IIT Kanpur MBA Admission Criteria 2026-28: Complete Guide
IIT Kanpur’s Department of Management Sciences (DoMS) is accepting applications for its MBA program 2026. There are 53 seats available. Graduates from any field, including those without an engineering background, can apply. You need at least 60% marks if you are in the General, EWS, or OBC category, or at least 50% if you are from the SC, ST, or PwD category. You also need to have studied Mathematics in Class 12. Admission is based on your CAT score. The last date to apply is 31st January 2026. The application fee is ₹2,000 for General/OBC/EWS candidates and ₹1,000 for SC/ST/PwD candidates.
Read the rest of this blog for all the details you need.
About IIT Kanpur DoMS MBA Program
IIT Kanpur’s MBA program aims to develop future business professionals who can handle real-world industry challenges. It combines practical management learning with a strong focus on technology, making it a good choice for those who want to work in technology-focused businesses.
Program Duration: 2 years (4 years for part-time)
Intake: 53 seats for the batch of 2025-27
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Details |
| Minimum Graduation % | General/EWS/OBC: 60% |
| SC/ST/PWD: 50% | |
| Final Year Students | Yes, students in their final year of graduation can apply |
| Non-Engineers | Yes, the program welcomes candidates from all academic backgrounds |
| CAT Sectional Cutoff | No |
This is especially helpful for candidates who do well overall but may not meet the sectional cutoffs that some other business schools require.
IIT Kanpur MBA Selection Criteria
IIT Kanpur DoMS uses a thorough selection process that looks at several different factors when evaluating candidates:
Shortlisting Stage
Basis: CAT Percentile
The shortlisting cutoffs have changed over the years:
| Batch | GEN | EWS | NC-OBC | SC | ST | PWD |
| 2022-24 | 91 | 85 | 85 | 75 | 75 | 75 |
| 2024-26 | 91 | 82 | 82 | 70 | 70 | 70 |
| 2025-27 | 93 | 90 | 90 | 70 | 70 | 70 |
Important Note: The cutoffs for the 2025-27 batch have increased for General, EWS, and NC-OBC categories, indicating heightened competition.
Final Selection Weightage
Once shortlisted, candidates are evaluated on the following parameters:
| Component | Weightage |
| CAT Score | 20% |
| 12th Standard | 20% |
| Graduation Degree | 20% |
| Work Experience | 10% |
| Group Discussion | 20% |
| Personal Interview | 30% |
This balanced approach ensures that the institute selects well-rounded candidates with strong academic backgrounds, relevant work experience, and excellent communication skills.
Specific Admission Conditions
Condition 1: Mathematics Requirement
Mathematics at +2 Level Required
You must have studied Mathematics in Class 12. This shows the program’s focus on strong quantitative skills.
Condition 2: CAT Score Requirements
Minimum CAT Overall Scores:
- General/EWS/OBC: 80 percentile
- SC/ST/PWD: 55 percentile
These minimum scores make sure that everyone admitted has shown strong skills in quantitative ability, verbal ability, and data interpretation.
Application Process
Application Deadline
31st January 2026
Be sure to note this date—the application window closes then, so try to submit your application early.
Application Fees
- General/OBC/EWS: ₹2,000
- SC/ST/PWD: ₹1,000
Having different fees for each category helps make the program accessible to everyone.
What Makes IIT Kanpur MBA Unique?
There are a few reasons why the IIT Kanpur MBA program stands out:
- Strong focus on technology: Being part of an IIT gives students great exposure to technology and innovation.
- Small batch size: With only 53 seats, students get more personal attention and closer interaction with faculty.
- Well-rounded selection: The admission process looks at multiple factors, which help create a diverse and dynamic student group.
- Powerful alumni base: The IIT Kanpur name and network help students get opportunities across different industries.
Preparation Tips
For CAT Preparation
With the cutoff now at 93 percentile for the General category, here’s what you can do:
- Practice regularly in all three CAT sections.
- Take mock tests often to improve your speed and time management.
- Aim for a score above the cutoff to boost your chances of being shortlisted.
For GD-PI Preparation
Because GD and PI together count for half of the final selection, you should:
- Stay updated on current affairs and important business news.
