CAT 2023: Apart from CAT Score, IIMs consider other factors for Admission

A high CAT score is not the sole determinant for securing a seat in one of the top Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). These premier institutions employ a comprehensive, multi-criteria selection process to identify and admit talented individuals to their MBA programs. In addition to the CAT exam 2023, each IIM formulates its unique admission process, defining specific criteria and assigning different weights to them.

 

The two-phased selection process ensures that individuals with a high CAT score but lacking a satisfactory academic record or sufficient job experience are not automatically selected.

While a strong CAT score can help you advance to the final stage, which includes the personal interview (PI) and writing ability test (WAT), it alone won't guarantee further progress unless you perform well in other aspects of the evaluation process.

 

Upon careful examination of the  CAT 2023 selection processes at some of the top four IIMs, including IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, and IIM Lucknow, it becomes evident that they seek MBA candidates with strong academic backgrounds, effective communication skills, and relevant work experience.

 

The IIM selection process through CAT is typically divided into two phases.

• In the first phase, all eligible candidates who have taken the CAT exam are considered to identify those who will be invited for a personal interview (PI).
• Candidates selected for the personal interview must also participate in a Writing Ability Test (WAT) conducted by the institutes.
• To promote diversity in their student body, the IIMs assign different weights to various factors, such as scores in Class 10 and 12 board exams, the field of study at the undergraduate level, work experience, and additional gender diversity points for female candidates.
• These selection criteria and the weights assigned to specific factors are determined based on data from the previous admission cycle and are typically reviewed and adjusted annually.

 

IIM has already announced the CAT 2023 Exam Date. As per the schedule, the exam will be held on November 26, 2023. According to the convenor, Mr. Sanjeet Singh of IIM Lucknow, approximately 3.3 lakh students have registered for the CAT Exam in 2023.

 

IIM Ahmedabad

IIM Ahmedabad uses academic achievements from Class 10 to the Bachelor's level, and CAT exam results to shortlist students for the final selection round. IIMA has an "application rating" system for the shortlisting and final rounds of the admissions process. This approach is based on grades from Classes 10 and 12, the Bachelor's degree program, and job experience.

Different points are given for each of the three Class 12 streams (science, business, and arts) and for the various graduation streams to identify outstanding achievers in each discipline. Based on the degree of discipline at graduation, the job experience obtained by July 31, 2023, and the topic stream, the application rating scores in the first stage are rated 35.

Shortlisting Criteria	Weightage (in %)
CAT score	65
10th marks	30
12th marks
Graduation marks
Work experience	5
Final Selection Criteria	Weightage (in %)
CAT score	25
10th marks	15
12th marks
Graduation marks
Work experience
Written ability test	10
Personal interview	50

 

IIM Bangalore

This year, the weightage allotted to personal interviews (PIs) was increased from 35% to 40% by IIM Bangalore's new admission policy, making PI an essential part of the admissions process.

Shortlisting Criteria	Weightage (in %)
IIM Bangalore CAT Cut off 2023 (Weightage)	55
10th marks	10
12th marks	10
Graduation marks	10
Work experience	10
Gender diversity	5
Final Selection Criteria	Weightage (in %)
CAT score	25
10th marks	5
12th marks	5
Graduation marks	5
Work experience	10
Written ability test	10
Personal interview	40

 

IIM Calcutta

The admissions policy at IIM Calcutta remains unchanged from the previous year. The institute has not considered graduation scores during the shortlisting procedure, and the CAT 2023 cutoff for MBA programs will stay at the 85 percentile, just like last year.

However, for applicants in the general category, the sectional IIM Calcutta CAT cutoff for quantitative aptitude has been lowered to the 75 percentile. The required percentile has been lowered to 65 for those in the reserved category.

Shortlisting Criteria	Weightage (in %)
CAT score	56
10th marks	10
12th marks	15
Gender diversity	4
Final Selection Criteria	Weightage (in %)
CAT score	30
Academic diversity at bachelor's and master's level	6
Work experience	8
Written ability test	8
Personal interview	48

 

IIM Lucknow

IIM Lucknow released its MBA admissions policy first since it will conduct this year's CAT 2023 exam. During the shortlisting phase, IIM Lucknow has given each academic and gender diversity 5% of the total weight.

Shortlisting Criteria	Weightage (in %)
CAT score	60
12th marks	10
Graduation marks	10
Work experience	10
Gender diversity	5
Academic diversity	5
Final Selection Criteria	Weightage (in %)
CAT score	30
12th marks	5
Graduation marks	5
Work experience	5
Diversity (Gender+Academic)	5
Written ability test	10
Personal interview	40