IIM Calcutta Cutoff CAT 2025 & Selection Process: Check Category-wise cutoff & Admission Criteria

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Chanpreet Kaur

Content Writer | MBA Professional | Updated on - Dec 1, 2025

The Minimum Overall CAT Percentile for IIM Calcutta to be eligible for WAT and PI is 85% for the general category, along with specific sectional requirements.

The IIM Calcutta overall cutoff for OBC & EWS Candidates is 75%, 70% for SC, 65% for ST and 55% for PwD Candidates. These are the qualifying cutoffs to be shortlisted for the next round, and for getting admission, both the overall and sectional cutoff is required.

  • The IIM Calcutta will follow a multi-step selection process, in which the candidates who meet the minimum CAT Cutoff will be considered for WAT-PI Shortlisting.
  • The Final Merit List of IIM Calcutta will be calculated according to the composite score, which includes CAT Performance, Class 10th & 12th Score, gender and academic diversity.

To Secure admission in IIM Calcutta, along with a high CAT Percentile, you should also be good in academics, have strong communication skills for WAT & PI, and required work experience.

IIM Calcutta Cutoff

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Key Summary

In this Article, we have discussed about IIM cutoff and selection process along with the previous-year cutoff analysis.

  • For IIM Calcutta, the minimum CAT Cutoff for the general category is 85 percentile, sectional cutoffs of 80-80-75 for (VARC–DILR–QA).
  • The Shortlisting for WAT-PI Round will require 95+ percentile for the general category, 90+ for OBC/EWS and 80-85+ for SC/ST Candidates.
  • The Weightage of CAT Score is around 55 to 60% weightage, which is the highest among all.
  • The CAT Cutoff can change every year according to the CAT Difficulty, the number of candidates and seat competition.

IIM Calcutta Qualifying CAT Cutoff 2025

The IIM Calcutta Qualifying cutoff for CAT 2025 will check if a candidate is eligible for the WAT and PI Shortlisting Stage. To be eligible, you should meet all 3 sectional cutoffs, as IIM Calcutta focuses on profile balance rather than overall high score.

The Qualifying Cutoff for IIM Calcutta is the first stage, and the students will be shortlisted if they score above the minimum percentile because of high competition.

Minimum Qualifying Percentile required by IIM Calcutta:

  • The Shortlisting range is higher for candidates, as even if the minimum percentile required is 85, to get a call for WAT-PI the generally candidates should aim for 98+ percentiles.
  • If you fail in any one section, you will automatically be eliminated from the admission process.
  • By having a strong 10th & 12th percentage, your shortlisting chances will be improved.
Category Overall CAT Percentile ≥ VARC ≥ DILR ≥ QA ≥
General Category 85 80 80 75
OBC/EWS Category 75 70 65 65
SC Category 70 65 60 60
ST Category 65 55 55 55
PwD Category 55 45 45 45

Source:https://www.iimcal.ac.in/programs/pgp/admission/admission-policy/admission-procedure-for-domestic-candidates

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Ques. Do sectional cutoff percentiles also matter for IIM Calcutta admission?

Ans. Yes, IIM Calcutta does not shortlist candidates on the basis of overall CAT Percentile. Sectional cutoffs are equally important to ensure the balanced performance.

  • Ensures candidates are strong in VARC, DILR & QA, not just one section
  • Even with a 99+ overall percentile, failing a section cutoff can lead to rejection
  • Cutoffs vary each year based on difficulty and competition

IIM Calcutta Sectional Cutoff (Expected)

Category VARC DILR QA
General 80 80 75
NC-OBC/EWS 75 75 70
SC/ST/PwD 65 65 60

Ques. Will meeting the minimum cutoff guarantee a PI call from IIM Calcutta?

Ans. No, by meeting the cutoff will not make them eligible and guarantee for PI/WAT Selection.

