CAT-Based Shortlisting Continues Across IIMs and Top B-Schools
With the CAT 2025 results now live as of late December, the focus shifts to the intense shortlisting phase across IIMs and premier B-schools. This comprehensive guide details the evolving selection criteria, including the weightage for academics, work experience, and gender diversity. Aspirants can explore the projected percentile cut-offs for top-tier institutes and understand the critical next steps for PI/WAT preparation. Stay ahead in the MBA 2026-28 admission cycle with our expert analysis of current trends and mandatory documentation requirements.
The management education landscape enters its most critical phase as of December 31, 2025. Following the release of the CAT 2025 results on December 24, Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and 93 non-IIM institutions have commenced their primary shortlisting for the 2026-28 batch. While a high percentile remains the primary gatekeeper, this year's trends suggest that profile-based parameters are playing an unprecedented role in securing interview calls.
Evolution of Selection Criteria for 2026-28 Batch
Modern MBA admissions have moved beyond being a "single-score" game. The shortlisting process is now a multi-layered filter designed to ensure academic and professional diversity. Aspirants must realize that the CAT score often constitutes only 35% to 60% of the composite score required for an interview call.
- Academic Consistency: IIMs like Ahmedabad and Bangalore place significant weight on Class 10th and 12th percentages, often normalized across different boards.
- Diversity Multipliers: Points are awarded for non-engineering backgrounds and gender diversity to create a more balanced classroom environment.
- Work Experience: Full-time professional experience (typically 12–36 months) is highly valued, with specific points allocated for "quality" of roles in some institutes.
Target Percentiles and Institute Categorization
To help aspirants navigate their options, the following table summarizes the expected percentile ranges required for shortlisting across various tiers of management institutes based on December 2025 data.
Institute Tier | Representative B-Schools | CAT 2025 Percentile Range |
Tier 1 (Top IIMs/FMS) | IIM A, B, C, L, K, I and FMS Delhi | 99.0+ (with sectional cut-offs) |
Tier 2 (New IIMs/IITs) | IIM Raipur, Ranchi, MDI, SPJIMR | 95.0 – 98.9 |
Tier 3 (Baby IIMs/Top Private) | IIM Bodh Gaya, TAPMI, GIM | 85.0 – 94.9 |
Crucial Next Steps: The WAT-PI Preparation
The journey from "shortlisted" to "admitted" depends entirely on the Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds. These stages evaluate soft skills, clarity of thought, and current affairs knowledge.
- Documentation: Ensure you have original transcripts, caste/category certificates (if applicable), and work experience letters ready for verification.
- Profile Building: Focus on articulating your "Why MBA" narrative and stay updated on global economic trends.
- Mock Interviews: Engage in simulated interview sessions to refine your communication and stress-management skills.
Conclusion
As the 2025 calendar closes, the race for the 2026-28 MBA batch is just beginning. Shortlisting is a dynamic process, and even those with slightly lower percentiles often convert top calls through stellar interview performances. Aspirants should remain proactive, monitor official portals for interview call letters, and double-check their emails daily to avoid missing critical deadlines. Candidates are strongly advised to regularly monitor the official CAT portal and individual IIM websites for shortlisting status updates.