IIM Ahmedabad Admission 2026: Selection Criteria, Eligibility, Dates, Cutoff and Admission Process

Manekbag, AhmedabadAutonomous UniversityEstd 1961
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Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | Updated on - Sep 17, 2026

IIM Ahmedabad Latest Updates and News

Key Updates2
Other Updates2

17 Sep, 2026 IIM Ahmedabad MBA 2027-29 admission policy revised with key changes. Read details here.

  • AC-RC replaced by 20 UG disciplines with common scoring and normalization.
  • Academic filters removed; CAT weightage rises to 26% and Application Rating drops to 14%.
  • The minimum required CAT cutoff remains unchanged, with overall/sectional cutoffs of 95/85 percentile for General/EWS.

15 Sep, 2026 CAT 2026 registration deadline has been extended to Sept 22, 2026, @iimcat.ac.in. CAT 2026 is scheduled for Nov 29, 2026. Read News.

IIM Ahmedabad Admission 2027 is conducted entirely in-house - there is no central counselling body allotting seats. Each program at IIM Ahmedabad runs its own entrance route, application window and merit list.

The two-year MBA (also known as PGP) and MBA-FABM admissions are conducted through CAT, while the one-year PGPX and the Doctoral Program follow separate tests and independent application timelines.

  • IIM Ahmedabad admission has no domicile or state-level quota.
  • Reservation follows Government of India norms: 27% NC-OBC, 15% SC, 7.5% ST, 5% PwD, and up to 10% EWS.
  • Online or take-home GMAT/GRE scores are not valid for any program at IIM Ahmedabad.
Admission Update:
  • MBA & MBA-FABM 2027-29: Applications are open through CAT 2026. Last date to register: September 22, 2026.
  • MBA-PGPX 2027-28: Round 1 closed on September 2, 2026; Round 2 closes on November 23, 2026.
  • MBA in BA & AI: Applications open from September 05 to November 02, 2026.
  • PhD 2027: Applications open from September 08, 2026 to January 18, 2027.

Which IIMA Program Fits You?

Program Duration Entrance Exam Ideal For Work-Ex Required
PGP 2 years, full-time CAT Fresh graduates / early-career candidates Not mandatory
PGPX 1 year, full-time GMAT/GRE Experienced professionals Min. 4 years
PGP-FABM 2 years, full-time CAT Food & agri-business focus Not mandatory
BPGP 2 years, blended IAT / CAT / GMAT / GRE Working professionals & entrepreneurs Min. 3 years

IIM Ahmedabad MBA Admission 2027

Post Graduate Program in Management (PGP) is a flagship two-year full-time program at IIM Ahmedabad’s, equivalent to its MBA program. For 2027-29 batch, domestic applicants must appear for CAT 2026, followed by IIMA shortlisting, Analytical Writing Test (AWT), and PI.

Important Dates 2027

Admission Event Expected Date
CAT 2026 Registration August 03 - September 22, 2026
CAT 2026 Exam November 29, 2026
AWT & PI Shortlist Second week of January 2027
AWT & PI After shortlisting
Admission Offers Second week of April 2027
Acceptance of Offer First week of May 2027

Note: AWT & PI shortlist, admission offer, and acceptance timelines are tentative. AWT & PI are conducted in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and New Delhi.


Eligibility Criteria

  • Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree of at least three years after completing 10+2 or equivalent.
  • General category candidates must have at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA.
  • SC, ST and PwD candidates require at least 45% marks or equivalent CGPA.
  • Final-year students and candidates awaiting their results can also apply, subject to IIMA’s provisional admission requirements.
  • Candidates must be at least 19 years old by June 30, 2027.

CAT 2026 Cutoff for IIM Ahmedabad MBA

CAT 2026 is mandatory for domestic applicants. The following are the minimum qualifying CAT cutoffs prescribed by IIM Ahmedabad:

Category Non-PwD PwD
Overall Sectional Overall Sectional
General / EWS 95 85 85 75
NC-OBC 90 80 80 70
SC 85 75 75 65
ST 75 65 65 55

Note: Meeting these cutoffs does not guarantee an AWT & PI shortlist.


Selection Process 2027

IIMA has updated its PGP admission policy for the 2027-29 batch, and CAT 2026 candidates will be evaluated under these new rules. The selection process still works in two stages - shortlisting for AWT & PI, then final selection after AWT & PI - but how candidates are scored within each stage has changed.


Stage 1: AWT & PI Shortlisting

IIMA first checks eligibility and CAT qualifying cutoffs. Candidates who clear this are then scored using the Raw Composite Score, which blends CAT performance with the Normalized Application Rating.

Component Weightage
CAT 2026 Total Percentile 65%
Normalized Application Rating 35%

How the Application Rating Score (ARS) is Calculated

It's the sum of 5 scores:

  • A: Class 10 percentage points
  • B: Class 12 percentage points
  • C: Bachelor's degree percentage points
  • D: Work experience points
  • E: Gender diversity points
  • Raw Application Rating: A + B + C + D + E

This Raw Application Rating is then normalized against the average of the top 50 scores in the applicant pool.

Raw Composite Score: 0.35 * Normalised ARS + 0.65 * (CAT Total Percentile / 100)

This Raw Composite Score is then normalized again - but this time against candidates from the same UG discipline, not the whole applicant pool.

Normalized Composite Score: Raw Composite Score / (Average of the top 1% raw composite scores within that discipline)

This is Where the Biggest Change Sits!

