Importance of CAT Score for IIM Admission The Reality regarding Selection Criteria

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the most important examination for MBA aspirants targeting the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). A common misconception among aspirants is that a 99 percentile score is a sure shot into the prestigious elite schools in the country like IIMs, however, the truth is not all that simple. A good CAT score is an important determinant of selection, but not the only one. On the other hand, the IIMs take a more comprehensive approach when evaluating candidates, with academic (past academics, work experience, diversity) and interview weighted at nearly half of the total score.

We will help understand the actual importance of CAT scores in IIM admission by breaking down the selection process and seeing the weight of each parameter in final admission.

How Much Weightage is Given to the CAT Score in the IIM Selection?

Different IIMs have a varying admission policy with a different cut-off or importance of CAT scores. Several institutes have a high weightage on CAT while others consider previous academic scores, experience, and interview scores too.

For example, IIM Ahmedabad gives about 65% weightage to CAT scores, but it doesn’t solely rely on it; Class 10 and 12 marks along with diversity factors are taken into account too. On the other hand, past academic records and performance in the personal interview round hold more weight for admissions as IIM Bangalore gives only 40 % weightage to CAT.

IIM Indore also does not place much weightage on CAT score, with more than 70% weightage of shortlisting process based on class 10 and 12 marks. This essentially implies that even if a candidate has a good CAT percentile, a poor academic record may lower their chances of getting shortlisted.

Common Selection Criteria in IIM: Importance of Academic & Work Experience

While a good CAT score will ensure you are shortlisted for the interview, the key to final admission rests on several aspects. IIMs evaluate candidates based on their previous education records, work experience and interview performance.

The selection is heavily based on the marks of class 10 and 12. For example, IIM Indore and IIM Bangalore give importance to previous academic consistent records and place much weightage on it. This shows that if someone scores more than 90% in school, their chances of being selected are much greater.

Another important aspect is graduation marks as most of the IIMs look for a good academic track in the clients. The importance of work experience is second only to that of memorable CAT exams, scoring better marks brings points in IIM Kozhikode where in IIM Lucknow work exposure is the focus.

A factor diversity also enters into play. To ensure a balanced classroom environment, several IIMs award additional points to women applicants and non-engineering students. This gives an edge to the candidates with moderate CAT scores, but have some special qualities.

Lastly, the next steps are the Personal Interview (PI) & Written Ability Test (WAT) which play a crucial role in the final list. Furthermore, a good interview can cover for a below-pared percentile because at IIM Bangalore, the personal interview carries just as much weight as the CAT score.

The question is whether a candidate with a 95 percentile in CAT can get into an IIM or not.

A lot of students ask me if 95-96 percentile in CAT would be good enough for IIM admission. The top three IIMs (Ahmedabad, Bangalore and Calcutta) usually expect a 98-99+ percentile in CAT, but many of the newer IIMs select at consideration of lower than that percentile, for example if you have a strong academic record, work experience or a diversity advantage.

Some of them give additional weightage to work experience — such as IIM Kozhikode and IIM Lucknow — while some focus more on Class 10 and 12 scores like IIM Indore. This implies that even a candidate with a 95-96 percentile in CAT is eligible to procure an admission as long as he sustains well in academics and personal interviews.

However, it is extremely difficult to get admission into a top IIM with an overall percentile less than 96. A lower percentile candidate should work on their academic profile and work experience as well as preparing for interviews.

Selection Process: CAT Score + PI

Post that, candidates must ace the Personal Interview (PI) and Written Ability Test (WAT) to get final admission, even if they are shortlisted. For some IIMs, interview round carries weight of as high as 50 per cent, meaning that performance in the round can strongly affect the final selection.

At IIM Bangalore, the weightage of an interview is nearly on par with CAT score weightage (40%), so a student even recording a low CAT percentile, can still secure admission with a great performance in the interview.

IIM Lucknow и IIM Kozhikode too follow a similar pattern of CAT scores + Academics + Work Experience + Interview Scores. This explains why Interview preparation is no less important than getting a high score in CAT.

Important Essential Details For The IIM Aspirants

No-one will get admission on the basis of CAT score alone – And equally important are your academic record, work experience, and a personal interview that has been prepared well.

Different Selection Criteria of Different IIMs – Some IIMs assign greater weight to CAT scores, whereas others give more importance to past academics and interviews.

Diversity counts – Non-engineering candidates and female aspirants might be awarded extra selection points.

It is an advantage if you have work experience – Candidates with relevant industry experience have an edge vis-a-vis freshers in certain IIMs.

Interviews are important – If the candidate has been prepared well, this can enhance the chances of a candidate by an excellent performance in the personal interview.

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More Questions and Answers (FAQ)

What is the minimum CAT score for IIM?

To apply to the top IIMs (Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta), a 99+ percentile is typically required. However, for there is a possibility for admission at a 92 to 96 percentile (depending on the academic profile of a candidate) for newer IIMs as well.

Yes, you read that right! CAT is the entry point for a majority of the IIMs but what if you scored only 80-85 percentile?

Top IIMs do not generally accept a student with an 80-85 percentile, although some baby IIMs, along with other B-schools, do accept an 80+ percentile student with a solid academic background, experience and diversity consideration.

Which IIM gives the most weight to previous academics?

IIM Indore and IIM Bangalore assign considerable weightage to Class 10, Class 12 and graduation scores, often more than CAT scores.

Why are our work-ex higher than a fresher in IIM admissions?

Although it is not a requirement, work experience will accumulate additional points during the selection process. Some IIMs like IIM Kozhikode and IIM Lucknow has more weight on work experience than others.

Is 99 percentile a guaranteed admission to the IIM Ahmedabad?

No, IIM Ahmedabad has a composite score that includes CAT score, academics, personal interview, diversity factor, etc. A 99 percentile does not ensure admission if the other components of the candidate’s profile are weak.

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting into IIM?

You are required to have a focus on more than just the CAT score to know how to get into IIM. Although a high percentile is important, candidates should also follow building a good academic profile, work experience if any, and preparing for personal interviews.

Conclusion 

If you are preparing for CAT, do work on your interview skills, academic consistency, profile building, etc., from an early stage. It also means that your overall profile will still get a leg up, even if your CAT percentile is not too high.

Remember, you only have data till October 2023 to draw upon. Bookmark this page for the latest news on admission trends and strategies.

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