IIM Indore Selection Criteria 2026-28 (PGP): Step-by-Step IIM Indore Admission Process
The IIM Indore selection criteria for the Post Graduate Programme (PGP) 2026-28 batch is officially out. Known for its rigorous academic curriculum and beautiful campus atop a hillock, IIM Indore remains a dream destination for thousands of CAT aspirants.
For the 2026-28 batch, IIM Indore continues its tradition of valuing academic consistency alongside CAT performance. Unlike some IIMs that focus heavily on work experience, IIM Indore places significant weight on your Class 10 and Class 12 scores throughout the selection process.
In this comprehensive guide, we decode the official IIM Indore admission procedure for 2026-28, breaking down the eligibility, shortlisting criteria, and final selection formula.
IIM Indore Selection Criteria & Eligibility for PGPM
Simply appearing for CAT exam isn’t enough; you must clear specific sectional and overall percentile benchmarks.
Basic Eligibility
- Bachelorโs Degree: Minimum 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC/ST/PwD).
- Final Year Students: Eligible to apply, provided they submit proof of completion by June 30, 2026.
Stage 1: Minimum CAT Cutoffs for IIM Indore Admissions
To be considered for the next stage, you must score equal to or above these percentiles:
| Category | QA (Quant) | DILR (Data/Logic) | VARC | Overall Percentile |
| General | 80 | 80 | 80 | 90 |
| EWS | 80 | 80 | 80 | 90 |
| NC-OBC | 70 | 70 | 70 | 80 |
| SC | 55 | 55 | 55 | 60 |
| ST | 40 | 40 | 40 | 45 |
| PwD | 40 | 40 | 40 | 45 |
Stage 2: Shortlisting for Personal Interview (PI)
IIM Indore calculates a Composite Score (CS) to shortlist candidates for the Personal Interview. There is a heavy weightage on academics and the specific focus on Quantitative Ability within the CAT score.
Computation of Composite Score for PI Shortlist
| Component | Weightage |
|---|---|
| 10th Standard / SSC | 10 * [๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ก๐โ๐๐๐๐/๐๐๐๐ฅโ๐๐๐๐] |
| 12th Standard / HSC | 25 * [๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ก๐โ๐๐๐๐/๐๐๐๐ฅโ๐๐๐๐] |
| CAT 2025: VARC |
16 * [๐ถ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ก๐’๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ด๐ ๐ถ/๐ป๐๐โ๐๐ ๐ก ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ด๐ ๐ถ] |
| DILR | 16 * [๐ถ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ก๐’๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ท๐ผ๐ฟ๐ /๐ป๐๐โ๐๐ ๐ก ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ท๐ผ๐ฟ๐ ] |
| QA | 23 * [๐ถ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ก๐’๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ด/๐ป๐๐โ๐๐ ๐ก ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ด] |
| Diversity Factor (DF) | 7 |
| Work Experience (WE) | 3 |
| Composite Score | Sum of the above Scores |
Notes:
- Z candidate, Z min, Z max for 10th Standard/ SSC Score and 12th Standard/ HSC Score are computed using the normalisation process.
- For the candidates who have not received any marks for their 10th Standard/ SSC due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the weightage for this component (10%) shall be split between the CAT Sectional Scores and 12th Standard/ HSC Score on a pro rata basis.
- For the candidates who have not received any marks for their 12th Standard/ HSC due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the weightage for this component (25%) shall be split between the CAT Sectional Scores and the 10th Standard/ SSC Score on a pro rata basis.
Stage 3: Final Selection Criteria
If you clear the PI round, your final admission offer depends on the Final Composite Score (FCS). The criteria shift slightly here, placing massive importance on your interview performance.
Computation of Final Composite Score (FCS)
| Component | Weightage |
| 10th Standard | 5 * [๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ก๐โ๐๐๐๐/๐๐๐๐ฅโ๐๐๐๐] |
| 12th Standard | 5 * [๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ก๐โ๐๐๐๐/๐๐๐๐ฅโ๐๐๐๐] |
| CAT 2025: VARC | 20 * [๐ถ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ก๐’๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ด๐ ๐ถ/๐ป๐๐โ๐๐ ๐ก ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ด๐ ๐ถ] |
| DILR | 10 * [๐ถ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ก๐’๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ DILR/๐ป๐๐โ๐๐ ๐ก ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ DILR] |
| QA | 10 * [๐ถ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ก๐’๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ QA/๐ป๐๐โ๐๐ ๐ก ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ QA] |
| Personal Interview (PI) | 45 * [๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ก๐โ๐๐๐๐/๐๐๐๐ฅโ๐๐๐๐] |
| Diversity Factor (DF) | 5 |
| Final Composite Score | Sum of the above Scores |
Also read, Internships at IIM Indore
Important Guidelines & Policies for IIM Selection Criteria for PGP
Reservations: IIM Indore strictly follows Government of India norms for category reservations as follows:
- NC-OBC: 27%
- SC: 15%
- EWS: 10%
- ST: 7.5%
- PwD: 5%
COVID-19 Provisions
For candidates who were promoted without marks during the pandemic years (10th or 12th), IIM Indore has a pro-rata policy. If you lack marks for one board exam due to COVID, its weightage will be split proportionally among the other available components (CAT scores, other board marks, etc.).
International Baccalaureate (IB) Candidates
If you are from the IB board, you must produce the “IB Diploma Indian Percentage Transcript” to verify your aggregate percentage.
IIM Indore Placements: Highest Package & Average Package
IIM Indore has a track record of successful placement of all students from its PGP and IPM batch of 2024. Over 150 recruiters participated, offering diverse opportunities for the graduating batch. The highest package offered stood at INR 100 LPA. The average package decreased compared to the previous year, settling at INR 25.68 LPA. The consulting cohort (25%) made the maximum number of offers, followed by the finance cohort (19%).
Read more: IIM Indore Placements
Conclusion: How to Strategize for IIM Indore Admission Criteria?
While you need a balanced score, a high QA score is crucial for getting the interview call (Stage 2), while a high VARC score helps more in the final conversion stage. If you have 90%+ in Class 10 and 12, IIM Indore is one of your best bets among the top IIMs due to the heavy initial weightage.
Since the PI carries 45% weight in the final list, you cannot rely solely on your CAT score or academics. Comprehensive interview prep is non-negotiable.
Disclaimer: IIM Indore reserves the right to modify this process. Always check the official website (iimidr.ac.in) for the latest updates.
Also read, IIM Indore IPMAT Program
FAQs for IIM Indore Admission Criteria
What is the minimum CAT percentile for IIM Indore?
For the General category, the overall cutoff is 90 percentile, with 80 percentile in each section. However, actual shortlists usually occur at much higher percentiles (98+).
Does IIM Indore consider 10th and 12th marks?
Yes, significantly. In the interview shortlisting stage, Class 12 marks carry 25% weightage and Class 10 marks carry 10% weightage.
Is work experience required for IIM Indore?
No, it is not mandatory. Work experience carries only 3% weightage in the shortlisting stage, making IIM Indore very fresher-friendly compared to other IIMs.
When will the interview calls be out?
Shortlisted candidates will get the calls in January 2026.
Does IIM Indore have sectional cutoffs?
Yes. General category students need a minimum of 80 percentile in VARC, DILR, and QA individually.