Last year, IIMA compared applicants using 6 broad degree groups (AC-1 to AC-6). For 2027-29 admissions, it will compare students across 20 specific UG disciplines instead. So, the way your academic performance is compared has changed, even if your marks remain the same. IIMA has also removed the earlier minimum “P” score and 80%ile graduation cut-offs.

Candidates who clear the CAT cutoffs and land a high enough Composite Score get shortlisted for AWT & PI.


Stage 2: Final Selection

Shortlisted candidates sit for the Analytical Writing Test (AWT) and Personal Interview (PI). Their Final Composite Score (FCS) is made up of:

Component Weightage
Normalized PI Score 50%
Normalized Composite Score 40%
Normalized AWT Score 10%
Final Composite Score: 0.50 * Normalized PI + 0.40 * Normalized Composite Score + 0.10 * Normalized AWT

Final selection happens separately within each reservation category. IIMA also weighs CAT performance, AWT and PI performance, academic background, work experience, and extracurricular achievements.


IIM Ahmedabad Selection Criteria: What Has Changed for 2027?

Parameter 2026-28 2027-29
Class 12 & graduation rating Separate tables per stream/category One common table for all
Degree grouping 6 Academic Categories (AC-1 to AC-6) 20 UG disciplines
Shortlisting method Top 5% per AC-RC group + merit list Discipline-wise normalized composite score
Extra academic filters *P threshold + graduation 80%ile rule Removed
Effective CAT weight (in FCS) 25% 26%
Effective application rating weight (in FCS) 15% 14%

*P threshold is the minimum average percentage required from your Class 10 and Class 12 board exams to qualify for preliminary shortlisting.


How Does This Actually Affect Candidates?

The revised rules can directly change how your profile is scored, depending on your degree, academic marks, and work experience.

Area Before (2026-28) Now (2027-29)
Engineering / CS Shared scoring with Science & BCA Separate scoring table
Commerce / Arts / Law / Medical Some streams were grouped together Each discipline has its own scoring table
Class 10 / 12 Marks Academic cut-offs could eliminate candidates No P threshold + no 80th-percentile graduation rule
Freshers / Low Work Experience Work-experience score unchanged Work-experience score unchanged
Multiple UG Degrees One academic category Each degree is scored separately

What This Means for You

  • Engineering / CS: 78% B.Tech now gets 5 points instead of 8 points. You are compared with a narrower peer group.
  • Commerce / Arts / Law / Medical: Your score is based on your specific discipline. You are compared within that discipline.
  • Weak Class 10 / 12 Marks: Low marks can reduce your score, but no longer automatically eliminate you.
  • Freshers / Low Work Experience: Freshers still get 0 work-experience points. CAT now carries slightly more weight.
  • Multiple UG Degrees: Each degree is scored separately. The higher academic score is used.
Key Takeaway: CAT percentile now carries slightly more weight, while the removal of old academic elimination filters reduces their screening impact. Since past marks cannot be changed, CAT percentile is the main factor still in your control. However, a high percentile alone does not guarantee a shortlist, as the composite score also considers academics and your application rating profile.

How to Apply for IIM Ahmedabad MBA 2027-29

Domestic candidates apply for the IIMA PGP through the CAT 2026 application process. Candidates should:

  • Register for CAT 2026 and complete the application form.
  • Enter personal, academic, and work experience details accurately.
  • Provide Class 10, Class 12, and bachelor's degree marks as required.
  • Select IIM Ahmedabad's PGP while completing the CAT application.
  • Choose the preferred AWT & PI cities, as permitted in the CAT application.
  • Pay the applicable CAT application fee and submit the form.
  • Track the IIMA shortlist and subsequent admission process after the CAT result.

Reddit discussions suggest that IIM Ahmedabad admission is not determined by CAT percentile alone. Aspirants highlight the importance of academic performance across Class 10, Class 12 and graduation, along with factors such as academic background, gender, category and work experience. The discussion particularly suggests that candidates with weaker academics, especially GEMs, may need a higher CAT percentile to remain competitive, while candidates with stronger academic profiles or diversity factors may have an advantage.

IIMA Review and profile rating discussion review
Image Source: Reddit 

IIM Ahmedabad MBA-FABM Admission 2027

Post Graduate Program in Food & Agri-business Management (PGP-FABM), admits candidates through CAT 2026, followed by shortlisting, Analytical Writing Test (AWT) and PI. Candidates with an agricultural or agriculture-related academic background are preferred during shortlisting.

Important Dates 2027

CAT 2026 registration and examination dates for PGP-FABM are the same as those listed for IIMA PGP/MBA above. Program-specific shortlist, AWT/PI and offer dates will be announced separately by IIMA.


MBA-FABM Eligibility Criteria 2027

Candidate Type Educational Qualification Additional Details
Agriculture / Agriculture-related Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in agricultural sciences or agriculture-related disciplines with min 50% marks Preferred during shortlisting
Non-Agriculture Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in any non-agricultural discipline with min 50% marks Strong interest in agriculture, food, rural and allied sectors; special interest form required
SC / ST / PwD Applicable bachelor’s or master’s degree as above with min 45% marks Relaxation as per IIMA policy
  • The degree must involve at least three years of education after 10+2.
  • Final-year bachelor’s degree candidates and those awaiting results can apply provisionally.
  • Final-year candidates must complete all degree requirements by June 30, 2027.
  • The final marksheet and degree certificate must be submitted by December 31, 2027.
  • Candidates must be at least 19 years old on June 30, 2027 (born on or before June 30, 2008).

