Introduction
IMI Delhi admission 2026 applications are now open for the prestigious PGDM programs at International Management Institute, New Delhi. As one of India’s premier B-schools, IMI Delhi admission 2026 represents a golden opportunity for management aspirants seeking world-class education. Understanding the IMI selection criteria, IMI CAT cutoff, IMI XAT cutoff, and IMI interview process is crucial for success in IMI PGDM admission.
Established in 1981, IMI New Delhi was India’s first corporate-sponsored business school, developed in collaboration with IMD Lausanne. With AMBA, NBA, AICTE, and SAQS accreditations, IMI Delhi admission 2026 attracts thousands of candidates annually. This comprehensive guide covers everything about IMI PGDM admission—from IMI CAT cutoff percentiles to cracking the IMI interview process.
IMI Delhi Admission 2026: Quick Data Snapshot
Programs Under IMI PGDM Admission:
- PGDM (General): 360 seats | ₹23.85 Lakh
- PGDM (HRM): 60 seats | ₹23.85 Lakh
- PGDM (B&FS): 60 seats | ₹23.85 Lakh
Accepted Tests: Valid CAT 2025 / XAT 2026 / GMAT (Jan 2021–Jan 2026)
Application Fee: ₹2,250 (online payment)
Last Date: December 12, 2025
2024 Placements: Average ₹16.71 LPA | Highest ₹70.95 LPA | 175+ recruiters
Expected Cutoffs for IMI Delhi Admission 2026:
- IMI CAT cutoff: 90-95 percentile
- IMI XAT cutoff: 90-92 percentile
- GMAT: 650+ score
The IMI selection criteria considers composite scoring, making IMI PGDM admission competitive beyond just the IMI CAT cutoff or IMI XAT cutoff.
Programs Offered Under IMI Delhi Admission 2026
| Program | Duration | Fees | Specializations |
| PGDM (General) | 2 Years | ₹23.85 Lakh | Marketing, Finance, Strategy, Operations, IT |
| PGDM (HRM) | 2 Years | ₹23.54 Lakh | HR Analytics, Talent Management |
| PGDM (B&FS) | 2 Years | ₹23.54 Lakh | Investment Banking, FinTech, BFSI |
All programs under IMI PGDM admission follow the same IMI selection criteria and accept IMI CAT cutoff, IMI XAT cutoff, and GMAT scores for shortlisting.
Eligibility Criteria for IMI Delhi Admission 2026
To qualify for IMI PGDM admission, candidates must meet:
- Academic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree (3 years) with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD)
- Entrance Exams: Valid CAT 2025 / XAT 2026 / GMAT (Jan 2021–Jan 2026)
- Final Year Students: Eligible (must complete degree by September 30, 2026)
- Work Experience: Not mandatory but adds advantage in IMI selection criteria
The IMI selection criteria emphasizes academic consistency alongside entrance exam performance. Unlike fixed cutoffs, IMI Delhi admission 2026 adopts a holistic evaluation approach.
IMI CAT Cutoff & IMI XAT Cutoff 2026: Expected Percentiles
IMI CAT Cutoff Trends
For IMI PGDM admission through CAT 2025, there is no fixed IMI CAT cutoff, shortlisting uses a holistic approach considering test scores alongside academics (minimum 50% in 10th/12th/UG) and work ex. Based on 2024-25 trends:
- General Category: 90-95 percentile (competitive for shortlisting)
- Engineering Background/ Non-Engineering Background: No differentiation; consistent academics prioritized
- Female Candidates: No explicit relaxation; gender diversity considered in composite scoring (5% factor)
The IMI CAT cutoff has gradually increased due to stronger applicant pools. However, the IMI selection criteria weighs multiple factors (academics 10%, work ex 5%, interviews 40%) beyond just the CAT score.
IMI XAT Cutoff Patterns
The expected IMI XAT cutoff for IMI Delhi admission 2026:
- Overall XAT Score: 90-92 percentile
- IMI CAT cutoff Score: ranges from 90-95 percentile
- With Quality Work Experience: More flexibility in overall evaluation IMI XAT cutoff (adds 5%weightage)
Candidates scoring near the IMI XAT cutoff threshold can compensate through strong academic records and the IMI interview process, as per the IMI selection criteria.
