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

The CAT selection process 2025 for MBA/PGP will begin following the release of the CAT 2025 results. Starting in September, the IIMs will release the admission criterion paper for the 2026 batch. The IIM selection process will commence in January 2026. 

The IIMs will have a WAT-PI round for admission to various MBA programs in February, March, and April 2026. You will be chosen for WAT-PI rounds based on CAT cutoffs. The ultimate selection will be based on WAT-PI performance.

Stage-wise Breakdown of the CAT 2025 Selection Process

The IIMs compare each candidate's CAT score to the final cutoff and academic profile to develop a list of candidates qualified to participate in WAT-PI. The IIM admission procedure for all 21 institutes lasts three to four months, with sessions beginning in June-July. Admission procedures at non-IIMs conclude around the same time.

IIM entrance 2026 will be based on three criteria: CAT score, WAT/GD-PI, and academic record.  The IIM entrance procedure 2026 consists of the following stages: 

Stage 1: In the first phase, test takers will be shortlisted based on their CAT score and the cut offs set by each IIM for the specific year. The minimum IIM cut-offs for General candidates are often greater than 90 percentile (much lower for reserved category candidates), implying that those who score higher than 90 percentile in the CAT will be eligible for the interview round. 

However, whether you are invited to the interview is determined by your real CAT score and previous academic record. The CAT cut-offs for newer IIMs will range from 70 to 80 percentile.

Stage 2: IIMs will perform WAT/PI rounds. This stage is the deciding factor, as the selection panel chooses a candidate based on their performance in this round. A few years ago, the IIMs switched from GD to WAT. For the past few years, some IIMs have just conducted the PI.

Stage 3: In the third step, you will be evaluated based on your academic performance and professional experience. Here's a breakdown of the criteria used to choose candidates for IIM admissions in 2026.

Also Read: Can You Get MBA Admission in IITs Through CAT 2025?

CAT 2025 Key Dates and Important Schedule

The dates listed below are tentative based on last year's procedure. View the New IIMs CAP Shortlist & Admission Requirements.

Also Read: Which IIM can I get with 90 percentile in CAT 2025?

IIM Admission Eligibility Criteria 2025

The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) use a structured selection procedure for Postgraduate Programme (PGP) admissions. While the qualifications for each IIM may differ slightly, the basic process includes the stages listed below.

• Educational Requirements: It includes a bachelor's degree with at least 50% grades or an equivalent CGPA. 
• Reserved Categories: Candidates from the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) categories must have a minimum of 45% marks or an equivalent CGPA. 
• Final-Year Students: If you are in your final year of a bachelor's degree test or are awaiting results, you can also apply.
• CAT Score: A genuine CAT score is needed.

Also Read: Which IIM is best for CAT 2025 Aspirants?

What is IIM CAP and How Does It Work?

IIM Cap is a standard admission process for MBA programs at the baby IIMs. The selection process is common among the participating colleges. IIM Nagpur, IIM Bodh Gaya, IIM Jammu, IIM Kashipur, IIM Raipur, IIM Ranchi, IIM Sirmaur, IIM Trichy, and IIM Udaipur are among the participating IIM CAP institutions. 

Every year, the conducting body of IIM CAP changes. Admission to IIM CAP is based on CAT scores, academic record, work experience, and performance in WAT and PI.

CAT WAT and GDPI

The admission process for nine new IIMs is the same as for previous IIMs, with a written ability test or group discussion followed by a personal interview. These nine IIMs all have a qualifying CAT cut off and a weightage of selection parameters that is significantly lower than that of older IIMs. The selection requirements for Baby IIMs are less severe than those for top IIMs, making it easier to get in.

• Written Ability Test (WAT): You are assigned a short essay topic to evaluate their analytical thinking, clarity of expression, and written communication abilities.
• Group Discussion and Personal Interview (GDPI): The GD assesses teamwork, communication, and leadership skills, whilst the PI examines your academic background, professional experience, general awareness, and personality qualities.

Important Instructions for Attending Online Personal Interview

As recent CAP rounds are now taking place online, it is essential for candidates to adhere to the following instructions:

• A stable internet connection and a working laptop/desktop with a camera and microphone are a prerequisite.
• A quiet and well-lit space free of background noise is ideal.
• Ensure valid ID proof, academic documents and CAT scorecard are readily available and accessible for verification to the panel.
• Dress formally for the interview, as meetings online and offline are equally formal.
• Log in at least 15 minutes before the scheduled online meeting to avoid any last-minute issues.
• You will have to follow the panel's instructions closely, so it is also advisable to maintain eye contact with the camera during the online interaction.

Also Read: How Much Weightage is Given to CAT Exam Score in IIMs?

IIM Seat Matrix

India has 21 IIMs that provide MBA programs with a variety of specializations. The total number of seats accepted by various IIMs is listed as follows:

Also Read: Steps to Crack CAT Interview: Tips, Most Asked Questions with Answers

Non-IIM MBA Admission Process Through CAT

In India, almost 1000 MBA institutes recognize CAT 2025 scores. The best colleges in India outside of IIMs contain the following steps:

Liberating CAT Cutoff and Candidate Shortlisting Based on CAT Scores: After the CAT results are announced, institutes publish their own CAT cutoffs and shortlist applicants for GD-PI rounds based on CAT scores and percentile.

• Some universities hold all three rounds, while others may only hold one or the other.
• Final Merit List: The final merit list is established using a variety of factors, including CAT scores, GD-WAT-PI scores, academic records, prior work experience, and variable weights.

Also Read: IIM Selection Criteria 2025 - Check Campus Wise Eligibility and Expected CAT Cutoff

IIM Final Selection Process

The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) conduct a multi-stage final selection process, in which candidates are assessed on a composite score, based on a number of IIM components. 

These components are the Common Admission Test (CAT), Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), Personal Interview (PI), academic background, and work experience, while the weightage of each component varies between IIMs; newer IIMs normally follow a common admission process.

1. CAT Performance- The CAT score is the most significant filter during the short-listing process, but it also heavily influences when assessing the candidates towards the end.

2. WAT and GD- WAT and GD evaluate candidates on their communication skills, clarity of thought, and analytical abilities.

3. Written Ability Test (WAT): The first test of written communication and critical thinking, usually involves writing a short essay for 20–30 minutes.
4. Group Discussion (GD): While several IIMs have replaced GD with WAT, some institutions (i.e., IIM Shillong) continue to use GD to evaluate candidates on teamwork, leadership, and how they fit into a group.
5. Personal Interview (PI)- We consider a Personal Interview to be one of the most important components. Interviewing panels, which usually have faculty members and some industry experts, assess personality, motivation, and problem-solving ability, as well as their suitability for formal management education.  Most interviews take about 15-20 minutes and may be done in-person or online. Some topics for discussion may include academics, work experience, career goals, current affairs, and ethical dilemmas.

6. Academic Profile & Work Experience- Your academic performance and grades from Class 10, Class 12 and graduation helps greatly. Weight is given to your work experience, based on the relevance, quality, and duration of the work experience, which helps build your overall profile.

Also Read: Too many failed CAT attempts? What next? Alternatives to Take

Conclusion

The CAT selection process is a holistic evaluation that goes beyond test scores. By considering WAT, GD, PI, academics, and work experience, IIMs ensure a fair assessment of aptitude, personality, and potential. This multi-stage approach helps identify well-rounded candidates best suited for management education and leadership roles.