Introduction
Indian Institute of Management Lucknow ranks among India’s premier B-schools in the ABC-L group. Cracking IIM Lucknow admission 2026 requires understanding every stage—from the IIM L cat cutoff to mastering IIM Lucknow wat pi rounds. The IIM Lucknow selection process holistically evaluates CAT scores, academics, diversity, and interview performance. This guide decodes the IIM Lucknow admission criteria 2026, verified weightages, and the IIM L final score calculation with actionable prep strategies.
IIM Lucknow Admission Process Overview (2026-28 Batch)
Step-by-Step Selection Process
The IIM Lucknow selection process operates in two stages:
Stage 1: Shortlisting for WAT-PI
- Clear minimum IIM L cat cutoff (sectional + overall)
- Composite scoring: CAT 60% + Class 12th 10% + Graduation 10% + Work Experience 10% for MBA and MBA-SM, but not considered for MBA-ABM + Academic Diversity 5% for MBA/MBA-SM + 20% for MBA-ABM,Gender Diversity: 5% for all programs
- Top scorers receive IIM Lucknow wat pi rounds calls
Stage 2: Final Selection of WAT-PI Rounds
- Written Ability Test (WAT): This is a 30-minute test where candidates write an essay of about 300 words.
- Personal Interview (PI): The PI lasts 20-25 minutes. A minimum score of 12 out of 40 is required to be considered for the final merit list.
- IIM Lucknow calculates final merit using IIM L final score calculation: CAT 30% for MBA/MBA-SM and 35% for MBA-ABM + PI 40% + WAT 10% + Academics 10% (5% class 12th + 5% graduation) + Work Experience 5% for MBA/MBA-SM and “NA” (Not Applicable) for MBA-ABM + Diversity (Academic + Gender) 5%
The IIM Lucknow admission 2026 journey demands balanced excellence—CAT alone won’t guarantee admission.
IIM Lucknow Programs & Key Highlights
| Program | Duration | Seats | Target Audience |
| PGP (MBA) | 2 Years | ~436 | Freshers/Young Professionals |
| PGP-ABM | 2 Years | ~60 | Agri/Science Background |
| PGP-SM | 2 Years | ~50 | Sustainability/ESG Focus |
| PGPWE | 2 Years (Weekend) | ~100 | Working Executives (60 months+ experience) |
Key Parameters for IIM Lucknow admission criteria 2026:
- Admission Test: CAT 2025
- Application: Through CAT registration
- Official Website: www.iiml.ac.in
Eligibility Criteria (IIM Lucknow admission criteria 2026)
Educational Qualification:
- Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD)
- Final-year students eligible (but they must complete all degree requirements by June 30, 2026)
- All disciplines welcome—Engineering, Commerce, Science, Arts
Entrance Exam:
- Valid CAT 2025 score mandatory
Work Experience:
- Not mandatory for MBA/MBA-ABM
- MBA-SM requires 24+ months work experience
- Maximum 10 weightage points in IIM Lucknow selection process
IIM Lucknow doesn’t impose age limits for IIM Lucknow admission 2026.
CAT 2025 Cut-offs (IIM L cat cutoff) – Official Data
The IIM L cat cutoff for IIM Lucknow admission 2026 from official policy 2026-28:
MBA Program Cut-offs
| Category | VARC | DILR | QA | Overall |
| General | 85 | 85 | 85 | 90 |
| EWS | 77 | 77 | 77 | 82 |
| NC-OBC | 77 | 77 | 77 | 82 |
| SC | 55 | 55 | 55 | 65 |
| ST | 50 | 50 | 50 | 60 |
| PwD | 50 | 50 | 50 | 60 |
MBA-ABM & MBA-SM Cut-offs
| Category | VARC | DILR | QA | Overall |
| General | 80 | 80 | 80 | 85 |
| EWS/OBC | 72 | 72 | 72 | 77 |
| SC | 55 | 55 | 55 | 65 |
| ST/PwD | 50 | 50 | 50 | 55 |
Note: The IIM L cat cutoff remained unchanged from the 2025-27 batch. Missing even one sectional minimum disqualifies candidates from IIM Lucknow admission 2026.