The Shortlisting will be based on the compositie score, which includes:

  • CAT score weightage: 56–60%
  • Class 10 & 12 marks: 40%
  • Gender diversity: Additional points

IIM Calcutta Cutoff CAT 2025: Maximum Percentile required for Admission

The IIM Calcutta has released the minimum qualifying percentile, but the actual percentile for the WAT-PI Call is higher because of high competition and will be released after the results are declared.

As per the recent admission analysis, the candidates who will be shortlisted for IIM Calcutta will have to score in high percentile brackets, showing strong performance in all 3 CAT Sections.

IIM Calcutta Cutoff Percentile (Expected)

  • The Competition for the general category candidate is very high; the shortlisted candidates will have more than 99+ percentiles.
  • For the reserved category candidates, a percentile of around 85 to 95% is required to get an admission call.
Category VARC DILR QA Expected Overall Percentile for Shortlist
General 90–95% 90–95% 90–95% 98–100%
NC-OBC / EWS 85–90% 85–90% 85–90% 95–98%
SC 80–85% 80–85% 80–85% 90–95%
ST / PwD 75–85% 75–85% 75–85% 85–92%

Also, Check:

Check: CAT Percentile Predictor

Ques. Does the CAT cutoff increase if the number of applicants is higher?

Ans. Yes, cutoff level changes and are influenced by the overall competition. When more candidates do well, and no. of candidates increases, the shortlisting becomes more competitive.

Competition Impact in the last 4 Years

Year Total Applicants Difficulty Level Trend in Cutoff
2024 High Moderate Increased slightly
2023 Very High Moderate Hard Increased more
2022 Medium Hard Slightly lower
2021 Lower Moderate Stable

Ques. Is work experience and academic profile also considered along with cutoff?

Ans. Cutoff is the eligibility step for IIM Calcutta. For selection, you have to use composite score including academics and work profile.

Evaluation Criteria Weightage

Parameter Weightage in Shortlisting
CAT Score 56–60%
Class 10 Marks 20%
Class 12 Marks 20%
Gender Diversity Additional points
Work Experience Considered at the final stage

IIM Calcutta Category-Wise CAT Cutoff 2025: Section-Wise Percentile for WAT/PI Shortlisting

The IIM Calcutta will set the category-wise and overall percentiles for shortlisting the candidates to the WAT and Personal Interview rounds.

Check below the section-wise cutoff for each category for admission in IIM Calcutta:

IIM Calcutta Cutoff for the general category

Section Minimum Percentile
VARC (Section I) ≥ 80
DILR (Section-II) ≥ 80
QA (Section-III) ≥ 75
Overall ≥ 85

IIM Calcutta Cutoff for the EWS Category

Section Minimum Percentile
VARC (Section I) ≥ 70
DILR (Section-II) ≥ 65
QA (Section-III) ≥ 65
Overall ≥ 75

IIM Calcutta Cutoff for OBC Category

Section Minimum Percentile
VARC (Section I) ≥ 70
DILR (Section-II) ≥ 65
QA (Section-III) ≥ 65
Overall ≥ 75

IIM Calcutta Cutoff for SC Category

Section Minimum Percentile
VARC (Section I) ≥ 65
DILR (Section-II) ≥ 60
QA (Section-III) ≥ 60
Overall ≥ 70

IIM Calcutta Cutoff for ST Category

Section Minimum Percentile
VARC (Section I) ≥ 55
DILR (Section-II) ≥ 55
QA (Section-III) ≥ 55
Overall ≥ 65

IIM Calcutta Cutoff for PwD Category

Section Minimum Percentile
VARC (Section I) ≥ 45
DILR (Section-II) ≥ 45
QA (Section-III) ≥ 45
Overall ≥ 55

Check:

Ques. Is the cutoff for female candidates lower under the diversity quota?

Ans. No, the Cutoffs are same for both male and female candidates. IIM Calcutta do not have any sectional or overall percentile criteria for female candidates.

  • Whereas, females have diversity points to improve their overall composite score.
  • The Gender diversity will be added during the composite score calculation.

Ques. Does the cutoff change every year based on CAT difficulty and applicants?

Ans. Yes, the CAT Cutoff will fluctuate because of competition and difficulty level. If CAT is easier or a higher number of candidates score high marks, the cutoff will rise.

