IIM Ahmedabad Admission Criteria 2026-2028: CAT Cut Off Increased to 95 Percentile; Check Details

Vipra
Vipra Shrivastava
Senior Manager - Content
6 mins readUpdated on Aug 19, 2025 13:02 IST

IIM Ahmedabad Admission Criteria 2026-2028 MBA batch includes 95 percentile as minimum CAT cut off. Check the weightage of CAT 2025, AWT-PI and graduation marks as well as key parameters for MBA admission 2026.

IIM Ahmedabad Admission Process 2026-28

IIM Ahmedabad Admission Process 2026-28

IIM Ahmedabad admission criteria for 2026-2028 MBA batch has been increased and this year, the minimum CAT cut off has been increased by 15 percentile. This is the steepest increase in the qualifying CAT cut off for IIM Ahmedabad PI shortlisting in recent years. Till last year, the qualifying CAT cut off percentile was 80 for General category candidates. The overall qualifying CAT cut-off for IIM Ahmedabad shortlist is 95 percentile for General category candidates and 85 percentile for PwD category candidates.

The admission process includes shortlisting of candidates on the basis of CAT 2025 score, Analytical Writing Test (AWT) and Personal Interview (PI). IIM Ahmedabad will release the PI shortlist in the first week of January 2026 after CAT 2025 result announcement. Candidates who meet the qualifying CAT cut off, are eligible for IIM Ahmedabad admission. They will have to fill an online form available at the institute website to participate in the IIM Ahmedabad PI round. Read all about IIM Ahmedabad admission and selection process 2026-2028 below.

Table of content
  • IIM Ahmedabad Admission Criteria 2026-2028
  • IIM Ahmedabad Selection Criteria: CAT cut offs 2025
  • IIM Ahmedabad Admission Criteria 2026-2028: Rating of Academic Scores
  • IIM Ahmedabad Selection Criteria 2026-2028: Final Merit List
  • IIM Ahmedabad Selection & Admission Criteria 2026: Important Points
  • IIM Ahmedabad Shortlist 2026-2028: Check PI Status and Apply
  • Campus-wise IIM Admission Criteria & Selection Process
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IIM Ahmedabad Admission Criteria 2026-2028

The selection process of IIM Ahmedabad includes two phases:

  • Shortlisting candidates for AWT and PI on the basis of CAT 2025 score
  • Final selection of candidates for admission

IIM Ahmedabad Selection Criteria: CAT cut offs 2025

For the preliminary screening, i.e. shortlisting candidates for AWT and PI, the institute has fixed qualifying CAT cut offs (2026-2028 batch) for all the categories. These qualifying cut off are CAT percentile required to be eligible for AWT-PI round of IIM Ahmedabad admissions. Candidates must note that the final CAT cut offs could be higher.

 

Category

Non-PwD CAT Cut Off

PwD CAT Cut Off

Overall percentile rank (PT)

Sectionwise percentile rank (PVARC, PDILR, PQA)

Overall percentile rank (PT)

Sectionwise percentile rank (PVARC, PDILR, PQA)

General/ EWS

95

85

85

75

NC-OBC

90

80

80

70

SC

85

75

75

65

ST

75

65

65

55

IIM Ahmedabad Admission Criteria 2026-2028: Rating of Academic Scores

Below are the ratings of academic scores for Class 10 and 12. These marks will play a vital role in the candidate’s selection for admission.

Rating of score in Class 10

Score in Class 10 (in per cent)

Rating Score: A

Less than or equal to 55

1

55-60

2

60-70

3

70-80

5

80-90

8

More than 90

10

Rating of score in Class 12

         Science Stream

      Commerce Stream

            Arts Stream

Score in Class 12 (in per cent)

Rating Score: B

Score in Class 12 (in per cent)

Rating Score: B

Score in Class 12 (in per cent)

Rating Score: B

Less than 55

1

Less than 50

1

Less than 45

1

55-60

2

50-55

2

45-50

2

60-70

3

55-65

3

50-60

3

70-80

5

65-75

5

60-70

5

80-90

8

75-90

8

70-85

8

More than 90

10

More than 90

10

85

10

Check CAT Cut offs and predict calls from IIMs and other Top MBA Colleges, whether your CAT score is 70 percentile, 80 percentile or 90 percentile. Check Fees, Placement Reviews, Admission, Shortlist Criteria and eligibility of all MBA Colleges by clicking the link below:

Predict IIM & Non IIM Calls

Rating of score in Graduation

Check the table below for rating scores in Graduation for various streams of education.

