The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are premier business schools in India, renowned for their rigorous selection processes and high academic standards. Securing admission to an IIM is highly competitive, with each institute setting specific criteria for eligibility and shortlisting candidates. This article provides an overview of the minimum percentile requirements for admissions to the IIMs for the 2025 academic session, highlighting the variations across different institutes.

Understanding the Selection Process

The selection process for IIMs typically involves multiple stages:

  1. Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum percentage (usually 50% or equivalent CGPA) and have a valid CAT (Common Admission Test) score.

  2. Shortlisting for WAT-PI: Based on the CAT percentile, candidates are shortlisted for the Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds.

  3. Final Selection: The final selection is based on a composite score that includes CAT scores, academic performance, work experience, and performance in WAT-PI.

Minimum CAT Percentile Requirements for IIMs (2025 Session)

The minimum CAT percentile required for eligibility varies across IIMs and categories. Below is a summary of the qualifying CAT percentiles for the 2025 academic session:

Institute General Category NC-OBC EWS SC ST PwD
IIM Ahmedabad 80 75 75 70 60 60
IIM Bangalore 85 75 75 70 65 60
IIM Calcutta 85 75 75 70 65 60
IIM Lucknow 90 80 80 70 65 60
IIM Kozhikode 85 75 75 65 55 55
IIM Shillong 75 65 65 55 45 45

 

Note: The above data is based on the latest available information and may be subject to change. Candidates are advised to refer to the official websites of the respective IIMs for the most accurate and updated information.

Detailed Breakdown of Minimum Percentile Requirements

  1. IIM Ahmedabad:

    • General Category: A minimum overall CAT percentile of 80 is required. Additionally, candidates must have a minimum of 80 percentile in each section of the CAT exam.

  2. IIM Bangalore:

    • General Category: Candidates need an overall CAT percentile of 85. Sectional cutoffs are also specified, with a minimum of 80 percentile in each section.

  3. IIM Calcutta:

    • General Category: The overall CAT percentile cutoff is 85, with specific sectional cutoffs. Detailed criteria can be found on the official website.

  4. IIM Lucknow:

    • General Category: An overall CAT percentile of 90 is required. Sectional cutoffs are also applicable.

  5. IIM Kozhikode:

    • General Category: The overall CAT percentile cutoff is 85, with sectional cutoffs as specified.

  6. IIM Shillong:

    • General Category: A minimum overall CAT percentile of 75 is required. Sectional cutoffs are also specified.

Factors Influencing the Cutoff Percentiles

The minimum percentile requirements are influenced by several factors:

  • Category: Reserved categories such as NC-OBC, EWS, SC, ST, and PwD have different cutoff percentiles.

  • Institute-Specific Policies: Each IIM has its own set of criteria based on factors like academic diversity, gender diversity, and work experience.

  • Annual Variations: Cutoff percentiles may vary each year based on the number of applicants, difficulty level of the CAT exam, and seat availability.

Conclusion

Securing admission to an IIM requires meeting the minimum CAT percentile requirements, which vary across institutes and categories. Candidates should aim to exceed these minimums to enhance their chances of selection. It is crucial to stay updated with the official announcements from the respective IIMs, as admission criteria and cutoff percentiles are subject to change. Prospective applicants are advised to regularly check the official websites of the IIMs for the most accurate and current information.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the minimum CAT percentile required for admission to IIMs in 2025?
The minimum CAT percentile required varies across IIMs and categories. For example, IIM Ahmedabad requires 80 percentile for the general category, while IIM Lucknow requires 90 percentile. Sectional cutoffs are also applied at most IIMs.

Q2. Do all IIMs have the same cutoff percentile for CAT?
No, each IIM sets its own cutoff criteria based on factors like seat availability, applicant pool, and academic diversity. For instance, IIM Shillong has a lower cutoff of 75 percentile, while IIM Lucknow requires 90 percentile for general category candidates.

Q3. Are sectional cutoffs important in IIM admissions?
Yes, in addition to the overall CAT percentile, sectional cutoffs are equally important. Candidates need to meet minimum percentile requirements in each section like VARC, DILR, and QA to be eligible for shortlisting at most IIMs.

Q4. Do reserved category candidates have lower cutoff percentiles?
Yes, candidates from categories such as NC-OBC, EWS, SC, ST, and PwD are provided lower cutoff percentiles compared to the general category. This helps in promoting diversity and inclusion during the selection process.

Q5. Why do cutoff percentiles change every year?
Cutoff percentiles vary based on multiple factors such as the total number of applicants, exam difficulty, and the number of available seats. Institutes also consider academic diversity, gender diversity, and work experience while setting the cutoffs.

Q6. How can I stay updated with the latest IIM cutoff information?
It is essential to regularly visit the official websites of the respective IIMs, as cutoffs and admission criteria are subject to change each year. This ensures you have access to the most accurate and updated information.

Q7. Should I aim for the minimum cutoff or exceed it?
While meeting the minimum percentile is necessary for shortlisting, aiming higher enhances your chances of selection. A strong overall score and sectional performance demonstrate your academic ability and increase your competitiveness.

Q8. Can I apply to multiple IIMs through the same CAT score?
Yes, you can apply to multiple participating IIMs using your CAT score. However, each institute has its own cutoff and selection criteria, so it’s important to research and understand the requirements before applying.