IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA): Admission Process 2026, Programs Offered, Eligibility, Cutoffs, Fees & Placements

Updated on 29th April 2026 / 12:50 p.m. / #IIMAhmedabad

Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, popularly known as IIMA, was established on December 11, 1961. It is one of India’s premier management institutes and the second oldest among the IIMs. The institute continues to uphold its legacy of excellence, securing a top position in the NIRF Rankings 2025 among leading B-schools in India.

IIM Ahmedabad offers a range of programs, including a two-year postgraduate program in management, a specialised program in Food & Agri-Business Management, and a one-year executive PGP. The fee for MBA programs at IIMA for the 2025–2027 batch typically ranges between ₹10 lakh and ₹35 lakh, depending on the course.

The institute also provides global exposure through student exchange programs in collaboration with reputed international B-schools. Candidates aspiring to join IIMA must meet the prescribed eligibility criteria and selection process.

Read further to explore detailed insights about IIM Ahmedabad and make an informed decision about your MBA journey.

About IIM Ahmedabad

IIM Ahmedabad has established itself as one of the world’s top business schools, built on the core principles of excellence and integrity. With active support from the Government of India, the Government of Gujarat, Harvard Business School, and various prominent members of the Indian industry, IIM Ahmedabad was established on 11 December 1961 in Gujarat. The IIM Ahmedabad campus, designed by renowned architects Louis Kahn and B.V. Doshi, is spread across 102 acres in Vastrapur.

As one of India’s oldest and most prestigious IIMs, it is highly regarded for its exceptional educational standards. With a legacy spanning 56 years, IIM Ahmedabad has been dedicated to shaping leaders, entrepreneurs, and managers who contribute significantly to organizations and society.

IIM Ahmedabad offers two-year postgraduate programs in Management and Food & Agri-business Management, as well as a one-year PGP program designed for executives. Additionally, the institute provides a range of other programs, including PhD, AFP, and FDP. Through its student exchange programs, IIMA collaborates with leading management institutes worldwide, providing global exposure to its students. Aspiring MBA candidates must excel in CAT exam to secure admission to this esteemed institute.


Courses Offered At IIM Ahmedabad

At IIM Ahmedabad, we offer a variety of world-class management programs designed to meet the needs of students, professionals, and executives at different stages of their careers. Our courses combine academic rigour, practical exposure, and a focus on leadership to prepare individuals for impactful careers in management.

IIM Ahmedabad PG Courses

IIM Ahmedabad offers a variety of world-class management programs designed to meet the needs of students, professionals, and executives at different stages of their careers. Their courses combine academic rigor, practical exposure, and a focus on leadership to prepare individuals for impactful careers in management.

1. Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP)

  • Duration: 2 years
    The flagship MBA program at IIM Ahmedabad is designed to develop the next generation of leaders. The PGP equips students with a deep understanding of management concepts and leadership skills through a comprehensive curriculum, case-based learning, and a focus on practical applications.
  • Eligibility:

Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks and a valid CAT score.

  • Specializations: 

Marketing, Finance, Operations, Strategy, Human Resources, and more.

2. Post Graduate Programme in Food and Agri-Business Management (PGP-FABM)

  • Duration: 2 years
    This specialized MBA program focuses on the dynamic food and agribusiness sectors. Combining core management education with industry-specific knowledge, the PGP-FABM prepares students for leadership roles in the food, agriculture, and related industries.
  • Eligibility:

Bachelor’s degree in any discipline and CAT scores

  • Career Paths: 

Food processing, agribusiness management, supply chain management, and more.

3. Post Graduate Programme for Executives (PGPX)

  • Duration: 2 year
    The PGPX is an Executive MBA program designed for mid-career professionals who seek to accelerate their leadership careers. With a global perspective, the program offers intensive learning in strategic leadership and business innovation.
  • Eligibility: Minimum 5 years of work experience, GMAT/GRE score, and academic qualifications.
  • Specializations: Global business, leadership strategy, and entrepreneurship.

4. Ph.D. in Management

  • Duration: 4-5 years
    The PhD program at IIMA is aimed at individuals who want to pursue careers in academic research or high-level industry research roles. The program offers an in-depth exploration of management theories and practices.
  • Eligibility:Master’s degree in any discipline or strong academic qualifications, along with a research proposal.
  • Focus Areas: Management, strategy, marketing, finance, operations, and organizational behavior.

5. Executive Education Programs

  • Duration: Varies (from a few days to several weeks)
    IIMA’s Executive Education programs are designed for professionals and organizations seeking to enhance their skills in leadership, strategy, finance, marketing, and more. Tailored to meet the needs of working professionals, these programs offer a flexible learning approach.
  • Eligibility: Professionals with significant work experience.
  • Program Formats: In-person, online, or hybrid.