MBA-FABM CAT 2026 Cutoff

CAT 2026 is mandatory for domestic candidates applying to PGP-FABM. Candidates must obtain a positive raw score in every CAT section and meet the applicable overall and sectional percentile cutoffs.

Category

AC-1 & 2

Overall / Sectional

AC-3, 4 & 5

Overall / Sectional

General / EWS 90 / 70 95 / 75
NC-OBC 85 / 65 90 / 70
SC / ST 70 / 60 75 / 65
PwD (General / EWS) 80 / 60 85 / 65
PwD (NC-OBC) 75 / 55 80 / 60
PwD (SC / ST) 60 / 50 65 / 55
  • AC: Academic Category based on the candidate’s bachelor’s/master’s discipline as entered in the CAT application.
  • AC-1 and AC-2 cover agriculture and allied agriculture disciplines, while
  • AC-3, AC-4 and AC-5 cover life sciences/commerce-related disciplines, engineering and other disciplines.

Selection Process 2027

PGP-FABM admission process is conducted in two steps: shortlisting candidates for AWT & PI and final selection after the AWT & PI round.


Stage 1: Shortlisting for AWT & PI

Candidates with a valid CAT 2026 score who meet the eligibility and minimum CAT cutoff requirements are considered for shortlisting. IIMA gives preference to candidates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in agricultural sciences or agriculture-related disciplines.

Shortlisting Component Weightage
Normalized CAT Score 65%
Application Rating Score (ARS) 35%
Composite Score = 0.65 * Normalized CAT Score + 0.35 * Application Rating Score

How is the Normalized CAT Score Calculated?

Unlike the flagship PGP, IIMA calculates the FABM Normalized CAT Score using the normalized scores of all three CAT sections:

Component Calculation
Normalized Quantitative Ability Score (NQAS) QA Scaled Score / Average of Top 50 QA Scaled Scores
Normalized Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning Score (NDILRS) DILR Scaled Score / Average of Top 50 DILR Scaled Scores
Normalized Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension Score (NVARCS) VARC Scaled Score / Average of Top 50 VARC Scaled Scores

Normalized CAT Score = (NQAS + NDILRS + NVARCS) / 3

This means the three CAT sections contribute equally to the Normalized CAT Score before the score receives its 65% weightage in the Composite Score.

How is the Application Rating Score Calculated?

The Application Rating Score (ARS) considers the candidate’s

  • Class 10 (A)
  • Class 12 (B)
  • Bachelor’s/Master’s marks (C)
  • Work experience (D)

ARS = (A + B + C + D) / 35

Work Experience Score for ARS

Work Experience Rating Score D
Less than 12 months 0
12 to 36 months 0.20 * (Months of Work Experience - 11)
More than 36 months 5

Stage 2: Final Selection

Only candidates who attend both the AWT and PI are considered for final selection. IIMA calculates the Final Composite Score using the following weightage:

Final Selection Component Weightage
Composite Score 50%
Personal Interview (PI) 40%
Analytical Writing Test (AWT) 10%
Final Composite Score: 0.50 * Composite Score + 0.40 * Normalized PI Score + 0.10 * Normalized AWT Score

PI evaluation can consider interview performance, verifiable awards and recognitions, academic performance, exceptional achievements, extracurricular activities, relevant post-degree work experience and post-graduation education.


Special Interest Form for Non-Agriculture Candidates

Non-agriculture candidates shortlisted for PGP-FABM are provisionally shortlisted and must submit a special interest form describing their interest in the program. The form is submitted online through the link provided with the CAT result/shortlist announcement.

The deadline is typically within five days of IIMA declaring the shortlist. Failure to submit the form within the specified deadline results in cancellation of the candidature.


AWT & PI Centres for IIM Ahmedabad MBA-FABM

IIMA conducts the PGP-FABM AWT and PI in the following six cities:

Ahmedabad Bengaluru Hyderabad
Kolkata Mumbai New Delhi

How to Apply for IIM Ahmedabad MBA-FABM 2027?

  • Appear for CAT 2026 and apply for IIM Ahmedabad’s PGP-FABM.
  • Enter academic details and the appropriate Academic Category (AC) in the CAT application.
  • Provide Class 10, Class 12, bachelor’s/master’s, and work experience details as applicable.
  • Meet the applicable CAT sectional and overall cutoffs and obtain a positive raw score in all CAT sections.
  • Check the IIMA website for the PGP-FABM AWT & PI shortlist.
  • If shortlisted as a non-agriculture candidate, submit the special interest form within the specified deadline.
  • Attend the AWT and PI at the allotted centre if shortlisted.

IIM Ahmedabad Selection Process at a Glance

Step MBA-PGP Admission 2027 MBA-FABM Admission 2027
CAT 2026 Appear CAT 2026 & meet IIMA's min. qualifying criteria Appear CAT 2026 & obtain a positive raw score in all sections
CAT Cutoff Meet the applicable min. qualifying criteria Meet the applicable AC-wise, category-wise sectional & overall cutoffs
Composite Score 65% Normalized CAT Score + 35% ARS.
AWT & PI Shortlist Eligible candidates shortlisted for the next stage Agriculture-related candidates get preference; non-agri candidates must submit special interest form
AWT & PI Shortlisted candidates appear for AWT and PI
Final Selection 50% Composite Score + 40% PI + 10% AWT.
Admission Offer Offers are tentatively released in the second week of April 2027.