Factor Impact on Cutoff
Higher Number of Applicants Increased competitiveness - Higher cutoff
Easier Paper Difficulty More high scorers - Cutoff rises
Seats vs Applicants Ratio Lower seat availability - Higher cutoff
Sectional Score Trends Stronger section scores - Higher sectional percentile

Ques. Which section usually has the highest sectional cutoff for IIM Calcutta?

Ans. As per the previous year analysis, the VARC Section, has the strictest sectional cutoff along with DILR and QA.

Section-Wise Trend

Section Difficulty Trend Typical Cutoff Impact
VARC Performance improves year-on-year Highest sectional percentile
DILR Unpredictable Moderate cutoff
QA Often toughest for many aspirants Slightly lower cutoff

IIM Calcutta Composite Score cutoff

The IIM Calcutta will evaluate the candidates for final admissions by using a composite score which combines the CAT Performance, academics, work experience, diversity factors and WAT/PI Performance.

The sectional and overall CAT Percentiles will determine the shortlisting, whereas the composite score will decide the final selection.

IIM Calcutta Expected Composite Score Cutoff (Category-Wise)

Category Expected Composite Score Cutoff (Out of 100)
General / OPEN 95–98
EWS 92–96
NC-OBC 90–95
SC 85–92
ST 80–88
PwD 75–85

IIM Calcutta: Selection and Admission Process 2025

The IIM Calcutta follows a multi-stage admission process, which will test the candidates according to different criteria. After the shortlisting based on CAT, candidates will be assessed by WAT, PI, Academics, Work experience and diverse factors.

The IIM Calcutta final selection is based on a composite score, which ensures balanced merit and profile.

Stage 1: CAT Shortlisting

The First stage for IIM Calcutta shortlisting will be on the basis of CAT Scores and sectional cutoffs. If you meet the category-wise cutoff, you will be eligible for WAT/PI.

  • General category: typically needs ≥ 85 overall percentile with sectionals VARC ≥ 80, DILR ≥ 80, QA ≥ 75.
  • EWS & NC-OBC: overall ≥ 75, VARC ≥ 70, DILR & QA ≥ 65.
  • SC: overall ≥ 70, VARC ≥ 65, DILR & QA ≥ 60.
  • ST: overall ≥ 65, all sections ≥ 55.
  • PwD: overall ≥ 55, all sections ≥ 45.

Stage 2: Written Ability Test (WAT)

The Candidates shortlisted have to take part in WAT, which will test the candidates' communication skills, clarity of thought, and ability to give different ideas. This will make a major contribution to the composite score.

  • The Candidates should be consistent in language, structure and clarity.
  • The WAT Scores are combined with the PI Performance for the final selection.
Component Weightage / Evaluation
Written Ability Test 10–15% of composite score
Key Assessment Structure, clarity, argument, and vocabulary

Stage 3: Personal Interview (PI)

The PI will test your personality, academic knowledge, motivation, leadership and good fit for IIM Calcutta’s culture. It has the most impact on the final selection after the CAT Exam.

  • Even if you have high CAT Scores, you will be rejected if your PI Performance is weak.
  • Leadership and Extracurricular activities will be tested during PI.
  • You should be prepared on the current affairs, academics and career goals to improve your chances.
Component Weightage / Evaluation
Personal Interview 15–20% of composite score
Key Assessment Communication, confidence, problem-solving, leadership, and profile

Stage 4: Academic & Profile Evaluation

For calculating the final score, the academic score, work experience and other factors will be used for score calculation.

  • Your academic consistency and weightage for 10th, 12th and UG will be added in the composite score.
  • Gender and Academic diversity will influence your final selection as well.
Component Weightage / Evaluation
10th & 12th Scores 5–10%
Graduation Score 5–10%
Work Experience 5–10%
Gender & Academic Diversity 5%

Stage 5: Final Composite Score & Admission

Component Weightage (%)
CAT Score 50–55
WAT 10–15
PI 15–20
Academics 10–15
Work Experience 5–10
Diversity (Gender/Academic) 5

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IIM Calcutta Eligibility Criteria for Admission in PGP

Before you apply for IIM Calcutta, you should meet the proper academic and eligibility criteria. If you meet these criteria, you will be eligible to register for the entrance exam and will be considered for further selection rounds.

