CAT 2026: 5 IIM Admission Changes Every MBA Aspirant Should Know

CAT 2026 admission process is in progress, and the candidates who aspire to join Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) must keep themselves abreast with the selection process of each IIM while preparing for CAT.

CAT continues to be the major admission test for joining IIMs, although the selection process that follows varies from one IIM to another. Recent admission processes have witnessed variations in common interview processes, weightage of CAT scores, academic profile evaluation, and work experience consideration.

This year, CAT 2026 will be conducted by IIM Indore on November 29, 2026 in 3 sittings across about 170 test centers. The CAT exam fee has been increased this year. Pattern and syllabus of CAT are unchanged.

The aspirants who prepare for CAT 2026 must also know the selection process of individual IIMs. Here are 5 admission updates and trends worth knowing about.

1. Four IIMs Introduced the Joint Admission Process

The IIMs that became part of JAP 2026 to join their 2 years' program MBA include IIM Kashipur, IIM Raipur, IIM Ranchi and IIM Tiruchirappalli.

IIM Raipur is the coordinating institute of JAP.

Applicants who are eligible will be sent an invitation letter to register themselves for JAP. There is one common Personal Interview conducted by all the four IIMs who participate in JAP.

But each individual IIM makes a merit list on the basis of their own criteria for admission.

What CAT 2026 aspirants should know

Common scores for the PI cannot ensure equal opportunity for admission at all 4 IIMs.

Each IIM may have varied academic cut-off, CAT weightage and admission criteria. It is important to go through the admission policies of each IIM taking part in the process.

2. IIMs are using Different Admission Routes

The Common Admission Process (CAP) format has evolved at various IIMs.

As far as CAP 2026 is concerned, IIM Bodh Gaya, IIM Jammu and IIM Sirmaur were some of the IIMs that participated in CAP 2026. There were also many IIMs that did not take part in CAP and used alternate routes.

As an illustration, IIM Udaipur chose to use their own admission format using the CAT score, written test, and PI.

Thus, CAT 2026 aspirants will have to select the route of admission of individual IIMs.

Why Candidates Should Track Individual IIM Policies

Cutoff of the CAT percentile does not automatically put all candidates under one single admission procedure.

Admission criteria, including short-listing, interviews, and selections, may be distinct for each IIM. Candidates must look out for the specific admission policy of each IIM after the CAT exam results.

3. IIM Indore increased CAT Score Weightage

There have been changes in the selection criteria of IIM Indore for the batch 2026-28 MBA.

As per the changed criteria, IIM Indore has increased the importance of CAT score and decreased the importance of 10th class marks.

Experience has also become one of the factors of the selection process.

The criteria of admission may change from one batch to another. So CAT 2026 aspirants who wish to join the 2027-29 batch must refer to the latest criteria of IIM Indore.

4. IIM selection Depends on Composite Scores

Admission to IIMs is based on several factors other than the CAT percentile score.

For instance, admission into IIM-A involves considering CAT results together with academic records, AWPT, and PI.

In a similar vein, admission to IIM-C's MBA program is based on several stages and criteria.

The CAT cutoff is mostly used for eligibility purposes. The final selection may be based on sectional scores, academic results, work experience, diversity, and PI performance, among other factors.

Therefore, prospective candidates should not only consider the CAT cutoff but also final selection criteria of IIMs.

5. Academic Profile and Work Experience Remain part of IIM Selection

The academic record of a candidate remains relevant while considering admissions into an IIM.

IIM Ahmedabad also takes into account the past academic performance, along with CAT, Analytical Writing Test, and Personal Interview scores. The batches in IIMs have students belonging to different disciplines including arts, commerce, science, engineering, medicine, and other professional degrees.

Some institutes and years may consider work experience as well.

For example, the updated selection process of IIM Indore for the batch 2026-28 had work experience as one of the selection criteria.

For CAT 2026 aspirants, it is recommended that they evaluate their chances for admission through the complete selection process formula as released by IIMs.

CAT 2026: What has Changed this Year?

CAT 2026 would be conducted by IIM Indore on November 29 in three sessions.

The application fees of the General/EWS/NC-OBC category aspirants have risen from Rs 2,600 to Rs 2,700. The change has also come in the application fees of the other categories.

There is no change in the exam pattern and syllabus of CAT 2026.

The CAT 2026 application process began on August 3, and aspirants can apply till September 15, 2026, up to 5 PM.

Students aspiring for admission in IIMs should make it a point to go through the admission policies of individual IIMs for the batch 2027-29 as CAT weightage, academic eligibility, selection process and work experience requirements may vary in individual IIMs.

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