Course Comparison: IIM Ahmedabad PGP vs PGP-FABM


IIM Ahmedabad PGPX Admission 2027

IIM Ahmedabad’s MBA-PGPX is a one-year program for experienced professionals with at least 4 years of full-time work experience after graduation. Admission to the 2027-28 batch is conducted in two rounds through a two-stage process involving GMAT/GRE scores, shortlisting, essays, and a Personal Interview.

IIM Ahmedabad PGPX Admission Dates 2027

Round 1 applications are closed. Check IIMA PGPX Round 2 Dates:

Admission Event Round 2
Application Window September 03 - November 23, 2026
Shortlist Announcement December 04, 2026
Essay & Resume Submission December 04 - 06, 2026
Personal Interview December 2026 - January 2027
Final Selection January 22, 2027

Note: Candidates can apply only once across the two rounds for the 2027-28 batch.


PGPX Eligibility Criteria 2027

Eligibility Requirement Criteria
Educational Qualification Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any discipline
Minimum Education 15 years of study under the Indian education system (10+2+3 or 10+2+4)
Minimum Age 25 years as of March 31, 2027
Upper Age Limit No upper age limit
Work Experience Min. 4 years of full-time work experience after graduation as of March 31, 2027
Entrance Test Valid GMAT or GRE score
  • For the 2027-28 batch, candidates must have a valid GMAT/GRE score taken within the last five years.
  • GMAT Focus Edition scores are also accepted.
  • Only test centre-based GMAT/GRE scores; online or take-home test scores are not valid.

GMAT/GRE Score Validity for PGPX 2027

Round Earliest Acceptable Test Date
Round 1 September 02, 2021
Round 2 November 23, 2021

Important: GMAT/GRE score must satisfy the five-year validity requirement applicable to the respective admission round.

PGPX Selection Process 2027

The selection process for the PGPX 2027-28 batch is conducted in two stages.


Stage 1: Shortlisting for Personal Interview

  • IIMA shortlists candidates for the PI from among applicants to the program.
  • Selection process considers standardized test scores, leadership profile and other aspects of the candidate’s profile.
  • Shortlisted candidates are then required to submit essays on specified topics within the stipulated period.

Stage 2: Personal Interview

Shortlisted candidates appear for a face-to-face Personal Interview conducted by a panel of IIMA faculty members.

The panel evaluates candidates on parameters including:

  • Professional background
  • Quality of work experience
  • Career progression
  • Academic preparedness
  • Leadership potential
  • Accomplishments
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Overall fitment for the program

Successful candidates are informed by email according to the admission timeline.


How to Apply for IIM Ahmedabad MBA-PGPX 2027?

  • Open the PGPX application portal linked on the official IIMA website.
  • Create a login and complete the online application form.
  • Submit your official GMAT or GRE score report.
  • Upload your professional resume and complete academic details.
  • Pay the application fee online.
  • Submit the essays if you are shortlisted for the interview.

IIM Ahmedabad Other Courses Admission 2027

Besides the flagship PGP/MBA, IIM Ahmedabad offers several other PG programs. Admission requirements, selection process and timelines vary by program.

Program Program Type Admission Route Key Eligibility
MBA-BPGP
2-Year Blended
IIMA Admission Test / CAT / GMAT / GRE Bachelor's degree or equivalent with minimum 50% marks and required work experience
MBA in BA & AI CAT/ GMAT (Classic or Focus Edition)/ GRE/ IIMA Admission Test Bachelor’s degree with min. 3 years full-time work experience
ePGD-ABA 16 Months CAT/ GATE/ GMAT/ GRE or ePGD-ABA qualifying-cum-aptitude test Bachelor's degree with min. 2 year work experience (analytics background preferred)

Important Admission Dates 2027

Event MBA-BPGP (Tentative) MBA in BA & AI (Round 1)
Application Timeline Dec 2026 - April 2027 Sept 05 - Nov 02, 2026

Admit Card Release & Test

April - May 2027

Admit Card: Nov 16, 2026

Test: Nov 22, 2026


Shortlisting & Interviews

May - June 2027

Shortlisting: Nov 30, 2026

Interview: Dec 05 - 13, 2026

Final Selection June 2027 Dec 21, 2026

IIM Ahmedabad MBA vs IIM Bangalore vs IIM Calcutta

All three IIMs admit only through CAT and run their own independent shortlists. The way they weigh CAT against your profile is where they split.

Particulars IIM Ahmedabad IIM Bangalore IIM Calcutta
Minimum CAT %ile (General) 95 overall 85 overall 85 overall
Minimum sectional %ile (General) 85 in all three 80 VARC, 75 DILR, 75 QA 80 VARC, 80 DILR, 75 QA
CAT weight at shortlist stage 65% 55/100 points 56/85 points
Next stage AWT + PI WAT + PI WAT + PI
PI weight in final selection 50% 40/100 points 30%
Board marks floor Yes, stream-wise academic floor No fixed floor; contributes to score No fixed floor; contributes to score
Additional requirement/document Equivalence certificate, where applicable Two online reference letters Original certificates/marksheets for verification

As per Collegedunia Reviews, students rate the faculty and case-based teaching at IIM Ahmedabad very highly. Many describe the peer group and alumni network as the biggest long-term gain. The fee is called steep, but most reviewers say the return justifies it.


IIM Ahmedabad PhD Admission 2027

Doctoral Program in Management at IIM Ahmedabad is a full-time program that prepares students for careers in academia and industrial research. It offers 11 doctoral specialisations and typically takes four to five years to complete.