IIM Calcutta Basic Eligibility Requirements

Requirement Details / Conditions
Undergraduate Degree Must hold a bachelor’s degree (minimum 3-year duration) or equivalent from a recognised university/institution.
Minimum Academic Performance Satisfactory academic record — typically an aggregate or percentage/grade as per institute norms (depends on issuing university; applicants in final year must clear by deadline).
Final Year / Appearing Students Students in their final year or awaiting final results are eligible to apply; they must submit proof of passing/degree by the stipulated date before admission.
CAT Registration & Valid Score Must register for and appear in the Common Admission Test (CAT) and secure the minimum sectional/overall cutoffs set for shortlisting.
Shortlisting Cutoffs & Criteria Compliance Must meet category-wise and section-wise CAT cutoffs (VARC, DILR, QA + overall) to be shortlisted for WAT/PI.
Document Verification & Eligibility Confirmation Must produce original documents (degree certificates, category certificate if applicable, PwD certificate if applicable, etc.) at the time of final admission to confirm eligibility.

What to Know About IIM Calcutta Placements 2025?

The IIM Calcutta is one of the most demanded colleges for MBA Graduates across different sectors in India. The IIM Calcutta Placements 2025 offered competitive salary packages and diverse roles in different sectors.

IIM Calcutta Placements 2025

Metric / Parameter Value / Outcome (2025)
Batch Size (PGP 2023–25) 500–550 students (approximate standard batch size — subject to year)
Students Placed 95–98% (majority of batch secured PPOs / offers)
Highest Domestic Package (CTC) ₹ 74–76 LPA (varies slightly by role & company)
Average Domestic Package (Mean CTC) ₹ 27–30 LPA
Median Domestic Package ₹ 24–26 LPA
Top Recruiter Sectors Consulting, Finance & Banking, Technology/IT, Analytics, E-commerce & FMCG
Number of Recruiters Participated 150–180+ companies (mix of returning companies + first-time recruiters)
Pre-placement Offers (PPOs) / Pre-placement Interviews (PPIs) Around 30–35% of batch secured PPOs before final placements

FAQs for IIM Calcutta Cutoff

Ques. How much weightage does the CAT score hold in the final selection?

Ans. The CAT Score play an important role in the IIM Calcutta’s final merit ranking. Even after WAT/PI, CAT is still the main selection component.

Weightage in Final Selection

Parameter Weightage
CAT Score 56–60%
WAT + PI 20–30%
Academics (10th & 12th) 15–20%
Work Experience 4–8%
Diversity Additional points

Ques. Are Class 10th and 12th marks considered important for selection?

Ans. Yes, by the 10th and 12th Marks your shortlisting and final selection will be influenced. Consistency in academics can increase your composite score.

Academic Score Consideration

  • 85%+ in 10th/12th will give a better profile rating
  • Academic excellence + high CAT will give top merit ranking
  • Lower academics reduce composite score but not eligibility

Ques. Are candidates from open universities eligible?

Ans. Yes, candidates from a reconginzed open or distance university will be eligible for PGP Admission.

Eligibility Criteria for Open University Applicants

  • University should be UGC/AIU recognized
  • Must meet minimum graduation marks
  • Must submit proper mark sheets/degree certificates

Ques. Can final-year graduation students apply for admission to IIM Calcutta?

Ans. Yes, final year candidates are eligible for the exam if they submit the proof of graduation before they join the program.

  • Should maintain minimum academic requirements
  • Provisional admission allowed until final documents submission
  • Failure to submit degree = cancellation of admission

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.

Fees Structure

Structure based on different categories

CategoriesState
General2600
sc1300
pwd1300

In case of any inaccuracy, Notify Us! 

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