How to Get into an IIM: A Comprehensive Guide

CL Team September 20 2024
10 min read

Getting into an Indian Institute of Management (IIM) is a dream shared by many, but achieved by few. The IIM admission process involves several stages, including the Common Admission Test (CAT), Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI). In this article, we will guide you through the IIM admission process, eligibility criteria, and provide valuable tips to crack the CAT exam.

 

IIM Admission Process: An Overview

 

The IIM admission process consists of three stages:

 

1. CAT Exam: The first step to getting into an IIM is to appear for the CAT exam, conducted by the IIMs. The CAT exam tests your aptitude in areas such as verbal ability, logical reasoning, and quantitative ability. The exam is typically held in November or December and is a computer-based test.

2. WAT/GD-PI: Candidates who meet the cutoffs are called for WAT/GD-PI rounds, which test their communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills. The WAT assesses your writing ability, while the GD evaluates your ability to work in a team. The PI is a personal interview with the IIM faculty, where they assess your motivation, goals, and fit with the program.

3. Final Selection: The final offers of admission are made based on a composite score, taking into account various parameters such as work experience, gender, school board, etc. The weightage of these parameters varies across IIMs.

 

IIM Admission Process: Eligibility Criteria

 

The eligibility criteria for IIMs MBA/PGP courses are:

 

- Graduate degree: You must have a graduate degree with 50% marks (45% for SC, ST, and PwD categories).

- Final year students: Candidates in their final year of graduation are also eligible.

- Minimum cutoffs: Candidates must meet the minimum cutoffs to participate in the WAT/PI rounds.

 

IIM Admission Process: Scores and Weightages

 

IIMs assign different weightages to parameters such as:

 

- Work experience: Work experience is an important factor in the IIM admission process. Candidates with relevant work experience are given preference.

- 10th marks: Your 10th standard marks are also considered in the admission process.

- 12th marks: Your 12th standard marks are also considered in the admission process.

- WAT/PI score: Your performance in the WAT and PI rounds is also considered in the admission process.

- CAT score: Your CAT score is the most important factor in the admission process.

 

The weightage of these parameters varies across IIMs.

 

IIM Admission Process: Expected Qualifying CAT Cutoffs (2024)

Here are the expected qualifying CAT cutoffs for 2024:

 

CL' Rank

IIMs

Qualifying CAT Cutoffs 2024 (Percentile)

IIM Info

1

Indian Institute of Management (IIM-A) Ahmedabad

80%ile

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2

Indian Institute of Management (IIM-B) Bangalore

85%ile

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3

Indian Institute of Management (IIM-C) Kolkata

80%ile

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4

Indian Institute of Management (IIM-K) Kozhikode

85%ile

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5

Indian Institute of Management (IIM-I) Indore

90%ile

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6

Indian Institute of Management (IIM-L) Lucknow

90%ile

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7

Indian Institute of Management (IIM-M) Mumbai

>=85%ile

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8

Indian Institute of Management (IIM-Rai) Raipur

>=92%ile

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9

Indian Institute of Management (IIM-T) Trichy

>=92%ile

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10

Indian Institute of Management (IIM-U) Udaipur

92%ile

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11

Indian Institute of Management (IIM-R) Ranchi

94%ile

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12

Indian Institute of Management (IIM-S) Shillong

85%ile

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13

Indian Institute of Management (IIM-Ro) Rohtak

95%ile

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14

Indian Institute of Management (IIM-Ka) Kashipur

92%ile

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15

Indian Institute of Management (IIM-N) Nagpur

85%ile

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16

Indian Institute of Management (IIM-SB) Sambalpur

92%ile

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17

Indian Institute of Management (IIM-AM) Amritsar

85%ile

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18

Indian Institute of Management (IIM-SR) Sirmaur

94%ile

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19

Indian Institute of Management (IIM-BG) Bodhgaya

92%ile

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20

Indian Institute of Management (IIM-J) Jammu

93%ile

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21

Indian Institute of Management (IIM-V) Visakhapatnam

80%ile

View Info

 

 

How to Get into an IIM: CAT Preparation Tips

 

To crack the CAT exam, follow these tips:

 

- Revise your basics: Revise your class 8 to class 10 concepts of Maths and English.

- Invest in good study material: Invest in good study material and take classes if needed.

- Practice frequently: Practice frequently and master selected topics.

- Write sectional tests: Write sectional tests and mock exams to test your preparation.

- Join a coaching class: Joining a coaching class can help you stay motivated and get personalized feedback.

- Stay focused: Stay focused and avoid distractions during your preparation.

 

Conclusion

 

If you want to prepare for CAT 2024 and get into your dream IIM, join Career Launcher, Wakad branch, for comprehensive guidance and support. With their expert faculty and proven track record, you'll be well on your way to achieving your MBA dreams.

 

Additionally, here are some more tips to help you prepare for the CAT exam:

 

- Start early: Start your preparation early to avoid last-minute stress.

- Make a study plan: Make a study plan and stick to it.

- Practice with mock exams: Practice with mock exams to get a feel of the actual exam.

- Stay motivated: Stay motivated by rewarding yourself for small achievements.

- Seek help: Seek help from friends, family, or mentors if you need it.

 

By following these tips and staying committed to your goals, you can crack the CAT exam and get into your dream IIM. Good luck!