IIM Kozhikode Admission Criteria 2026-28: PGP, PGP-Finance & PGP-LSM

IIM Kozhikode’s PGP admissions for 2026-28 prioritise CAT 2025 scores alongside academics and diversity, with shortlisting based on the Aggregate Index Score (AIS), followed by WAT/PI rounds. The process applies reservations as per Government of India norms and covers the complete IIM Kozhikode Admission Criteria 2026–28 for PGP, PGP-Finance, and PGP-LSM.

 Update: The admission process for the 2026–28 batch has already been completed. The criteria discussed below reflect the official selection policy used for the 2026–28 admissions cycle and can serve as a strong reference for candidates preparing for future IIM Kozhikode admission cycles.

IIM Kozhikode Three-Stage Selection Process for the 2026–28 Batch

All three programs broadly follow a three-stage process, but with different cutoffs and weightages at each step:

1. Registration (for candidates meeting minimum eligibility criteria)
2. Shortlisting for WAT-PI based on AIS
3. Final selection after WAT-PI

PGP (Post Graduate Programme) – Detailed Breakdown

Stage 1: Registration for Candidates Meeting Minimum Eligibility Criteria.

To be considered for PGP, you must first meet the following basic requirements:

• Minimum 60% aggregate marks in a bachelor’s degree of at least 3 years duration after 10+2
• OR, if you are CA/CMA/CS: minimum 50% aggregate marks
• A positive scaled score (greater than zero) in all sections of CAT 2025

Table 1: PGP Minimum Eligibility Criteria

Note: Percentages are always calculated using the aggregate marks of all subjects mentioned on the mark sheet, regardless of how your board calculates its own aggregate.

Important: Stage 1 is only for pre-interview registration. It is not an interview call. All candidates who meet the minimum criteria and complete the online registration correctly are considered for Stage 2.

Stage 2: Shortlisting for WAT-PI In Stage 2, IIM Kozhikode evaluates candidates using an Aggregate Index Score (AIS), which combines multiple components.

Table 2: PGP Aggregate Index Score (AIS) – Stage 2

Table 3: PGP Final Score Computation

Resume Score Breakdown (PGP)

You can score up to 10 points on the resume: 5 for a professional qualification (CA/CMA/CS) and 5 for CFA (any of Level 1, 2, or 3).

PGP-Finance – Detailed Breakdown

Stage 1: Registration for Candidates Meeting Minimum Eligibility Criteria

Basic eligibility:

• Minimum 60% aggregate marks in graduation (minimum 3 years after 10+2)
• For CA/CMA/CS: minimum 50% aggregate
• Positive scaled scores in all sections of the CAT/GRE/GMAT
• Test window: CAT 2025 or GRE/GMAT taken between 1 January and 31 December 2025

Note: GMAT Focus Edition is accepted. However, GRE and GMAT home-based test scores are not accepted.

Table 1: PGP-Finance Minimum Eligibility Criteria

Note: The higher cutoffs in Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation reflect the program’s strong finance orientation.

Note: The higher cutoffs in Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation reflect the program’s strong finance orientation.

Stage 2: Shortlisting for WAT-PI

Table 2: PGP-Finance Aggregate Index Score (AIS) – Stage 2

PGP-Finance Suitability Matrix (Certifications)

These raw marks are normalised and given a weightage of 20% in the AIS. Even a Level 1 certification can meaningfully strengthen your profile.

Annexure 1: PGP-Finance – Class X and XII Scoring

Class X Marks

Values between these points are obtained using linear interpolation. Below 60% gets zero points.

Class XII Marks

For experience, the score peaks at 35–36 months (10 points), higher than the PGP’s maximum of 5 points, highlighting how important work experience is for PGP-Finance.

Stage 3: Final Selection

Table 4: PGP-Finance Final Score Computation

Key Point: Unlike the general PGP, the overall CAT score is not directly used in the final computation. Instead, your Quant and DI sectional scores are considered separately, and the panel gives a Finance Orientation Score based on your knowledge, passion, and clarity about a career in finance.

Read More: IIM Shillong Admission Criteria for PGP

PGP-LSM (Liberal Studies and Management) – Detailed Breakdown

Stage 1: Registration for Candidates Meeting Eligibility Criteria

Basic eligibility:

• Minimum 60% aggregate in graduation/post-graduation (minimum 3 years after 10+2)
• For CA/CMA/CS: minimum 50% aggregate
• A valid CAT/GRE/GMAT score (test taken between 1 January and 31 December 2025)
• Positive scaled scores in all CAT sections
• Final-year students are allowed to apply provisionally
• GMAT Focus Edition is accepted; GRE/GMAT home-based scores are not accepted

Table 1: PGP-LSM Minimum Eligibility Criteria

Note: Verbal and Reasoning section cutoffs are higher than Quantitative. This reflects the program’s liberal studies orientation.

