Decoding IIM Calcutta PGP Admission 2025: Selection Criteria & Process
Aspiring to get into IIM Calcutta's prestigious PGP program? Understanding the admission process is the first step towards achieving your dream. IIM Calcutta employs a two-stage selection process for its PGP program. Let's break down each stage to understand the criteria and process for the 2025 intake.
Two-Stage Admission Process
The IIM Calcutta PGP admission process is structured in two key stages:
- Shortlisting candidates for the Personal Interview (PI) round.
- Final selection of candidates post the PI round.
Stage 1: Shortlisting for PI Round
The first stage involves shortlisting candidates who meet the minimum CAT 2024 percentile requirements.
Minimum CAT 2024 Percentile Cut-offs for Shortlisting
Initially, a pool of candidates satisfying the following minimum CAT 2024 percentiles are considered for shortlisting.
| Category | Section – I | Section – II | Section – III | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OPEN | ≥ 75 | ≥ 80 | ≥ 80 | ≥ 85 |
| OBC NC/EWS | ≥ 65 | ≥ 65 | ≥ 70 | ≥ 75 |
| EWS | ≥ 65 | ≥ 65 | ≥ 70 | ≥ 75 |
| SC | ≥ 60 | ≥ 60 | ≥ 65 | ≥ 70 |
| ST | ≥ 55 | ≥ 55 | ≥ 55 | ≥ 65 |
| DA | ≥ 45 | ≥ 45 | ≥ 45 | ≥ 55 |
Meeting these cut-offs is the initial requirement to be considered for the next stage. However, scoring above these percentiles does not guarantee a PI call.
Parameters and Weights for PI Shortlisting
Among candidates meeting the percentile cut-offs, a shortlist for WAT and PI rounds is generated based on the following parameters and weights:
| Components | Weights |
|---|---|
| CAT Overall Score | 56 |
| Class X marks | 10 |
| Class XII marks | 15 |
| Gender Diversity Factor | 4 |
| Total | 85 |
Point System for Class X and XII Marks:
Points for Class X and Class XII marks are awarded based on the following percentage ranges:
| Class X Marks (in %) | Points | Class XII Marks (in %) | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| ≥80 | 10 | ≥80 | 15 |
| ≥ 75 and < 80 | 8 | ≥ 75 and < 80 | 12 |
| ≥ 70 and < 75 | 6 | ≥ 70 and < 75 | 9 |
| ≥ 65 and < 70 | 4 | ≥ 65 and < 70 | 6 |
| ≥ 60 and < 65 | 2 | ≥ 60 and < 65 | 3 |
| < 60 | 0 | < 60 | 0 |
Stage 2: Final Selection Post PI Round
The final selection of candidates is based on a composite score that considers various parameters with specific weightages.
Parameters and Weightages for Final Selection
The following parameters and their respective weightages are considered for the final selection:
| Parameter | Weightage |
|---|---|
| CAT score | 30 |
| Personal Interview | 48 |
| Points awarded for Academic Diversity at Bachelor's and Master's level for non-engineering degrees and professional qualifications | 6 |
| Work Experience | 8 |
| WAT | 8 |
Academic Diversity Points
Points for academic diversity are awarded based on the candidate's academic background. The categories are mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive.
| Category ID | Academic Categories | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bachelor's degree in engineering stream OR Master's degree in engineering stream OR Integrated Master's degree in engineering stream | 0 |
| 2 | Bachelor's degree in non-engineering stream | 4 |
| 3 | Dual bachelor's degree in Law (e.g. BA LLB, BSc. LLB, B.Com LLB, BBA LLB) | 5 |
| 4 | Bachelor's degree in engineering stream and Masters in non-engineering stream | 2 |
| 5 | Bachelor's degree in non-engineering stream and Masters in non-engineering stream | 5 |
| 6 | Dual/Integrated degree where bachelors is non-engineering and masters is in non-engineering stream | 5 |
| 7 | Dual/Integrated degree where Bachelors is engineering stream and Masters is non-engineering stream | 1 |
| 8 | CA/ICWA/CS or Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India (FIAI) without having a bachelor's degree. | 5 |
| 9 | CA/ICWA/CS or Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India (FIAI) with a bachelor's degree. | 6 |
| 10 | CA/ICWA/CS or Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India (FIAI) with or without a bachelor's degree, and with Masters in non-engineering stream. | 6 |
| 11 | Integrated bachelor's degree in Law and Masters in non-engineering stream. | 6 |
Important Notes on Academic Diversity Points:
- Points for Category ID 4, 5, 9, 10, 11 are awarded only if relevant degree/course mark sheets are uploaded during the application process.
- Points for Category ID 2, 3, 6, 7, 8 are awarded to candidates who have completed or are in the final year of the relevant degree/course. Final year candidates must submit a certificate by June 30, 2025, confirming completion of degree requirements.
Work Experience Points
A maximum of eight points are awarded for work experience based on completed months of service (x) as of January 31, 2025. Only post-bachelor's degree work experience is considered. Internships, apprenticeships, and unpaid work are not considered.
Point Calculation for Work Experience:
| Points = 0 | if x ≤ 6 months |
| Points = x/3 | if 6 < x ≤ 24 months |
| Points = 8 | if 24 < x ≤ 36 months |
| Points = 26-(x/2) | if 36 < x ≤ 48 months |
| Points = 2 | if x > 48 months |
Work experience claims must be supported by employer letters and payslips. Self-employed candidates should provide company registration proof and tax documents if payslips are unavailable.
Final Selection and Key Takeaway
The final selection list is merit-based within each category. Meeting minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee admission. Misrepresentation of information can lead to disqualification.
Key Observation: A significant 86% weightage in the final selection is attributed to controllable parameters like CAT score and PI performance. This emphasizes that strong performance in CAT, WAT, and PI rounds can significantly improve your chances, even with a less stellar academic profile or work experience.
Prepare strategically for CAT, WAT, and PI to maximize your chances of securing a seat in IIM Calcutta's PGP program!
(Source: IIM Calcutta PGP Admission - Admission Procedure for Domestic Candidates)