The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are renowned as some of the leading business schools worldwide, offering postgraduate, doctoral, and executive management programs. With 21 IIMs across India, the admission process is highly competitive and may vary slightly between institutions.
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Common Admission Test (CAT): The Entrance to IIMs
CAT: CAT is the main exam for admission to all IIMs. Held annually, it assesses candidates in three areas: verbal ability and reading comprehension (VARC), quantitative ability (QA), and data interpretation and logical reasoning (DILR).
A high percentile score, typically ranging from 90 to 99 depending on the IIM, is crucial to receive an invitation for the next stage of the admission process. The CAT 2024 Result and final answer key has been released, and candidates are now waiting for the results for admission to programs for the 2025 academic year.
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Post-CAT Selection Process
Shortlisting for personal interviews (PI): Each IIM uses its own criteria to shortlist candidates based on CAT scores, academic records, work experience, and diversity factors.
Components of shortlisting
CAT Score Weightage: While CAT scores are crucial, their significance varies across IIMs. Older IIMs, such as Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta, typically prioritise CAT scores more heavily, while newer IIMs may balance them with other factors.
Academic Performance: Academic performance in Class 10, Class 12, and graduation is crucial. A strong academic record can significantly enhance your chances.
Work Experience: Candidates possessing 1 to 3 years of professional experience are often awarded additional points.
Diversity Factors: The institutes actively encourage gender and academic diversity. Non-engineering backgrounds and female candidates are often given preferential treatment.
Written Ability Test (WAT), personal interview (PI), and group discussion (GD): Shortlisted candidates are invited to participate in a series of selection rounds, the specific nature of which varies across different IIMs.
The Written Ability Test (WAT) evaluates a candidate's writing skills and ability to articulate thoughts clearly. The Personal Interview (PI) assesses communication skills, subject knowledge, and personality traits. The Group Discussion (GD) evaluates teamwork, leadership, and decision-making abilities.
Final Selection Criteria
IIMs calculate a composite score for each candidate, considering a range of factors including their CAT performance, performance in the Personal Interview and Written Ability Test, academic record, professional experience, and diversity profile.
Distinctive Features of IIMs
- IIMA prioritises academic consistency and a high CAT percentile. It uses an Academic Rating (AR) to shortlist candidates for PI.
- IIM Bangalore places significant emphasis on a candidate's professional experience and a consistent record of academic achievement.
- IIM Calcutta places significant emphasis on CAT scores and academic performance, while assigning lesser importance to work experience.
- Newer IIMs, such as IIM Kashipur, IIM Trichy, and IIM Udaipur, place greater emphasis on a holistic evaluation of candidates, considering factors such as CAT scores, academic diversity, and performance in the Written Ability Test and Personal Interview.
- Certain IIMs, such as IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak, offer Integrated Programs in Management (IPM) for Class 12 graduates, with admissions through exams like IPMAT.
- IIMs also adhere to the Government of India's reservation policy. Twenty-seven percent of seats are reserved for OBC (non-creamy layer) students, 15 percent for SC, 7.5 percent for ST, 10 percent for EWS, and 5 percent for PwD.
Although CAT is the foundation of the IIM admission process, each institute has its own selection criteria to build a diverse and competent cohort. Aspirants should aim to excel in CAT, maintain a strong academic record, and thoroughly prepare for the WAT/PI rounds to improve their chances of gaining admission to these prestigious institutions.
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