Kozhikode, India – The Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM Kozhikode) has maintained its three-stage admission policy for the 2026-28 Postgraduate Programme (PGP), commonly known as MBA. The institute will assign a final weightage of 35% to CAT 2025 scores. The minimum overall CAT cut-off for general category candidates remains at 85 percentile.
Candidates must achieve a positive scaled score in all three sections of CAT 2025: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Quantitative Aptitude (QA), and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR). Only these candidates qualify for the three-stage selection process.
IIM Kozhikode requires specific CAT 2025 sectional and overall percentiles. General category candidates need at least an 85 overall percentile and 75 sectional percentile. OBC-NCL and EWS candidates require 75 overall and 65 sectional percentiles. SC category candidates need 65 overall and 55 sectional percentiles. For ST and Persons with Disability (PwD) candidates, the overall cut-off is 55, with a 45 sectional percentile requirement.
Academic performance in Class 10 and 12 also forms part of the selection criteria. Candidates must have scored a minimum of 60% in both Class 10 and 12. These academic criteria are relaxed for reserved categories.
Stage 1: Initial Shortlisting
The first stage shortlists candidates who meet the minimum CAT percentile score in each section. Shortlisted candidates must complete a mandatory online registration process. The specific minimum academic percentages for Class 10 (SSC) and Class 12 (HSC) are detailed below:
| Category | CAT Overall Percentile | CAT Sectional Percentile | SSC, Class 10 Percentage | HSC, Class 12 Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEN | 85 | 75 | 60 | 60 |
| OBC-NCL, EWS | 75 | 65 | 60 | 60 |
| SC | 65 | 55 | 55 | 55 |
| ST/PwD | 55 | 45 | 55 | 55 |
Stage 2: Personal Interview Shortlisting
In stage two, IIM Kozhikode shortlists eligible candidates for the Personal Interview (PI) round. This shortlisting uses an Aggregate Index Score (AIS). CAT performance holds the highest weightage at 50%. Class 12 scores account for 20%, and Class 10 scores for 15%.
The list of candidates shortlisted for interviews will be published on the registration portal around the second week of January 2026 . Interview call letters, venue details, and other instructions will be available on the IIM Kozhikode official website.
| IIM Kozhikode Stage 2 Selection Component | Weightage |
|---|---|
| CAT 2025 Index Score | 50% |
| Class 10 Percentage Score | 15% |
| Class 12 Percentage Score | 20% |
| Gender Diversity | 10% |
| Academic Diversity Score | 5% |
| Work Experience Score | 5% |
Stage 3: Final Selection and Admission Offers
The final stage involves issuing admission offers based on merit. These offers will be made around the first week of May 2026 . A limited number of candidates will be placed on a waiting list.
The final admission decision incorporates several factors. CAT 2025 index score and Personal Interview (PI) score each carry a 35% weightage. The Written Ability Test (WAT) score accounts for 20%, and the Resume score contributes 10%.
| IIM Kozhikode MBA Final Selection Component | Weightage |
|---|---|
| CAT 2025 Index Score | 35% |
| Personal Interview (PI) Score | 35% |
| WAT Score | 20% |
| Resume Score | 10% |