6.Global Exposure: Student Exchange Programs

IIMA offers exchange programs with top management schools around the world, providing students with invaluable international exposure and a global perspective on business practices.


IIM Ahmedabad Admission Process 2026

The PGP admission process at IIM Ahmedabad (2025-27) will be carried out in 2 stages.

Stage 1: Shortlisting for AWT & PI

Candidates are shortlisted based on:

1.  Minimum CAT Requirements

  • Must meet sectional and overall CAT cut-offs
  • Must have positive raw scores in all CAT sections

2.  Composite Score (CS)

Shortlisting is done category-wise using:

CS = 0.65 × Normalized CAT Score + 0.35 × Application Rating (AR)

AR includes:

  • 10th marks
  • 12th marks
  • Bachelor’s degree marks
  • Work experience (quality & duration)

 Stage 2: Final Selection (After AWT & PI)

Candidates who appear for AWT & PI are selected based on the Final Composite Score (FCS).

FCS Formula

FCS = 0.50 × PI + 0.10 × AWT + 0.25 × CAT + 0.15 × AR

Notes:

  • PI has the highest weight (50%)
  • Selection happens separately for each category (GEN / NC-OBC / SC / ST / EWS / PwD)

Also Read: IIM Ahmedabad Selection Criteria 2026


IIM Ahmedabad Admission Criteria 2026

The admission process at IIM Ahmedabad is a rigorous and multi-stage evaluation designed to select the best candidates. It begins with shortlisting applicants based on their CAT scores, academic performance, and work experience. Shortlisted candidates are then invited to participate in the Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds.

1. Eligibility Criteria:

  • A bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) or an equivalent CGPA. 
  • Candidates appearing for their final year of graduation may also apply.

2. CAT Examination:

  • Applicants must appear for the Common Admission Test (CAT) conducted annually.
  • IIM Ahmedabad shortlists candidates based on their CAT composite score, academic performance, and work experience.

3. Shortlisting For AWT and PI:

  • Selected candidates are invited for the Analytical Writing Test (AWT) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds.
  • Shortlisting is based on a composite score that includes CAT performance, academic consistency, diversity factors, and work experience.

4. Final Selection:

The final selection of IIMA is based on a weighted score combining:

  • CAT percentile.
  • Performance in AWT and PI.
  • Academic and professional background.
  • Diversity and extracurricular achievements.
  • 5. Offer of Admission:

    • Successful candidates receive admission offers based on FCS ranking within their category.

    IIM Ahmedabad Fees For MBA

    IIM Ahmedabad offers a range of management programs with varying fee structures. Below is an overview of the fees for the Post Graduate Programme (PGP) and the Post Graduate Programme for Executives (PGPX):

    1. Post Graduate Programme (PGP):
      • Total Fee: Approximately ₹22 lakhs for the 2023-25 batch.
      • Components:
        • Tuition Fee: 19.35 lakhs approximately.
        • Additional Costs: Laptop, personal expenses, boarding, travel, clothing, and laundry are extra.
    1. Post Graduate Programme for Executives (PGPX):
      • Total Fee: For the 2023-24 batch, the fee was 31.5 lakhs for Single Student Housing (SSH) and 33.5 lakhs for Married Student Housing (MSH).
      • Components:
        • Tuition Fee: Included in the total fee.
        • Accommodation: Varies based on housing choice (SSH or MSH).
        • Additional Costs: International Immersion Programme (IIP) expenses, excluding travel and stay, are extra. Utilities such as electricity, telephone, laundry, and sports/gym subscriptions are additional and to be paid as per usage charges.

    Note: Fees are subject to change. For the most current information, please refer to the official IIM Ahmedabad website or contact the admissions office directly.


    IIM Ahmedabad Cutoffs 2025

    IIM Ahmedabad is one of India's top business schools and a highly desired destination for many CAT aspirants. It is best known for its prestigious 2-year MBA program, which attracts numerous fresh graduates, along with other specialised courses. Admissions to IIM Ahmedabad are based on entrance exams, merit, or a combination of both, depending on the program. The institute accepts scores from various entrance exams like CAT, GMAT, and IAT (for science students) for the different courses it offers.

    Here are the IIM Ahmedabad CAT Cutoffs 2025 for your reference, which go as follows:

    IIM Ahmedabad has established CAT 2025 minimum qualifying percentile cutoffs for shortlisting candidates for the Personal Interview (PI) round. These cutoffs vary by category and are as follows:

    IIM Ahmedabad Minimum Qualifying CAT Cutoff 2025

    Category

    Minimum Overall Percentile (Non-PwD)

    Minimum Sectional (VARC / DILR / QA)

    Min. Overall (PwD)

    Min. Sectional (PwD)

    General / EWS

    95

    85 each

    85

    75 each

    NC-OBC

    90

    80 each

    80

    70 each

    SC

    85

    75 each

    75

    65 each

    ST

    75

    65 each

    65

    55 each

    Note: VARC = Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension; DILR = Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning; QA = Quantitative Ability.