                  AC-1

                  AC-2

             AC-3 & AC-5

Score in Graduation (in per cent)

Rating Score: C

Score in Graduation (in per cent)

Rating Score: C

Score in Graduation (in per cent)

Rating Score: C

Less than 55

1

Less than 50

1

Less than 55

1

55-60

2

50-53

2

55-60

2

60-62

3

53-55

3

60-65

3

62-65

5

55-57

5

65-70

5

65-70

8

57-63

8

70-80

8

More than 70

10

More than 63

10

80

10

                            AC-4, AC 7

                                AC-6

Score in Graduation (in per cent)

Rating Score: C

Score in Graduation (in per cent)

Rating Score: C

Less than 60

1

Less than 50

1

60-65

2

50-55

2

65-70

3

55-60

3

70-75

5

60-65

5

75-85

8

65-75

8

More than 85

10

More than 75

10

AC-1: Medicine and Surgery based subjects

AC-2: Selected Professional Degrees (Chartered Accountancy, Cost and Works Accountancy, Company Secretaryship)

AC-3: All Commerce, Economics, Finance and Management Related Degrees

AC-4: All Engineering, Technology and Architecture related Areas

AC-5: All Arts/Humanities Related Degrees, Design, Education, Fashion Technology, Law and Rural Studies

AC-6: Any other discipline not mentioned in AC-1 to AC-5.

Rating Scores for Work Experience

IIM Ahmedabad applicants must note that having the required years of work experience enhance their profile for admission. Check below the rating scores for work experience. 

Work experience in month Score
<12 months 0
>= 12 months and <=36 months MF * (number of months of work experience – 11)
<36 months 5

Work-experience Multiplication Factor (MF) = 0.20

IIM Ahmedabad Selection Criteria 2026-2028: Final Merit List

The final selection list will be prepared on the basis of candidate's AWT-PI performance. CAT score and other factors will also be taken into consideration for preparing the admission list.

Parameters Weightage
CAT score 25
WAT-PI 60
AR 15

CAT Percentile predictor prepared by Shiksha.com helps students to get their predicted CAT percentile on the basis of their expected exam score. So, predict your CAT score by clicking the link below:

CAT Percentile Predictor

Candidates will be selected for selected for AWT/PI on the basis of their CAT 2025 score and academic record. For AWT/PI they will be called to participate in the round at one of the venues in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and New Delhi/NCR. Those shortlisted for final admission, will be intimated by post. The information will also be posted on the official website of IIM Ahmedabad for candidates to check their AWT-PI shortlist status.

IIM Ahmedabad Selection & Admission Criteria 2026: Important Points

1. Percentages of marks of an applicant who is yet to complete Graduation will be computed based on their available marks.

2. For a candidate having cleared CA/ICWA/CS but not completed bachelor’s degree, the average of inter and final examinations’ percentages of marks obtained would be treated as their available marks.

IIM Ahmedabad Shortlist 2026-2028: Check PI Status and Apply

Candidates who will meet the CAT 2025 cut off and make it to the IIM Ahmedabad PI shortlist are required to fill an online application form to confirm participation in the AWT-PI round. Given below is the process to follow:

  • Visit IIM Ahmedabad website
  • Go to Announcement section
  • Click on ‘Admission Status: PGP 2026-2028'
  • Enter CAT 2024 registration number and Email ID
  • Click on ‘Go’
  • Your PI shortlist status will be displayed
  • Check your status and follow the instructions to confirm PI participation

 

Campus-wise IIM Admission Criteria & Selection Process

Given below is the table containing articles on admission criteria of each IIM. Click on the links to read.

