Your complete post-CAT guide: IIM shortlist timelines, interview schedules, percentile analysis, and preparation strategy.
CAT exam conducted
Results announced by IIM Calcutta
Individual IIMs release shortlists
Common Admission Process registration
Old IIMs conduct their own interviews
CAP IIMs conduct centralized interviews
Final admission offers released
Approximate call probability based on percentile. Actual calls depend on profile, category, and sectional scores.
| Percentile | IIM-A | IIM-B | IIM-C | New IIMs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99.5+ | High | High | High | Very High |
| 99-99.5 | Medium | High | High | Very High |
| 98-99 | Low | Medium | Medium | High |
| 95-98 | Very Low | Low | Low | Medium-High |
| 90-95 | Unlikely | Very Low | Very Low | Medium |
| 85-90 | Unlikely | Unlikely | Unlikely | Low-Medium |
* Probabilities vary by category (General/OBC/SC/ST), gender diversity, academic background, and work experience. This is general guidance, not prediction.
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Print from official CAT website
Original + 2 photocopies
Original + 2 photocopies
Original + 2 photocopies
For final year, provisional is accepted
If applicable, from all employers
If applicable, in prescribed format
Aadhaar/PAN/Passport/Driving License
Carry 4-5 recent photographs
1-2 pages, professional format
* Mandatory documents. Always carry originals + 2 photocopies of each.
Write out your complete "Why MBA" and "Why this school" answers. Be specific, not generic.
Review fundamentals of your graduation subject. Be ready to explain core concepts simply.
Start reading one newspaper daily. Form opinions on 10-15 major topics.
Document achievements, failures, and learnings from every job. Quantify impact.
Start practicing now. Don't wait for shortlist. 5-8 mocks minimum recommended.
Gather all certificates and marksheets now. Get photocopies ready. Don't wait till last week.
IIM shortlists are typically released in January 2025, about 3 weeks after CAT results. Different IIMs release at different times. IIM-A, B, C usually release first, followed by newer IIMs.
CAP is a centralized interview process for 8 newer IIMs. Instead of separate interviews, you attend one interview that counts for all participating CAP IIMs. IIM Bodh Gaya conducts CAP 2025.
Aim for 5-8 mock interviews minimum. Quality matters more than quantity — ensure you get genuine feedback and improve between sessions. Practice with strangers, not just friends/family.
Yes. Old IIMs (A, B, C, L, K, I) conduct their own interviews. You can attend all you're shortlisted for. CAP IIMs share a common interview — one interview counts for all CAP schools you're shortlisted by.
Profile strength (academics, work experience, diversity) can compensate for lower percentile. Newer IIMs particularly value work experience and academic diversity. Focus on schools where your profile fits their criteria.
The best candidates start interview prep before results. Rehearsal AI gives you unlimited mock interviews with AI that probes just like IIM panels — stress questions, follow-ups, and real feedback.