic Criteria: 50% minimum in 10th, 12th
- Selection Process: Common Admission Process (CAP)
- Weightage: Balanced approach across parameters
IIM Interview Call Letter
The IIM interview call letter is sent to shortlisted candidates containing:
- CAT interview dates and venue details
- Required documents list
- Reporting time and instructions
- Contact information for queries
- COVID-19 safety protocols (if applicable)
MBA Admission Through CAT in Non-IIMs
Apart from IIMs, several other prestigious management institutes accept CAT scores for admission:
Top Non-IIM Colleges Under CAT
- FMS Delhi: Requires 99+ percentile
- MDI Gurgaon: CAT cutoff around 95+ percentile
- SPJIMR Mumbai: Requires 85+ percentile with additional criteria
- IIT Bombay (SJMSOM): Requires 90+ percentile
- IIT Delhi (DMS): Requires 90+ percentile
These institutes provide excellent alternatives for CAT exam aspirants who may not secure IIM admission but still want quality management education.
Impact of Academic Performance in CAT Selection Process
Academic performance significantly influences the CAT selection process and IIM exam evaluation:
10th and 12th Scores in CAT Selection Process
- Most IIMs require minimum 60% in 10th and 12th for the CAT selection process
- Some IIMs like IIM Ahmedabad give higher weightage to consistent academic performance
- Board-wise normalization is applied to ensure fairness in the IIM exam evaluation
Graduation Scores
- Minimum 50% required for general category (45% for reserved categories) in the CAT selection process
- Professional degrees (Engineering, CA, etc.) often receive additional consideration
- Final year students can apply if results are awaited
Preparing for the Complete CAT Selection Process
For CAT Exam Preparation
- Focus on sectional cutoffs along with overall percentile to meet CAT cut off requirements
- Practice time management and accuracy for the IIM exam
- Regular mock tests and analysis to improve CAT qualifying marks
For WAT-PI Preparation
- Stay updated with current affairs and business news
- Practice essay writing on diverse topics
- Prepare for questions about your academic background and career goals
- Develop clear articulation of your post-MBA plans
Key Tips for Success in CAT Selection Process
- Holistic Preparation: Don’t just focus on CAT scores; maintain good academics throughout the CAT selection process
- Sectional Balance: Ensure you clear sectional cutoffs in all three sections for IIM exam success
- Documentation: Keep all academic certificates and work experience documents ready for the CAT selection process
- Multiple Applications: Apply to various colleges under CAT as each has different criteria
- Interview Preparation: Start preparing for WAT-PI rounds immediately after the CAT exam
Conclusion
The CAT selection process for IIMs is a comprehensive evaluation that extends beyond just IIM exam scores. Success requires strategic preparation across multiple dimensions – from achieving high CAT percentiles to demonstrating strong academic credentials and excelling in personal interviews.Understanding the specific selection process of each IIM (Indian Institute of Management) and the unique criteria as well as weightage given is of utmost importance in positioning yourself properly for success in the CAT selection process.
With approximately 4 lakh + candidates expected to write the CAT 2025 exam, competition is still fierce, but if you prepare thoroughly for all of the CAT selection process and prepare well for everything involved from the CAT exam, through to the WAT-PI, you can improve your odds of getting admission into your desired IIM. For CAT cutoff 2024 IIMs and whether the CAT exam result 2024 trends will remain the same, being prepared correctly is of tantamount importance.
Keep in mind that although CAT scores are the first door opened to you in the CAT selection process, it is the combination of excellence, plus work experience and personality that will ultimately determine your success in the selection process. The IIM CAT cutoff 2024 data and specifics show that consistency across all criteria is essential. Therefore, start early, remain consistent, and be as prepared as possible for every level of the CAT selection process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the CAT selection process for IIMs through CAT 2025? The CAT selection process consists of four stages: CAT exam and score normalization, shortlisting for WAT-PI based on CAT scores and other criteria, Written Ability Test and Personal Interview rounds, and final selection based on composite scores. The IIM exam evaluation considers multiple parameters beyond just CAT scores.
2. How many stages are there in the IIM admission process after CAT 2025? After the CAT exam, there are three main stages in the CAT selection process: shortlisting for WAT-PI, the actual WAT-PI rounds, and final selection based on composite scoring.
3. What is the weightage given to CAT score in the CAT selection process? CAT score weightage varies by IIM in the selection process, ranging from 50% to 70% of the total composite score used for final selection in the IIM exam evaluation.
4. What are the components of the final selection criteria used by IIMs? The final selection criteria in the CAT selection process typically include CAT score, academic performance (10th, 12th, graduation), work experience, WAT-PI performance, and diversity factors.
5. Do all IIMs follow the same CAT selection process? No, each IIM has its unique CAT selection process with different weightage systems and criteria, though the basic structure remains similar across colleges under CAT.
6. What is the minimum CAT 2025 percentile required for IIM calls? For top IIMs, general category candidates typically need 98+ percentile based on CAT cutoff 2024 trends, while newer IIMs may shortlist candidates with 94-97 percentile for their CAT selection process.
7. Is there a separate application process for each IIM after CAT? No, CAT registration automatically makes you eligible for all colleges under CAT. However, some IIMs may require additional application forms for specific programs in their CAT selection process.
8. How do IIMs shortlist candidates for the WAT-PI round? IIMs shortlist candidates in the CAT selection process based on CAT percentile, academic performance, work experience, and diversity factors, with each IIM having its specific criteria and weightage for IIM exam evaluation.
9. What are the expected CAT cut-offs for top IIMs in 2025? Top IIMs (A, B, C) are expected to have CAT cutoff 2024 patterns continuing with cutoffs around 99+ percentile for general category, while other IIMs may have cutoffs ranging from 94-97 percentile in their CAT selection process.
10. Do academic scores in 10th, 12th, and graduation affect IIM shortlisting? Yes, academic performance significantly impacts shortlisting and final selection in the CAT selection process, with most IIMs requiring minimum 60% in 10th and 12th, and 50% in graduation for general category candidates in their IIM exam evaluation criteria.