IIM Calcutta Shortlist & Admission Criteria

IIM Bangalore Shortlist & Admission Criteria

IIM Indore Shortlist & Admission Criteria

IIM Lucknow Shortlist & Admission Criteria

IIM Kozhikode Shortlist & Admission Criteria

IIM Ranchi Shortlist & Admission Criteria

IIM Visakhapatnam Shortlist & Admission Criteria

IIM Trichy Shortlist & Admission Criteria

IIM Jammu Shortlist & Admission Criteria

IIM Udaipur Shortlist & Admission Criteria

IIM Shillong Shortlist & Admission Criteria

IIM Sirmaur Shortlist & Admission Criteria

IIM Rohtak Shortlist & Admission Criteria

IIM Raipur Shortlist & Admission Criteria

IIM Kashipur Shortlist & Admission Criteria

IIM Sambalpur Shortlist & Admission Criteria

IIM Amritsar Shortlist & Admission Criteria

IIM Nagpur Shortlist & Admission Criteria

IIM Bodh Gaya Shortlist & Admission Criteria

IIM Mumbai Shortlist & Admission Criteria

Q:   What is the average number of CAT 100 percentilers every year?
A:

On an average, about 10-15 CAT aspirants score 100 percentile. Given below is the data of CAT 100 percentilers of last 3 years:

Exam year

CAT 100 percentilers

State wise numbers

CAT 2024

14

1- Andhra Pradesh
2- Delhi
1- Haryana
1-Kerala
5- Maharashtra
1- Odisha
1- Rajasthan
2- Telangana

CAT 2023

14

1 – Andhra Pradesh
1 - Delhi
1 – Gujarat
1 – Jammu & Kashmir
1 - Karnataka
1 - Kerala
4 – Maharashtra
1 – Tamil Nadu
2 - Telangana
1 - Uttar Pradesh

CAT 2022

11

2 - Delhi

1 - Gujarat

1 - Haryana

1 - Kerala

1 - Madhya Pradesh

2 - Maharashtra

2 - Telangana

1 - Uttar Pradesh

 

Q:   What is the CAT exam cutoff required to get admission to IIM Bangalore?
A:

The CAT cut offs for IIM Bangalore hovers between 97-100 percentile. The qualifying CAT cut off required for being eligible for IIM Bangalore's Written Ability test (What) and Personal Interview PI is 85 percentile for General category students, whereas for SC candidates, it is 70 percentile. For ST candidates, it is 65 percentile and for PwD candidates it is 60 percentile. Given below are the sectional and overall qualifying CAT cut offs for IIM Bangalore.

  • General category: 80 VARC 75 DILR 75 Quantitative Aptitude 85 (Overall)
  • NC-OBC category: 75 VARC 65 DILR 65 Quantitative Aptitude 75 (Overall)
  • EWS category: 70 VARC 65 DILR 65 Quantitative Aptitude 75 (Overall)
  • SC category: 65 VARC 60 DILR 60 Quantitative Aptitude 70 (Overall)
  • ST category: 55 VARC 55 DILR 55 Quantitative Aptitude 65 (Overall)
  • PwD category: 50 VARC 50 DILR 50 Quantitative Aptitude 60 (Overall)
Q:   Are CAT cut offs announced along with the CAT result?
A:

CAT cut-offs are not announced along with the CAT result. The cut-offs are also not released publicly. They are known after a few days of the result announcement when the IIMs and other colleges start their shortlisting process. The IIMs will open the shortlist window based on the CAT cut-offs two to three days after the result announcement. The CAT percentile of candidates shortlisted for the Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI) can be considered the cut-off for that IIM. For example, if a candidate with a CAT percentile of 99 belonging to the General category is selected for the WAT/GD-PI of IIM Calcutta, then the CAT cut-off for IIM Calcutta is 99 percentile. Only those candidates who make it to the WAT/GD-PI round of IIMs will get to know the cut-offs.

Q:   What is the CAT cut off for IIM Lucknow?
A:
The CAT cut offs for IIM Lucknow is usually around 97-99 percentile. The two courses - PGP Agri-Business Management (ABM) and PGP Sustainable Management (some) are extremely popular among MBA aspirants who wish to make a career in these areas. The institute also offers PGP programme. The qualifying CAT cut off for IIM Lucknow's Written Ability test (What) and Personal Interview PI is 90 percentile for General category students, whereas for SC candidates, it is 70 percentile. For ST and PwD candidates, it is 60 percentile. Given below are the sectional and overall qualifying CAT cut offs for IIM Lucknow PGP course. General category: 85 VARC 85 DILR 85 Quantitative Aptitude 90 (Overall) NC-OBC category: 77 VARC 77 DILR 77 Quantitative Aptitude 82 (Overall) EWS category: 77 VARC 77 DILR 77 Quantitative Aptitude 82 (Overall) SC category: 55 VARC 55 DILR 55 Quantitative Aptitude 70 (Overall) ST category: 50 VARC 50 DILR 50 Quantitative Aptitude 60 (Overall) PwD category: 50 VARC 50 DILR 50 Quantitative Aptitude 60 (Overall) Click here for detailed IIM Lucknow admission and selection criteria: https://www.shiksha.com/mba/articles/iim-lucknow-shortlist-admission-criteria-blogId-18509.
Q:   Is it possible to score 99.99 percentile in CAT in first attempt?
A:

Yes, it is possible to score 99.99 percentile in CAT in first attempt. Many candidates have scored 99.99 percentile in their first attempt in previously. But for that one needs to have a preparation strategy which is comprehensive and covers all the aspects of CAT. Apart from covering CAT syllabus through books and sample papers, one need constant guidance and study sessions with mentors and subject matter experts to develop deep understanding and capability to crack any type of question.

Q:   How many CAT mock tests to practice to score 99 percentile?
A:
Experts recommend that aspirants must practice at least 40 CAT mock tests to score above 99 percentile well in the exam. Most of the CAT test takers take up to 50 mock tests of various types and difficulty level. CAT toppers in previous years have practiced even up to 80 mock tests during their preparation. However, candidates must decide the number of CAT mock tests depending on their control and confidence on topics as the exam day comes closer. Mock tests are the best way to judge your performance viz. The important topics of CAT. The more one practices CAT mock tests, the more accurate they get in solving questions from all subjects. It is very important to know which formula to apply to which type question to solve the problem accurately. Mock tests help candidates in this aspect which is why practicing mock tests is most important in CAT preparation.
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Vipra Shrivastava
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Answered a month ago

There are plenty of statistics that cadidates canuse to judge which institute is best for them for pursing an MBA course. In terms of reputation, IIM, Ahmedabad has one of the highest reputations of any MBA institute. However, this results in a significantly higher MBA fees at IIM, Ahmedabad which i

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Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

IIM Ahmedabad's selection criteria is entrance-based for the offered courses. Students need to meet both the basic eligibility and clear the selection rounds as well. Check out the table below to know about the selection criteria for IIM Ahmedabad:

CoursesSelection Criteria
PGP

CAT + Analytical Writing Test (AWT) + Personal Interview (PI)

PGP-FABM
CAT + Analytical Writing Test (AWT) + Personal Interview (PI)
e-PGP

CAT/ GMAT/ GRE/ IIMA Admission Test (IAT) + Personal Interview (PI)

MBA-PGPX

Valid GMAT/ GRE score + Essay submission + PI round

M

Manashjyoti Srivastava

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

For admission to the MBA programme at IIM Ahmedabad, the required CAT score varies by category. Based on the previous year's cutoff (2024), candidates need an overall percentile rank of 80 for General and EWS categories, 75 for NC-OBC and transgender candidates, and 70 for SC category candidates. I

...Read more

H

Himanshu Singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, IIM Ahmedabad does have a reservation policy for MBA/ PGP programmes. As per the Government of India requirement, 27% of the seats are reserved for NC-OBC, 15% for SC, 7.5% for ST candidates, 5% for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwD), and up to 10% for Economically Weaker Sections (E

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Atul Pruthi

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

To apply for MBA courses at IIM Ahmedabad, candidates are required to follow certain eligibility requirements. Firstly, applicants must ensure that they have completed a bachelor's degree, with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (in the case of the candidate belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC)/

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K

Krishnendu Kumar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 months ago

No, you cannot pursue and online CMLT course from IIM Ahmedabad because it does not offers that course. You can opt for Manipal academy or IGNOU for CMLT course.

K

Kamini Padyal

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 7 months ago

The University College London institution bases its operations in London, United Kingdom not United States. UCL MBA shares its reputation with the IIM Ahmedabad MBA but serves diverse types of career aspirations. The Indian market-oriented candidates benefit most from IIM Ahmedabad's programs becaus

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Krish Lalwani

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 7 months ago

IIM Ahmedabad is a top-ranked business school in India with global recognition, strong industry connections, and high placement rates. Aston University in UK is well-regarded, especially for international exposure, but it does not match IIM Ahmedabad's prestige in management education. If your goal

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Mohith

Beginner-Level 5