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Apr 19, 2026
IIM Admission 2026: Several IIMs Update Selection Criteria; Focus Shifts to Diversity and Work Experience
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Vikram Malhotra
Apr 19, 2026
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As the admission cycle for the 2026-2028 batch of the Post Graduate Programme (PGP) in Management reaches its final stages, several Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have announced significant changes to their selection criteria. IIM Bangalore and IIM Ahmedabad have led the way by increasing the weightage assigned to work experience and academic diversity during the final selection phase. This shift is part of a broader strategy to ensure that MBA classrooms are not dominated by a single academic background, specifically engineering, and instead reflect a more varied professional landscape.
IIM Bangalore has announced that for the current cycle, the weightage for the Common Admission Test (CAT) score in the final merit list will be 25%, while work experience will now account for 20%. Previously, the CAT score held a 35% weightage. This change is designed to favor candidates who have spent 24 to 48 months in the industry, bringing practical insights into the classroom discussions. Similarly, IIM Lucknow has introduced additional 'diversity points' for candidates coming from humanities, law, and medicine, aiming to enrich the peer-learning environment.
The Personal Interview (PI) and Writing Ability Test (WAT) rounds, which were conducted between February and April 2026, have also seen a change in format. Many IIMs have incorporated 'Situational Judgment Tests' to assess the soft skills and ethical reasoning of the candidates. Experts suggest that these changes are a response to the evolving needs of the corporate sector, which increasingly values emotional intelligence and diverse perspectives over pure quantitative ability. The final admission offers are expected to be rolled out by the first week of May 2026.
For aspirants planning to take the CAT 2026 exam later this year, these updates serve as a crucial indicator of how to build their profiles. Admissions consultants advise students to focus not just on their percentile but also on building a robust resume through internships, social work, and certifications. The trend towards holistic evaluation means that a 99.9 percentile no longer guarantees a seat at a top-tier IIM if the candidate lacks a well-rounded profile. This has led to a surge in professionals from non-traditional backgrounds, such as fashion design and journalism, applying for management programs.
The IIMs have also clarified their stance on the inclusion of the 'Transgender' category in their diversity points system, reinforcing their commitment to social inclusivity. As the waitlists start moving in late May, candidates are advised to keep a close watch on the official portals of the respective institutes. The 2026 admission season is proving to be one of the most transformative in recent years, signaling a new era in Indian management education where 'who you are' is becoming as important as 'what you know'.
IIM Bangalore has announced that for the current cycle, the weightage for the Common Admission Test (CAT) score in the final merit list will be 25%, while work experience will now account for 20%. Previously, the CAT score held a 35% weightage. This change is designed to favor candidates who have spent 24 to 48 months in the industry, bringing practical insights into the classroom discussions. Similarly, IIM Lucknow has introduced additional 'diversity points' for candidates coming from humanities, law, and medicine, aiming to enrich the peer-learning environment.
The Personal Interview (PI) and Writing Ability Test (WAT) rounds, which were conducted between February and April 2026, have also seen a change in format. Many IIMs have incorporated 'Situational Judgment Tests' to assess the soft skills and ethical reasoning of the candidates. Experts suggest that these changes are a response to the evolving needs of the corporate sector, which increasingly values emotional intelligence and diverse perspectives over pure quantitative ability. The final admission offers are expected to be rolled out by the first week of May 2026.
For aspirants planning to take the CAT 2026 exam later this year, these updates serve as a crucial indicator of how to build their profiles. Admissions consultants advise students to focus not just on their percentile but also on building a robust resume through internships, social work, and certifications. The trend towards holistic evaluation means that a 99.9 percentile no longer guarantees a seat at a top-tier IIM if the candidate lacks a well-rounded profile. This has led to a surge in professionals from non-traditional backgrounds, such as fashion design and journalism, applying for management programs.
The IIMs have also clarified their stance on the inclusion of the 'Transgender' category in their diversity points system, reinforcing their commitment to social inclusivity. As the waitlists start moving in late May, candidates are advised to keep a close watch on the official portals of the respective institutes. The 2026 admission season is proving to be one of the most transformative in recent years, signaling a new era in Indian management education where 'who you are' is becoming as important as 'what you know'.