Anisha has done MBA in Marketing from NMIMS And Executive Management(PMNO) from Harvard Business School. She has been instrumental in growing CATKing Digital with her experience with Marico and Henkel in the past.
IIM Nagpur MBA Admission 2026–28 – Complete Guide for CAT Aspirants
The Indian Institute of Management Nagpur (IIM Nagpur) is one of the newer IIMs rapidly gaining recognition for its flagship MBA programme, emphasizing strong academic standards and industry-aligned training. The institute adopts a structured three-stage admission policy for the MBA batch of 2026–28, assessing candidates on CAT performance, past academics, work experience, diversity and interview performance.
Here is an in-depth overview of the admission framework, key criteria, expected cutoffs, and why IIM Nagpur continues to be a top choice for MBA aspirants.
Overview of MBA Programme at IIM Nagpur
IIM Nagpur offers a two-year full-time MBA, designed to build managerial, analytical and leadership competencies among candidates from diverse academic backgrounds. The programme combines core management courses, experiential learning, summer internships and advanced electives. Admission into this program is competitive and based on multiple academic and personal criteria.
Eligibility Criteria for MBA Admission
To be eligible for MBA admission at IIM Nagpur, candidates must:
-
Hold a Bachelor’s degree of minimum three years duration in any discipline from a recognized university.
-
Appear for the Common Admission Test (CAT) for the MBA batch of 2026–28.
-
Achieve a positive score in all sections of CAT to be considered for further stages of admission.
Meeting the basic eligibility does not guarantee admission; shortlisting and final selection depend on competitive performance in subsequent stages.
Three-Stage Selection Process
The IIM Nagpur MBA admission policy follows a three-stage process to ensure a comprehensive assessment:
Stage 1: CAT Screening and Eligibility
Candidates are first screened based on their CAT 2025 performance. Only those who clear the minimum CAT criteria and section requirements are invited to submit a formal application for IIM Nagpur’s admission process.
Stage 2: Shortlisting Score Calculation
After eligibility is confirmed, the institute computes a Shortlisting Score which may take into account:
-
Normalized CAT scores
-
Past Academic Performance (Class 10, Class 12 and Graduation)
-
Work Experience
-
Gender Diversity considerations
Based on this score, a shortlist of candidates is prepared for the next phase.
Stage 3: Personal Interview and Final Selection
Shortlisted candidates attend a Personal Interview (PI) and possibly an extempore exercise. Performance in this stage is integrated with other admission components to arrive at a final merit list.
The final admission decision reflects a balanced evaluation of CAT performance, interview results, academic record and diversity factors.
Expected CAT Cutoff and Score Requirements
While official cutoffs vary each year, IIM Nagpur typically maintains competitive thresholds for the MBA programme:
-
Overall CAT percentile target: ~95 percentile or above
-
Sectional scores: Balanced performance across all sections is expected
These cutoffs serve as preliminary benchmarks for shortlist eligibility. Candidates with scores near or above these levels stand a stronger chance of progressing to Stage 2 and Stage 3 of the selection process.
Academic Performance and Diversity Factors
IIM Nagpur values holistic candidate profiles. Admission policy places emphasis not just on entrance test scores but also:
-
Performance in school and graduation
-
Professional work experience
-
Gender diversity considerations
This approach encourages applicants with strong academic backgrounds and real-world experience, fostering a diverse MBA cohort.
Application and Selection Timelines
The admission process for the MBA programme typically unfolds as follows:
-
Stage 1 shortlist based on CAT results is released in January
-
Shortlisted candidates complete application form submission
-
Personal interviews and assessments are conducted between February and March
-
Final admission offers are released by May, and registrations begin in June/July
Keeping track of these timelines is crucial for applicants to ensure timely submission and participation in every stage.
Why Choose IIM Nagpur for MBA
IIM Nagpur stands out among newer IIMs for several reasons:
-
A rigorous three-stage admission process that balances quantitative performance with personal attributes
-
Focus on diversity and real-world readiness in cohort building
-
Increasingly competitive CAT cutoffs which reflect academic excellence
-
Exposure to industry and management practices through internships and projects
These elements create an MBA learning environment that prepares students for leadership roles across sectors.
Conclusion
The IIM Nagpur MBA admission policy for the 2026–28 batch is designed to identify high-potential candidates through a structured, transparent and merit-based process. With competition driven by CAT performance, academic history and effective interview performance, prospective students must plan preparation strategically to succeed. This comprehensive system ensures that the best prospects secure a place in one of India’s promising management institutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is CAT mandatory for IIM Nagpur MBA admission?
Yes. A valid CAT score is mandatory for admission to the MBA programme at IIM Nagpur. Candidates must also secure positive scores in all CAT sections.
2. Does IIM Nagpur have sectional cutoffs in CAT?
Yes. Apart from the overall CAT percentile, candidates must meet minimum sectional performance requirements to be considered for shortlisting.
3. Is work experience compulsory for admission?
No. Work experience is not mandatory, but it is considered as a positive factor during the shortlisting and final selection stages.
4. What are the key components used in shortlisting?
Shortlisting is based on:
-
CAT score
-
Academic performance (Class 10, Class 12, Graduation)
-
Work experience (if applicable)
-
Gender diversity
5. Is there a Written Ability Test (WAT)?
The admission policy primarily includes a Personal Interview (PI). Any additional evaluation components are communicated to shortlisted candidates at the time of interview calls.
6. When are final admission offers released?
Final offers are generally released between April and May, followed by registration and academic onboarding.
Comments are disabled for now