IIM Calcutta has released the MBA Admission Policy for the 2027-29 batch, detailing the eligibility requirements, CAT 2026 cutoff percentiles, and the selection methodology. The admission process includes candidate shortlisting based on the scores of CAT exam and academic performance, followed by the Writing Ability Test (WAT), Personal Interview (PI), and final merit list preparation for MBA admissions.
CAT 2026 Admission Cutoffs and PI-WAT Selection Criteria
To qualify for Stage I shortlisting, applicants must secure non-negative raw scores in every CAT 2026 section and satisfy the minimum sectional and overall percentile benchmarks specified for their respective categories. For the General category, the minimum eligibility threshold is 80 percentile in VARC, 80 percentile in DILR, 75 percentile in Quantitative Aptitude, and an overall percentile of 85. The category-wise CAT 2026 cutoff percentiles for shortlisting candidates for the Personal Interview (PI) and Writing Ability Test (WAT) rounds are provided in the table below:
| Category | VARC Percentile | DILR Percentile | QA Percentile | Overall Percentile |
| General (Open) | ≥ 80 | ≥ 80 | ≥ 75 | ≥ 85 |
| EWS | ≥ 70 | ≥ 65 | ≥ 65 | ≥ 75 |
| NC-OBC | ≥ 70 | ≥ 65 | ≥ 65 | ≥ 75 |
| SC | ≥ 65 | ≥ 60 | ≥ 60 | ≥ 70 |
| ST | ≥ 55 | ≥ 55 | ≥ 55 | ≥ 65 |
| PwD | ≥ 45 | ≥ 45 | ≥ 45 | ≥ 55 |
Note: Candidates must meet both the sectional and overall CAT 2026 percentile requirements applicable to their category. Securing the minimum cutoff does not guarantee a PI-WAT call, as the final shortlist is prepared using additional evaluation parameters specified in the admission policy.
CAT Composite Score Calculation for IIM Calcutta MBA Admissions
Candidates who meet the Stage I eligibility requirements are assessed for Stage II shortlisting through a composite scoring framework carrying a maximum of 85 points. The highest weightage of 56 points is assigned to the CAT 2026 scaled score, while academic performance contributes up to 25 points, including 10 points for Class 10 marks and 15 points for Class 12 marks. Additionally, female and transgender applicants receive up to 4 points under the gender diversity component. This composite score is used to prepare the shortlist for the Personal Interview (PI) and Writing Ability Test (WAT) rounds.
IIM Calcutta Final MBA Admission Selection Process
The final admission offer at IIM Calcutta is based on a 100-point composite score that assesses candidates across multiple parameters. Along with CAT 2026 performance, the institute considers interview performance, writing skills, work experience, and academic diversity while preparing the final merit list.
| Selection Parameter | Weightage (Points) |
| Personal Interview (PI) | 48 |
| CAT 2026 Score | 30 |
| Writing Ability Test (WAT) | 8 |
| Work Experience | 8 |
| Academic Diversity | 6 |
| Total | 100 |
The academic diversity score carries a maximum weight of 6 points and is awarded based on a candidate’s educational background. Applicants from engineering disciplines do not receive diversity points, while those holding a non-engineering bachelor’s degree are awarded 4 points under this criterion.
The work experience component evaluates full-time managerial or executive employment undertaken after the completion of a bachelor’s degree. Only the experience accumulated up to January 31, 2027, is considered for calculating the work experience score during the final selection process.
Also Check: IIM Admission Process 2027 & Eligibility Criteria
FAQs – IIM Calcutta Admission Policy
Ques: Does meeting the CAT 2026 cutoff guarantee a PI-WAT call from IIM Calcutta?
Ans: No, achieving the minimum CAT 2026 sectional and overall percentile cutoffs only makes a candidate eligible for consideration. IIM Calcutta further evaluates applicants using a composite score that includes CAT performance, Class 10 and Class 12 marks, and gender diversity factors before releasing the shortlist for the Personal Interview (PI) and Writing Ability Test (WAT) rounds.
Ques: How much weight does CAT 2026 carry in the IIM Calcutta admission process?
Ans: CAT 2026 plays a significant role at multiple stages of the admission process. During the shortlisting stage, candidates receive substantial weight based on their CAT scaled scores. In the final selection stage, CAT performance continues to contribute to the overall composite score used for preparing the final merit list.
Ques: Does IIM Calcutta give preference to non-engineering candidates?
Ans: Yes, IIM Calcutta includes an academic diversity component in its admission process. Candidates from non-engineering backgrounds are awarded additional points, which helps create a classroom with students from diverse academic disciplines and professional experiences.
