IIM Udaipur Drops CAP! Independent MBA Admission for 2026-28

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Udaipur has announced its decision to withdraw from the Common Admission Process (CAP) for MBA admission 2026-28.

Starting from the 2026–28 batch, the institute will conduct an independent selection process that includes its own shortlisting, interviews, and written tests.

According to the institute, this transition will allow IIM Udaipur to create an applicant-focused process that reflects its academic priorities, distinct values, and long-term global aspirations.

Moreover, IIM Kozhikode has extended the CAT 2025 registration deadline to September 20, with the CBT exam scheduled for November 30 in three sessions.

What’s Changing in IIM Udaipur’s Admission Process?

The institute stated that this shift will allow it to set its own shortlisting parameters, designed in line with its academic priorities and global outlook.

According to the official update, candidates appearing for CAT 2025 will still be considered eligible. However, the shortlisting for personal interviews and written ability tests will now be based on institute-specific criteria.

These stages will be held across key cities in India as well as at the IIM Udaipur campus, ensuring broader access for applicants nationwide.

Explaining the reason behind the change, Prof. Vijayta Doshi, Dean (Programs), said that IIM Udaipur has built a strong reputation in just over a decade and aspires to be recognised globally.

She added that the new admission process would mirror the institute’s academic goals while offering an applicant-focused experience.

The development comes at a time when several IIMs are moving away from CAP to design independent or joint admission processes (JAP). Experts believe that this trend reflects a push for greater flexibility in defining selection standards and aligning them with institutional missions.

Read More: 4 IIMs Introduce Joint Admission Processes for 2026; Check the details here

What Aspirants Should Do Next?

Candidates planning to apply for IIM Udaipur must ensure they register for CAT 2025, as it will remain the first step in the admission process.

Once registrations are complete, applicants are advised to closely follow IIM Udaipur’s official updates on shortlisting norms, personal interview and written ability test schedules, along with the list of cities where these rounds will be conducted.

Experts suggest that students should also evaluate the differences between CAP and independent admission processes at IIMs to identify which pathway aligns better with their academic background and career goals.

With the new system, IIM Udaipur is expected to place greater emphasis on qualities beyond test scores, such as global outlook, research aptitude, and diverse experiences.

This could gradually influence cut-offs, weightages in selection, and even the overall composition of future MBA cohorts.

Also Read:

• Check the latest fee structure of IIM Udaipur here.
• NIRF 2025 ranking of IIM Udaipur; Click to Read Full Story.