IIM Waitlist Movement 2026: Getting a shortlist from an IIM is a big milestone, but what if you end up on the waitlist?
If you’re someone currently waiting and refreshing your inbox every hour, don’t worry. You’re not alone. The IIM waitlist movement is a very real part of the B-school admission process, and it plays a critical role in who finally gets that dream call converted.
This blog will surely make you understand what an IIM waitlist movement means, how it has played out in the past, and what trends you can expect in 2026.
Table of Contents
What Is IIM Waitlist Movement?
Waitlist movement refers to the number of candidates who get offers of admission after initially being waitlisted. When someone who’s been offered admission chooses not to join, that seat is offered to a waitlisted candidate. This chain reaction continues until all seats are filled.
To sum it up –someone else’s “No” could be your “Yes.”
Also Check: IIM Results 2026
IIM Waitlist Movement Analysis
Waitlist movements vary widely across different IIMs. Here’s a quick look at some of the movements seen over the last few years:
|
List of IIMs |
Approx. Waitlist Movement (Recent Years) |
| 40–60 | |
| IIM Bangalore |
30–50 |
| 60–100+ | |
| IIM Lucknow |
100–200+ |
| 200–300+ | |
| IIM Kozhikode |
250–400+ |
| 300–500+ | |
| New IIMs (IIM Udaipur, Raipur, Trichy, etc.) |
300–1000+ |
Note: These are indicative numbers based on public data, past years, and expert observation. Actual numbers may vary.
IIM Waitlist Movement Past Year Trends (2025)
Although past trends don’t guarantee what will happen in the future, they can provide useful insights. Here’s a summary of waitlist movement trends for different IIMs and admission categories of IIM Waitlist Movement 2025, for your reference:
IIM Ahmedabad Waitlist Movement
| Category | Movement |
|---|---|
| General | 27 |
| NC-OBC | 14 |
| SC | — |
| ST | — |
| EWS | 2 |
| PwD | 7 |
Also Check: IIM Ahmedabad Result 2026
IIM Bangalore Waitlist Movement
| Category | Movement |
|---|---|
| General | 61 |
| NC-OBC | 28 |
| SC | — |
| ST | — |
| EWS | 16 |
| PwD | 10 |
IIM Lucknow Waitlist Movement
| Category | Movement |
|---|---|
| General | — |
| NC-OBC | — |
| SC | — |
| ST | — |
| EWS | — |
| PwD | — |
IIM Kozhikode Waitlist Movement
| Category | Movement |
|---|---|
| General | 193 |
| NC-OBC | 84 |
| SC | — |
| ST | — |
| EWS | 21 |
| PwD | 7 |
IIM Indore Waitlist Movement
| Category | Movement |
|---|---|
| General | 802 |
| NC-OBC | — |
| SC | — |
| ST | — |
| EWS | 102 |
| PwD | 68 |
IIM Mumbai Waitlist Movement
| Category | Movement |
|---|---|
| General | 287 |
| NC-OBC | — |
| SC | — |
| ST | — |
| EWS | 40 |
| PwD | 5 |
IIM Trichy Waitlist Movement
| Category | Movement |
|---|---|
| General | 192 |
| NC-OBC | — |
| SC | — |
| ST | — |
| EWS | 53 |
| PwD | 13 |
IIM Udaipur Waitlist Movement
| Category | Movement |
|---|---|
| General | — |
| NC-OBC | — |
| SC | — |
| ST | — |
| EWS | — |
| PwD | — |
IIM Kashipur Waitlist Movement
| Category | Movement |
|---|---|
| General | — |
| NC-OBC | — |
| SC | — |
| ST | — |
| EWS | — |
| PwD | — |
IIM Jammu Waitlist Movement
| Category | Movement |
|---|---|
| General | 437 |
| NC-OBC | — |
| SC | — |
| ST | — |
| EWS | 74 |
| PwD | 3 |
Note: These are the waitlist movement as per last year; the figures for this year may vary depending on the admission number.
Factors Influencing IIM Waitlist Movement 2026
Several factors come into play when it comes to IIM waitlist movement in 2025, including applicant profile strength, admission trends, and overall program dynamics, which are as follows:
1. Overlapping Converts
Many candidates convert to multiple IIMs and then pick one. For instance, someone with calls from IIM A, B, and L may choose A—opening up a seat at B and L for others.
2. Joining Rates
Some IIMs see lower joining rates than others (especially newer IIMs), which leads to larger waitlist movements.
3. Category-Wise Movement
Reserved category waitlists (SC, ST, NC-OBC, EWS) often have higher movement due to fewer initial acceptances.
4. Program Preference
Some IIMs offer multiple programs (e.g., PGPM, FABM, PGPBA). Movement also depends on how candidates rank these options.
What To Expect from the IIM Waitlist Movement 2026?
While the official waitlist numbers are not out yet, based on historical trends and current dynamics:
- Top IIMs (A, B, C): Low to moderate waitlist movement (20–100).
- Mid-tier IIMs (L, I, K): Moderate to high waitlist movement (100–300).
- Newer IIMs: Higher movement expected (400–1000+), depending on batch strength and joining rates.
The exact movement will also depend on how many candidates opt for private colleges, international B-schools, or defer admissions.
What Should IIM Waitlisted Candidates Do?
If you’re waitlisted, stay hopeful and do the following:
- Keep track of waitlist updates on the IIM websites
- Respond to emails/calls immediately
- Have all documents ready (just in case)
- Stay mentally prepared for late offers (some offers come even in June-July!)
Conclusion
The IIM waitlist movement is a game of patience. Each year, hundreds of students from the waitlist make it to their dream IIM—and 2025 will be no different.
So, don’t lose hope. Keep your fingers crossed, your phone handy, and your spirits high!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the IIM waitlist?
A: The IIM waitlist is a list of candidates who didn’t get an initial acceptance but may be offered a seat if someone who was accepted decides not to join.
Q: How does the IIM waitlist move?
A: The movement of the waitlist depends on various factors, including how many candidates are on the waitlist, how many admitted students accept their offers, and specific details of each program or category.
Q: What are some tips for IIM waitlisted students?
A: Stay positive, keep your documents ready, regularly check in with the admissions office, and be ready to accept an offer quickly if it comes your way.
Q: Does the IIM waitlist movement vary by category?
A: Yes, the waitlist movement can differ greatly between various IIMs, programs, and admission categories such as general, EWS, OBC, SC, and ST.
