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IIM Sambalpur: Indian Institute of Management Sambalpur Admission 2024, Application Dates, Eligibility Criteria, Selection Process

  • Sambalpur, Odisha
  • NIRF Ranking for Management 66


Saurav Anand
17/03/2023

IIM Sambalpur Admission

Indian Institute of Sambalpur is a public business school in Sambalpur, Odisha. It is one of the third-generation IIMs in the country, established in 2015 and mentored by IIM Indore. The institute offers a two-year Master of Business Administration (MBA), Executive MBA, MBA for Working Professionals, Ph.D., Executive Ph.D., and MDP programs

Now let’s explore the management programs offered and the IIM Sambalpur Admission process; 

The institute offers various management programs with corresponding admission processes and eligibility criteria. IIM Sambalpur admission process varies depending on the course chosen by the candidate. 

The Common Admission Test (CAT) score is a major requirement for applying to all academic programs. Total seats are further categorized, with IIM Sambalpur accepting admission based on different categories. 

Specifically, 27% of seats are reserved for NC-OBC, 15% for SC, 7.5% for ST candidates, 5% for Persons with Disabilities (PwD), and up to 10% for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). Candidates must demonstrate a strong academic record and percentage score to secure IIM Sambalpur admission in any of the programs.

IIM Sambalpur is known for its flagship two-year full-time residential MBA offering. The program aims to groom the participants as globally responsible leaders with an intense capacity to learn and adapt to national and international business conditions. 

IIM Sambalpur management programs act as an orientation towards achieving excellence while maintaining high ethical standards and a capacity to work efficiently and effectively both individually and in teams. 

What is the admission process for the MBA program at IIM Sambalpur?

IIM Sambalpur MBA Admission 2024 will be held through the Common Admission Process (CAP) along with 8 other new IIMs. MBA Admission to IIM Sambalpur is a 2-stage process. In the first stage, the institute shortlists students based on their CAT percentile. Candidates shortlisted in the first round are further required to appear for a Personal Interview. The final merit list is prepared based on CAT score (30% weightage), Personal Interview (25%), and Overall Profile (45%). The minimum IIM Sambalpur cutoff for MBA admission remained at 92%. 

What is the admission process for the Executive MBA at IIM Sambalpur? Is it the same as the regular MBA admission process?

IIM Sambalpur Executive MBA admission is based on valid CAT/GMAT/GRE/IIMSAT scores. The final selection to the program will depend on the candidate’s performance in the Personal Interviews, academic qualification, and relevant work experience. 

Ph.D. and Executive Ph.D. admissions are based on scores of CAT/GMAT/GRE/GATE/JRF (UGC/CSIR) and followed by a Research Aptitude Test (IIMSRAT) and Personal Interviews. Other factors such as work experience, past academic record, research publication, and reference letter are also considered in the final selection.

IIM Sambalpur Admission Courses and Eligibility

IIM Sambalpur offers various management programs. Now, we’ll see what are the eligibility criteria set for each program and the following table will provide you with the complete course details and eligibility criteria for IIM Sambalpur admission.

