IIM JAP Stage 1 Calls Out: The IIM JAP Stage 1 calls are out, marking an important milestone in the IIM admission process after CAT. Candidates who opted for the Joint Admission Process (JAP) while filling the CAT application and met the basic eligibility requirements can now proceed to the next stage of the selection process.
This announcement notes that eligible candidates are invited to register for the IIM Joint Admission Process (JAP). Registration is a mandatory step to be considered for subsequent shortlisting stages, including interview shortlists, which are announced later based on institute-specific criteria.
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What Is the IIM Joint Admission Process (JAP)?
The Joint Admission Process (JAP) is a common admission framework adopted by a group of Indian Institutes of Management to streamline the early stages of MBA admissions. Instead of multiple independent application processes, JAP allows candidates to apply through a single, coordinated system.
Under JAP:
- Candidates apply via the CAT application form
- Eligible candidates are invited to register for JAP after CAT results
- Further shortlisting and interviews are conducted based on institute-specific criteria
The process reduces duplication while still allowing each IIM to maintain its own final selection parameters.
What Does Stage 1 Call Mean?
An IIM JAP Stage 1 call indicates that:
- You selected JAP-participating IIMs in your CAT application
- You meet the minimum eligibility criteria prescribed by the IIMs
- You are invited to register for the JAP admission process
An IIM JAP Stage 2 call: Final Interview Call.
It is important to note that Stage 1 is not an interview shortlist. It is an eligibility and registration stage that allows candidates to move forward in the admission process.
If candidates fail to complete registration after receiving a Stage Failure to complete registration after receiving a Stage 1 call may result in disqualification from further stages.
IIM JAP Admission Process After Stage 1
Once Stage 1 registration is completed, the admission process typically moves forward in the following manner:
- Shortlisting for Interviews
Participating IIMs shortlist candidates for Personal Interview (PI) rounds based on CAT scores, academic background, work experience, and other criteria. - Personal Interview Process
Shortlisted candidates appear for PI rounds as scheduled by the institutes. - Final Selection and Offers
Final admission offers are made after combining CAT scores, PI performance, academic profile, and other weightages as per each IIM’s admission policy.
Each IIM releases its final merit list independently, even though the initial stages are conducted jointly.
Also Check: CAT GD-PI-WAT Preparation
Which IIMs Use the JAP Process?
IIM Kashipur, IIM Raipur, IIM Ranchi, and IIM Tiruchirappalli participate in the Joint Admission Process. The list of participating institutes and the coordinating IIM are officially notified each year on their respective websites and admission portals.
Candidates are advised to check official IIM communication for institute-specific updates, deadlines, and instructions.
IIM JAP Cutoff 2026 for Calls (Stage 1 Eligibility)
To receive the IIM JAP Stage 1 Call 2026, candidates must meet minimum CAT percentile for different categories.
| JAP IIMs | General Cutoff | EWS/OBC Cutoff | SC/ST/PWD Cutoff |
| IIM Raipur | 95 | 88 | 80 |
| IIM Ranchi | 96 | 90 | 80 |
| IIM Kashipur | 96 | 90 | 80 |
| IIM Tiruchirapalli | 96 | 90 | 80 |
Why IIM JAP Stage 1 Is Important?
Receiving a Stage 1 call:
- Confirms that your CAT performance meets minimum benchmarks
- Keeps you eligible for multiple IIMs through a single process
- Signals progression in the highly competitive IIM admission journey
While it does not guarantee an interview call, it is a necessary step toward final admission.
Conclusion
The release of IIM JAP Stage 1 calls marks an important checkpoint in the IIM admission journey after CAT. While it does not indicate interview shortlisting, it confirms that candidates meet the basic eligibility criteria and are required to complete the registration process to stay in contention. Aspirants should carefully follow official communication, adhere to deadlines, and prepare for the subsequent shortlisting stages. At this point, timely action and informed preparation are key to progressing further in the IIM selection process.
Read More: IIM Admission Process After CAT | IIM with 85% in CAT
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is IIM JAP Stage 1?
Stage 1 is the eligibility and registration stage of the Joint Admission Process, where candidates meeting minimum criteria are invited to register for further selection rounds.
Q2. Does a Stage 1 call mean I have an interview call?
No. Stage 1 only confirms eligibility. Interview shortlists are released later based on additional criteria.
Q3. Is registration mandatory after receiving a Stage 1 call?
Yes. Candidates must complete registration within the specified deadline to remain eligible for further rounds.
Q4. Are all IIMs part of the JAP process?
No. Only select IIMs participate in JAP. Each year’s participating institutes are officially announced.
Q5. Is CAT the only exam considered for IIM JAP?
Yes. Admission to IIMs under JAP is based exclusively on CAT scores, along with other profile components.
