The IIMs Calls Out 2026 process has officially begun after the declaration of CAT 2025 results on 24 December 2025. Every year, Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) release their interview shortlists (WAT/PI calls) in phases, starting from January. These calls decide which candidates move to the final stage of the MBA admission process for the 2026-28 batch.
In this blog, we provide a clear IIM-wise status of calls released so far, along with expected dates for upcoming IIM shortlists, interview timelines, and what candidates should do next.
Table of Contents
What are IIM Calls 2026?
“IIM Calls Out” means that an IIM has released its interview shortlist for MBA admissions. Candidates who receive a call are invited for the WAT/PI (Written Ability Test / Personal Interview) round. These calls are issued based on CAT score, academics, work experience, diversity factors, and institute-specific criteria. Getting a call makes you eligible for the interview stage, but final selection depends on overall performance.
IIM Shortlist 2026: Interview Calls Released & Upcoming Dates
After the declaration of CAT 2025 results, IIMs have started releasing institute-wise interview shortlists for the next stage of the admission process. While some IIMs have already issued their WAT/PI calls, others are expected to release their shortlists shortly, following their individual admission timelines.
The table below highlights the current status of IIM interview calls, along with the expected release window for institutes that are yet to announce their shortlists for the MBA 2026-28 batch.
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IIM Interview Calls Status – 2026 Admissions |
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| IIM | Current Status | Call Release Period |
| IIM Ahmedabad | Calls & Qualifying Cutoffs Out | Jan 8, 2026 |
| IIM Calcutta | Calls & Qualifying Cutoffs Out | Jan 8, 2026 |
| IIM Lucknow | Calls & Qualifying Cutoffs Out | Jan 10, 2026 |
| IIM Sambalpur | Calls Out | Jan 8, 2026 |
| IIM Vizag | Stage 1 Shortlist Out | Jan 6, 2026; Application open till Jan 23, 2026 |
| IIM Udaipur | Calls Out | Jan 8, 2026; PI Registration by Jan 13, 2026 |
| IIM Amritsar | Pre-PI Application Active | Jan 5, 2026; Registration Deadline: January 16, 2026 |
| IIM Rohtak | Application Process Closed | Application deadline Jan 9, 2026 |
| IIM Banglore | Interview Calls out | January 13, 2026 |
| IIM Indore | Interview Calls out | January 14, 2026 |
Upcoming / Ongoing IIM Processes (Calls Yet to Be Released)
The following IIMs have not released their interview calls yet and are expected to announce shortlists in the coming days/weeks as part of CAP, JAP or institute-specific admission processes.
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IIMs with Upcoming Interview Calls – 2026 |
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| IIM | Admission Process | Status of “Actual” Interview Calls | Expected Call Timeline |
| IIM Kozhikode | Individual Process | Stage 1 (Reg) closed | Late January 2026 |
| IIM Mumbai | Individual Process | Not yet released | Late January 2026 |
| IIM Bodh Gaya | CAP 2026 | Registration opens Jan 14; PI calls later | PI calls expected Jan 30, 2026 |
| IIM Jammu | CAP 2026 | Registration opens Jan 14; PI calls later | PI calls expected Jan 30, 2026 |
| IIM Sirmaur | CAP 2026 | Registration opens Jan 14; PI calls later | PI calls expected Jan 30, 2026 |
| IIM Ranchi | JAP 2026 | Stage 1 (Reg) Out; Stage 2 (PI) Pending | PI calls expected Jan 30, 2026 |
| IIM Ranchi | JAP 2026 | Stage 1 (Reg) Out; Stage 2 (PI) Pending | PI calls expected Jan 30, 2026 |
| IIM Kashipur | JAP 2026 | Stage 1 (Reg) Out; Stage 2 (PI) Pending | PI calls expected Jan 30, 2026 |
| IIM Tiruchirappalli | JAP 2026 | Stage 1 (Reg) Out; Stage 2 (PI) Pending | PI calls expected Jan 30, 2026 |
Important Note
- CAP-based IIMs release interview calls together through the CAP portal.
- JAP-based IIMs release interview calls together through the JAP portal.
- Individual-process IIMs release their calls separately on their official websites.
- Interview rounds for these IIMs are expected to be conducted between February and March 2026.
CAP vs JAP vs Individual IIM Admission Process
Not all IIMs follow the same admission process after CAT results. For MBA admissions 2026-28, IIMs conduct interviews through three different routes:
- Individual IIM Process
- CAP (Common Admission Process)
- JAP (Joint Admission Process)
Understanding this difference is important because it decides how interview calls are released, how many interviews you attend, and where you need to apply.
