IIM Amritsar Assigns 50% Weightage to CAT 2025 Scores for MBA Admissions
The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Amritsar has officially announced its admission policy for the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program for the academic session 2026-28. A significant aspect of this policy is the allocation of 50% weightage to the scores obtained in the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025.
Overview of the Admission Process
The MBA admission process at IIM Amritsar is structured into two main stages:
- Stage 1: Personal Interview (PI)
- Stage 2: Final Admission Decision
In the first stage, candidates are shortlisted based on their performance in the CAT 2025, which includes both sectional and overall percentile cut-offs. The final admission decision will also take into account the scores from the Personal Interview (PI) and Written Ability Test (WAT).
Criteria for Shortlisting Candidates
To determine eligibility for the PI, IIM Amritsar uses a composite score that considers multiple parameters, including:
- Class 10 and 12 board exam scores
- Graduation marks
- Work experience
- Gender and academic diversity
- Section-wise scores in CAT
Only candidates who meet the pre-determined minimum percentile scores in each section and the overall CAT score will be considered for further processing in the PI and WAT.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
The minimum eligibility requirements for the MBA batch of 2026-28 are as follows:
| Category | QA Percentile | DILR Percentile | VARC Percentile | Overall Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | 80 | 75 | 80 | 90 |
| EWS | 80 | 75 | 77 | 90 |
| NC-OBC | 65 | 60 | 65 | 80 |
| SC | 55 | 50 | 52 | 55 |
| ST | 40 | 35 | 37 | 40 |
| PwD | 40 | 35 | 37 | 40 |
Weightage for Pre-PI Scores
The weightage assigned to various parameters for the pre-PI scores is as follows:
- CAT Scores: 50%
- Class 12th Marks: 10%
- Class 10th Marks: 10%
- Graduation Marks: 5%
- Gender Diversity: 10%
- Work Experience: 15%
Based on these weightages, a ranking list is prepared, and a reasonable number of candidates will be invited for the PI based on their rank order.
Post-PI Score Calculation
The second stage of the selection process involves the Personal Interview (PI). The interview panel assesses candidates based on their academic performance, quality of work experience, and other personal attributes. The post-PI score for each candidate is calculated using the following weightages:
- Personal Interview (PI): 70%
- Work Experience: 10%
- Gender Diversity: 10%
- Academic Diversity: 10%
For the MBA admissions for the 2026-28 batch, both pre-PI and post-PI scores will be utilized in the final selection phase. The aggregate composite score for each candidate is calculated using the formula:
Aggregate Score = 0.7 x Pre-PI Score + 0.3 x Post-PI Score
Uniformity in the Selection Process
The selection process, parameters, and weightages applied are uniform across all categories of applicants. IIM Amritsar ensures that a sufficient number of candidates are shortlisted at each stage from each social category to meet the reservation requirements applicable for that particular admissions cycle.
Conclusion
IIM Amritsar’s decision to assign 50% weightage to CAT 2025 scores reflects its commitment to a comprehensive evaluation process that considers various aspects of a candidate’s profile. This approach aims to ensure that the admissions process is fair, transparent, and inclusive, allowing for a diverse cohort of students in the MBA program.
Note: Admission policies and criteria are subject to change. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official IIM Amritsar website for the latest updates and information.
