IIM CAP 2026 Interview Cycle Set to Begin on February 23

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Common Admission Process (CAP) 2026 has officially entered its most critical phase today, February 16, as the administrative focus shifts from registration to the execution of personal interviews. IIM Bodh Gaya, serving as the coordinating body for this year’s centralized selection, has finalized the logistical arrangements for the upcoming interview cycle. This unified process is designed to streamline admissions for participating institutes, including IIM Jammu and IIM Sirmaur, allowing candidates to undergo a single interaction that carries weight across multiple campuses. As of this Monday morning, the official CAP 2026 portal has been updated with final instructions for the first phase of candidates.

Phase-Wise Interview Schedule and Venue Details

The CAP 2026 selection rounds are organized into distinct geographical phases to manage the thousands of shortlisted aspirants efficiently. The CAT 2025 qualifiers who met the high percentile thresholds are now preparing for the first set of interactions, which will kick off on February 23, 2026, in Mumbai and Hyderabad. This year’s admission cycle marks a definitive return to the offline format, emphasizing face-to-face evaluation of leadership potential and communication skills. The coordinating committee has released a comprehensive city-wise schedule to ensure candidates have sufficient time for travel and final preparation.

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• Phase 1 (Mumbai & Hyderabad): February 23 – February 28, 2026
• Phase 2 (Bengaluru & Jammu): March 02 – March 07, 2026
• Phase 3 (Delhi-NCR & Kolkata): March 09 – March 14, 2026
• Final Phase (IIM Bodh Gaya): March 24 – March 26, 2026
• Result Declaration: Expected by the second week of May 2026

Mandatory Documentation and Biometric Verification

A significant addition to the 2026 interview process is the mandatory implementation of AIIMS-style biometric check-ins at every venue. The National Medical Commission-style security protocols have been adapted to ensure the highest level of integrity during the admission rounds. Candidates are required to present their original academic transcripts, spanning from class 10th to graduation, along with valid work experience certificates as of December 31, 2025. IIM Bodh Gaya has explicitly stated that any discrepancy found during the physical scrutiny of these documents will lead to immediate disqualification from the CAP merit list.

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• Identity Proof: Original Aadhaar, Voter ID, or Passport is mandatory for entry.
• Work Experience: Salary slips and relieving letters for all past organizations must be available.
• Call Letters: Final call letters containing specific panel details must be downloaded by Feb 20.
• Biometric Authentication: Fingerprint and facial recognition will be performed at the venue.

Conclusion

As the CAP 2026 interview rounds approach the February 23 start date, the excitement among management aspirants is palpable. The centralized process continues to be a cornerstone of the IIM system, significantly reducing the logistical and financial burden on students by providing a single platform for multiple admission offers. Following the conclusion of all phases in late March, the individual participating IIMs will begin synthesizing the schedule of scores to release their final merit lists in May. For the 2026-28 batch, these interactions represent the final hurdle in a journey that began with the CAT 2025 results. Candidates are encouraged to maintain a professional demeanor and stay updated on global economic trends to navigate the high-pressure environment of the IIM panels successfully.

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