Yes, IIMs provide academic weightage in their final selection process; however, the amount differs at every IIM. While some IIMs place a high value on CAT scores (50-60%), others consider academic excellence and diversity as well.
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Yes, IIMs allocate academic weightage in the final selection process, but the criteria vary from IIM to IIM. Some IIMs emphasise the importance of CAT scores to the degree of 50-60%. Others view it alongside academic and demographic factors. While work experience and academics in CAT 2025 are of secondary importance to the selection process in the elite IIMs and other B-schools, their importance is institution-specific.
Most IIMs consider the academic marks as a combination of the 10th and 12th grades alongside the graduation marks as a singular unit, with a contribution of 5-15%. IIM Bangalore allocates 15% to academics (5% for 10th, 12th and graduation) while IIM Calcutta awards 6% for academic diversity (non-engineers, CAs and other graduates), which is considered benchmarking.
Work experience carries between 5% to 10% weightage; most of which is focused on by IIMs is for persons with 24 to 36 months of work experience post graduation.
Significance of Academic Records in IIM Final Selection
The final selection process at the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) encompasses various elements, including:
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CAT Score
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Academic Performance (10th, 12th, Graduation)
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Work Experience
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Gender & Academic Diversity
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Personal Interview (PI)
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Written Ability Test (WAT)
Among these components, academic performance plays a vital role. Many IIMs allocate specific weightage to the marks received in Class 10, Class 12, and graduation. This approach ensures the selection of well-rounded candidates who have demonstrated consistent academic excellence throughout their educational careers.
Also Read:
CAT Academic Marks Weightage
Academic marks include Class 10, 12, and graduate marks, which contribute 10-30% to IIM shortlisting, particularly at major IIMs such as Calcutta, Lucknow, and Kozhikode.
- IIM Bangalore gives 50% weightage to class 10, 12, and graduation grades.
- IIM Ahmedabad adopts a balanced Academic Rating (AR) with a weight of 20-35%, which favours uniform school results while permitting moderate UG marks.
- IIM Calcutta stresses a high school record (≥80%) but does not demand high graduation marks, with 45% of students achieving <80%.
- IIM Lucknow takes an even approach, with 20% academic significance, ensuring total homogeneity.
- Indore is the most school-focused of the new IIMs (about 76% emphasis on 10th and 12th), whereas Kozhikode prioritises class 10 and 12th marks at 45%.
Overall, the leading IIMs reward steady academic performers.
| Name of IIM | Academic Weightage | CAT Weightage |
| IIM Ahmedabad | 20-35% | 65% |
| IIM Bangalore | 50% combined (10th, 12th, Graduation) | 40-45% |
| IIM Calcutta | 44% | 56% |
| IIM Lucknow | 20% | 60% |
| IIM Indore | 76% (10th + 12th) | 20% |
| IIM Kozhikode | 45% (10th + 12th) | 45% |
| IIM Udaipur | 20-30% | 50-60% |
| IIM Trichy | 20-30% | 50-60% |
Also Read: Can a Final Year Student Apply for CAT 2025?
Conclusion
Indeed, IIMs place considerable emphasis on academics during their final selection process; however, it is not the sole criterion. Candidates are evaluated comprehensively, meaning that a less-than-stellar academic record can be balanced by strengths in other areas such as CAT scores, work experience, and interview performance.
It's important to note that each IIM has distinct admission criteria, so what applies to one institution may not necessarily apply to another. If you are serious about gaining admission to an IIM, it's advisable to conduct thorough research, understand the selection policies, and prepare accordingly.
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