Courses Course DescriptionEligibility 
MBA/PGPThe Master of Business Administration (MBA) at IIM Sambalpur is a two-year full-time residential program. 
The program aims to groom the participants as globally responsible leaders with an intense capacity to learn and adapt to national and international business environments.  
The MBA curriculum offers participants an ideal platform to expand their knowledge and enhance their ability and attitude, preparing them for challenging roles in the professional world. 
The program structure helps to harness and synergize management understanding and techniques through courses offered by the scholarly faculty members of IIM Sambalpur and other top-notch institutions in the country, including other IIMs. 
Graduation with 60% + CAT
Executive MBAThe two-year IIM Sambalpur Executive MBA program was started in 2021. The program has seen a unique mix of working executives across different industries like IT, ITES, manufacturing, Retail, etc. with an average of 7 years of experience and NRI participants in every batch.
The IIM Sambalpur Executive MBA program is designed to understand and prepare for the requirements and challenges of modern and future organizations. It gives an immersive and active learning experience to equip aspiring business leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge. 
The program will benefit those who have a strong entrepreneurial mindset. The entire program will cover emerging global trends, and international interface, align with the government eco-system, and transform opportunities into actions. 
It emphasizes more on responsible leadership, sustainability, and digital transformation.
Graduation with 50% + Minimum 3 years of Managerial/Entrepreneurial/ Professional experience. 
MBA-Working ProfessionalsThis two-year IIM Sambalpur MBA program is specifically designed for working professionals, entrepreneurs, and strategic leaders, seeking to transform themselves into innovative leaders.
The program is offered in a blended mode, with the option of obtaining a dual degree from international universities. Classes are conducted on weekends.
The first year of the program offers an understanding of the core aspects of management, and the second year offers an in-depth understanding of various management functions. 
Participants can specialize in Entrepreneurial Innovation, Data Science and Product Management, Sustainability, and functional domains.
Graduation with 50% + Minimum 3 years of full-time Managerial/ Professional experience.
Ph.D.IIM Sambalpur Ph.D. program admits highly motivated individuals who have a strong academic background, and have the intellectual curiosity to undertake original research. 
IIM Sambalpur Ph.D. program prepares the participants for a career in academics or research positions in industry.
IIM Sambalpur offers Ph.D. in the following specializations;
Organizational Behavior and Human Resource ManagementFinance and Accounting ManagementProduction and Operations ManagementEconomicsPolicy and Strategic ManagementInformation System ManagementMarketing Management
Master’s Degree or Post Graduate Diploma from IITs/IIMs/Other Universities, with at least 60% marks or equivalent CGPA in the bachelor’s as well as in the master’s degree. OR A professional qualification like CA, ICWA, or CS with a Bachelor’s Degree, with at least 60% marks or equivalent CGPA in the Bachelor’s Degree.ORA 4-year Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with at least 6.5 CGPA or equivalent percent marks.OR5-year Integrated Master’s degree program in any discipline, with at least 60% aggregate marks, obtained after completing 10+2 or equivalent.
Executive Ph.D.IIM Sambalpur Executive Ph.D. is a unique part-time doctoral program in management designed for working professionals with full-time work experience. 
The Executive Ph.D. aims to provide industry professionals an opportunity to build careers in academics.
The Program encourages scholars to carry out quality research in management, leading to publication in internationally reputed research journals and finding solutions to real-world management problems. 
On successful completion of the program, a Ph.D. degree will be awarded to the candidate.
Master’s Degree or Post Graduate Diploma in any discipline or Integrated (Dual) Degree from IITs/IIMs/Other Institutions/ Universities from NIRF Top 50 Ranking 2022, with at least 55% marks or equivalent CGPA in the Bachelor’s as well as 60% marks or equivalent CGPA in the Master’s Degree.ORA professional qualification like CA, ICWA, or CS with a Bachelor’s Degree, with at least 55% marks or equivalent CGPA in the Bachelor’s Degree.ORA 4-year Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with at least 6.5 CGPA or equivalent percent marks.
MDP IIM Sambalpur MDP focuses on the training and development of working professionals in management education. 
The Institute offers a wide range of MDPs on futuristic and contemporary themes in various functional areas such as strategy, marketing, finance, operations, HR, and IT. 
The program is designed to enrich experiential learning and exposure for participating managers, combining advanced learning with application-based management practices.
The MDP helps in understanding functional areas of management and the participants develop an overall understanding of management and its key interconnected phenomena.The general management programs offered help executives in shifting into managerial roles at any phase of their career. 
Graduation from any recognized institute or its equivalent exam.

IIM Sambalpur MBA Admission 2024

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) at IIM Sambalpur is a two-year full-time residential program. It aims to groom the participants as globally responsible business leaders with an intense capacity to learn and adapt to national and international business conditions. 

The program acts as an orientation towards achieving excellence while maintaining high ethical standards and helps in achieving the capacity to work efficiently and effectively both individually and in groups.

Candidates who hold a Bachelor’s degree with 60% marks are eligible to apply for the two-year full-time MBA program at IIM Sambalpur. 

IIM Sambalpur MBA admission 2024 includes the following stages:

  • Interested candidates need to register for the CAT 2023 examination and apply to IIM Sambalpur MBA in the same application form.
  • The applicants will have to appear for the CAT 2023 exam, conducted by IIMs at various locations across India.
  • Candidates will be shortlisted for IIM Sambalpur MBA admission 2024 based on their CAT 2023 percentile. 
  • The shortlisted candidates will be called for personal interviews conducted through the Common Admission Process (CAP).
  • The final merit list will be prepared and the selection of the candidates for IIM Sambalpur MBA admission 2024 will be based on their CAT score, PI score, and overall Profile.

