IIM Calcutta Selection Criteria for CAT 2025: Can You Get In with 90%ile?

IIM Calcutta is employing a two-stage selection process for its flagship MBA programme (PGP):

• Shortlisting for PI-WAT round (based on CAT score + academics)
• Final selection (based on a composite score of CAT, PI, academic profile, etc.)

To be eligible for IIM‑C’s PI‑WAT round; candidates must not only secure minimum section and overall percentiles from CAT, but also have at least zero raw scores in all the sections

Category	VARC	DILR	QA	Overall
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

Once you pass through the shortlist and attend the PI-WAT round, IIM Calcutta assesses candidates on many parameters: The candidate will be assessed using a composite score (maximum score of 85) once the candidate has passed Stage I:

• CAT score (converted to scaled score): 56
• Class 10 marks: 10
• Class 12 marks: 15
• Bonus points for gender diversity: +4 will be awarded to female/transgender candidates.

10th/12th marks are scored as follows:

• 80%+: 10 / 15
• 75–80%: 8 / 12
• 70–75%: 6 / 9
• 65–70%: 4 / 6
• 60–65%: 2 / 3
• < 60%: 0 / 0

For those who undergo PI & WAT, final evaluation is based on:

• CAT: 30%
• Personal Interview: 48%
• Writing Ability Test: 8%
• Academic diversity: 6%
• Work experience: 8%

Academic diversity points (0–6) are given for educational background, for instance, non-engineering undergraduate degrees are awarded 4 points, while law/chartered accountancy qualifications can earn 6 points in total.

Work experience is counted using the candidate's months of employment (max 8 points) as a metric after graduation, using evidence-based documentation.

Shortlisting Phase
A 90 percentile CAT score is way below IIM-C's assumed average threshold (~98+ percentile) to become eligible for the composite-based shortlist for admission. This means Stage I bar is not passed, which eliminates the majority of general-category candidates.

Final Selection Phase
Even if you somehow pass Stage I (because of strong 10th/12th scores, and gender diversity), the final composite heavily weights CAT most, then PI & WAT. Scoring just 90 percentile means limiting your CAT weight (30%) in the end composite, making your candidacy weak unless you are otherwise exceptional.

• Aim for 98+ percentile in CAT 2025 (to be on the safe side).
• Strengthen your profile: Dependent on your academic diversity, gender, and meaningful work experience (previous job experience you can validate).
• Prepare for PI & WAT sooner (they are weighted more than anything).
• Keep an eye on IIM‑C official notifications – they may make any changes at any time.