CAT-Based Shortlisting Activity Accelerates Across IIMs and Leading B-Schools

Explore the latest CAT 2025 shortlisting activity across IIMs and top B-schools as of December 28. Our guide covers expected cutoffs for IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta, alongside the upcoming WAT-GD-PI schedule for 2026. Learn how to prepare your documents and track official portals for interview calls. Stay ahead in your management career journey with these essential post-result insights and expert tips for MBA aspirants.

The management admission landscape has shifted into high gear. As of December 28, 2025, Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and premier non-IIM institutions have initiated their internal profile-mapping and shortlisting protocols. Candidates who secured high percentiles are now transitioning from numerical scores to the more complex Composite Score evaluations.

Shortlisting Criteria and Expected IIM Cutoffs

The initial screening is strictly based on the qualifying cutoffs, but the actual interview calls depend on a holistic profile score. This year, IIM Ahmedabad has notably increased its minimum qualifying bar to the 95th percentile for General category students.

• Sectional Balance: Most old IIMs (BLACKI) require a minimum of 75–85 percentile in each of the three sections (VARC, DILR, and QA).
• Academic Weightage: Scores from Class 10, Class 12, and Graduation often carry 20–50% weightage in the pre-interview shortlist.
• Diversity Factors: Extra points are awarded for female candidates and non-engineering backgrounds to ensure a diverse classroom.
• Work Experience: Professional experience between 24 and 36 months is generally considered the "sweet spot" for maximum points.

Table: Expected Shortlisting Percentiles for Top B-Schools

The Road Ahead: WAT-GD-PI Preparation

Securing a shortlist is only the first hurdle. The second stage—comprising the Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI)—carries significant weight in the final merit list, often exceeding 50% of the total score.

• Writing Ability Test: Focus on current affairs, such as AI ethics, global supply chain shifts, and India’s 2026 economic outlook.
• Personal Interview: Prepare your "Why MBA?" and "Why this IIM?" narratives with specific examples of leadership.
• Current Affairs: Stay updated with daily business news through The Economic Times or Mint to excel in group discussions.

Essential Documentation for Shortlisted Candidates

As the CAP (Common Admission Process) and individual IIM calls begin to arrive in early January, aspirants must organize their digital and physical document banks to avoid last-minute hurdles.

• Academic Records: Keep original and scanned copies of all semester marksheets and degree certificates.
• Category Certificates: Ensure NC-OBC, EWS, or SC/ST certificates are in the specific format prescribed by the IIMs.
• Work Experience Proof: Appointment letters, latest payslips, and experience certificates are mandatory for verification.

Conclusion

The period between result declaration and interview calls is the most critical phase for any MBA aspirant. While the CAT score serves as the gateway, your communication skills and academic consistency will determine the final seat. Aspirants should proactively check the official admission portals of their preferred IIMs and keep their registration IDs ready for quick logins. Be sure to monitor the official IIMCAT portal and individual institute websites daily to track your shortlisting status and interview slot bookings.

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