Finalists Prepare for Next Steps as CAT-Based MBA Admission Cycles Gain Pace

With the calendar turning to January 31, 2026, candidates who excelled in the CAT 2025 exam are entering the most crucial phase of their admission journey. This article details the ongoing shortlist announcements from top IIMs, the start of the interview season, and the strategic preparation required for finalists to secure their seats in the 2026-2028 MBA batch. As of January 31, 2026, the CAT (Common Admission Test) 2025 admission cycle has reached its peak. While the results were declared in late 2025, the final month of January has seen a flurry of activity as the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other premier non-IIM B-schools like FMS, SPJIMR, and MDI release their lists of shortlisted candidates for the Personal Interview (PI) and Analytical Writing Test (AWT) rounds. For thousands of high-achievers, the dream of an elite management education is now just one step away.

This year, the shortlisting criteria have seen a slight shift toward academic diversity. Many IIMs have reduced the weightage of the CAT score in the second stage, focusing more on the "Composite Score," which includes gender and academic diversity points. Candidates with a 99+ percentile are finding themselves in intense competition as institutes look for well-rounded personalities who can contribute to a multifaceted classroom environment in the 2026 session.

• IIM Ahmedabad & Bangalore: Have concluded their primary shortlisting for the PGP 2026-28 batch.
• New and Baby IIMs: Are currently releasing calls for the Common Admission Process (CAP) 2026.
• Top Non-IIMs: Institutes like XLRI (based on XAT) and FMS are also syncing their schedules for February interviews.

Essential Preparation for the Interview Phase

The MBA Admission process for CAT finalists is notoriously rigorous. The Personal Interview is designed to test a candidate's stress management, ethical stance, and clarity of thought. Experts suggest that finalists should spend the next few weeks refining their "Statement of Purpose" and staying abreast of global economic shifts, such as the impact of AI on management and the 2026 fiscal policies in India.

• Mock Interviews: Engaging with alumni or professional mentors to simulate the high-pressure IIM environment.
• Current Affairs: Understanding the nuances of recent global events and their economic implications.
• Subject Revision: Being ready to discuss fundamental concepts from one’s undergraduate degree.

Managing Multiple Calls and Final Choices

Many CAT Finalists find themselves with multiple admission offers by April. Strategic decision-making is required to choose the right fit based on specializations, location, and ROI. As of January 31, candidates are advised to attend as many interviews as possible to gain experience and keep their options open, while also keeping track of deposit deadlines for their preferred backup colleges.

• Maintain a tracker for interview dates to avoid scheduling conflicts.
• Research the specific culture and placement strengths of each IIM you are interviewing for.
• Connect with current students to get an unvarnished view of the campus life.

Conclusion

The transition into February 2026 marks the "make or break" month for CAT-based MBA admissions. While a high percentile is the ticket to the game, the final victory belongs to those who can articulate their vision and value to the interview panels. As the admission cycles gain pace, the resilience and preparation of the finalists will ultimately determine who joins the prestigious ranks of the IIM 2026-2028 cohort.

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