CAT Selection Process

The final IIM admission result after IIM shortlist and WAT-PI is announced in April and May for all 20 IIMs. All the institutes release the final list of selected candidates individually and send admission letters to candidates via email. When the candidates receive the selection letter, they confirm admission by accepting the offer of admission letter and paying the admission fee. 

Yes, after being shortlisted for the WAT-PI round, candidates have to fill an online form expressing interest in participating in the WAT-PI round. The admission panel examines all the applications and then shortlist some candidates for WAT-PI round. Selected candidates are informed about date and venue of the WAT-PI round via email. Final selection is based on candidate's performance in WAT-PI and other parameters.

CAT exam score has the weightage of about 40-60 per cent in IIM shortlist. The weightage varies for each IIM but is in the range of 40-60 per cent. Rest of the weightage is divided between academics, gender and work experience. However, in the final shortlist, weightage of CAT score is less than that of WAT-PI. 

If you have a very good CAT score but poor academic record it is quite likely that you may not be shortlisted for top IIMs as the institutes prefer candidates with overall consistency in academics. Class 12 scores holds a lot of importance in shortlisting of candidates for WAT-PI.

IIM shortlist is prepared on the basis of CAT cut off, class 10 score, class 12 score, graduation score, work experience (if any). To encourage diversity in the classroom the IIMs award extra points to female and transgender candidates at the time of shortlisting as well as final selection.

No, the students who don't make it to the IIM shortlist of a particular year, they will not be considered for admission. Such candidates can appear for CAT again the next year and try for admission. If a candidate doesn't make it to the first shortlist, they can wait for the second shortlist to release in which they might be selected.

The candidates can check their admission status in IIM shortlist of each institute on their respective websites. The IIMs releases their shortlist on different days in the month of January. Once the shortlist is announced, candidates can check their status on the institute's website by using their CAT login ID. Such candidates can fill the PI form for participating in the WAT-PI round. If shortlisted, they are invited by the institute via email.

Yes, the CAT accepting MBA colleges conduct either GD/PI or WAT/PI. Since MBA is a professional course about business and team management, personality assessment round is essential to ensure that the aspirant has the flair for management which can be polished during the programme. Communication skills, problem solving ability, management and leadership are essential qualities for MBA thus, every B-School conducts GD/PI or WAT/PI.