Navigating IIM Call Lists: The CAT Percentile Requirement for Top Institutions

Scoring the right CAT percentile can significantly increase your chances of receiving call letters from prestigious institutions, specifically the top-tier IIMs (IIMs) in India. This article delves into the essential factors and strategies to enhance your chances of getting into these old IIMs.

General Considerations and Best Practices

The golden rule to follow is to aim for a CAT percentile of 90 or above, particularly if you are aiming for the old IIMs. A 95 percentile is even better because there are many candidates who score above this mark and secure calls from these prestigious institutions based on their overall profile.

Shortlisting Criteria by Top IIMs

The shortlisting criteria at the top IIMs are diverse and complex. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how these institutions evaluate candidates:

IIM Ahmedabad

- Average marks in class X and XII: At least 80 is required for the normal shortlisting process. Any candidate with an average below 80, regardless of their CAT score, will not be given an interview call.

IIM Kozhikode

- CAT score weightage: 75 - Class 12 score weightage: 7.5 - Graduation scores weightage: 7.5

IIM Indore

- Class 10 score weightage: 36 - Class 12 score weightage: 40 - CAT score weightage: 20

IIM Calcutta

- Academic history: Not considered for shortlisting. - Work experience: Not considered for shortlisting.

If you have class 10 and class 12 scores above 80 and decent CAT score percentile, you are guaranteed a call from IIM Calcutta.

IIM Lucknow

- Class 10 mark: Not considered for shortlisting. - CAT score weightage: More than class 12 scores - Work experience: Greater weightage

For candidates with 2.5 years of work experience, the chances of getting into IIM Lucknow are higher.

Factors Influencing Shortlisting

It’s important to note that the shortlisting process is not solely based on the CAT percentile. Other factors such as academic history, work experience, gender, category, and whether you belong to the Graduate Entry Mode (GEM) category can also play a crucial role:

Academic History: A strong educational background, particularly in classes 10 and 12, can significantly improve your chances. Even candidates with a GEM category and poor academic history might find it challenging to secure a call if their CAT scores do not meet the threshold.

Work Experience: For many old IIMs, relevant work experience is heavily valued. Candidates with several years of work experience in a specific domain can demonstrate their aptitude and practical skills, making them more attractive to admissions committees.

Gender and Category: While the weightage for these factors might vary, candidates from specific categories and genders might have a marginally better chance of receiving call letters.

Conclusion

In summary, while the CAT percentile is a critical factor, it is not the only one. A strong combination of academic performance, work experience, and other individual attributes can significantly enhance your chances of securing a call from the top-tier IIMs. Aim for a high CAT percentile, but ensure your overall profile is compelling.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: Aim for a CAT percentile of 90 or the specific shortlisting criteria of each IIM.Ensure strong educational and practical background.