GMAT Score Requirements
GMAT scores between January 2021–January 2026 are valid for IMI PGDM admission. Competitive GMAT scores (650+) offer an alternative pathway when the IMI CAT cutoff or IMI XAT cutoff isn’t met. The IMI selection criteria treats GMAT equivalently to CAT/XAT for IMI Delhi admission 2026.
IMI Selection Criteria: Understanding the Composite Score
Weightage Breakdown for IMI Delhi Admission 2026
The IMI selection criteria evaluates candidates through:
| Component | Weightage |
| CAT/XAT/GMAT Score | 45% |
| Personal Interview (PI) | 30% |
| Written Ability Test (WAT) | 10% |
| Academic Records (10th/12th/UG) | 10% |
| Work Experience | 5% |
Formula: Final Score = (Exam %ile × 0.45) + (PI Score × 0.30) + (Academics × 0.10) + (Work Ex × 0.10) + (Diversity × 0.05)
This IMI selection criteria structure means even candidates crossing the IMI CAT cutoff or IMI XAT cutoff can lose IMI PGDM admission without mastering the IMI interview process. Tarkashastra’s analysis shows the IMI interview process often determines final outcomes for IMI Delhi admission 2026.
IMI Interview Process 2026: Complete Breakdown
Stage 1: Video Assessment (December 2025)
Before the main IMI interview process, shortlisted candidates complete a video assessment evaluating:
- Communication clarity
- Thought process organization
- Confidence under time pressure
This preliminary round filters candidates for the final IMI interview process.
Stage 2: Written Ability Test (WAT)
Duration: 20 minutes
Word Count: 250-300 words
Format: Essay on current affairs or abstract topics
Common WAT Topics in Past IMI Interview Process:
- “Creative freedom vs. censorship in digital media”
- “If you could rewind 20 years, what would you change?”
- “Food shortage in India is man-made”
- “Social networking—waste of time for youth?”
Preparation Tips for WAT Round:
- Practice structured writing (Introduction → Body → Conclusion)
- Stay updated on business, economy, technology, and social issues
- Use examples to support arguments
- Maintain balanced viewpoints
Stage 3: Personal Interview (PI) (January-February 2026)
Duration: 15-25 minutes
Panel Size: 2-3 faculty members or alumni
Mode: Online or Offline
What IMI Interview Process Evaluates
The IMI interview process assesses:
- General & Business Awareness (30%)
- Clarity of Career Goals (25%)
- Communication Skills (20%)
- Leadership Potential (15%)
- Academic Knowledge (10%)
Common Questions in IMI Interview Process
Profile-Based Questions:
- “Walk us through your resume—what’s your biggest achievement?”
- “Why MBA after [engineering/commerce/arts]?”
- “Explain a challenging project and your role”
- “What did your internship teach you about business?”
Why MBA/IMI Questions (Critical for IMI PGDM Admission):
- “Why IMI Delhi over other B-schools?”
- “How does IMI’s curriculum align with your goals?”
- “Which specialization and why?”
- “What do you know about IMI’s faculty/research?”
Current Affairs Questions:
- “What’s driving India’s GDP growth trajectory?”
- “Should RBI prioritize inflation control or growth?”
- “Name three economic indicators you’d track monthly”
- “Recent government policy you agree/disagree with—why?”
Situational/Ethical Questions:
- “Your client offers 2% commission for the contract—what do you do?”
- “How would you handle an underperforming team member?”
- “You discover your colleague fudging data—your action?”
Subject Knowledge (Background-Specific):
- Engineers: “Explain how blockchain impacts supply chains”
- Commerce: “Walk through a balance sheet’s key ratios”
- Arts: “How does behavioral economics influence policy?”
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Stage 4: Extempore Round (Select Candidates)
Some candidates face a 2-minute extempore in the IMI interview process:
Past Extempore Topics:
- “Market your city to international tourists”
- “What can the government do to prevent engineers from pursuing MBA?”
