IIM Admission Process After CAT 2025: After the CAT 2025 examination, the admission journey for IIMs and other participating institutes moves into the selection and verification stage. There is no centralised admission or counselling process after CAT. Each IIM conducts its own selection process based on its individual admission policy.
This blog explains the complete admission process after CAT 2025, including shortlisting stages, interview rounds, document verification, and important guidelines candidates must follow after the declaration of results.
Table of Contents
CAT 2025 Results and Shortlisting
The CAT 2025 results are expected to be available tentatively in the coming days of December 2025. You can check live updates on CAT results and once results are declared:
- Each IIM independently prepares its shortlist for the next stage of selection.
- Shortlisted candidates can check their status on the official admission websites of individual IIMs.
- Interview call letters are sent directly by the respective IIMs.
It is important to note that shortlisting criteria vary across IIMs, and there is no common or uniform preliminary round for all institutes.
Also Read: CAT Result 2025
Admission Process After CAT 2025 (Phase-wise)
Phase 1: Shortlisting Based on CAT Score and Profile
Most institutes shortlist candidates after CAT results using their own eligibility filters, which may include:
- Overall and sectional CAT percentiles.
- Minimum academic performance thresholds.
- Category-wise cut-offs.
- Profile-based parameters such as academics, work experience, and diversity factors.
Some institutes also include test scores and profile scores together during the preliminary shortlisting stage. Since these criteria differ from one institute to another, candidates may receive calls from some IIMs and not from others, even at the same percentile.
Phase 2: Writing Ability Test (WAT/AWT) and Personal Interview (PI)
Candidates shortlisted in Phase 1 are required to appear for further evaluation rounds, which may include:
- Writing Ability Test (WAT) or Analytical Writing Test (AWT)
- Personal Interview (PI)
While many IIMs have replaced Group Discussions (GD) with WAT/AWT, some institutes such as SPJIMR continue to conduct Group Interviews (GI). A few institutes may also include extempore, case discussions, or group tasks as part of their evaluation process.
The newer IIMs conduct a Common Admission Process (CAP) for WAT and PI, whereas some institutes such as IIM Kashipur, IIM Bodh Gaya, and IIM Sirmaur follow a Joint Admission Process (JAP). Other institutes conduct their interview processes independently, as per their admission policies.
Read More: CAT GDPI & WAT Preparation
Final Selection and Merit List Preparation
After the completion of all selection rounds, each IIM prepares its final merit list. The final selection is typically based on a composite score, which may include:
- CAT 2025 performance
- Writing Ability Test (WAT/AWT) score
- Personal Interview (PI) performance
- Academic record
- Work experience (where applicable)
Each institute assigns its own weightage to these parameters. As a result, the final merit list and cut-offs may vary significantly across IIMs.
Eligibility Verification After Shortlisting
Candidates who are shortlisted for the interview stage must go through eligibility verification, which is a mandatory and critical part of the admission process after CAT 2025. This verification is conducted to ensure that candidates meet the academic and category-related eligibility criteria prescribed by the respective IIMs. Failure to comply with document requirements at any stage may lead to cancellation of candidature or admission.
Academic Documents Verification
At the time of the interview, candidates are required to present all original academic documents for verification. This includes mark sheets of all qualifying examinations to establish eligibility for admission.
Specifically, candidates must:
- Produce original mark sheets of all semesters/years.
- Submit attested copies of these mark sheets for record and verification purposes.
Candidates who are finally offered admission must complete document verification again at the time of joining the programme. At this stage, they are required to submit:
- The original degree certificate
- Mark sheets of all semesters/years
- Attested copies of the above academic documents
Non-submission of valid academic documents or discrepancies in the submitted records may result in cancellation of admission, even after selection.
Category Certificate Requirements
Candidates belonging to SC, ST, NC-OBC, EWS, and PwD categories must undergo category-wise eligibility verification as part of the interview process. Such candidates are required to:
- Produce the original caste, class, or disability certificate issued by the competent authority.
- Submit photocopies of the relevant certificates along with their academic documents.
All category certificates must be valid, up to date, and in the prescribed format, as specified by the respective IIMs. Candidates must ensure that their certificates meet institute requirements, as failure to produce appropriate documentation may lead to disqualification from the selection process.
Guidelines for Final-Year Graduation Candidates
Candidates appearing in the final year of their bachelor’s degree must submit:
- An original certificate from the Principal/Registrar/Director of their institution
- Certification that they have obtained at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) based on the latest available results
If selected, such candidates are granted provisional admission, subject to fulfillment of degree requirements. Admission will be confirmed only after submission of:
- Final mark sheets
- Qualifying degree certificate
The deadline for submitting the qualifying degree certificate is December 31, 2026. Non-fulfillment of this condition will automatically result in cancellation of provisional admission
Key Points Candidates Must Remember
- There is no centralized admission or counselling process after CAT; admissions are conducted independently by each IIM.
- Each IIM follows its own admission policy, selection criteria, and timelines, which may differ across institutes.
- Meeting the CAT cut-off or receiving an interview call does not guarantee final admission, as selection is based on multiple evaluation stages.
- Document verification is mandatory at various stages of the admission process, including interviews and programme joining.
- Provisional admission can be cancelled if candidates fail to meet eligibility requirements or submit the required documents within the stipulated deadline.
Conclusion
The admission process after CAT 2025 is a multi-stage and institute-driven system that evaluates candidates on parameters beyond just their CAT percentile. From institute-wise shortlisting and interview rounds to document verification and preparation of final merit lists, each stage plays an important role in the overall selection process.
Since there is no centralized admission process, candidates must carefully follow the admission timelines, selection criteria, and document requirements specified by individual IIMs. Regularly checking official admission portals and adhering to guidelines at every stage is essential to avoid disqualification or delays in the final admission process.
Also Check: CAT Percentile Predictor | Good CAT Score in 2025
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is there a centralized counselling process after CAT 2025?
A: No, there is no centralized counselling process after CAT 2025. Each IIM and participating institute conducts its own admission and selection process independently, based on its individual admission policy, criteria, and timelines.
Q: What are the stages in the admission process after CAT 2025?
A: The admission process after CAT 2025 typically includes shortlisting based on CAT score and profile, followed by WAT/AWT and Personal Interview (PI) rounds. Final selection is made through a composite score, which may include CAT performance, interview scores, academic record, and work experience.
Q: What documents are required during the IIM admission process?
A: Candidates must submit original mark sheets and attested copies of all qualifying examinations during the interview stage. If selected, they must also provide the original degree certificate and mark sheets of all semesters/years at the time of joining the programme. Category certificates are required for reserved category candidates.
Q: Can provisional admission after CAT 2025 be cancelled?
A: Yes, provisional admission can be cancelled if a candidate fails to meet eligibility conditions or does not submit the required academic or category documents within the stipulated deadline. Final-year candidates must submit their qualifying degree certificates as per the timelines specified by the respective IIMs.