1. Individual IIM Admission Process
These IIMs conduct their own shortlisting and interview process independently. Candidates must track each IIM’s website separately for calls, registrations, and interview schedules.
IIMs with Individual Process (14 IIMs)
- IIM Ahmedabad
- IIM Bangalore
- IIM Calcutta
- IIM Lucknow
- IIM Indore
- IIM Kozhikode
- IIM Mumbai
- IIM Rohtak
- IIM Udaipur
- IIM Nagpur
- IIM Sambalpur
- IIM Visakhapatnam
- IIM Amritsar
- IIM Shillong
2. CAP – Common Admission Process
CAP is a centralised interview process conducted for a group of new and baby IIMs. Candidates shortlisted through CAT need to register once on the CAP portal, and a single PI is used by all participating IIMs.
IIMs Participating in CAP 2026 (3 IIMs)
- IIM Bodh Gaya
- IIM Jammu
- IIM Sirmaur
3. JAP – Joint Admission Process
JAP is another common interview framework, but it is followed by a smaller group of IIMs. Similar to CAP, candidates appear for a single interview, which is used by all JAP-participating IIMs.
IIMs Under JAP 2026 (4 IIMs)
- IIM Kashipur
- IIM Raipur
- IIM Trichy (Tiruchirapalli)
- IIM Ranchi
Also Check: IIM JAP Stage-1 Calls Out
CAP vs JAP vs Individual Comparison (2026)
| Feature | Individual Process | CAP 2026 | JAP 2026 |
| Interview Type | Separate for each IIM | One common PI | One common PI |
| Application Mode | Individual IIM websites | CAP 2026 Portal | JAP 2026 Portal |
| Registration | Mandatory on each site | Single CAP registration | Mandatory on JAP portal |
| No. of Interviews | Multiple (one per IIM) | Single (score shared) | Single (score shared) |
| Participating IIMs | 14 IIMs (BLACKI + 8 others) | 3-4 Baby IIMs | 4 New IIMs |
What After IIM Calls Out 2026?
Once IIM interview calls are released, candidates must act quickly, as most IIMs follow strict deadlines for registrations, slot booking, and document submission. Missing any step can lead to automatic disqualification, even after receiving a call.
Here’s what you should do next:
1. Check Official IIM Portals & Emails
- Visit the official website of the IIM(s) that have released your call.
- Download the call letter / shortlist notification.
- Check your registered email ID (including spam folder) regularly.
2. Complete Registration & Slot Booking
- Some IIMs require separate PI/WAT registration after the call.
- CAP/JAP-based IIMs require portal-level registration.
- Select your interview slot and location (if applicable) within the deadline.
3. Keep Documents Ready
Most IIMs ask for document verification before or during interviews. Keep these ready:
- CAT scorecard
- Class 10th, 12th & graduation marksheets
- Work experience certificates (if applicable)
- Category / PwD certificates (if applicable)
4. Start PI & WAT Preparation Immediately
- Interview rounds usually begin from February and continue till March 2026.
- Prepare answers for:
- Why MBA & career goals
- Academic background
- Work experience (if any)
- Current affairs & general awareness
- Revise your resume thoroughly.
Also Read: GD-PI-WAT Preparation
5. Track CAP & JAP Updates (If Applicable)
- CAP/JAP interviews allow one common PI for multiple IIMs.
- Missing CAP/JAP registration can cost you multiple IIM opportunities at once.
- Monitor official CAP/JAP portals closely.
Conclusion – IIM Calls Out 2026
The IIM Calls Out 2026 phase is a key step in the MBA admission process. While interview calls have started rolling out, candidates must track institute-wise updates, complete registrations on time, and prepare well for the PI/WAT rounds. Getting a call is important, but final selection depends on interview performance and overall profile.
Read More: IIM Ahmedabad CAT Cutoff 2025 | IIM Bangalore CAT Cutoff 2025
FAQs
Q: Do all IIMs release interview calls at the same time?
A: No. IIMs release interview calls in phases based on their individual, CAP, or JAP admission processes.
Q: Does receiving an IIM call guarantee final admission?
A: No. An interview call only makes you eligible for the PI/WAT round; final selection depends on overall performance and profile evaluation.
Q: What should I do if I receive calls from multiple IIMs?
A: You should complete registration for all calls and plan interview preparation carefully, as each IIM has its own selection criteria.
Q: Can I still get an IIM call if I haven’t received one yet?
A: Yes. Many IIMs release shortlists in multiple phases, especially through CAP and JAP processes.