- “Professional managers must understand business environment”
- “Negative obsession with artificial intelligence”
Tarkashastra’s Extempore Framework for IMI Interview Process:
- 10 seconds: Pause, frame your structure
- Structure: Clear statement → 2-3 supporting key points → Strong conclusion
- Delivery: Maintain composure, use natural pauses
- Practice: Daily 2-minute speaks on random business/social topics
- Use real-world examples
- Maintain composure and confidence
How to Crack the IMI Interview Process: Proven Strategies
1. Master Your Profile
Review every detail in your application. The IMI interview process starts with “Tell us about yourself”—prepare a 2-minute pitch covering:
- Educational background
- Work experience (if any)
- Key achievements
- Why MBA now
2. Stay Updated on Current Affairs
The IMI interview process heavily tests business awareness:
- Read Economic Times, Business Standard, Mint daily
- Follow major policy changes, mergers, economic indicators
- Understand both sides of controversial issues
3. Prepare Your “Why MBA/Why IMI” Answer
Connect your background → Career goals → Why IMI specifically:
- Mention IMI’s corporate connections, faculty, specializations
- Reference specific aspects: global partnerships, case-study pedagogy
- Show genuine research beyond rankings
4. Practice Mock Interviews
Simulate the pressure of the IMI interview process:
- Record yourself answering common questions
- Get feedback on body language, clarity, confidence
- Practice with peers or mentors
5. Demonstrate Balanced Thinking
The IMI interview process rewards nuanced perspectives:
- Acknowledge multiple viewpoints
- Support arguments with data/examples
- Admit what you don’t know rather than bluffing
IMI Delhi Admission 2026 Timeline
| Event | Tentative Date |
| Application Opens | September 2025 |
| CAT 2025 Exam | November 30, 2025 |
| XAT 2026 Exam | January 4, 2026 |
| IMI Delhi Admission 2026 Deadline | December 12, 2025 |
| Video Assessment | December 2025 |
| Shortlist Announcement | January 2026 |
| IMI Interview Process (WAT-PI) | January-February 2026 |
| Final Merit List | April 2026 |
| Classes Commence | July 2026 |
Note: Check official website (www.imi.edu) for confirmed dates
Fee Structure for IMI PGDM Admission
| Fee Component | Amount |
| Tuition Fee (2 Years) | ₹21.0 Lakh |
| Hostel & Other Charges | ₹2.85 Lakh |
| Total Program Cost | ₹23.85 Lakh |
| Application Fee | ₹2,000 plus 18% GST |
Application Fees:
The IMI PGDM application fee is ₹2,000 plus 18% GST for IMI New Delhi. For applicants applying to any program at any of the three IMI campuses, there is a common application fee of ₹1,500 plus a ₹500 program fee for each campus they wish to apply to, with a total payment of ₹2,250 for any of the two-year programs. Fees are non-refundable and paid online.
IMI New Delhi
- Application fee: ₹2,000 + 18% GST (total ₹2,360)
All three IMI campuses (New Delhi, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar)
- Common Application Fee: ₹1,500
- Program Fee: ₹500 per program per campus
- Total for one program, one campus: ₹1,500 + ₹500 = ₹2,000
- Total for PGDM at all three campuses: ₹1,500 + (₹500 x 3) = ₹3,000
- Note: An alternative source states the total is ₹2,250 including GST for applicants applying to any of the two-year programs.
Payment methods
- Credit Card
- Debit Card
- Bank Transfer
- Net Banking
Scholarships for IMI Delhi Admission 2026
- IMI Academic Excellence Scholarship: Up to 100% tuition waiver (8 students at 100%, 15 at 50%)
- Professional Impact Scholarship: 100% or 50% tuition waiver (5 at 100%,10 at 50%)
- Need-Based Aid: For family income < ₹8 lakh annually
- Corporate Fellowships: From IMI’s industry partners
Placements: ROI of IMI PGDM Admission
IMI Delhi Placement 2024 Highlights
| Metric | Details |
| Average CTC | ₹16.71 LPA |
| Median CTC | ₹16.60 LPA |
| Highest CTC | ₹70.95 LPA |
| Top 10% Average | ₹25.21 LPA |
| Recruiters Participated | 175+ |
| New Recruiters | 70+ |
| International Offers | 2 |
| Placement Rate | 100% |
ROI of IMI PGDM Admission:
Average Investment ₹23.85 lakhs; Average Return ₹16.71 LPA; ROI Ratio 0.70x; Payback Period ~17 months.
Top Sectors & Recruiters
BFSI: ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Barclays, American Express
Consulting: Deloitte, KPMG, PwC, Capgemini, Gartner
IT/Analytics: Accenture, Cognizant, Infosys
FMCG/E-commerce: HUL, Adani, Asian Paints
The strong placement outcomes validate the rigor of the IMI selection criteria and IMI interview process, ensuring IMI PGDM admission delivers excellent ROI.