Important Dates

Event Date
Online application opens September 08, 2026
Last date to apply January 18, 2027
Interviews March-April 2027 (Tentative)

Eligibility Criteria

  • Master's degree or two-year Post Graduate Diploma after a bachelor's degree with 55% marks or equivalent.
  • 5-year Integrated Master's degree after higher secondary education with 55% marks or equivalent.
  • CA, CS or CMA with at least 50% marks along with a bachelor's degree with at least 55% marks.
  • 4-year/8-semester bachelor's degree with at least 65% marks or equivalent.
  • SC, ST, PwD, NC-OBC and EWS candidates receive a 5 percentage point relaxation (eg. 55% relaxed to 50%) in minimum degree marks requirement.
  • Final-year master's or bachelor's degree students who meet the qualifying criteria may also apply, subject to the specified provisional admission requirements.

Selection Criteria

  • Candidates must take CAT or a standard test accepted in lieu of CAT, depending on the doctoral specialisation.
  • Accepted alternative tests include GRE, GMAT, GATE, UGC-NET JRF, ICAR-SRF and CSIR-UGC NET JRF, depending on the specialisation.
  • Different doctoral specialisations accept different combinations of standard tests.
  • CAT, GRE and GMAT scores are valid for 5 years; GATE and JRF scores are valid for 3 years; SRF is valid for 1 year.
  • Shortlisting is based on performance in CAT or the applicable standard test, academic background, experience and other relevant factors.
  • Shortlisted candidates may be required to attend online or face-to-face interviews.
  • Candidates can apply for a maximum of two doctoral specialisations.

How to Apply for IIM Ahmedabad PhD 2027?

  • Complete the online application form available on the IIMA website.
  • Select a maximum of two doctoral specialisations in the application form.
  • Submit the applicable test score and academic details as required.
  • Pay the application fee of INR 500. Reserved category candidates pay INR 250.
  • Submit the application by January 18, 2027, by 5:00 PM IST.
  • Attend the admission interview if shortlisted.

Key insight: IIMA provides comprehensive financial assistance covering academic expenses, including tuition, computer, library, medical insurance, placement and alumni fees. The monthly subsistence allowance is INR 48,000 during the first and second years until clearance of the Area Comprehensive Examination, INR 52,000 after clearing the examination, and INR 58,000 after successful defence and submission of the thesis proposal, up to the end of the fifth year or thesis defence, whichever is earlier. Students can also receive a contingency allowance of INR 35,000 per year for up to five years.


IIM Ahmedabad Scholarship

IIM Ahmedabad offers scholarships and financial assistance through Institute, government, industry and endowment-supported schemes. Benefits vary by program and are subject to eligibility and selection criteria. Check below table for program-wise IIMA Scholarship offered:

Program Scholarship / Financial Assistance
MBA/PGP Need-Based Scholarship; government and industry scholarships.
MBA-FABM IIMA Scholarship, Need-Based Scholarship and industry-supported scholarships, including the Parmesh Shah Industry Scholarship.
MBA-PGPX Entry Scholarships up to 25% of SSH fee; Graduation Scholarships up to 15% of SSH fee; five merit-based Interest Waiver Scholarships up to INR 3 lakh.
PhD Financial assistance includes monthly subsistence allowance of INR 48,000, rising to INR 52,000 after comprehensive examination and INR 58,000 after thesis proposal, plus INR 35,000/year contingency allowance.

Key Points

  • Scholarships are available through multiple sources, including IIMA, government and industry organisations, alumni and donors.
  • Need-based scholarships consider the student's financial circumstances.
  • Industry scholarships are awarded to deserving and meritorious students.
  • The IIMA Endowment Fund supports I-Schols and other endowment-funded scholarships.

Note: Scholarship availability, eligibility criteria and award amounts may vary by program and academic year. Students should refer to the latest official IIMA scholarship notification and the respective scholarship provider's guidelines before applying.


IIM Ahmedabad Admission FAQs

Ques. What CAT percentile is needed for IIM Ahmedabad MBA admission 2027?

Ans. The announced minimum for General and EWS is 95 overall percentile. You also need 85 percentile in each of the three sections. The actual interview call score runs much higher than this floor.

Ques. Is CAT compulsory, or does IIM Ahmedabad accept GMAT and GRE?

Ans. CAT is compulsory for the two-year MBA and MBA-FABM for Indian candidates. GMAT or GRE is used only for MBA-PGPX and the Dubai one-year MBA. Foreign passport holders may use a test centre GMAT under the Supernumerary Quota.

Ques. Can final year students apply for IIM Ahmedabad MBA 2027?

Ans. Yes, final year students can apply. They must submit a certificate from their principal or registrar confirming their status. Admission stays provisional until the degree marksheet is submitted.

Ques. How is the final merit list calculated at IIM Ahmedabad?

Ans. For the 2027-29 PGP batch, the Final Composite Score gives 50% weightage to the Personal Interview, 10% to the Analytical Writing Test and 40% to the Normalized Composite Score. The Normalized Composite Score is based on CAT performance and the Application Rating.

Ques. Is work experience necessary for IIM Ahmedabad MBA admission?

Ans. No, freshers are eligible and are admitted every year. Work experience only adds points to the Application Rating score. You need at least 12 months to score anything, and 36 months to score the maximum 5 points.

Ques. Is direct admission or management quota available at IIM Ahmedabad?

Ans. No. IIM Ahmedabad admits strictly on merit through the published selection process. There is no management quota, donation seat or direct admission route.