    Disclaimer: The cutoff figures, admission criteria, and percentile requirements mentioned on this page are subject to change every year

    These cutoffs are the minimum required to be eligible for the PI round. The final selection is based on a composite score that includes CAT performance, academic records, work experience, and other factors. The actual percentile required for final selection is typically higher than the qualifying cutoff.


    IIM Ahmedabad Merit List Compilation Criteria 2026

    The merit list for IIM Ahmedabad is based on the candidate's final composite score (FCS). The formula used to calculate FCS is as follows:

    FCS= Normalised PI score*PIF + Normalised AWT Score*AWTF + AR*ARF_FCS

    The above formula is broken down as follows:

    • Personal Interview Multiplication Factor (PIF) = 0.50
    • AWT Multiplication Factor (AWTF) = 0.10
    • CAT Score Multiplication Factor for Final Composite Score (CATF_FCS) = 0.25
    • Application Rating (AR) = Rating score of 10th + 12th + Bachelor’s degree + Work Experience
    • Application Rating Multiplication Factor for Final Composite Score (ARF_FCS) = 0.15

    Reservation Policy At IIM Ahmedabad

    IIM Ahmedabad follows the guidelines placed by the Government of India regarding reservation, as given below:

    IIM Ahmedabad Reservation Criteria 2026

    Category

    % Reservation

    NC-OBC

    27%

    Scheduled Caste

    15%

    Scheduled Tribe

    7.5%

    PwD

    5%

    EWS

    10%

    Read in Detail: IIM Ahmedabad Placement Report 2026


    IIM Ahmedabad Placement 2026 (Final Placements)

    The placement process was conducted in two stages:

    1. Lateral Placements

    Firms recruit students with prior work experience for mid-level managerial roles. About 61% of the batch was eligible for the lateral process, with participation from 36 companies, including technology, consulting, BFSI, analytics, and product-sector firms.

    2. Final Cluster-Based Placements

    Firms are grouped into cohorts based on job profiles and invited in clusters.


    IIM Ahmedabad Placement Season Highlights 2026 (Updated)

    Parameter

    2026 Details

    Placement Rate

    100%

    Total Cohorts

    26

    Placement Process

    Lateral + Final (Cluster-Cohort System)

    Lateral Placement Period

    January 5-15, 2026

    Final Placement Clusters

    Feb 4, Feb 6, Feb 9, 2026

    Largest Recruiter (Consulting)

    Boston Consulting Group (33 offers)

    Largest Recruiter (Laterals)

    FinIQ Consulting (15 offers)

    Top Conglomerate Recruiter

    Essar Group (8 offers)

    Dream Applications Made

    150+


    IIM Ahmedabad Sector-Wise Placement Report 2026 (Updated)

    Cohort

    Growth in Offers (vs. Previous Year)

    Analytics & IT Consulting

    +150%

    Consumer Services

    +150%

    Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare

    +60%

    Advisory Consulting

    +45%

    PE/VC & Asset Management

    +45%

    Renewable Energy & Greentech

    +50%

    Fintech

    +36%

    Conglomerates

    +41%

    Core Manufacturing & Infrastructure

    +33%

    Consulting continues to dominate placements with the highest share.

    Disclaimer: It is advisable to check the IIM Ahmedabad official website for data related information because they are subject to changes.

FAQS

IIM Fee Structure: The IIM fees for the years 2023-2025 vary from Rs. 10 lakhs to Rs. 35 lakhs, depending on the specific program chosen by students. There are multiple payment options available nowadays that actually benefit the students' liability. Additionally, there are multiple scholarships available that students can avail themselves of based on their eligibility.

IIM Ahmedabad, also known as IIMA, is the second-oldest IIM. It was ranked number 1 by NIRF 2025 among the top 100 Indian B-Schools. With active support from the Government of India, the Government of Gujarat, Harvard Business School, and various prominent members of the Indian industry, IIM Ahmedabad was established on 11 December 1961 in Gujarat. The IIM Ahmedabad campus, designed by renowned architects Louis Kahn and B.V. Doshi, is spread across 102 acres in Vastrapur. It is the dream B-school and a place to aspire to for leading CAT aspirants.

Yes. IIM Ahmedabad has consistently achieved 100% placements for students who opt into the campus placement process

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