IIM Bangalore selects PGP candidates in two stages. Stage I shortlists CAT-qualified applicants using a 100-point pre-PI score, in which CAT carries 55 marks. Stage II adds a written ability test (WAT) and personal interview (PI), and the interview alone carries 40 of 100 marks.
If you are shortlisting colleges, the IIM Bangalore selection criteria decide how you should spend your next few months. IIMB does not rely on CAT alone, so a strong percentile with weak academics or a poor interview can still cost you the seat. Here is the official process for the PGP 2027-29 batch.
IIM Bangalore Eligibility Criteria for PGP 2027-29
According to IIMB’s official admission procedure, you must meet one of two conditions:
- A bachelor’s degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC, ST and PwD candidates), or
- A completed professional degree: CA, CS, ICWA (CMA) or FIAI.
You also need a valid CAT score on the date you submit the application. Two online reference letters are mandatory, and the application cannot be submitted until referees are entered. IIMB prefers referees who are current or past employers, or teachers from your institution.
Also Read: IIM Bangalore Placement Report 2026
IIM Bangalore Admission Process: Stage I (Pre-PI Shortlist)
The first shortlist includes only candidates who meet the minimum percentile in every CAT section and in aggregate. All later processing is limited to this group.
| Category | VARC | DILR | QA | Aggregate |
| General | 80 | 75 | 75 | 85 |
| NC-OBC / EWS | 70 | 65 | 65 | 75 |
| SC | 65 | 60 | 60 | 70 |
| ST | 55 | 55 | 55 | 65 |
| PwD | 50 | 50 | 50 | 60 |
IIMB states that these are shortlist cut-offs and that candidates actually called for an interview scored higher. Treat them as a floor, not a target. Shortlisted candidates receive a pre-PI score out of 100:
Pre-PI weightage
| Component | Marks |
| CAT (VARC 19, DILR 21, QA 15) | 55 |
| 10th board score | 10 |
| 12th board score | 10 |
| Bachelor’s score | 10 |
| Work experience / professional course | 10 |
| Gender diversity | 5 |
| Total | 100 |
Board and degree scores are standardised, not used as raw percentages. In addition, the top ten candidates in CAT total score, adjusted bachelor’s score (commerce, arts and science) and professional (CA/ICWA/CS) score qualify for the PI automatically.
Also Read: IIM Bangalore Batch Profile 2026
IIM Bangalore Admission Process: Stage II (WAT-PI & Post-PI Composite Score)
The WAT and PI take place on the same day at the same location. The WAT lasts about 30 minutes and is evaluated on the content and style of your note.
Final offers are made strictly on the post-PI score, which is also out of 100:
Post-PI weightage
| Component | Marks |
| Personal interview | 40 |
| CAT (VARC 8.75, DILR 10, QA 6.25) | 25 |
| WAT | 10 |
| Work experience / professional course | 10 |
| 10th board | 5 |
| 12th board | 5 |
| Bachelor’s | 5 |
| Total | 100 |
Aspirants should understand that CAT gets you in the room, but the interview carries more weight than any other component. Gender diversity marks are used only at the pre-PI stage.
Also Read: Top MBA B-Schools in India
Work Experience Weightage in IIMB Selection
The pre-PI work experience score is 10 × x / 36 for x months of experience below 36, and a full 10 at 36 months or more, counted up to July 2026. Internships, apprenticeships, articleships, and unpaid work are not counted. After the PI, this component is scaled to 5 and multiplied by an average quality-of-experience rating given by the panel. Candidates with both a professional course and work experience are scored on the higher of the two. Providing false employment claims can lead to rejection and a three-year bar from IIMB programmes.
How to Prepare for IIM Bangalore Selection Criteria
- Clear every section, not just the total. A single weak section can remove you from the first shortlist. Practise with a free CAT mock test and track sectional percentiles.
- Protect your academic profile. Board and degree scores together carry 30 marks pre-PI, and they cannot be changed late in the cycle.
- Plan your WAT-PI early. With 50 marks riding on the WAT and PI combined, start GD-WAT-PI preparation well before interview calls.
- Join a structured programme. A CAT test series builds sectional balance, helps you in detailed mock analysis and lets you know your strengths and weaknesses.
Conclusion
The IIM Bangalore selection criteria reward balance: a solid CAT score in all three sections, consistent academics, and a strong WAT-PI. Use the weightage tables above to find your weakest component and fix it first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does IIM Bangalore shortlist candidates for the PI?
A: IIMB first filters by minimum sectional and aggregate CAT percentiles, then ranks candidates on a 100-point pre-PI score covering CAT, academics, work experience and gender diversity.
Q: What is the weightage of 10th and 12th in IIM Bangalore selection?
A: 10 marks each at the pre-PI stage and 5 marks each in the post-PI composite score.
Q: Is work experience compulsory for IIM Bangalore?
A: No. It is scored if you have it, and candidates without it can still be selected through other components.
Q: Does IIM Bangalore have a sectional cutoff?
A: Yes. Minimum percentiles apply in VARC, DILR and QA, plus an aggregate cutoff.
Q: How many marks is the IIM Bangalore interview worth?
A: 40 out of 100 in the post-PI composite score, with the WAT adding another 10.
