IIM Ahmedabad MBA Admission 2026: Eligibility and Selection Process Explained begins with the Common Admission Test (CAT) followed by a multi-stage selection process. The institute’s flagship PGP programme remains one of the most competitive MBA courses in India.
IIM Ahmedabad MBA 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet academic and entrance exam requirements to be considered for admission. These criteria ensure only eligible applicants proceed to further stages. Before applying, candidates must review the following requirements:
- A Bachelor’s degree with required minimum marks from a recognised university
- A valid CAT 2025 score for admission consideration
- GMAT score applicable for international applicants
- Strong academic record in Class 10, Class 12, and graduation
Meeting these criteria is essential for shortlisting in the admission process.
IIM Ahmedabad MBA Admission Process 2026
The admission process includes multiple evaluation stages designed to assess candidates holistically. Each stage plays a key role in final selection. The selection process involves the following stages:
- Stage 1: Shortlisting based on CAT score and academic profile
- Stage 2: Analytical Writing Test (AWT)
- Stage 3: Personal Interview (PI)
- Stage 4: Final merit list preparation
Candidates are shortlisted category-wise as per applicable norms.
IIM Ahmedabad Final Selection Criteria and Weightage
Final selection is based on a composite score that considers multiple performance indicators. Each component has a defined weightage. The key components of the final score include:
- Personal Interview (PI): 50%
- Analytical Writing Test (AWT): 10%
- CAT Score: 25%
- Academic Performance: 15%
This system ensures a balanced evaluation of academic and personal capabilities.
IIM Ahmedabad CAT Cut-off and Shortlisting
CAT cut-off plays a crucial role in the initial screening of candidates. Only those meeting both sectional and overall cut-offs are shortlisted. Key cut-off details include:
- General category candidates typically require around 90–95 percentile overall
- Sectional cut-offs must also be cleared in each section
- Reserved categories have different cut-off requirements
Higher cut-offs reflect intense competition for limited seats.
IIM Ahmedabad MBA Fees and Programme Details
The PGP at IIM Ahmedabad is a full-time residential programme aimed at developing leadership and management skills. It attracts candidates from diverse academic backgrounds. Key programme details are as follows:
- Course: Post Graduate Programme (PGP)
- Duration: 2 years (full-time residential)
- Total fees: Approximately INR 24.61 lakh
The programme is designed to provide rigorous academic and practical exposure.
IIM Ahmedabad Admission Timeline 2026
The admission cycle follows the CAT examination schedule and subsequent evaluation rounds. Candidates must stay updated with timelines. The expected schedule is as follows:
- CAT 2025 exam: 30 November 2025
- Shortlisting for AWT and PI: Early 2026
- Final merit list: Around April 2026
Candidates are advised to track official announcements for confirmation of dates.
