How can you increase your chances of getting into IIMs?
Getting into an IIM is competitive! To improve your odds, focus on three areas: acing the CAT exam, particularly the 95+ percentile range. Next, build a strong academic record with good scores in 10th, 12th, and graduation. Finally, develop well-rounded skills through extracurriculars, work experience (if applicable) and hone your communication for the Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI).
| What do IIMs look for? | What is it? | Can I work on it now? How? |
| CAT percentile | Overall percentile in CAT | Learn, Practise, Analyse. |
| 10th & 12th Score | Aggregate % scored in board exams | ———- |
| Graduation Score | Aggregate % scored in graduation exams | If a student gets good grades- A top performer |
| Personal Interview | PI & GD/WAT is the most important part of the admission process in IIM | Build your profile, personality, speaking skills & knowledge base |
| Academic Diversity | Engg, Non- engg, doctor, arts etc. | ———— |
| Gender Diversity | More weightage is given to female/transgender candidates | ———– |
| Work Experience | Both fresher (0-2yrs) & experienced individuals have their own perks & are preferred by companies differently
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Selection criteria
In order to get admission to top b schools, one needs to score well in any of the competitive exams but that’s not it. Scoring well only qualifies you to run the half marathon, the other half is yet to be covered. All of it gets evaluated in terms of profile, academics, interview, group discussion, etc. Also, there are heaps of dilemmas regarding profiles. People who crack profiles have astounded profiles evaluated on these parameters most commonly:
- Academics - This includes your marks in 10th, 12th & under graduation level. Improve this whenever you can.
- Co-curricular – This will have weightage after your exam qualification.
- Extra-Curricular – This will have weightage after your competitive exam qualification & includes activities done apart from your college or school curriculum.
- Gender Diversity – This is an unsaid quota that more commonly includes the women’s quota. There is a ballpark estimate of all the corporate institutions and organizations to have a 50% quota of women presence as women bring a different perspective.
- Academic Diversity – There are different categories on this point here. The first one lies in Engineers, Non-Engineers (20-25% fixed), Weird category (doctor, law, vet, etc.), and GMAT category (valid in India & Abroad).
CAT Syllabus
- Quantitative Ability- These are,
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Number System
- Modern Maths
- Special Topics (includes Set Theory, trigonometry, etc.)
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension- Divide this section into topics i.e. RC and Verbal then Para jumbles & Para summary (PS).
- Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation- Arrangements, Blood Relations, Graph charts, Venn diagram, etc.
Must know things (do not skip!!)
- Start with VPAR. This will boost the speed of your preparation just like chyawanprash boosts immunity.
- Prepare for the syllabus that builds up 50% of the total topics, mainly, Arithmetic, RC, and LRDI.
First 2 months: In QA- Arithmetic, DI/LR- Pick any 1 and take it to the moon.
Dashboard– Bible LOD 1, LOD 2, Shortcuts.
Timetable for CAT
Daily, cover the topic in two sections at least, for example
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday |
| Quantitative Ability | Data Interpretation | Verbal Ability |
| Data Interpretation | Verbal Ability | Quantitative Ability |
Here, in 3 days, you are covering everything at least twice. You need to do this on weekdays repeatedly and then on weekends, Revise everything, Consolidate, and give a mock. Give a mock on Saturday preferably then analyze the same on Sunday.
Work-ex individuals are recommended to study 1 hour before going to the office and 1 hour after coming from the office daily.
Freshers have plenty of time to study. They must target solving at least 20 questions each day.
- May\June – 2hrs/day.
July/ August/ September- 3hrs/day
October/ November- 4+ hrs/day
Weekdays- cover at least 2 topics in a day
Weekends- Saturday- Consolidate & take mocks.
Sunday- Do an analysis of each mock thoroughly.
Monetary Plan for MBA:
- Before planning for an MBA know that in India, an MBA is commonly the highest degree one gets as very few pursue PhDs after their PG. so, your MBA has to be from the best college. You will be branded with your college and keep the badge for the next 40 years of your professional life. Number one has to be joining coaching where you find value for money. You must Beg, Borrow, and Steal if aiming for top business schools.
- There are 2 courses highly recommended by previous CATKing toppers currently sitting in the top IIMs of the world:
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
1. What CAT percentile is needed for IIMs?
Old IIMs usually need 98–99%ile, newer IIMs shortlist at 95+%ile.
2. Can I get into IIM with average 10th/12th marks?
Yes, but you’ll need a very high CAT score and strong interview.
3. Do IIMs prefer freshers or experienced candidates?
Both. Freshers shine with academics/internships, while work-ex adds industry value.
4. How important is the PI round?
Very. PI + WAT can make or break admission despite a high CAT.
5. What is academic and gender diversity?
Extra weight for non-engineers, female, and transgender candidates.
6. How should I prepare for CAT?
Focus on Arithmetic, RC, LRDI. Practice daily, give mocks, analyze.
7. How many study hours are needed for CAT?
2–4+ hrs/day depending on the month. Consistency is key.
8. Does coaching help in CAT prep?
Yes, for structure, mocks, and doubt clearing.
9. Do extracurriculars matter for IIMs?
Yes, they boost profile and help in interviews.
10. Is an IIM MBA worth it?
Yes, for long-term brand, placements, and ROI.
Check Out:
CAT Intensive 2025(Inc. CAT, XAT, NMAT, SNAP, etc,)
All the best!!
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