Gender Diversity Score in IIMs: For decades, the classrooms of the Indian Institutes of Management were heavily skewed toward a specific demographic – General Male Engineers. However, the last five years have seen a tectonic shift. Today, most of the IIMs put more emphasis on the Gender Diversity Score, making it one of the most discussed topics among MBA aspirants.
If you have appeared for CAT 2025 or are planning your 2026 intake, understanding the Gender Diversity Factor (GDF) is extremely important. It isn’t just a “bonus”; for many, it is the bridge between a waitlist and a final convert.
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What is the Gender Diversity Score in IIMs?
The Gender Diversity Score is a set of “diversity points” awarded to female and transgender candidates during the shortlisting and final selection phases. Each IIM has a unique formula, but the objective is singular, to create a balanced classroom that mirrors the diverse corporate world.
Why do IIMs value Gender Diversity?
- Better Learning: A room full of people who all think the same way can be boring. Having different genders brings different perspectives, making discussions even more interesting.
- Company Demand: Major companies like Google, Amazon, and McKinsey are eager to hire more women leaders. They turn to IIMs to find a diverse pool of talent.
- Global Standards: Top B-schools around the world are evaluated based on the diversity of their students.
How IIMs Calculate Gender Diversity Weightage (2025-26)
The weightage is usually applied at two stages:
- Stage 1: Shortlisting for GD-PI-WAT Round.
- Stage 2: Final Merit List preparation.
Some IIMs, like IIM Ahmedabad, put more emphasis on academic diversity. Other IIMs, like IIM Bangalore and IIM Rohtak, have clear and important scores for gender.
Also Read: IIM Admission Process
Comparison of Gender Diversity Points Across Top IIMs
| List of IIMs | Gender Diversity Points |
| IIM Ahmedabad | NA |
| IIM Bangalore | 5 Marks (In Shortlisting/Pre-PI) |
| IIM Calcutta | 4 Marks (In Shortlisting) |
| IIM Lucknow | 5 Marks (In Shortlisting) |
| IIM Indore | 6 Marks (In Shortlisting) |
| IIM Kozhikode | 10 Marks (In Shortlisting) |
| IIM Mumbai | NA |
| IIM Shillong | 10% Weightage |
| IIM Rohtak | 10% Weightage (or 10 Marks) |
| IIM Udaipur | 5 Marks |
| IIM Raipur | 7% Weightage |
| IIM Ranchi | 5 Marks |
| IIM Tiruchirappalli | 6% Weightage |
| IIM Kashipur | 6 Marks |
| IIM Nagpur | 10% Weightage |
| IIM Visakhapatnam | 10 Marks |
| IIM Amritsar | 10% Weightage |
| IIM Bodh Gaya | 12% Weightage |
| IIM Jammu | 8 Marks |
| IIM Sambalpur | 5 Marks |
| IIM Sirmaur | 5 Marks |
Also Check: IIMs Calls Out
Gender Diversity Score in IIMs: Old vs. New IIMs
While the older IIMs like BLACKI are gradually improving their ratios, the New and Baby IIMs are leading the charge with aggressive diversity policies.
- IIM Sambalpur and IIM Rohtak
IIM Rohtak made headlines in 2024 and 2025 with nearly 73-75% female representation. Similarly, IIM Sambalpur reached a staggering 76% female enrollment. These institutes use a combination of lower sectional cut-offs for women and high diversity points to achieve these numbers.
- IIM Bangalore and IIM Mumbai
IIM Mumbai (formerly NITIE) has seen its female intake jump from 21% to over 47% in the 2024-26 batch. IIM Bangalore maintains a healthy balance, often hitting the 35-40% mark, thanks to its 5-point gender diversity factor during the interview call stage.
- IIM Ahmedabad
IIM Ahmedabad remains one of the more “conservative” when it comes to explicit gender points, prioritizing Academic Diversity instead. However, even here, the female ratio has stabilized at around 27-30%, a significant rise from the 10-15% seen a decade ago.
Impact on CAT Cutoff for Female Candidates
One of the biggest advantages of the gender diversity score in IIMs is its impact on the required CAT percentile.
Because of the “bonus” points, a female candidate with a 97 percentile and a strong profile often has a better chance of converting an IIM Lucknow or IIM Kozhikode call than a male engineer with a 99.5 percentile but no diversity points.
Pro Tip: If you are a female aspirant with a non-engineering background, you are in the “Golden Bracket.” You may receive calls from Top IIMs at a percentile significantly lower than the general engineering male (GEM) category.
Does Gender Diversity Affect Placements?
Yes indeed! The corporate world is increasingly moving toward ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals. Companies like McKinsey, BCG, Goldman Sachs, and HUL have specific diversity hiring targets.
A higher female ratio in IIMs ensures that these companies can fulfill their diversity mandates directly from the campus, often leading to better average packages for female cohorts in specific sectors.
Conclusion
The gender diversity score in IIMs is a tool for equity, not just a shortcut. These diversity points have been introduced to address the gender imbalance in most IIMs. Think of it as a head start in a race. Well, to secure admission, you still have to run the race; i.e., you still need a good CAT score and a great performance in your interview.
For example, if you are a woman in STEM or a woman from a niche arts background, your “Academic + Gender” diversity points can be a game changer. Diversity points get you the call, but your performance in the PI/WAT converts it. Thus, focus on your strengths, clear your basics, and let your diversity work in your favor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a reserved quota for women in IIMs?
A: No, IIMs use a Gender Diversity Factor to award 2-10 extra points rather than a fixed seat quota.
Q: Can female candidates get IIM calls at a lower CAT percentile?
A: Yes, diversity points often allow women to receive interview calls at 2-3 percentile lower than male candidates.
Q: Is the gender diversity score applicable to transgender candidates?
A: Yes, almost all IIMs that offer gender diversity points extend the same benefits to transgender candidates.
