IIM Calcutta MBA Selection Criteria 2026: A Complete Guide
Priya Kumari
Published On - Feb 18, 2026 06:11PM IST
Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIMC), the first national management institute in India, has declared its MBA admission policy for the 2026-28 batch. The IIM Calcutta MBA selection criteria 2026 focus on excellence, diversity and leadership with strict steps like CAT 2025 cut-offs (General: 85 per cent overall, 80 per cent VARC, 80 per cent DILR, 75 per cent QA), shortlisting scores (CAT 56%, Class 10 10%, Class 12 15%, 4% for female/transgender diversity) and final weights (CAT 30%, PI 48%, WAT 8%, academic diversity 6%, work experience up to 8%). Candidates need a bachelor's degree with 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD), and final-year students can apply if they finish by June 30, 2026, with government reservations including 5% for PwD. On the other hand, the overseas applicants require GMAT instead of CAT for shortlisting and interviews.
IIM Calcutta MBA Selection Criteria for Domestic Candidates
Candidates are required to have a bachelor's degree for which they scored at least 50 per cent marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD), and those who are in their final year can also apply, if they complete all their degree requirements by 30 June 2026. A good CAT 2025 score plays a crucial role in deciding admission, and thus, for every category, there is a different set of cut-offs for each section and overall.
The first round of selection is done on the basis of CAT score, marks obtained in Class 10 and 12, and gender diversity, whereas the weight is given to Personal Interview (48 per cent), Written Ability Test (8 per cent), academic diversity, and work experience in the final selection stage. Reservation norms are implemented, which means the respective quotas are allocated to SC/ST/OBC/PwD and other categories accordingly.
Minimum Academic Eligibility:
Bachelor's degree with 50% marks (45 per cent in case of SC/ST/PwD).
Final-year students are eligible to apply, as long as they provide evidence of their bachelor’s degree completion by June 30, 2026.
Integrated or dual degree holders are also welcome, and marks will be counted according to the university regulations.
Academic Diversity: Non-engineering backgrounds, law, CA/CS/ICWA, and other professional qualifications are awarded additional points.
Work Experience: Points given according to months of service (maximum 8 points).
Reservation Policy: According to the Government of India standards, 5 per cent of the seats should be reserved for PwD candidates.
Stage 1: CAT 2025 Cut-Offs
Applicants should have sectional and general percentile requirements:
Category
VARC
DILR
QA
Overall
General (Open)
≥80
≥80
≥75
≥85
EWS / NC-OBC
≥70
≥65
≥65
≥75
SC
≥65
≥60
≥60
≥70
ST
≥55
≥55
≥55
≥65
PwD
≥45
≥45
≥45
≥55
Note: Competition normally results in much higher actual cut-offs.
Stage 2: WAT and PI Shortlisting
Calculation of composite scores:
Parameter
Weightage
CAT 2025 Score
56%
Class 10 Marks
10%
Class 12 Marks
15%
Gender Diversity
4% (female & transgender candidates)
This guarantees the appreciation of both academic consistency and diversity in addition to CAT performance.
Stage 3: Final Selection
Applicants who attend WAT and PI are tested on:
Parameter
Weightage
CAT 2025 Score
30%
Personal Interview (PI)
48%
Written Ability Test (WAT)
8%
Academic Diversity
6%
Work Experience
8%
IIM Calcutta MBA Selection Criteria for Overseas Candidates
For international applicants or Indian nationals residing outside the country, IIM Calcutta has a different admission route:
