Introduction
The IIM Shillong admission process 2026 represents a gateway to one of India’s premier management institutes nestled in Northeast India. Understanding the IIM Shillong selection criteria, IIM Shillong cat cutoff requirements, and IIM Shillong GD PI process is essential for CAT 2025 aspirants targeting the 2026-28 PGP batch.
IIM Shillong conducts its independent Personal Interview process, separate from the centralized CAP. The IIM Shillong admission process 2026 follows a two-phase approach: shortlisting based on CAT scores and academic profile, followed by Personal Interview evaluation. For General category candidates, the sectional cutoff is 75 percentile in each CAT section (VARC, DILR, QA), making strategic preparation crucial.
IIM Shillong Admission Eligibility 2026
Meeting IIM Shillong admission eligibility is the foundation of your application journey:
Academic Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD categories)
- Final-year students eligible (degree completion proof required before joining)
- Must appear for CAT 2025 (domestic) or GMAT (overseas candidates)
Key Points:
- Work experience not mandatory but adds value to IIM Shillong shortlist 2026
- Approximately 250-260 seats available for PGP program
IIM Shillong CAT Cut-offs 2026
The IIM Shillong cat cutoff serves as the initial screening filter in the IIM Shillong admission process 2026:
Verified Sectional Cut-offs (Based on Official Data)
| Category | VARC | DILR | QA | Overall Percentile |
| General/EWS | 75 | 75 | 75 | 90+ |
| NC-OBC | 65 | 65 | 65 | 80-85 |
| SC | 60 | 60 | 60 | 70-75 |
| ST/PwD | 50 | 50 | 50 | 60-65 |
The sectional cutoffs for General/EWS have remained consistent at 75 percentile from 2022 to 2025. While IIM Shillong does not specify an overall cutoff, candidates achieving 90-92+ percentile have better shortlisting chances.
IIM Shillong Selection Process: Two-Phase Methodology
Phase 1: Shortlisting for Personal Interview
The IIM Shillong shortlist 2026 is determined by a composite score:
Composite Score Formula: CAT Percentile (70%) + Normalized Application Rating Score/NARS (30%)
NARS Components:
- Class X marks (rated score)
- Class XII marks (rated score)
- Work experience (months of professional experience)
Candidates are then grouped based on academic diversity and social category for PI calls.
Phase 2: Final Selection & Merit List
The IIM Shillong selection criteria for final admission:
| Component | Weightage |
| Personal Interview (PI) | 40% |
| CAT 2025 Score | 30% |
| Academic Profile | 20% |
| Work Experience | 5% |
| Gender Diversity | 5% |
The final composite score determines inclusion in the merit list, with tie-breaking based on higher PI score, then CAT percentile.
IIM Shillong Personal Interview (PI) Process 2026
The IIM Shillong GD PI process is distinctive as IIM Shillong conducts its own PI process, not participating in CAP for PGP admissions.
PI Round Structure
Format & Duration:
- Individual interview: 20-25 minutes
- Panel: 2-3 IIM faculty members
- Conducted online or at designated centers
Evaluation Parameters:
- Communication skills and articulation
- Understanding of graduation subjects
- Current affairs and business awareness
- Career clarity and motivation
- Ethical reasoning and personality fit
Common PI Topics & Questions
Academic Deep-Dive:
- Graduation subject concepts
- Projects and research work
- Academic achievements
Current Affairs:
- Economic policies and business news
- Social issues and technology trends
- Global affairs and geopolitics
Personal & Career:
- “Why MBA? Why IIM Shillong?”
- Short-term and long-term career goals
- Leadership experiences
- Strengths, weaknesses, and learnings
Preparation Strategy:
- Read daily business newspapers (Economic Times, Business Standard)
- Follow industry reports and case studies
- Practice mock interviews with mentors
- Prepare answers on your application details
- Study recent IIM Shillong initiatives
IIM Shillong Admission Timeline 2026
| Event | Tentative Date |
| CAT 2025 Exam | November 30, 2025 |
| CAT Result | December 2025-January 2026 |
| IIM Shillong Shortlist 2026 | Mid-January 2026 |
| Personal Interview Rounds | February-March 2026 |
| Final Merit List | April 2026 |
| Offer Acceptance | May 2026 |
| Campus Registration | Mid to late June 2026\ |
IIM Shillong Fees & Financial Aid 2026
Program Fees
The total fee for the two-year PGP program is approximately ₹26.18 lakhs, payable in six equal installments.
Fee Breakdown:
- Tuition fees
- Hostel and mess charges
- Service utilities
- Caution deposit (refundable)
Scholarship Opportunities
IIM Shillong offers need-based scholarships and government-funded schemes for SC, ST, OBC, and PwD students.
IIM Shillong Placement Highlights 2024
Understanding placement outcomes validates the IIM Shillong admission process 2026 investment:
PGP Placement Statistics 2024
| Metric | Details |
| Highest Package | ₹71.50 LPA |
| Average Package | ₹26.44 LPA |
| Median Package | ₹25 LPA |
| Recruiters | 87 companies (46 new) |
| Batch Size | 283 students |
Top Recruiting Domains
Consulting & Strategy: 32% offers (Highest CTC: ₹46.05 LPA) Finance: 29% offers (Highest CTC: ₹40 LPA) Sales & Marketing: 21% offers
Top Recruiters: Accenture, Bain & Company, Boston Consulting Group, Capgemini, Deloitte, EY, Goldman Sachs, McKinsey & Company
Documents Required for IIM Shillong Admission 2026
Essential Documents:
- CAT 2025 scorecard
- Class X, XII, Graduation mark sheets
- Category certificates (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD)
- Valid photo ID (Aadhar, Passport)
- Work experience certificates (if applicable)
- Passport-sized photographs
FAQs: IIM Shillong Admission Process 2026
1. What is the CAT 2026 cutoff for IIM Shillong?
The general category requires 75 percentile sectional (VARC, DILR, QA) with competitive overall scores of 90-92+ percentile.
2. What are the eligibility criteria?
Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks (45% for reserved categories). Final-year students eligible with completion proof before admission.
3. How is the PI process conducted?
IIM Shillong conducts independent 20-25 minute PIs evaluating communication, academics, awareness, and career clarity.
4. What is the weightage of CAT and PI?
CAT holds 70% in shortlisting and 30% in final selection; PI carries 40% weightage in final merit determination.
5. Expected percentile for General category?
75 percentile sectionally mandatory; overall 90+ percentile recommended for better chances.
6. Documents required for an interview?
CAT scorecard, academic certificates, ID proofs, category certificates, work experience proof, and photographs (originals + copies).
7. How many candidates shortlisted?
Shortlisting based on composite score, grouped by academic diversity, typically 6-8 times the number of seats.
8. When is the final merit list released?
Final admission offers typically declared by April-May 2026 following PI rounds completion.
9. Does IIM Shillong prefer work experience?
Work experience does not contribute to NARS/shortlisting but 5% in final selection.
10. Previous year cutoff trends?
Sectional cutoffs have remained stable at 75 percentile for General/EWS category from 2022-2025.
Conclusion
The IIM Shillong admission process 2026 demands comprehensive preparation across CAT, academic excellence, and interview readiness. Understanding the IIM Shillong cat cutoff, mastering the IIM Shillong GD PI process, and building a strong profile aligned with IIM Shillong selection criteria are keys to success. With 87 top recruiters and average packages of ₹26.10 LPA, IIM Shillong offers excellent ROI for dedicated aspirants.
Meeting IIM Shillong admission eligibility, targeting 95+ percentile in CAT 2025, and authentic interview preparation will position you strongly for the IIM Shillong shortlist 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is based on data available up to October 2025. For official and updated information on the IIM Shillong admission process 2026, visit www.iimshillong.ac.in.
Ready to Begin Your IIM Shillong Journey?
Start preparing for the IIM Shillong admission process 2026 today. Subscribe to our newsletter for CAT tips, interview guidance, and admission updates!