Ques. What is the application fee for IIM Ahmedabad MBA admission 2027?

Ans. IIM Ahmedabad does not charge a separate MBA application fee. You pay the CAT 2026 registration fee of INR 2,700. SC, ST and PwD candidates pay INR 1,350.

Ques. What is the IIM Ahmedabad MBA fee?

Ans. The program fee was INR 27,50,000 for the 2025-27 MBA batch. This included tuition of INR 20,10,000. The fee for the 2027-29 batch will be announced later and is subject to revision.

Ques. How many students does IIM Ahmedabad admit every year?

Ans. IIM Ahmedabad inducted 458 students in June 2026. Of these, 414 joined the flagship MBA and 44 joined MBA-FABM. Intake is not a fixed sanctioned figure and shifts slightly each year.

Ques. Does IIM Ahmedabad give extra marks to female candidates?

Ans. IIMA awards 3 Gender Diversity Points to all non-male candidates and 0 points to male candidates. These points form part of the Application Rating used in the shortlisting composite.

IIM Ahmedabad Important Events

MBA PGPX5
PhD Management1

IIM Ahmedabad Upcoming Important Dates 2026

Important Events

EventsDates
CAT Registration
Ongoing
Aug 03, 2026 - Sep 22, 2026
Application - Round 1 IIMA Admission Test for Admission 2026 [BPGP] (BA and AI)
Ongoing
Sep 05, 2026 - Nov 02, 2026
Admit Card - Round 1 IIMA Admission Test for Admission 2026 [BPGP] (BA and AI)
Nov 16, 2026
Examination - Round 1 IIMA Admission Test for Admission 2026 [BPGP] (BA and AI)
Nov 22, 2026
CAT Exam Date
Nov 29, 2026
CAT Admit Card
Nov 04, 2026 - Nov 29, 2026
Shortlist - Round 1 IIMA Admission Test for Admission 2026 [BPGP] (BA and AI)
Nov 30, 2026
Interview - Round 1 IIMA Admission Test for Admission 2026 [BPGP] (BA and AI)
Dec 05, 2026 - Dec 13, 2026
Final Selection - Round 1 IIMA Admission Test for Admission 2026 [BPGP] (BA and AI)
Dec 21, 2026
CAT Result
Tentative
Dec 21, 2026 - Jan 02, 2027

Expired Events

EventsDates
Admission Timeline [MBA/PGDM]
Aug 01, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
Date of Final Selection for Admission 2026 [MBA] (BPGP)
Jun 26, 2026
Interview Round for Admission 2026 [MBA] (BPGP)
Jun 06, 2026 - Jun 14, 2026

Important Events

EventsDates
Application for Admission 2027 [Ph.D] (Management)
Ongoing
Sep 08, 2026 - Jan 18, 2027

Expired Events

EventsDates
Application Open for Admission 2026 [Ph.D] (Management)
Sep 10, 2026

Important Events

EventsDates
CAT Registration
Ongoing
Aug 03, 2026 - Sep 22, 2026
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IIM Ahmedabad: 29 Answered Questions

What is RTI Data for IIM Ahmedabad?

Mansi Jain

IIM Ahmedabad offered admissions for PGP Batch 2023-25 at a minimum CAT percentile of 87.19 percentile. In total, 137909 general category candidates selected IIM Ahmedabad PGP as their CAT preference, of which 692 were shortlisted for PI WAT round and 197 students received the final offers. The details are tabulated below:

Admission Stats

Category No. of Candidates Selected IIM Ahmedabad PGP Candidates Selected for WAT/PI No. of Students With Final Offer
General 137909 692 197
EWS 9141 28 12
NC-OBC 33799 353 115
SC 16377 199 75
ST 4480 111 43
PWD 868 54 25

Cutoff Stats

Category Minimum CAT Percentile  Composite Score for WAT/PI Shortlist Composite Score for Admission Offer Highest Composite Score
General 87.19 0.63 0.67 0.86
EWS 99.39 0.60 0.57 0.80
NC-OBC 86.5 0.55 0.55 0.78
SC 82.86 0.48 0.47 0.70
ST 72.4 0.42 0.44 0.67
PWD 70.67 0.30 0.32 0.72

Waitlist

Category Number of Students
General 1
EWS 3
NC-OBC 5
SC 11
ST 0
PwD 6

Class Composition

Category Number of Students
General 187
EWS 9
NC-OBC 101
SC 59
ST 36
PwD 16
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If I do my graduation from IGNOU, will there be any difference in chances of getting admission to IIM Ahmedabad?

Aarti AhujaLives in Ahmedabad

An undergraduate degree from IGNOU is acceptable for taking the CAT and getting into an IIM. 

An IGNOU degree in no way means that you can not try for the IIMs. But whether an IGNOU degree will lower your chances or not, is solely known upon the interviewers. 

Your chances of getting selected largely depend on your overall profile. One of my seniors at IIM Ahmedabad had completed his UG from IGNOU. His overall profile was really impressive, and he also possessed work experience of 2 years as a CA. Thus, he was selected for IIMA.

Make sure to maintain an impressive academic profile, and score well in your CAT exam. If you do so, an IGNOU degree most likely won’t hinder your selection into IIM Ahmedabad. 

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Can people get admission in IIM A if they retake the CAT while studying at a lower ranked IIM/FMS/XLRI?

Samrat Roy
Parth ReddyStudied at IIM Ahmedabad

You can surely get an admission into IIMA if you retake the CAT while studying at some other management college. 

