CAT-Based B-School Shortlisting Process Gains Momentum Across Institutes
With CAT 2025 results declared on December 24, top IIMs and non-IIMs like FMS and MDI have accelerated their shortlisting for the 2026-28 batch. Aspirants must now navigate sectional cut-offs, composite score calculations, and upcoming WAT-PI rounds. This guide covers essential timelines, weightage criteria, and the next steps for MBA admission success. Stay updated on official portal releases and document requirements to secure your seat.
The management education landscape in India has reached a fever pitch following the release of the CAT 2025 results on December 24. With approximately 2.58 lakh candidates receiving their scorecards, premier Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and top-tier non-IIMs have officially moved into the shortlisting phase for the 2026-28 academic session. Unlike a centralized counseling process, each institute is now deploying its unique selection matrix to identify the next generation of business leaders.
Understanding the Multi-Layered Selection Criteria
Institutes are moving beyond just the overall percentile to evaluate a candidate’s "composite score." This holistic approach ensures that the incoming batch is diverse in both academic background and professional experience.
- Sectional Cut-offs: Top IIMs like IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Bangalore typically require a minimum of 75–85 percentile in each of the three sections (VARC, DILR, and QA).
- Academic Diversity: Non-engineering candidates often receive additional "diversity points" at institutes like IIM Kozhikode and IIM Indore to balance the classroom profile.
- Profile Weightage: Marks are allocated for Class 10 and 12 performance, graduation scores, and the quality of professional work experience.
Comparative View of Shortlisting Weightage
To help aspirants understand where they stand, the following table illustrates the approximate weightage given to CAT scores versus other parameters during the initial interview shortlisting stage:
| Institute | CAT Score Weight | Academics Weight | Work Experience/Diversity |
| IIM Ahmedabad | 65% | 30% | 5% |
| IIM Bangalore | 55% | 30% | 15% |
| IIM Lucknow | 60% | 20% | 20% |
| MDI Gurgaon | 35% | 15% | 50% (Inc. GD/PI/WAT) |
Key Deadlines for Non-IIM Aspirants
While IIMs automatically consider applicants based on their CAT registration, many elite non-IIMs require separate applications. Aspirants must track these deadlines closely to avoid missing out on prestigious programs.
- FMS Delhi: Known for its high ROI, FMS emphasizes the VARC section and usually opens its portal shortly after the CAT result declaration.
- SPJIMR Mumbai: This institute often releases profile-based calls even before the results, but score-based shortlisting is currently gaining momentum.
- IIT Management Schools: Portals for SJMSOM (IIT Bombay) and DoMS (IIT Delhi) generally remain active through late December and early January.
Conclusion and Path Forward
As the first week of January 2026 approaches, the focus will shift from "percentiles" to "preparation." The shortlisting process is merely the gateway; the final selection will hinge on the Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds, where communication clarity and current affairs knowledge are tested. Candidates should immediately begin organizing their academic transcripts and category certificates to ensure a seamless verification process.