- Practice speaking clearly and confidently so you can express your thoughts well.
- Revise your academic subjects and be ready to talk about your work experience.
- Be ready to explain why IIT Kanpur is the right choice for you and how its MBA program matches your goals.
Conclusion
The IIT Kanpur MBA program is a strong choice if you want to develop business skills and learn about technology. The admission process is competitive, but it considers many parts of your profile, so candidates with well-rounded potential still have a good chance.
With the application deadline on 31st January 2026, now is a good time to start preparing your application. Make sure you meet all the eligibility criteria, especially having Mathematics in Class 12, and aim for a CAT percentile well above the minimum cutoffs.
Remember, getting into IIT Kanpur DoMS isn’t just about your CAT score. Your academic record, work experience, and how you do in the GD and PI are just as important. Focus on preparing for all these areas, and you could earn a spot in the 2026–28 MBA batch.
Best of luck with your MBA journey!
Disclaimer: This information is based on the admission criteria for the 2025–27 batch. Please refer to the official IIT Kanpur DoMS website for the latest and detailed updates.
FAQs: IIT Kanpur MBA Admission Criteria 2026
What is the admission criteria for IIT Kanpur MBA 2026–28?
IIT Kanpur MBA admission 2026 is based on a candidate’s CAT score, academic performance in Class 12 and graduation, work experience, group discussion, and personal interview performance.
What is the CAT cutoff for IIT Kanpur MBA 2026?
The CAT cutoff for IIT Kanpur MBA 2025–27 is 93 percentile for General category candidates, 90 percentile for EWS and NC-OBC, and 70 percentile for SC/ST/PwD categories.
Is there any sectional cutoff in IIT Kanpur MBA admission?
No, IIT Kanpur DoMS does not apply sectional cutoffs. Shortlisting is done purely on the basis of the overall CAT percentile.
What is the minimum CAT percentile required for IIT Kanpur MBA admission?
The minimum CAT overall percentile required is 80 for General/EWS/OBC candidates and 55 for SC/ST/PwD candidates.
What is the eligibility criteria for IIT Kanpur MBA program?
Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree with at least 60% marks for General/EWS/OBC categories or 50% marks for SC/ST/PwD categories, along with Mathematics studied at the Class 12 level.
Can non-engineering students apply for IIT Kanpur MBA?
Yes, IIT Kanpur MBA admission is open to candidates from all academic backgrounds, including non-engineering streams.
Is Mathematics compulsory for IIT Kanpur MBA admission?
Yes, having Mathematics in Class 12 is a mandatory requirement for admission to the IIT Kanpur MBA program.
How many seats are available for IIT Kanpur MBA 2026?
The total intake for the IIT Kanpur MBA 2025–27 batch is 53 students.
What is the selection process for IIT Kanpur MBA after CAT?
Shortlisted candidates are evaluated based on CAT score, Class 12 marks, graduation marks, work experience, group discussion, and personal interview performance.
What is the weightage of CAT score in IIT Kanpur MBA final selection?
The CAT score carries 20% weightage in the final selection process for the IIT Kanpur MBA program.
How much weightage do GD and PI have in IIT Kanpur MBA admission?
Group Discussion and Personal Interview together carry 50% weightage, making them the most important components of the selection process.
Can final-year students apply for IIT Kanpur MBA 2026?
Yes, final-year undergraduate students are eligible to apply for IIT Kanpur MBA admission, subject to meeting eligibility criteria at the time of enrollment.
What is the application fee for IIT Kanpur MBA admission?
The application fee is ₹2,000 for General/OBC/EWS candidates and ₹1,000 for SC/ST/PwD candidates.
What is the last date to apply for IIT Kanpur MBA 2026?
The last date to submit the application form for IIT Kanpur MBA admission is 31st January 2026.
Is work experience mandatory for IIT Kanpur MBA admission?
Work experience is not mandatory, but it carries 10% weightage in the final selection process.
Can the IIT Kanpur MBA be completed in part-time mode?
Yes, the IIT Kanpur MBA program can be completed in part-time mode with a maximum duration of four years.
