New Delhi: The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) has raised the bar for its PGP 2026–28 admissions. The minimum CAT percentile cut-offs have seen a significant hike, making the shortlisting process more competitive than ever.

1. Cut-off Percentiles for Top Categories

• General & EWS (Economically Weaker Sections): Now require a 95th percentile overall and 85th percentile in each section (VARC, DILR, QA)—a sharp climb from the previous requirement of 80 overall and 70 in each section.

  2. Category-Wise Cut-Offs for Other Segments

  Category	Overall Cut-off	Sectional Cut-off
  PwD (General/EWS)	85	75
  NC-OBC	90	80
  PwD (NC-OBC)	80	70
  SC	85	75
  PwD (SC)	75	65
  ST	75	65
  PwD (ST)	65	55

  3. Selection Process and Weightage Stage 1 (Shortlisting): Based purely on eligibility criteria — CAT scores (65%) and Application Rating from academic & demographic profile (35%) Stage 2 (Final Selection): Composite scoring includes: Personal Interview (PI): 50% Analytical Writing Test (AWT): 10% CAT Score: 25% Application Rating (AR): 15%

Implications for Aspirants

The raised cut-offs mean only top percentile performers will make it to the AWT and PI rounds—tightening competition across all categories.

Aspirants with stellar academics or solid professional experience but slightly lower CAT scores are now at a disadvantage.

Candidates from reserved categories also face a steeper climb to meet eligibility thresholds.