Management Admissions Move Toward Interview and Selection Rounds in February

Indian management education landscape has officially transitioned from the entrance exam phase to the high-stakes personal interview and selection rounds. Following the release of the CAT 2025 results and the subsequent shortlisting by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), candidates are now participating in Written Ability Tests (WAT) and Personal Interviews (PI). This phase is critical for the 2026-28 academic session, as institutes evaluate the intellectual depth, professional maturity, and communication skills of the next generation of business leaders.

Commencement of IIM Personal Interview Schedules

• Shortlist Release: Major institutes like IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta have already issued their interview calls, with IIM Mumbai scheduled to release its shortlist on February 20, 2026.
• Unified Selection Processes: The Common Admission Process (CAP) and the Joint Admission Process (JAP), led by institutes like IIM Raipur, are facilitating standardized interviews for newer IIMs throughout this month.
• Selection Parameters: Beyond the percentile scored in CAT, institutes are heavily weighing academic consistency (Class 10, 12, and Graduation), work experience, and gender diversity in their final selection matrices.
• Document Verification: Candidates are required to present original transcripts, category certificates, and proof of professional experience during the physical or virtual reporting window.
• The WAT Factor: The Written Ability Test remains a vital component, where students are assessed on their clarity of thought and their ability to articulate perspectives on current economic and social issues.

Navigating the Selection Journey

• Interview Slots: Candidates who have made the shortlist are currently booking their interview slots on the respective institute portals, with sessions scheduled across major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
• Profile Evaluation: The interview panels, consisting of esteemed faculty and industry experts, are focusing on a holistic evaluation of the candidate’s problem-solving aptitude and leadership potential.
• Final Result Timeline: While the interviews continue through March, the final admission offers are expected to be announced by early May 2026.
• Supplementary Rounds: The Supplementary Admission Process (SAP) is expected to open mid-February for candidates who meet relaxed eligibility criteria for specific participating IIMs.

IIM Selection Milestones: February - May 2026

Conclusion

The move toward selection and interview rounds today marks the most decisive phase of the 2025-26 management admission cycle. For the thousands of students who have secured a spot on the shortlist, the focus now shifts from quantitative aptitude to qualitative excellence. Succeeding in these rounds requires more than just academic knowledge; it demands a deep understanding of global business trends and a clear vision for one's career. As the percentile from the entrance exam is only one part of the story, the final enrollment will be determined by how well candidates present their unique narratives in the interview room. This period of intense scrutiny ensures that the premier business schools of the country admit individuals who are not only intellectually capable but also ethically and professionally grounded.