IIM CAP 2026 Candidates Prepare for Personal Interviews Beginning Late February

IIM Bodh Gaya, the coordinating body for the Common Admission Process (CAP) 2026, has released the personal interview schedule for the 2026-28 batch. Candidates who successfully submitted their Expression of Interest can now access their city-wise interview slots. This centralized process covers several newer IIMs, streamlining the selection journey for MBA aspirants who cleared the CAT 2025 cutoffs.

The Indian Institute of Management Bodh Gaya, serving as the coordinating institute for the Common Admission Process (CAP) 2026, has officially transitioned into the most critical phase of the MBA selection cycle. the CAP 2026 Portal has finalized the slot booking for Personal Interviews (PI), with the actual interactions scheduled to commence on February 23, 2026. This centralized interview model is a cornerstone of the IIM system, designed to reduce the logistical burden on candidates by allowing a single interview score to be shared across multiple participating institutes, including IIM Jammu and IIM Sirmaur.

Structuring the Interview Journey

The PI rounds for the 2026-28 academic session will be conducted primarily in an offline format across major metropolitan hubs. This year’s schedule is strategically partitioned to ensure that candidates from various geographical regions can attend their assigned venues without excessive travel.

• Initial Phase (Feb 23 – Feb 27): The first set of interviews will kick off in Mumbai and Hyderabad, focusing on early shortlists.
• Secondary Phase (March 02 – March 14): Extensive interview slots have been allocated for New Delhi and Bengaluru, which traditionally host the highest volume of candidates.
• Concluding Phase (Late March): The final rounds will wrap up by March 31, 2026, allowing the committee to begin final merit list calculations.

Selection Criteria and Evaluation Metrics

While the CAT 2025 score remains a vital component, the PI round carries a significant weightage—often between 25% and 30%—in the final admission score. The interview panel, comprising faculty from various IIMs, evaluates candidates on a holistic scale that extends beyond academic brilliance.

• Communication Skills: The panel assesses the candidate’s ability to articulate complex business problems with clarity and confidence.
• Current Affairs: Aspirants are expected to be well-versed in global economic trends and significant national policy changes from the 2025-26 fiscal year.
• SOP Consistency: Every answer during the interaction must align with the Statement of Purpose (SOP) submitted during the IIM CAP 2026 Registration phase.

Vital Protocols for Allotted Candidates

Candidates are strictly advised to download their interview call letters from the official portal at least one week prior to their scheduled date. Any discrepancy in the digital documents or a failure to present valid category certificates (issued after April 1, 2025) will lead to immediate disqualification from the process.

• Reporting Time: Candidates must arrive at the venue at least 45 minutes before their allotted slot to complete biometric verification.
• Dress Code: Formal business attire is mandatory, reflecting the professional standards expected in a management environment.
• Original Documents: A complete set of original transcripts from class 10th through graduation, along with work experience letters, must be available for physical scrutiny.

Conclusion

As the IIM CAP 2026 interviews draw near, the focus for candidates shifts from quantitative problem-solving to soft-skill refinement and self-reflection. With the first interactions starting on February 23, the next six weeks will be the defining period for thousands of future business leaders. The centralized coordination by IIM Bodh Gaya ensures a transparent and efficient roadmap, guiding aspirants toward a successful residency in some of India's most prestigious management institutions.

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