Stage 1: Shortlisting Weightage (IIM Lucknow selection process)
Composite Score Breakdown (100 Points Total)
| Component | MBA/MBA-SM | MBA-ABM | Scoring Method |
| CAT Score | 60 | 60 | (Your Score ÷ Highest CAT 2025) × 60 |
| Class 12th | 10 | 10 | Normalized by board/discipline |
| Graduation | 10 | 10 | Normalized by stream (Engg/Science/Commerce/Arts) |
| Work Experience | 10 | 0 | 0.5 points/month beyond 6 months (MBA) or 24 months (MBA-SM), max 10 points |
| Academic Diversity | 5 | 20 | Non-engineers: 5 (MBA/SM), 20 (ABM) |
| Gender Diversity | 5 | 5 | Female candidates: +5 points |
| Total | 100 | 100 | — |
2024-26 Batch Shortlist Data:
- General: 48.81 composite score cutoff, 0.72% shortlist rate
- OBC: 38.28 cutoff
- SC: 27.15 cutoff
The IIM Lucknow selection process shortlists approximately 3,500-4,000 candidates for IIM Lucknow wat pi rounds from lakhs of applicants.
WAT-PI Rounds (IIM Lucknow wat pi rounds) – Deep Dive
Written Ability Test (WAT) Format
The IIM Lucknow wat pi rounds begin with a 30-minute WAT (300 words essay):
Evaluation Parameters:
- Logical structure (intro-body-conclusion)
- Clarity of expression and grammar
- Depth of analysis with examples
- Balanced perspective on controversial topics
Recent WAT Topics (2024-25):
- “AI’s impact on employment in India”
- “Business ethics vs profit maximization”
- “Should corporations focus on ESG or shareholder value?”
- “Digital privacy vs national security”
- “Climate action: Individual vs government responsibility”
- “Cultural diversity in democratic governance”
- “Remote work culture—opportunity or challenge?”
WAT Preparation Strategy:
- Read 2-3 editorials daily (The Hindu, Indian Express, Economic Times)
- Practice 300-word essays in 30 minutes
- Use structured format: Intro (50 words) + Arguments (200 words) + Conclusion (50 words)
- Incorporate current statistics and real-world examples
- Avoid extreme positions—demonstrate nuanced thinking
Personal Interview (PI) Deep Dive
The 20-25 minute PI in IIM Lucknow wat pi rounds evaluates:
Assessment Areas:
- Academic Knowledge (30%) – Undergraduate concepts, especially engineering/specialization subjects
- Work Experience (25%) – Achievements, challenges, leadership instances, problem-solving
- Communication (20%) – Clarity, confidence, articulation, body language
- General Awareness (15%) – Current affairs, business news, economic policies
- Motivation & Fit (10%) – Why MBA, Why IIM Lucknow, career clarity
Common PI Questions (2024-25):
- “Explain your final year project in layman’s terms”
- “Draw the graph of y = √x and explain its properties”
- “Describe a leadership failure and key learning”
- “Why MBA when you have a stable job?”
- “Latest RBI repo rate decision—impact on inflation?”
- “Tell us about your biggest achievement”
- “Where do you see yourself in 10 years?”
- “Why IIM Lucknow specifically?”
- “What are your strengths and weaknesses with examples?”
- “Current geopolitical issue affecting the Indian economy?”
Critical Requirement: Minimum 12 out of 40 marks in PI mandatory for final merit list consideration in IIM Lucknow admission 2026. Even 99+ percentilers get eliminated with poor interviews.
