IIM Admission Criteria 2021-23 has been updated for the forthcoming academic year, as the CAT exam is scheduled to be held on November 29, 2020, while results will be out by the second week of January 2021. 

Primarily, admission to IIMs spurs from qualifying Common Admission Test (CAT). After candidates successfully qualify CAT 2020, they have to apply for the three-step selection process: Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD)/Personal Interview (PI) round.

IIM Admission Criteria 2021-23 will not solely depend on CAT scores but also the performance of candidates in WAT/GD and PI. Additionally, factors like academic history, diversity, gender diversity and relevance of work experience will also affect the probability of selection.

This year, in view of COVID-19 pandemic, many IIMs with the likes of IIM Indore and IIM Nagpur has scrapped WAT and GD rounds. The PI round was held through video calls for MBA Admission 2020-21. 

However, for admission in 2021, the previous selection process will be retained.  As part of the procedure, once the CAT results are declared, each of the 20 IIMs screen candidates with respect to their CAT scores and academic record in Classes 10, 12 and graduation. Each IIM sets a separate cutoff for each section and category.

Check: CAT Percentile Predictor 2020: Know Colleges based on Percentile

IIM Admission 2021: Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for admission to IIMs is similar to CAT Eligibility Criteria. Details are provided below:

• An aggregate of 50% scores or equivalent CGPA (SC/ST: 45% or equivalent CGPA) in Graduation.
• Final year students are eligible to apply for admission.
• For IIM interview call, candidates have to qualify CAT, meet qualifying cutoffs of that IIM.

Candidates who are finally selected are communicated the same through an email for Confirmation of Admission. Candidates are confirmed of their admissions after they fill acceptance form and pay the required admission fee. Failing to complete this procedure within the stipulated time, the seat will be allotted to the next best candidate. 

Read: CAT Preparation Tips: 2 Month Study Plan, Last Minute Preparation Tips 

Apart from this, IIMs have a special provision for deferring admission. This entails, if students seek more work experience before attending MBA classes, they can push their admission for a  maximum of 2 years only. As a fact, every IIM restores 10% seats for deferred admission.

IIM Admission 2021: Selection Process 

IIM Admission 2020-21 will be concluded in three stages which are elaborated below:

Stage 1: Shortlisting based on CAT score

After CAT results are out, candidates who meet the qualifying CAT Cutoff Criteria apply for WAT/GD-PI at the respective institute.

Stage 2: Screening based on WAT-PI

In this stage, applications are screened and candidates who have competent academic records and CAT score are intimidated to attend WAT-PI/GD round.

Stage 3: Final Selection on Composite Score

In this stage, candidates are finally selected based on their composite scores which are calculated based on a number of parameters stated below:

*Weightage of each parameter is subject to change for each of the IIMs. 

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Documents Required for WAT/PI 

Candidates need to carry original and self-attested photocopies of following documents for WAT/PI round:

• Cass 10, Class 12 and Graduation Marksheets 
• Caste or disability certificates (if applicable)
• Candidates appearing for the final year bachelor's degree (or equivalent) examination have to produce a certificate from Principal/Registrar/Director of the university/institution that he or she secured 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC, ST, and PwD category) in the last qualifying examination.

Note: Deadline for submitting mark sheets and passing certificates is December 31, 2021. Failure to submit the documents within the last date will lead to cancellation of admission.

IIM Admission 2021: Important Instructions for Candidates 

• Shortlisting is done online and candidates called for interview will be communicated via email.
• Candidates are intimidated about selection based on WAT/PI and GD rounds through email or by post.
• It is mandatory to attend WAT/GD-PI for the final selection of candidates based on composite scores. 

Check: CAT Question Paper: Download Previous Year CAT Paper, Mock Tests & Practice Sets