But I would suggest you to not retake the CAT exam. You’ve gotten this seat based on your entrance rank, and other important parameters. Moreover, even if you qualify for IIMA, you would have completed a year at your present management institute. 

Though IIMA is the most prestigious management institute in India with top notch placements, your future will be defined more by your hard work than anything else. Even the new IIMs or colleges like FMS/XLRI will enhance your personality to a great extent.

Despite taking in students with a lesser percentile, the new IIMs are in no way inferior B-schools. So instead of wasting your money and time by running after IIM Ahmedabad, work on your personality and knowledge to pave your way for a bright future.

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What are the criteria to get admission into IIM Ahmedabad??

Aarti AhujaLives in Ahmedabad

IIM Ahmedabad's admission process is carried out into three stages:

  1. CAT Score Shortlisting: In the initial stage, candidates are shortlisted based on their CAT (Common Admission Test) scores. To increase your chances, a CAT score of around 99+ is recommended.
  2. WAT-PI Shortlisting: In the second stage, students who have applied for the Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI) process are shortlisted. This selection is based on a combination of factors, including past academic performance and CAT scores.
  3. Final Selection Parameters: After the WAT-PI round, a composite score is calculated to determine the final selection. For the final selection, 10% weightage will be given to the AWT, 40% weightage to PI, and 50% weightage to the composite score. Where, Composite Score = Application Rating Score + Normalized CAT score.

And, Application Rating score is based on class 10th, 12th and bachelor exams, and work experience scores. Rather than that several parameters are considered, including:

  • CAT Score
  • Graduation Score
  • 10th Grade Score
  • 12th Grade Score
  • Performance in WAT/GD-PI
  • Academic Diversity
  • Gender Diversity
  • Work Experience (if applicable)

It's important to note that a consistently good academic record, along with a high CAT score, plays a significant role in securing a spot at IIM Ahmedabad. Additionally, the institution values diversity and considers gender diversity and academic diversity as part of the selection process.

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Is getting into IIM Ahmedabad possible for an average student?

Parth ReddyStudied at IIM Ahmedabad

If you are already convinced that an average student cannot make it into IIM Ahmedabad, then you won’t be giving your best. Remember it's your mindset that determines your chances of admission. 

I will narrate an anecdote of a friend who took the CAT, a few months ago. He had done a B.E. in electronics and comm. from a top local institute in Bengaluru and worked for 10 months in an IT role. He received a list of colleges he should target from his coaching based on his scores and overall profile. 

Nevertheless, he wanted to get into IIM Ahmedabad. He had no one to guide him and his list did not have a single IIM. It seemed almost impossible but he did not give up. 

Ultimately, he made it into IIM Ahmedabad and all his friends were shocked. They couldn’t believe someone with an average profile like him.

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Can I get a call from IIM ABC or FMS Delhi with 98 percentile, having 74/94/79 in 10, 12, and graduation commerce background with OBC category?

Himani Daryani
Tithi AggrawalLives in New Delhi

Due to your below-average 10th score and the fact that you do not have any relevant work experience, you might face some difficulty but there is a possibility that these universities will contact you for an interview; nevertheless, this is not a given. Never give up on your hopes and faith. CAT percentile, academic background, work experience, extracurricular activities, and other variables influence whether IIM ABC or FMS Delhi calls you. Despite a 98 percentile CAT score, elite B-schools may not call.

These institutes weigh diversity and academic diversity in their selection process, so your academic background and OBC status may help you. These institutes' cut-offs may change year to year depending on candidates' CAT scores.

However, with a 98 percentile CAT score, you may receive calls from top B-schools. To improve your chances of selection, focus on your entire profile—academics, work, and extracurriculars. All the best buddy!

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Can I get a call from IIM Ahmedabad if I have 87.5 percent in 10th, 95 percent in 12th and I am IITian with a 9 CGPA?

Parth ReddyStudied at IIM Ahmedabad

If you are a general (or even an OBC) candidate, with 87.5 in 10th, 95 percent in 12th, and a CGPA of 9, you at least need 99.5+ percentile. 

If you are an SC category student, you can get a call from IIM Ahmedabad with 85+ percentile. For ST, it goes to the 70+ percentile. 

But considering you are a general engineer male student, there is no chance of you getting a call at this profile. You need to appear for CAT next year with a better CAT score. Suppose you are targeting BLACKI institutes. 

For Bangalore, you need to score 99.9+. For Lucknow, you need to score 99.6+. For Ahmedabad, you need to score 99.8+. For Calcutta, you need to score 99.7+. For Kozhikode, you need to score 99.5+. For Indore, you need to score 99.3+ in the CAT exam to get an admission call.

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Can I get into IIM A/B/C or XLRI or SCMHRD?

Advait JoshiLives in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Top management institutes in India like IIMs, XLRI, and SCMHRD require a combination of academic performance, entrance exam scores, work experience, extracurricular activities, and performance in selection rounds like Personal Interviews and Group discussions.

Top IIMs (A, B, C) have CAT cutoff percentiles of 99 or higher. XLRI's XAT cutoff is over 95 percentile, and SCMHRD's SNAP threshold is approximately 97 percentile. These cutoffs can change from year to year depending on factors including the number of applications and exam difficulty.

Academic performance is crucial but not the primary criterion for admittance. Admissions committees seek well-rounded applicants with leadership potential, great communication skills, and a demonstrated passion for the field. Thus, if an applicant excels in other areas, they can still get into a prestigious B-school despite poorer academics.