PI Preparation Checklist:
- Mock Interviews: Minimum 10-15 sessions with feedback
- Story Bank: Prepare 5-6 STAR format stories (Situation-Task-Action-Result) showcasing leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, failure
- Academic Revision: Thoroughly revise undergraduate subjects, especially final year topics
- Current Affairs: Follow business news daily—RBI policies, Budget highlights, corporate developments
- IIM Lucknow Research: Study specializations (Finance, Marketing, Operations), clubs, faculty, campus culture
- Questions for Panel: Prepare 3-4 intelligent questions about programs, pedagogy, industry collaborations
Final Score Calculation (IIM L final score calculation)
Official Weightage Distribution
| Component | MBA/MBA-SM | MBA-ABM |
| CAT 2025 | 30% | 35% |
| Class 12th + Graduation | 5% + 5% | 5% + 5% |
| Diversity (Academic + Gender) | 5% | 5% |
| Work Experience | 5% | Not Considered |
| WAT | 10% | 10% |
| PI | 40% | 40% |
| Total | 100% | 100% |
Sample Calculation (IIM L final score calculation)
Candidate Profile:
- CAT: 96.2 percentile → 28.5 points (30% weightage)
- Class 12th: 86% → 4 points (5%)
- Graduation: 77% → 3.5 points (5%)
- Diversity: Female + Non-engineer → 5 points (5%)
- Work Experience: 26 months → 3 points (5%)
- WAT: Strong essay → 8.5 points (10%)
- PI: Excellent performance → 35 points (40%)
Final Composite Score: 28.5 + 4 + 3.5 + 5 + 3 + 8.5 + 35 = 87.5 points
This candidate likely secures IIM Lucknow admission 2026. The IIM L final score calculation shows PI’s 40% weight is decisive—strong interviews can compensate for slightly lower CAT scores.
Work Experience & Diversity Matrix
Work Experience Scoring
| Experience (Months) | Points | Remarks |
| 0-6 | 0 | Freshers eligible |
| 7-18 | 1-3 | Slight advantage |
| 19-30 | 3.5-6 | Ideal range begins |
| 31-42 | 7-9 | Optimal weightage |
| 43-60+ | 10 (max) | Maximum benefit |
MBA-ABM doesn’t consider work experience. Freshers can optimize other parameters in IIM Lucknow admission criteria 2026.
Diversity Factors
| Category | Additional Weightage |
| Non-Engineering Background | +5 points (MBA/SM), +20 points (ABM) |
| Female Candidate | +5 points (all programs) |
The IIM Lucknow selection process values diverse classroom perspectives for enriched learning.
Fees & Financial Assistance
| Program | Total Fees | Scholarships |
| PGP (MBA) | ₹20.75 lakhs | Merit-cum-Means, Need-based |
| PGP-ABM | ₹20.75 lakhs | Yes |
| PGP-SM | ₹20.75 lakhs | Yes |
| PGPWE | ₹11.50 lakhs | Limited |
Note: Fees are approximate based on 2024-26 batch. Verify exact 2026-28 fees on iiml.ac.in for IIM Lucknow admission 2026.
Placement Highlights 2025
| Parameter | PGP 2023-25 Batch |
| Average Package | ₹32.30 LPA |
| Median Package | ₹31.00 LPA |
| Highest Domestic | ₹75.00 LPA |
| Top Sectors | Consulting, Finance, IT/Analytics, FMCG |
| Top Recruiters | Accenture, Amazon, BCG, Deloitte, Goldman Sachs, McKinsey |
100% placement achieved across all programs.
IIM Comparison: Lucknow vs Kozhikode vs Indore
| Parameter | IIM Lucknow | IIM Kozhikode | IIM Indore |
| CAT Cutoff (Gen) | 90 | 85 | 90 |
| PI Weightage | 40% | 35% | 35% |
| WAT Weightage | 10% | No WAT | does not conduct WAT (from previous verification) |
| Work Exp Weightage | 5% | 5% | 10% |
| Academic Weightage | 10% | 10% | 10% (5% 10th + 5% 12th) (from previous verification) |
| Fees | ₹19.25L | ₹20.50L | ₹21.00L |
| Avg Package | ₹32.23L | ₹28.05L | ₹25.68L |
IIM Lucknow conducts WAT unlike IIM Kozhikode, and balances weightages more evenly than IIM Indore’s academic focus.
Key Admission Timeline 2026
| Event | Expected Date |
| CAT 2025 Exam | November 30, 2025 |
| CAT Results | January 2026 (2nd week) |
| IIM Lucknow admission 2026 Shortlist | Late January 2026 |
| IIM Lucknow wat pi rounds | February-March 2026 |
| Final Merit List | April-May 2026 |
| Admissions Begin | May-June 2026 |
Monitor iiml.ac.in regularly after CAT results for IIM Lucknow admission 2026 updates.
