From the Interviewer’s Chair: Top 10 IIM Questions, Tips & Strategies to Ace It

The answer to this question of whether an average student can get into IIM can be both yes and no depending on the definition of an average student.

• Based on Academics (Class 10/ Class 12/ Graduation): While a student with average scores in Class 10, Class 12 and graduation with a good CAT score certainly has good chances of getting a call from IIM-A, chances are less for someone with an average CAT score.
• Based on student category (General or Reserved): While it is tough for a General category average student to grab a seat at IIM due to high score requirements, a reserved category student can get admission being at average scores as well.
• Based on past work experience, diversity and other factors: Gender and academic diversity is also a factor on which students are shortlisted at IIM. IIMs judge the past academic category based on the degree obtained by the students before MBA and then a weightage is allotted based on that. For Engineers, the percentage for scoring the highest marks is higher as compared with other streams
• Performance in selection rounds: Once you make it to the final selection rounds, i.e., AWT/PI process, it can be considered a fresh start. At this stage, students can forget their past average-ness but definitely require good grasp over the past subjects as academics-related questions are asked in the interview.

Based on the above factors, it can be considered that while getting into top Management institutes, such as IIM is extremely tough, the past performance, CAT performance, student category and a lot of factors can be the reasons for a student to receive that final call.

CAT is a highly competitive exam which is a must-have for admission to IIMs and other top Management colleges. A well-planned strategy along with a correct approach is essential for admission to MBA courses in India, especially in the top MBA colleges in India. A prep strategy that will help you ace the CAT exam for admission to IIM Bangalore is as follows:

• Check the CAT syllabus and exam pattern
• Read books, editorials, newspapers, and journals to improve your vocabulary and reading skills. Check VARC questions with answers.
• Choose the right reference book
• Solve as many CAT Mock Tests as possible. Download for FREE!
• Solve previous year's CAT question papers for thorough revision to reduce the scope of mistakes

Read more about the CAT preparation strategy.

There is a good chance of receiving an interview call from IIM Ahmedabad, however, admission isn’t guaranteed even at 100 percentile. The overall criteria includes academic profile, that is your Class 12, Class 10 and graduation marks. The college also gives a score for work experience, hence, candidates must have 2-3 years of experience to get maximum points. Additional focus is also given to gender and academic diversity. Considering all these factors and candidates’ CAT score, IIM Ahmedabad prepares a composite score through which decides whether to finalise a student or not. IIM Ahmedabad or any other IIM, for that matter, doesn’t give direct admission only on the basis of CAT percentile, the first phase of admission process is giving the CAT exam. Students must clear the sectional and the minimum final cut-off to be eligible and considered for the call. After that, they must get shortlisted for the interviews and group discussion process. After all these rounds, a final list of shortlisted candidates is prepared. 

Candidates must know their IIM Bangalore eligibility criteria and apply accordingly. Applicants seeking admission to the two-year PGP course at IIM Bangalore must meet the IIM Bangalore MBA eligibility and appear in the CAT (Common Admission Test). Those who are interested in seeking admission to the 2025-2027 batch were able to apply online and register themselves on the official website during the CAT registration process.

Admission to EPGP course is based on  GRE/ GMAT/ IIMB Test scores. Candidates are shortlisted for the WAT and PI round on the basis of their performance in the entrance exam, scholastic achievement and relevant work experience. An intensive one-year residential programme leading to an MBA, admission to this course is provided to students who qualify all the selection rounds. More highlights regarding IIM Bangalore E-MBA admission are as follows: