With CAT results likely already out, IIMs begin shortlist announcements for WAT/GD/PI rounds in Jan–Feb 2026

With CAT 2025 results expected by late December, IIMs are set to begin shortlist announcements for the 2026-28 batch in early January. Aspirants must prepare for the rigorous WAT, GD, and PI rounds scheduled for February and March. Our comprehensive guide covers the expected timelines, institute-wise selection parameters, and key steps for candidates. Stay updated with the latest official notifications to ensure you don’t miss the registration window for these crucial admission stages.

With the CAT 2025 final answer key already released on December 17, the management education landscape is buzzing with anticipation. As of December 23, 2025, the results are expected to be live on the official portal any day now. For thousands of aspirants, the focus has shifted from raw scores to the next formidable challenge: the IIM shortlisting process. This stage determines who moves forward to the Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interviews (PI), which are the true gatekeepers to a seat in India’s premier B-schools.

IIM Admission Timeline and Key Dates

The transition from CAT results to interview calls happens rapidly. While top IIMs like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta release their lists individually, others participate in centralized processes.

• Result Declaration: CAT 2025 results are projected to be released between December 25 and December 31, 2025.
• Shortlist Announcements: Premier IIMs (BLACKI) typically release their first shortlist in the first or second week of January 2026.
• Common Admission Process (CAP): Registration for the newer IIMs’ CAP 2026 is expected to open by mid-January.
• WAT-PI Window: These selection rounds are conducted across various cities from February to April 2026.

Selection Criteria and Composite Score Factors

Securing a high percentile is only the first step. Each IIM uses a "Composite Score" (CS) to shortlist candidates, ensuring a diverse and well-rounded batch.

• CAT Score Weightage: Usually ranges from 30% to 60% in the initial shortlisting stage.
• Academic Consistency: Significant points are awarded for 10th, 12th, and Graduation marks to reward long-term performance.
• Diversity Factors: Most institutes award extra points for gender diversity (non-male candidates) and academic diversity (non-engineers).
• Professional Experience: Candidates with 24–36 months of quality work experience often receive the maximum points in this category.

Expected IIM Shortlist Schedule 2026

Preparing for the Next Phase

Once the shortlists are out, candidates have a very narrow window to prepare. The WAT and PI rounds test your communication, personality, and depth of knowledge.

• WAT Focus: Practice writing 300-word essays on current affairs, ethical dilemmas, and abstract topics within 20 minutes.
• Interview Preparation: Revisit your undergraduate subjects and stay updated with business news from the last six months.
• Documentation: Keep your academic transcripts, category certificates (if applicable), and work experience letters ready for verification.

The final merit list will be a combination of your CAT performance and your scores in these upcoming rounds. It is highly recommended that you regularly monitor the official IIM websites and the CAT 2025 portal to track shortlist status and download your call letters promptly.

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