IIM Shortlist Criteria for CAT 2024

Indian Institutes of Management has been the pinnacle of management studies in India. More than two lakh students appear for CAT every year, and the competition is very tough with only a few seats available in these premier institutes.

After the CAT results are announced soon the IIMs will start their shortlisting process for the other stages of the admission process i.e. Written Ability Test (WAT), Personal Interview (PI), and Group Discussion (GD).

In this blog post we will discuss and understand the IIMs shortlist criteria for 2024, important dates, expected cut-offs and everything. For those who are new to CAT or re-taking the exam this post will help you understand everything effectively.

IIMs Shortlist Criteria for CAT

Key Dates from IIMs Shortlist Criteria:

Following are some of the important dates announced by the top B-schools for the admission process in 2024:

1. IIM Bangalore

• The shortlist for PGP 2024 was out on January 12, 2024.
• Here you can check your status using registration number and email ID under CAT.

2. IIM Indore

• The shortlist for PGP and PGP-HRM 2024-26 was notified on January 10, 2024.
• Candidates can check the status using CAT registration number along with email ID or date of birth for verification.

3. IIM Calcutta

• Published the shortlist on 8th Jan 2024.
• The candidates will be required to login and check their eligibility by giving their CAT registration number and email ID.

4. IIM Visakhapatnam

• Has opened the application form for only the shortlisted candidates on January 6, 2024, and is seeking details from them.

5. IIM Lucknow

• The shortlist was announced on January 4, 2024, for PI-WAT with 8847 students to be invited.
• The shortlist has many more parts, along with personal data forms to be filled by the candidates.

6. IIM Kozhikode

• Started Stage 1 registration on January 4, 2024. Registration ends January 9, 2024.
• Stage 2 shortlists for PI-WAT are published on January 25, 2024. Only registered candidates will be considered for final shortlisting.

These dates will give you a tentative idea that staying abreast with the notifications is crucial for any admission process.

Understanding the IIMs Admission Process

The IIM admission process consists of three parts. Each of them will have an assessment of the candidate on the evaluation of aptitude, academics and overall fitness for management.

Stage-1: Shortlisting based on CAT Percentile

The first stage of selecting students is shortlisting on the basis of CAT scores. Every IIM has its own minimum percentile of CAT with the cut-off varying according to the availability of seats and the repute of the institute.

Stage 2: WAT and PI

Candidates who clear the first stage are called for WAT and PI. Some IIMs also conduct GD. This stage tests the candidate’s communication skills, thought process and knowledge of current affairs.

Stage 3: Final Selection based on Composite Score

In the final stage, IIMs calculate a composite score for each candidate. This score includes:

• CAT Percentile: The highest weightage is given to CAT scores.
• Academic Records: Performance in Class 10, Class 12 and graduation.
• Work Experience: Points for duration and relevance of work experience.
• Diversity: Extra points for gender and academic diversity.
• WAT/PI: Strong performance in these rounds can add to the composite score.

IIMs Selection Process: Eligibility Criteria

To apply for Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Academic Performance:

• • • General category candidates: 50% aggregate in undergraduate degree.
    • Reserved category (SC/ST/PwD): 45% aggregate in undergraduate degree.

• Final Year Students:

• • • Final year students can also apply, if they meet the academic criteria upon completion of degree.

• CAT Cutoff:

• • You need to secure the required minimum CAT percentile as determined by the IIM you are applying to. Every IIM prescribes this cutoff for each given category and program.

Expected CAT Cutoffs for IIM Shortlists

Though official cutoffs will be released after CAT 2024 results, historical data helps us predict the expected cutoffs for 2024.

IIMs Shortlist and Selection Process for Top Institutes

Here’s a look at the selection criteria and weightage for some top IIMs:

IIM Ahmedabad

• Seats: 395
• Weightage:
  o PI: 50%
  o CAT Score: 25%
  o WAT: 10%
  o Academic Rating: 15%

IIM Bangalore

• Seats: 400
• Weightage:
  o PI: 40%
  o CAT Score: 25%
  o Work Experience: 10%
  o Academic Scores: 15%
  o WAT: 10%

IIM Calcutta

• Seats: 460
• Weightage:
  o PI: 48%
  o CAT Score: 30%
  o WAT: 8%
  o Academic Diversity: 6%
  o Work Experience: 8%

IIM Kozhikode

• Seats: 480
• Weightage:
  o PI: 35%
  o CAT Score: 35%
  o WAT: 20%
  o Resume Score: 10%

How to Get Ready for the Admission Process

1. Checking CAT Scores: As soon as the CAT results are out, you can compare that performance with expected cutoffs of IIMs where you figure to get admission.
2. Shuffling into Shortlist Criteria: Each IIMs has its very own unique process of shortlisting candidates. Log in to the official websites of the IIMs you plan to apply to understand how they function.
3. Preparation for PI and WAT

• For WAT: Write about those different topics when you have short amounts of time to do so.
• For PI: Preparing answers for all the conventional ones like “Why MBA?” and “Tell me what you think about yourself” etc.

Also, learn – Best Colleges Accepting CAT Scores

Conclusion

The IIMs shortlist process is key for each CAT candidate. It requires all-out preparation from cutoffs to put up a glistening facade in the WAT and PI rounds. The intake cycle of 2024 promises to be competitive but worthwhile in grabbing a voice in one of the country’s top management schools.

With focused and timely preparation, the chances of landing on the final list can increase significantly. Read the updates wisely, plan ways and give your best at each stage.

All the best!

FAQs

1. What are the documents required in the admission process for IIMs?
   Ans: The documents would include your CAT scorecard, original Mark sheets from Class 10 Class 12, and college, a Work experience certificate, a caste certificate if applicable, photo-ID and passport-size photographs.
2. Whether all candidates are automatically gets admission in IIMs
   Ans: Yes, based on your CAT application IIMs will automatically consider your score. But keep in mind that each and every IIMs has its own way of picking students followed by the eligibility criteria.
3. Are extra points awarded for diversity in IMs?
   Ans: Yes, it is a practice by most IIMs to award points for gender and academic diversity to ensure a balanced batch.
4. How can I improve my performance in the PI and WAT rounds?
   Ans: Follow the current events related to business and economy, practice writing essays and interview questions for better results; also try to enhance your communication and presentation skills.