IIM Interview Dates 2026: Check Important Dates for GDPI Rounds for All IIMs

IIMs are the top management schools in India to which hundreds of thousands of candidates apply yearly. The interview dates for the 2026 admission cycle are scheduled from mid-February to early March 2026, with notification of personal interviews (PI) often arriving around February 10th via the IIM CAP process; PI rounds are likely to begin on February 14th.

So, you are among the ones waiting for a chance in the MBA or PGP programme of the year 2026. In that case, it is prudent to remind oneself about the important timing in the IIM admission process particularly in the GD/PI/WAT sessions. Read on to learn more about the IIM Interview dates 2026.

IIM Admission Process: Overview

The admission process to IIM is complicated and, therefore, spans through different phases. The process starts with the CAT, which is the entry point to any of the IIMs out there in the country. As earlier indicated, after the results of the CAT have been released, candidates are selected based on performance. Once shortlisted for recruitment, you have to write an essay for the WAT-GD-PI Round for which you would have to register online.

Also Read: IIM Selection Criteria 2026

Key Dates for IIM Admission 2026

For those aspiring to join the IIMs in 2026, here's a breakdown of the key dates that you need to keep in mind:

IIM Selection Process

The IIM selection process involves three main phases:

• Shortlisting Candidates: The candidates are then selected for the next level according to the CAT score conducted and managed by IIMs. The information that is used when evaluating students besides their CAT score includes academic achievement, work experience, and co-curricular activities.
• WAT-GD-PI: It is the most critical stage for several prospective candidates as the IIMs can review mass communication and the candidate’s thought process as well as leadership skills. The WAT and GD help to assess your writing and teamwork skills while the final step – PI – is an indication of your personality and your preparedness for a managerial post.
• Final Selection: Candidates who successfully pass the WAT-GD-PI rounds find that IIMs make the final selection based on performance in the entire journey. The final selection is also done based on the diversity, gender, and background of the candidate as well.

Also Read: Placement Trends After Executive MBA from IIMs: Roles, Top Companies, and Packages

How to Prepare for the WAT-GD-PI Rounds?

The WAT-GD-PI rounds are crucial, and your performance here can make or break your chances of admission. Here are some tips to help you prepare effectively:

• WAT Preparation: The Written Ability Test will require you to write an essay on a given subject when you take the test. As for composition, it is recommended that the student practice on writing essays on such topics as current affairs, business or abstract topics. Consider the elements of structure, coherence and clarity of the text matter.
• GD Preparation: The Group Discussions test your interpersonal skill, listening ability, and how well you can systematically record your brainstorming process. In particular, in advance of formal GDs, read more about the current topics, sharpen pencils or pens, practice writing, and attend mock GDs.
• PI Preparation: While in a Personal Interview, it’s a time to be yourself. Prepare to be asked questions referring to your academic accomplishments and prior work experience, your reasons behind applying for an MBA, and current affairs. 

Also Read: IIM Full Form

Understanding the IIM Admission Criteria 2026

Here are the primary factors that determine whether you'll be shortlisted or selected:

• CAT Score: Your CAT score is important for selection but so are your academic performance, your work experience, and any co-curricular activities that you have undertaken.
• Academic and Work Experience: IIMs prefer applicants with relentless education backgrounds having sound experience in their prior work in a particular position that reveals leadership quality and ability to solve problems. Employers generally prefer candidates with good academic backgrounds but demonstrate other extra-curricular activities.
• WAT-GD-PI Performance: As with the previous points noted, your performance in the WAT-GD-PI rounds is important. These rounds test your writing, analytical thinking, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Diversity: Most IIMs have reserved the certain number of seats for candidates from different disciplines, genders, and regions to achieve differentiation in the classroom process.

Also Read: CAT Participating Colleges 2025: Check Top IIMs, Tier 1, 2, and 3 Colleges

IIM Admission 2026 Number of Seats Available

The number of seats for MBA/PGP in all the IIMs collectively is way more than 5000. For, with more than two lakh aspirants writing CAT every year, getting selected by an IIM calls for a good CAT score besides a great show in the WAT-GD-PI stages.

Here’s a quick overview of the number of seats available at some of the top IIMs:

Also Read: CAT Selection Process: IIM and Non IIM Admission Criteria, Imp Dates, PI Shortlist