FAQs on IMI Delhi Admission 2026
1. What exams are accepted by IMI Delhi?
IMI Delhi admission 2026 accepts CAT 2025, XAT 2026, and GMAT scores (taken between January 2021–January 2026). All three exams have equal validity in the IMI PGDM admission process and IMI selection criteria.
2. What are the cutoff scores for 2026?
The IMI CAT cutoff ranges from 90-95 percentile, while the IMI XAT cutoff is 90-92 percentile. GMAT candidates need 650+ scores. However, the IMI selection criteria considers the composite score, not just entrance exam performance.
3. What is the eligibility criteria for PGDM?
Candidates need a bachelor’s degree (minimum 3 years) with 50% marks from any recognized university. Final-year students pursuing IMI Delhi admission 2026 must complete degrees by September 30, 2026. Valid CAT/XAT/GMAT scores are mandatory for IMI PGDM admission.
4. What is the interview process like?
The IMI interview process includes video assessment, Written Ability Test (WAT), and Personal Interview (PI) lasting 15-25 minutes. Some candidates face extempore rounds. The IMI interview process evaluates business awareness, career clarity, communication, and leadership—carrying 30% weightage in IMI selection criteria.
5. How is the final selection done?
The IMI selection criteria uses a composite formula: (Entrance exam score × 0.45) + (PI Score × 0.30) + (Academics × 0.10) + (Work Ex × 0.10) + (Diversity × 0.05). Clearing the IMI CAT cutoff or IMI XAT cutoff alone doesn’t guarantee admission.
6. What is the program fee?
The total fee for IMI PGDM admission is ₹23.85 lakh for two years, including tuition, hostel, and other charges. Merit-based and need-based scholarships are available.
7. How are placements at IMI Delhi?
IMI Delhi maintains a 100% placement record. For the 2024 batch, the average CTC was ₹16.71 LPA with the highest package reaching ₹70.95 LPA. Over 175 companies recruited, including 70+ new recruiters.
8. What is the average and highest package?
IMI Delhi 2024 placements recorded average ₹16.71 LPA, median ₹16.60 LPA, and highest domestic package ₹70.95 LPA. The top 10% averaged ₹25.21 LPA. Placements validate the quality of IMI PGDM admission cohorts selected through rigorous IMI selection criteria.
9. What are the key admission dates?
For IMI Delhi admission 2026: Application deadline is December 12, 2025. Video assessments occur in December 2025, followed by the IMI interview process in January-February 2026. Final merit list releases in April 2026.
10. Does IMI accept GMAT scores for domestic students?
Yes, IMI Delhi admission 2026 accepts GMAT scores taken between January 2021 and January 2026 for domestic students. GMAT 650+ is competitive, offering an alternative route when the IMI CAT cutoff or IMI XAT cutoff isn’t met.
Final Thoughts: Winning IMI Delhi Admission 2026
Success in IMI Delhi admission 2026 requires strategic preparation beyond just crossing the IMI CAT cutoff or IMI XAT cutoff. The IMI interview process carries 30% weightage in the IMI selection criteria, making interview mastery critical for IMI PGDM admission.
Tarkashastra’s Winning Formula for IMI PGDM Admission:
- Achieve competitive scores meeting the IMI CAT cutoff or IMI XAT cutoff
- Build consistent academic record (10th/12th/UG all matter)
- Gain quality work experience if possible (10% weightage)
- Master the IMI interview process through structured preparation
- Demonstrate genuine interest in IMI’s pedagogy and values
The IMI selection criteria rewards holistic candidates who excel across parameters. Tarkashastra’s data shows candidates with strategic IMI interview process preparation convert IMI Delhi admission 2026 offers at 3x higher rates than average, even with borderline IMI CAT cutoff or IMI XAT cutoff scores.
Start Your IMI PGDM Admission Journey: Visit www.imi.edu to apply before December 12, 2025. For interview preparation support, explore Tarkashastra’s proven frameworks that have helped hundreds crack the IMI interview process and secure IMI Delhi admission 2026.
Disclaimer: Cutoffs are indicative based on historical trends. Final IMI selection criteria subject to IMI Delhi’s discretion. Verify all details at the official IMI website (www.imi.edu).
