After CAT, colleges apply a cutoff, shortlist candidates, and then run written, group and personal interview rounds before the final merit list. Each college publishes its own weightage. A strong CAT score opens the door. The rest of the file decides who walks through.
The funnel
| Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Score | You get a CAT score and percentile |
| 2. Cutoff | The college applies minimum overall and sectional scores |
| 3. Shortlist | The college calls a set of candidates, often using score plus academics and work experience |
| 4. Selection rounds | WAT, GD and/or PI, depending on the college |
| 5. Final merit | A composite of the above, based on the college’s policy |
What colleges look at besides the score
As reported, IIMs also weigh academic performance and work experience. Many give weight to profile diversity as well. How much each counts is in the college’s admission policy.
A note on the new AI and analytics programmes
Several IIMs now offer AI and analytics programmes through CAT, some for working professionals only. See the list of eight.
The Maharashtra route
State MBA/MMS seats go through MAH-CET and the CAP counselling process. See choosing a college and the CAP route.
Where this doesn’t apply
The funnel above is a generic outline. Weightages, cutoffs and rounds vary by college and by year. We do not state any cutoff here because our sources were inconsistent. Read each college’s admission policy when it is released.
The statement that IIMs also consider academics and work experience is from Careers360’s article on IIM AI and analytics programmes. The funnel is our summary of standard practice. We did not check individual IIM admission policies.