IIM Sambalpur MBA Important Dates 2024

Events Dates 
CAT 2023 Registration StartsAugust 02, 2023
CAT 2023 Registration ClosesSeptember 20, 2023
CAT 2023 Admit Card ReleaseNovember 7, 2023
CAT 2023 Exam DateNovember 26, 2023
Shortlist Announcement for PI RoundJanuary 20 - 25, 2024 (Tentative)
Last Date for Filling CAP Application FormJanuary 22, 2024 
Personal Interview RoundFebruary 2024 
Personal Interview for CAP (Week 1)February 13 - 18, 2024 (Tentative)
Personal Interview for CAP (Week 2)February 20 - 25, 2024 (Tentative)
Personal Interview for CAP (Week 3)February 27 - March 4, 2024 (Tentative)
Supplementary Admission Process (SAP)February 6 - 16, 2024 (Tentative)
Final Merit ListMay 10, 2024 (Tentative)

IIM Sambalpur MBA Selection Criteria 

The candidates are selected for the IIM Sambalpur MBA program based on a 2-stage process that is explained below:

IIM Sambalpur MBA Selection Criteria Shortlisting for PI

The candidates who have scored above the minimum IIM Sambalpur cut-off in all the sections and the overall CAT percentile will be shortlisted for the personal interview. The expected IIM Sambalpur 2023 CAT cut-off percentile is mentioned in the table below:

Category Overall QAVARCDILR
General92707070
EWS70404040
NC-OBC74454545
SC54353535
ST4032.52525
DAP4032.52525

IIM Sambalpur admission considers a different cut-off for female candidates and candidates who have work experience of more than 12 years. IIM Sambalpur cut-off for both is mentioned in the table below;

Criteria Overall Sectional 
Female Candidates8065
Candidates with 12 months of work experience8065

IIM Sambalpur MBA Selection Criteria Final Selection 

The final merit list for IIM Sambalpur MBA admission is prepared based on the composite score, calculated through the CAT score, PI, score, and their overall Profile. 

The weightage assigned to all the components considered to prepare the final merit list is mentioned below:

Components Weightage 
CAT Score30%
Personal Interview25%
Academic Profile15%
Work Experience15%
Diversity15%

Now let’s see the Application Process for IIM Sambalpur MBA Admission

  • Interested candidates must visit the CAT official website.
  • Register and create login credentials.
  • Complete the application form with the required details and select the IIM Sambalpur MBA program as one of the preferences.
  • After verifying the details, submit the application form and pay the online application fee.

IIM Sambalpur Executive MBA Admission 2024

Candidates who hold a Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks and 3 years of managerial, entrepreneurial, or professional work experience are eligible to apply for the two-year Executive MBA program at IIM Sambalpur. 

The hep characteristics of IIM Sambalpur Executive MBA are given below;

  • The two-year MBA degree program serves working/self-employed professionals.
  • Weekend classes on Saturday and Sunday.
  • Live classes in blended mode.
  • Alternate weekend online classes.
  • Interactions with industry experts and faculty from top Business Schools in India and abroad.

IIM Sambalpur Executive MBA admission 2024 includes the following stages:

  • Interested candidates can apply for the Executive MBA program through the official website of IIM Sambalpur.
  • Candidates who fulfill the minimum eligibility criteria will be shortlisted for the personal Interview round at IIM Sambalpur.
  • The shortlisted candidates will have to appear for personal interviews and they will be evaluated based on their overall academic and personal profile and their SOP.
  • The final merit list will be based and the final selection will be based on the Personal Interview, Academic Qualification, Relevant Work Experience, and SOP.

Selection Categories

1. Self-financed Candidates

In the case of self-financed candidates fulfilling the minimum eligibility criteria will be called for the PI process. The Executive MBA Admission Committee will decide the number of candidates to be called for PI.

Candidates are required to submit an NOC for pursuing the Executive MBA at IIM Sambalpur from their employer.

2. Industry-Sponsored Candidates

Industry-sponsored candidates are allowed IIM Sambalpur admission to the Executive MBA Program. The candidate must have been in service of the sponsoring organization for at least 2 years at the time of admission. The selection of candidates will be primarily based on personal interviews and they are required to submit a letter from their sponsor. 