Top B-schools are competitive and require outstanding academic performance, high entrance exam scores, and strong applications.

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What is the admission procedure for IIM Ahmedabad? I read that around 80 percentile is required, but what are the additional criteria?

Sonal Mishrastudied at Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad

The admission procedure for IIM Ahmedabad is a multi-step process that includes several components. While a high percentile score in the CAT is essential, there are other criteria that are taken into consideration as well. Here is a breakdown of the admission procedure:

  • The first step is to appear for CAT, which is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management. A minimum percentile score is required to be eligible for further selection rounds.
  • Once the CAT results are announced, candidates need to apply online to IIM Ahmedabad. The application process includes submitting academic records, work experience, and other personal details.
  • Based on the CAT scores and the application, candidates are shortlisted for the WAT and PI rounds. The shortlisted candidates are informed via email.
  • The WAT and PI rounds are conducted at various locations across India. During the PI, candidates are evaluated on their communication skills, personality, and knowledge.
  • Based on the CAT score, performance in the WAT and PI rounds, and other criteria such as academic records and work experience, the final selection is made.

The additional criteria that are taken into consideration during the selection process are:

  • Academic Performance: The academic records of the candidate are taken into consideration, including marks obtained in 10th, 12th, and graduation.
  • Work Experience: Work experience is given weightage during the selection process. Candidates with work experience are evaluated on their job profile, responsibilities, and achievements.
  • Diversity: IIM Ahmedabad encourages diversity in its student body. Candidates from different academic backgrounds, work experience, and gender are given preference.

It is important to note that the percentile requirement may vary from year to year, depending on the competition and the number of applicants. It is advisable to keep a target score of at least 80 percentile or above to have a good chance of being shortlisted for further rounds.

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What is the detailed process to get admission into IIM Ahmedabad?

Sonal Mishrastudied at Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad

The entire admission process at IIM Ahmedabad for the PGP comprises 3 stages.

Stage 1:Preliminary Screening

The candidates that have cleared the CAT cutoff are shortlisted on the basis of a Composite Score or CS. The composite score is made up of academic rating score (AR) (includes 10th marks, 12th marks, and work experience) and normalized overall CAT score.

Or we can say,

Composite Score = Application Rating Score + Normalized CAT score

Application Rating score is based on class 10th, 12th, and bachelor exams, and work experience scores.

Shortlisting for Analytical Writing Test (AWT) & Personal Interview (PI):

The candidates with the best academic profiles and CAT scores will be further shortlisted for the next round. The shortlisted candidates will be called for AWT and a personal interview round.

Final Selection:

At this stage, candidates will be shortlisted across each category (General/ SC/ ST/ NC-OBC/ PwD) separately, based on their Final Composite Score (FCS).

The CAT cut-off is mentioned in the table below

Category 

Cutoff

General, EWS

80

NC-OBC, Transgender

75

SC

70

ST

60

PwD (General, EWS

 

NC-OBC, Transgender, SC)

70

PwD ST

60

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View All Questions and Answers

Comments


Found 5 Comments

S
shivangi
Apr 15, 2024 11:24
Are applications currently open at IIM Ahmedabad?
R
Rency Daniel
Apr 15, 2024 18:33

Yes, applications are currently open at IIM Ahmedabad. The application deadline for IIMA admission 2024 is September 13, 2023.

A
ankita banerjee
Mar 26, 2024 11:14
Does IIM Ahmedabad offer BBA?
S
Sweta Kumari
Mar 28, 2024 17:01

IIM Ahmedabad offers PGPM, PG Program, ePGD, PGPX, and FDP.  IIM Ahmedabad MBA selection process is a 2 step process, wherein in step 1, the institute releases the first shortlist on the basis of CAT Score and previous academic scores. In step 2, selected candidates are called for AWT & Personal interviews. IIM Ahmedabad PGPX (one-year PGP) registration will be done in 3 phases. Admission will be granted on the basis of GMAT and GRE scores. Candidates shortlisted on the basis of GMAT/ GRE score will have to further appear for a personal interview on the said dates. The candidate seeking admission to the PGPX program of IIM Ahmedabad should have 4 years of full-time work experience after graduation. Moreover, IIM Ahmedabad also offers a postgraduate program in Food and Agri-business Management (PGP-FABM), a full-time 2-year Post Graduate Program.

Farida M's profile photo
farida m
Mar 16, 2024 17:11
Can I get into IIM Ahmedabad with poor academics?
S
Shikhar Srivas
Mar 22, 2024 22:38

Admission to IIM Ahmedabad is done not only based on CAT>>GD>>PI but also based on composite score, so if your overall academics is poor, you won’t be eligible to get admission to IIM Ahmedabad.

V
vikram dewan
Jun 27, 2022 15:25
Has IIM Ahmedabad released the certification course admission notice?
C
Chitransha
Jun 29, 2022 12:19

IIM Ahmedabad has not mentioned any information about the certification courses. You can either visit the official website of the institute to get the information. Or else, you can directly contact the admission department on one of these numbers to get the information: 079-71523456, 26308357, 079-66324631, 26308345.

K
karan rathod
Jun 27, 2022 15:23
What is the eligibility for admission to the FDP course of IIMA?
C
Chitransha
Jun 29, 2022 12:43

IIM Ahemdabad provides admission for the six days of the FDP course. To be eligible for the course you must have completed the post-graduate level teaching experience in management. Apart from that, you must have research experience of at least two years. Also, your age should be less than 45 years. 


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