Understanding the CAT Qualifiers Called for GD/WAT/PI Rounds at IIM A, B, and C

The number of CAT qualifiers called for the Group Discussion (GD), Written Ability Test (WAT), and Personal Interview (PI) rounds for admissions to the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) Ahemedabad (A), Bangalore (B), and Calcutta (C) can vary each year based on specific admission policies and the number of applicants. Here’s a breakdown of the typical numbers and factors influencing these decisions:

IIM A

IIM Ahmedabad typically calls around 10-12 times the number of seats available. For example, if there are 400 seats, they might call around 4000 to 4800 candidates for the GD/WAT/PI rounds. This ratio can fluctuate based on the quality of the applicant pool, specific selection criteria, and changes in admission policies. It's always best to check the official website of IIM A for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding specific admission cycles.

IIM B

IIM Bangalore generally follows a similar pattern, calling approximately 8-10 times the number of seats. For 400 seats, this could mean around 3200 to 4000 candidates. Again, the exact numbers can vary, and it's advisable to refer to the official website for precise details.

IIM C

IIM Calcutta usually calls about 10-12 times the number of seats, meaning similar figures to IIM A can be expected. The selection process for each IIM is influenced by various factors, including caste, gender, past academics, academic diversity, and work experience, among others. IIMs use certain weightages for each parameter, and after shortlisting candidates based on these criteria, they call them for the GD/WAT/PI rounds.

The Selection Process

The selection process for each IIM is quite comprehensive and includes several steps. Apart from the CAT cut-off scores, the process takes into account a range of factors, including:

Caste and Gender: IIMs often consider diversity in the student body, maintaining a balance among different castes and genders. Past Academics: Academic performance is a key factor in the selection process, reflecting the applicant's academic achievements and potential. Academic Diversity: IIMs look for students with diverse academic backgrounds to enrich the learning environment and encourage different perspectives. Work Experience: Prior work experience can be advantageous, providing real-world knowledge and preparing students for advanced studies.

After evaluating these factors, IIMs define a certain weightage to every parameter and proceed to call the aspirants in each subcategory for the GD/WAT/PI rounds. The ratio of calls generally varies from 1:7 to 1:10, meaning for every seat, about 7 to 10 candidates are typically called.

The number of candidates called can vary significantly based on these factors, and it's always recommended to refer to the official IIM websites for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding specific admission cycles.

Conclusion

Understanding the selection criteria and the number of candidates called for IIM A, B, and C can help aspirants prepare more effectively for the GD/WAT/PI rounds. Regularly checking the official websites of the IIMs is crucial for obtaining the most accurate and updated information regarding each admission cycle.