IIM Ahmedabad Selection Criteria 2026 Changed: Check Updated Selection Process

IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA) has changed its MBA selection criteria 2026, which will impact applicants across various categories. The changes include higher required percentiles, different shortlisting criteria, and possible changes to who gets shortlisted. If you want to prepare well, it is important to understand these changes. This blog explains the changes and what they mean, and gives advice for applicants dealing with the new IIMA selection criteria 2026.

IIM Ahmedabad Selection Criteria 2026: Overview of the Key Changes

The most important change is that the minimum scores needed to qualify have gone up by 15 percentile points for all sections and overall. This change affects every category, like General, EWS, PWD, NC-OBC, Transgender, SC, and ST, though there are some differences.

CAT 2024 | Batch of 2025-27

CAT 2025 | Batch of 2026-28

Note: These percentile cutoffs are the minimum scores needed to qualify for subsequent stages of selection.

Important Note: Foreign nationals holding a foreign passport and residing in India are required to have taken either the test-centre-administered GMAT Focus Edition or the GMAT Exam in its previous format. They should apply under the Supernumerary Quota category. For further information, please refer to the following URL: https://iima.ac.in/index.php/academics/mba/admissions/international.

Read More: Check CAT Score & Percentile @iimcat.ac.in

What will the impact be on candidate attempts and scores?

Higher cut-off scores mean you will need better raw scores on the CAT exam 2025. Looking at the CAT 2024 data, here’s what we estimate:

*   General and EWS candidates likely need roughly 5-7 more marks.

*   That’s like getting 2-3 more questions right in each section.

*   In total, getting 6-9 more questions correct across all three sections could get you around 18-27 more marks overall.

Score Required & Correct Attempts (Category-wise)

Implication: To meet the new cutoffs, candidates must aim to attempt and correctly answer more questions in each section.

Read More: Top MBA Colleges in India: Complete List of the Best MBA Colleges in India

What are the Changes in the Shortlisting Stages?

There are two phases to the selection process:
Stage 1: Preliminary shortlisting where only CAT scores and college grades matter.
Stage 2: Final shortlisting, where both your grades and interview score determine if you get in.

Stage 1:Minimal Impact

-The number of candidates that can be shortlisted from different academic categories (ACs) stays the same.
-The academic performance criteria for the 10th, 12th, and graduation levels are also unchanged compared to previous years.
-Plus, the classification into AC categories (from AC1 to AC6) continues, with each category reflecting distinct academic backgrounds, like medicine, engineering, and the arts among others.

Stage 2: Potential Impact

-The significant impact is expected to be here, as the higher percentile cut-offs will determine which candidates actually get to the interview stage.
-This could lead to a change in the composition of those shortlisted—it’s likely that more engineers will get through thanks to the raised sectional and overall cut-offs.
-However, we won’t know the exact balance of the final shortlist, like the number of engineers versus non-engineers, until the CAT results are released and the data is examined.

Now you must be thinking…

And What about Practical Implications for Aspirants?

1. Preparation Strategy Adjustments

• To achieve better scores, it is important to work on answering more questions and improving your accuracy. 
• Set specific goals for each section: aim to reach at least the 85th percentile, which might mean tackling an extra 2-3 questions in each part. 
• Don’t forget to consistently practice with mock tests that replicate the tougher challenges and higher cut-off scores you will face.

2. Focus on Controllables

• Putting in effort and practicing are the key factors you can actually control—focus on how you prepare, your strategy for tackling the questions, and your accuracy. 
• When it comes to time management, make sure you allocate your time wisely to get the most attempts possible in each section.
• Don’t forget to review and improve! Take a close look at your mock performances to spot any weak points and work on speeding up your question-solving skills.

3. Understanding the Impact of Changes

• The higher cut-offs now mean that candidates with slightly lower scores might not meet the eligibility criteria. 
• Those who scored well in the past will need to push themselves even more to keep up with the new standards. 
• Meanwhile, candidates who aren’t in engineering or technical fields could find it tougher because of changes in the overall makeup of applicants.

Read More – IIM Ahmedabad Executive MBA Placements

IIM Ahmedabad Selection Criteria 2026 Additional Considerations

1. Stage Two and Candidate Composition

• The second stage includes both interviews and written assessments.
• When it comes to shortlisting candidates at this stage, it relies on overall scores and specific cut-off points for different categories.
• While it’s hard to say for sure how this will affect the representation of various categories (like engineers compared to non-engineers), it seems likely that those with higher CAT scores will have an advantage.

2. No Changes in Weightages or Evaluation Criteria

• The importance of academic records, work experience, and other factors hasn’t changed.
• The evaluation process still focuses on overall performance and specific criteria for each category.

3. What Should Aspirants Do?

• Stay focused on getting ready and don’t let the changes throw you off balance.
• Let the new cutoff system inspire you to challenge yourself.
• Focus on the areas where you struggle, and practice more questions, as this can really boost your chances of hitting those new cut-offs.
• Stay updated on IMA’s official announcements for any additional information.

Read More: CAT Cutoff

IIM Ahmedabad Selection Criteria 2026: Conclusion

• IM Ahmedabad has increased its percentile cut-offs by about 15 points across all categories. This means you will need higher scores on the CAT, which translates to attempting and correctly answering more questions. 
• While the shortlisting process itself has not changed much in terms of weightages and evaluation criteria, the mix of candidates in the later stages might look different. 
• It is crucial for candidates to concentrate on their prep and aim for better scores in each section, instead of stressing over these changes. 
• Putting in consistent effort and practicing strategically will be essential for overcoming these new challenges. 

Keep in mind that these updates are part of the ever-changing admissions landscape. Although they might seem tough, they also set a higher standard for applicants, ensuring that only the most prepared ones succeed. The best course of action is to double down on your efforts, maintain a positive outlook, and keep practicing. Your success hinges on what you can control—your preparation and determination. 

Wishing you all the best on your journey to IM Ahmedabad!

Read More – Top Tier 2 MBA Colleges In India