IIM Ahmedabad has introduced significant changes to its admission policy for the PGP batch of 2027-29, altering how various components, including the Common Admission Test (CAT) and academic background, influence the candidate selection process. The latest policy delineates a new approach to evaluating applicants, placing greater emphasis on discipline-specific qualifications alongside traditional assessment methods.

Under the new system, candidates’ total percentile from CAT 2026 will constitute 65 per cent of their raw composite score, with the remaining 35 per cent derived from a normalised Application Rating (AR). This AR takes into consideration academic performance from Class 10, Class 12, and undergraduate studies, as well as gender diversity and full-time work experience.

The updated admissions framework also includes discipline-wise normalisation of scores. This means that a candidate’s undergraduate field of study will significantly impact their likelihood of progressing to the Analytical Writing Test (AWT) and Personal Interview (PI) stages of the process.

Details of the Weightage System

For calculating the raw Application Rating, IIM Ahmedabad utilises scores from several educational and demographic factors. The institute has stated that the raw AR will first be computed before being normalised based on the performance of the top 50 candidates in the applicant pool. This normalised application rating will then account for 35 per cent of the overall composite score, while the total CAT 2026 percentile will contribute 65 per cent.

The formula for the raw composite score is defined as: Raw Composite Score = 0.35 Normalised Application Rating + 0.65 CAT total percentile. This revised method reflects the institution’s commitment to a thorough and fair evaluation process that looks beyond just the CAT results.

The implementation of discipline-specific normalisation will further refine the candidate assessment, taking into account various fields such as Engineering, Commerce, and Medical Sciences, among others. This adjustment aims to provide a more equitable comparison of candidates from diverse educational backgrounds.

Cutoff Requirements and Selection Process

For the 2027-29 PGP cohort, the minimum CAT cutoffs have been established across different categories. General and EWS candidates need an overall percentile of 95 and at least 85 in each section. NC-OBC candidates must achieve an overall score of 90 with sectional cutoffs of 80, while SC candidates require 85 overall and 75 in each segment. ST candidates have cutoffs of 75 overall and 65 sectional.

Individuals belonging to the PwD category will have separate qualifying cutoffs. These minimum standards are essential for eligibility but do not guarantee a call for AWT or PI. Following the application of these cutoffs, the selection process will ensure adequate representation across reservation categories.

The final selection process comprises three components: 50 per cent weightage will be given to the PI, 40 per cent to the normalised composite score, and 10 per cent to the AWT. IIM Ahmedabad has emphasised that CAT results, while crucial, are now among several determinant factors alongside academic performance and demographic considerations.

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