GIM Admissions 2026: CAT 2025 Deadline Approaching Fast
The application window for admission to the prestigious Postgraduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) programs at the Goa Institute of Management (GIM) is rapidly closing for candidates appearing through the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025. Management aspirants are on alert as the dedicated CAT Deadline Round for application submission is set for December 23, 2025.
While the final application closure for all entrance exams (CAT, XAT, GMAT) is January 2, 2026, the current window is critical for CAT applicants to ensure their profiles are considered in the earliest possible selection rounds.
Critical Deadlines: Don't Miss the December 23 Cut-off
GIM strategically uses multiple application rounds—First Mover, Early Bird, Achiever, CAT Deadline, and Last Date—each offering different benefits, primarily through varying application fees. While the Achiever Round (a profile-based early interview round) has already closed, the CAT Deadline is the next crucial milestone.
| GIM Application Round | Application Fee (Approx.) | Deadline | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Bird (Closed) | ₹2,000 + GST | November 27, 2025 | Profile-based, reduced fee. |
| Achiever Round (Closed) | ₹2,750 + GST | December 4, 2025 | Profile-based shortlisting before scores. |
| CAT Deadline Round | ₹2,750 + GST | December 23, 2025 | Last date to apply specifically targeting CAT applicants. |
| Final Deadline | ₹2,750 + GST | January 2, 2026 | Absolute last date for all applicants. |
Note: Fees are for one program and are exclusive of GST. Applying for multiple programs increases the fee.
Why Apply by December 23?
Though the final closure is in January, applying during the CAT Deadline Round is strategically advantageous for two main reasons:
- Selection Prioritization: Completing the application now ensures your profile is locked in and ready for the immediate shortlisting process, which begins soon after the CAT results (expected late December) are verified. This can improve your chances of being called for the Written Aptitude Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI) in the initial batches of the Regular Round.
- Focus on Interviews: With the application submitted, aspirants can shift their entire focus to preparing for the WAT, PI, and the GIM Analytics Aptitude Test (GAAT) (mandatory for PGDM-BDA and IDA programs, scheduled for February 1, 2026), rather than dealing with administrative tasks in January.
GIM's Holistic Selection Process
GIM's final selection methodology is comprehensive, ensuring a balanced assessment of various facets of a candidate's profile. Aspirants should be mindful of the weightage assigned to each component:
| Selection Criteria | Weightage (%) |
|---|---|
| Objective Assessment (CAT/XAT/GMAT Score) | 40% |
| Face-to-Face Evaluation (PI/WAT) | 30% |
| Past Academic Records | 15% |
| Work Experience | 10% |
| Profile Assessment Index/Diversity | 5% |
For CAT 2025 aspirants, a strong entrance exam score (40% weightage) combined with a compelling profile and academic track record is essential. The admission process requires a minimum of 50% aggregate in the Bachelor's degree (or equivalent).
For all steps required to complete the application, including document uploading, payment, and subsequent selection process updates, follow Only Education News. Securing your application before the December 23 deadline is the next step to achieving your management ambitions.
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