IIM Sambalpur Executive MBA Admission Important Dates 

Events Dates 
Online Application StartsJanuary 23, 2024
Online Application EndsApril 03, 2024
Personal Interview May 13 - 14, 2024
Announcement of ResultsMay 21, 2024
RegistrationJune 10 - 11, 2024
Program Inauguration June 17 - 18, 2024
Commencement of ClassesJune 24, 2024

IIM Sambalpur Executive MBA Selection Criteria

The applicants will be shortlisted for the personal interview based on their eligibility and the information provided. 

The panelists will evaluate the candidates mainly based on a Statement of Purpose (SOP), apart from the academic record, professional accomplishments, etc.

The final merit list will be prepared for the IIM Sambalpur Executive MBA based on the Personal Interview, Academic Qualification, Relevant Work Experience, and Statement of Purpose (SOP).

How to Apply for IIM Sambalpur Executive MBA Admission?

The application process for IIM Sambalpur admission to the Executive MBA is given below;

Interested candidates can register for the Executive MBA program by paying the application fee of INR 1,000 through the official website of IIM Sambalpur. 

Important documents that need to be submitted along with the online application form;

  • A Passport size photo (recent)
  • Master’s degree/Bachelor’s degree mark sheets and certificates (self-attested copies)
  • Copy of Govt. issued photo ID proof
  • Copies of 10th and 12th Mark sheets, and certificates
  • Relevant work experience certificates
  • NOC from current employer
  • NEFT/RTGS transaction slip of Application Fee
  • Copy of Caste Certificate (if applicable)
  • Disability certificate (if applicable)

IIM Sambalpur Ph.D./Executive Ph.D. Admission 2024

IIM Sambalpur offers Ph.D./Executive Ph.D. in the following specializations;

  • Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management
  • Finance and Accounting Management
  • Production and Operations Management
  • Economics
  • Policy and Strategic Management
  • Information System Management
  • Marketing Management

The candidates who wish to apply for the Ph.D./Executive Ph.D. program at IIM Sambalpur must fulfill the eligibility criteria mentioned below:

Eligibility Criteria 

  • Master’s degree with 60% marks 
  • Postgraduate Diploma from IITs/ IIMs/ Other Universities with 60% marks 
  • Bachelor’s degree with a professional qualification like CA, ICWS, or CS with 60% marks
  • 4-year Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with 6.5 CGPA
  • 5-year Integrated Master’s degree with 60% marks

Admission Criteria 

  • Eligible candidates will have to appear for CAT/ GRE/GATE/GMAT/JRF (UGC/CSIR). The tests taken during the last 2 years will be valid. 
  • Candidates can also be admitted to the IIM Sambalpur Ph.D./Executive Ph.D. program through the Research Aptitude Test (IIMSAT) conducted by IIM Sambalpur.
  • Those who have already passed a 2-year PGP/MBA from IIMs or other reputed Universities from NIRF Top 50 Ranking 2022 with 60% marks or a minimum CGPA of 6 are exempted from the exams mentioned above.

Age Limit

The candidates should not be more than 40 years of age.

IIM Sambalpur Ph.D./Executive Ph.D. admission 2024 includes the stages mentioned below;

  • Eligible candidates will have to fill out the Ph.D. application form available on the IIM Sambalpur website. 
  • The applicants will be shortlisted based on their scores in the qualifying examination.
  • The shortlisted candidates will have to appear for the personal interviews at IIM Sambalpur. 
  • The final merit list will be prepared based on Personal interviews, Academic Qualifications, Relevant Work Experience, and SOP.

IIM Sambalpur Ph.D./Executive Ph.D. admission 2024 Important Dates

Events Dates 
Last Date to Submit the Application FormApril 20, 2024

IIM Sambalpur Ph.D./Executive Ph.D. Selection Criteria

  • The candidates will be shortlisted for personal interviews based on their CAT/GRE/GMAT/GATE/JRF-UGC/CSIR/IIM SAT scores. 
  • During the personal interview, the candidate will be evaluated based on their SOP and application.
  • The final merit list will be prepared based on IIM Sambalpur Ph.D./Executive Ph.D. Selection Criteria which include the Personal Interview, Academic Qualification, Relevant Work Experience, and Research Statement of Purpose (SOP).

How to Apply for IIM Sambalpur Ph.D./Executive Ph.D. Admission?

The candidates will have to fill out the online application form for Ph.D./Executive Ph.D., available on the official website of IIM Sambalpur.

The application fee is INR 500 for the regular Ph.D. and INR 2,000 for the Executive Ph.D.