Tips to Crack IIM Lucknow Selection 2026
- Target 98+ CAT percentile for General category realistic chances
- Maintain 85%+ academics in 10th and 12th for strong shortlisting
- Practice WAT daily – 300 words in 30 minutes on diverse topics
- Prepare interview stories using STAR format showcasing leadership, teamwork, challenges
- Revise academics thoroughly – expect subject-specific questions
- Follow business news – RBI policies, Budget, corporate developments
- Non-engineers leverage diversity – highlight unique perspectives
- Mock interviews are crucial – minimum 10-15 sessions before actual IIM Lucknow wat pi rounds
FAQs on IIM Lucknow Admission 2026
1. What is the cutoff for IIM Lucknow 2026?
The IIM L cat cutoff for General category is 90 overall with 85 sectional. EWS/OBC need 82 overall (77 sectional), SC 65, ST/PwD 60 for IIM Lucknow admission 2026.
2. What is the step-by-step selection process for IIM L?
Clear IIM L cat cutoff → Shortlisting via composite score (60% CAT) → IIM Lucknow wat pi rounds (30-min WAT + 20-min PI) → Final selection using IIM L final score calculation with 40% PI weightage.
3. How much weightage is given to academics and CAT score?
In the IIM L final score calculation, CAT receives 30% and academics 10% (5% class 12th + 5% graduation). During shortlisting for IIM Lucknow admission 2026, CAT weighs 60%.
4. How is work experience considered at IIM Lucknow?
Work experience contributes 5% in final selection for MBA/MBA-SM. The IIM Lucknow admission criteria 2026 awards 0.5 points per month beyond 6 months (MBA) or 24 months (MBA-SM), capped at 10 points.
5. What are the sectional cutoff requirements?
IIM Lucknow mandates sectional minimums. The general category needs 85 percentile in VARC, DILR, and QA each. The IIM L cat cutoff is strict—missing one section eliminates you from IIM Lucknow admission 2026.
6. What are the key dates for admission?
CAT results: January 2026, IIM Lucknow shortlist: late January, IIM Lucknow wat pi rounds: February-March, final offers: May. Check iiml.ac.in for exact IIM Lucknow admission 2026 dates.
7. How is the WAT-PI round conducted?
The IIM Lucknow wat pi rounds include 30-minute WAT (300-word essay on current topics) + 20-25 minute PI with faculty panel. WAT tests structured writing; PI evaluates academics, experience, awareness. Minimum 12/40 in PI required.
8. What is the expected final composite score for selection?
Based on IIM L final score calculation, General category admits typically score 75+ out of 100. Reserved categories have lower thresholds. Strong PI performance (32+/40) is decisive for IIM Lucknow admission 2026.
9. How does IIM L compare with IIM Kozhikode and Indore?
IIM Lucknow has similar IIM L cat cutoff (90) as both but conducts WAT (10% weight) unlike IIM K. The IIM Lucknow selection process balances components evenly—IIM K emphasizes PI (35%), Indore academics (15%).
10. Does IIM Lucknow release separate cutoffs for different categories?
Yes, IIM Lucknow publishes category-wise IIM L cat cutoff percentiles. The IIM Lucknow admission criteria 2026 includes distinct cutoffs for General, EWS, OBC, SC, ST, PwD with both sectional and overall requirements.
Conclusion: Your IIM Lucknow Admission 2026 Roadmap
The IIM Lucknow admission 2026 journey demands holistic preparation. Master the IIM L cat cutoff benchmarks, practice WAT essays daily, and prepare thoroughly for IIM Lucknow wat pi rounds. Understanding the IIM L final score calculation helps optimize your profile strengths. The IIM Lucknow selection process rewards well-rounded candidates—strong CAT scores open doors, but interviews seal admissions.
Start your IIM Lucknow admission 2026 preparation today. Download our application checklist, follow business news religiously, and book mock interview sessions. With focused effort across CAT, academics, and IIM Lucknow wat pi rounds, you can convert your IIM Lucknow dream into reality!
Note: This article reflects the official IIM Lucknow admission 2026-28 policy released in July 2025. Verify latest IIM Lucknow admission 2026 updates on iiml.ac.in.