Stage 2: Shortlisting for WAT-PI

Table 2: PGP-LSM Aggregate Index Score (AIS) – Stage 2

Academic Diversity Scoring

• If your basic bachelor’s degree is non-engineering, you get the full 10 points. 
• If you hold both an engineering and a non-engineering degree, you receive 10 points only if your non-engineering degree has an aggregate of at least 60%. 

Annexure 1: PGP-LSM Work Experience Score. The work-experience scoring pattern is the same as for the general PGP: 

• The score rises with experience, peaks at 35–36 months (5 points), and then gradually declines.

Stage 3: Final Selection

Table 3: PGP-LSM Final Score Computation

Key Point: For PGP-LSM, your AIS from Stage 2 carries forward entirely into the final score. This means your academic performance, diversity, and work experience continue to matter even after WAT-PI.

Read More: IIT Delhi MBA admission process

Common Mistakes to Avoid in IIM Kozhikode Admission Criteria 2026

• Missing Registration Deadlines: Clearing cutoffs isn’t enough. Missing Stage 1 registration leads to direct elimination.
• Casual Documentation: Organise transcripts, category certificates, work-ex letters, payslips, bank statements, and certifications early.
• Applying to the Wrong Program: Don’t apply to PGP-Finance or PGP-LSM without a genuine interest—misalignment is obvious in interviews.
• Misreporting Work Experience: IIM Kozhikode strictly verifies work experience; discrepancies can cause immediate disqualification.
• Ignoring Current Affairs: All programs require a strong awareness of business, the economy, and global events.
• Memorized Answers: Panels spot scripted responses easily. Prepare themes, not fixed answers.
• Incorrect Diversity Claims: Ensure gender and academic background details are filled correctly to receive eligible diversity points.
• Generic Preparation: Tailor your preparation to the program, including PGP (General Management), PGP-Finance (Finance Depth), and PGP-LSM (Liberal, Interdisciplinary).

IIM Kozhikode Admission Criteria 2026 Financial Considerations

Admission Fee

• Candidates who accept an admission offer are generally required to pay the acceptance fee specified in the admission offer letter. Applicants should always refer to the latest admission guidelines for the applicable amount and refund rules.

Withdrawal Policy

• You are eligible for a refund only if you withdraw before the deadline mentioned in the official withdrawal procedure.
• Processing charges are deducted as per the Government of India norms.
• Refunds may take 2–3 months to be processed due to administrative workflows.
• If you withdraw after the deadline, you will receive a refund only if the batch size remains above the minimum approved number.

Plan carefully. Once you accept an offer and pay the fee, withdrawing later has both financial and procedural implications.

IIM Kozhikode Placement Snapshot

IIM Kozhikode continues to be among India’s leading management institutes. In the latest placement season, the institute attracted recruiters across consulting, finance, sales & marketing, operations, analytics, and product management domains. Candidates should evaluate both admission criteria and placement outcomes while selecting their target B-schools.

IIM Kozhikode Admission Criteria: Final Thoughts

Three Big Takeaways

• Choose the Right Program. Don’t apply to PGP just because it is the flagship option. Depending on your background and interests, PGP-Finance or PGP-LSM might actually be a better fit.
• Build Your Profile Early. Your academic background, certifications, and work experience all accumulate over time. Start shaping your profile 1–2 years before applying, not just a few months before CAT.
• Be Authentic. In the final analysis, interviews reward genuine interest, clarity, and honesty more than memorized answers. Understand your own story and be comfortable telling it.

IIM Kozhikode is looking for future leaders who combine strong academics with diverse perspectives, domain strengths, and the ability to contribute meaningfully in class and beyond. With a clear strategy, disciplined preparation, and authentic self-presentation, you can significantly improve your chances of joining one of India’s leading management institutes.

All the best for your journey to IIM Kozhikode!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What CAT percentile is required for IIM Kozhikode PGP admission?

Candidates must meet the minimum category-wise CAT and sectional percentile requirements specified by IIM Kozhikode. However, meeting the cutoff alone does not guarantee a WAT-PI shortlist.

Does IIM Kozhikode consider Class 10 and Class 12 marks?

Yes. Academic performance in Class 10 and Class 12 forms an important component of the Aggregate Index Score (AIS) used during shortlisting.

Is work experience important for IIM Kozhikode admissions?

Yes. Work experience contributes to the AIS and can improve a candidate’s profile, especially for PGP-Finance.

Does IIM Kozhikode accept GMAT scores?

Yes. PGP-Finance and PGP-LSM accept valid GMAT and GRE scores as specified in the admission policy.

Is there a Written Ability Test (WAT) at IIM Kozhikode?

Yes. WAT remains a component of the selection process and contributes to the final merit score across the programs.