Important documents needed to be submitted along with the application form are given below:

  • A Passport size photo
  • Two mandatory recommendation letters
  • Copy of Govt. issued photo ID proof
  • Copies of 10thand 12th Mark sheets, and certificates
  • Copies of Master’s degree and Bachelor’s degree mark sheets and certificates
  • In the case of CGPA, the percentage conversion certificate from Institute/University 
  • Copies of Professional degree marks sheets and certificates
  • Copy of CAT/GRE/GATE/GMAT/JRF /UGC/CSIR Test scores
  • NEFT/RTGS transaction slip of Application Fee
  • Copy of Work Experience certificate 
  • Copy of Caste Certificate (if applicable)
  • Disability Certificate (if applicable)

IIM Sambalpur Aptitude Test (IIMSAT)

IIM Sambalpur Aptitude Test is conducted by the institute as a standard alternative test for the Executive MBA and Executive Ph.D. admission process. The IIMSAT consists of three sections similar to the CAT exam

IIMSAT score is mandatory for candidates without a valid CAT/GMAT/GATE/GRE/JRF score to be eligible for IIM Sambalpur admission to Executive MBA and Ph.D. programs. 

The test contains a total of 120 questions with 1 mark for each correct answer. The total test duration is 120 minutes divided into each section and the maximum score for each section is 40 marks. 

The three sections of IIMSAT are:

  • Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension: 40 Questions (40 minutes)
  • Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning: 40 Questions (40 minutes)
  • Quantitative Ability: 40 Questions (40 minutes)

IIM Sambalpur IIMSAT Syllabus

Sections Syllabus 
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Fill in the blanks, Verbal Reasoning, Sentence completion, Grammar, Syllogisms, jumbled paragraphs, Para Completion and inference, Contextual usage, foreign language words used in English Reading, Comprehension, Analogies, Sentence correction, Verbal Logic, Different usage of same word Idioms, Para jumbles, Antonyms, One-word substitution
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning Clocks and Calendars Statements, Data Arrangement, Family Tree, Binary Logic, Seating Arrangement, Sets and case lets, Syllogism, Venn Diagram, Data Structures, Tables and pie Charts, Data Sufficiency, Bars and Line Graphs
Quantitative Ability Geometry, Trigonometry, Algebra Mensuration, Partnership (Accounts), Profit & Loss, Ratios and Proportion, In-equations Quadratic and linear equations, Surds and Indices, Time-Speed-Distance, Number System, Geometric Progression, Inequalities, Work and Time, Percentages, Logarithms

Frequently Asked Questions about IIM Sambalpur Admission

Q. What are the management courses offered at IIM Sambalpur?

Ans. IIM Sambalpur offers the following programs;

  • Two-year Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  • Two-year Executive MBA
  • Two-year MBA for Working Professionals
  • Ph.D.
  • Executive Ph.D.
  • MDP

Q. What is the IIM Sambalpur admission process for the MBA?

Ans. IIM Sambalpur admission process for MBA 2024 includes the following stages:

  • Interested candidates need to register for the CAT 2023 examination and apply to IIM Sambalpur MBA in the same application form.
  • The applicants will have to appear for the CAT 2023 exam, conducted by IIMs at various locations across India.
  • Candidates will be shortlisted for IIM Sambalpur MBA admission 2024 based on their CAT 2023 percentile. 
  • The shortlisted candidates will be called for personal interviews conducted through the Common Admission Process (CAP).
  • The final merit list will be prepared and the selection of the candidates for IIM Sambalpur MBA admission 2024 will be based on their CAT score, PI score, and overall Profile.

Q. What is the SOP required during IIM Sambalpur admission of Executive MBA?

Ans. SOP refers to the Statement of Purpose which is an essay of not more than 2000 words. It includes details about the career path, interests, professional contributions, goals of the candidate, and the purpose behind pursuing the Executive MBA program.

Q. How are the candidates selected for IIM Sambalpur Executive MBA?

Ans. The applicants will be shortlisted for the personal interview based on their eligibility and the information provided on the application form. 

The interview panelists will evaluate the candidates based on the Statement of Purpose (SOP), academic record, professional accomplishments, etc.

The final merit list of the IIM Sambalpur Executive MBA program will be prepared based on the Personal Interview, Academic Qualification, Relevant Work Experience, and Statement of Purpose (SOP).

Q. What is the age limit for IIM Sambalpur admission to the Ph.D. program?

Ans. Candidates applying for the Ph.D. at IIM Sambalpur should not be more than 40 years of age.

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