What’s done is done - you can’t go back and change the past, but you can take charge of what’s ahead. I had a 9/7/8 profile, was a fresher engineer, gave my very best in CAT and secured 99 %ile, yet received just one call from the BLACKI IIMs, which was IIM Indore. It was easy to feel disheartened, but I chose to focus on what I could control. I prepared with full dedication, gave my best in the interview and capitalised on the single opportunity I had.

Remember, it’s not about how many chances you get—it’s about how well you use the one that matters. So don’t dwell on what didn’t happen. Channel your energy into performing well in the exam, preparing thoroughly for interviews and showing up with confidence. You still have everything to play for - make it count.

Hi! I completely understand where you're coming from — the selection process can indeed feel uncertain and even intimidating at times.

To share my own experience: I had a 9/9/9 profile (i.e., 90+% in 10th, 12th, and undergrad) and received calls from IIM Calcutta and Indore. So yes, it's absolutely possible to get good calls — but it does depend on more than just the CAT score.

You're right that IIM A, in particular, has revised its selection criteria in recent years to increase academic and disciplinary diversity, and this is why you might hear of arts students making it with comparatively lower percentiles. IIM A gives significant weight to academic diversity, gender diversity, and past academic performance. However, IIM B and IIM C have their own criteria — IIM C, for example, continues to place heavy emphasis on CAT score and academic consistency.

It’s not so much about bias as it is about broadening the classroom profile to make peer learning richer. The takeaway is: a high CAT score is essential but not the only factor. Strong academics, a consistent profile, and clear articulation of your goals during interviews also matter.

So, instead of getting nervous, focus on what you can control:

• Aim for a very high CAT percentile (especially if you're an engineer, as the competition is stiffer).

• Make sure your academics are solid and consistent.

• Start thinking about how you would present your story in interviews — why MBA, what you bring to the table, etc.

The process is holistic, and with the right strategy and consistent effort, you’ll absolutely be able to crack it. All the best!

Hi All, I understand the confusion around IIM selections—it can seem unpredictable at times. The truth is, IIMs like A, B, and C have shifted towards a holistic approach, not just CAT percentiles. They evaluate academics, diversity, and work experience too. Personally, I scored 92% in 10th, 87% in 12th, 78% in B.Com, and secured a 92 percentile in CAT, which got me a call from IIM Sambalpur. This shows that a strong academic record and a well-rounded profile matter, even as a fresher.

If you’re aiming for IIMs, focus on:

1. Maximizing your CAT score – It still plays a big role.

2. Building your profile – Take up internships and certifications.

3. Being interview-ready – WAT-PI preparation is crucial.

It may seem uncertain, but a well-prepared strategy can make all the difference. If I can do it, so can you!

Yes, it's true that IIMs don’t look at only CAT score anymore. They give weightage to your 10th, 12th, graduation marks, work experience, academic and gender diversity, and also your interview performance. That’s why even with 99.5%ile, some engineers may not get a call, while a non-engineer with lower percentile might.

It’s not bias, just that IIMs are trying to create a diverse batch. Best thing is to focus on scoring high in CAT, maintain good academics, and prepare well for interview rounds.

Key Factors in IIM Selection
1. CAT Score: While a high CAT score (95+ percentile) is essential, it's not the only criterion.
2. Academic Performance: Consistent academic excellence, especially in the undergraduate degree, is valued.
3. Diversity: IIMs strive for diversity in their batches, considering factors like:
    - Academic background: Non-engineering students, like those from arts or commerce backgrounds, can have an advantage.
    - Work experience: Relevant work experience, especially in leadership roles or entrepreneurial ventures, is highly valued.
    - Extra-curricular activities: Achievements in sports, cultural events, or social initiatives demonstrate a candidate's versatility.
4. Personal Interview (PI) Performance: Candidates who receive an interview call must perform well in the PI round, showcasing their communication skills, confidence, and fit with the IIM's culture.

Profile Requirements
While there's no one-size-fits-all profile, here are some general guidelines:

- Engineers: Typically require higher CAT scores (99+ percentile) and strong academic records.
- Non-engineers: May have more flexibility in CAT scores (95+ percentile), but must demonstrate exceptional academic performance, work experience, or extra-curricular achievements.
- Work experience: Relevant work experience, especially in leadership roles or entrepreneurial ventures, can be a significant advantage.

Hi! I totally get where you’re coming from — the selection process can definitely seem confusing and even a bit unfair at times.

To answer your question: yes, over the past few years, IIMs — especially A, B, and C — have shifted from being purely CAT percentile-driven to giving more weight to a candidate’s overall profile. This includes factors like:

• Academic scores (10th, 12th, graduation)

• Academic diversity (non-engineers are given an advantage in some cases)

• Work experience

• Gender diversity (in some institutes)

For example, IIM Ahmedabad has a formula that heavily weights past academics, so even someone with a lower CAT percentile but stellar academic records and a non-engineering background can make it. On the other hand, engineers (like me) often need a very high percentile (99.5+) to even get shortlisted, especially if past academics are average.

My profile is 9/8/7 (10th/12th/graduation), mechanical engineer, general category — I scored well but didn’t get A, B, or C. I did convert IIM Sambalpur though, and I can say the newer IIMs are growing rapidly and offer great opportunities if you make the most of them.

So yes, profile does matter — it's not just about CAT anymore. But instead of stressing over what can’t be changed, I’d suggest:

• Focus on maximizing your CAT score — that still plays a big role

• Strengthen your profile (internships, certifications, clarity of goals)

• Be interview-ready when the time comes

Happy to chat more or help with prep. Don’t let the uncertainty discourage you — there’s a path forward for every profile.

Hi there,
I understand where you're coming from — there's a lot of confusion around how much weight IIMs place on CAT scores vs. profile, and I used to feel the same when I started my prep.

Just to share my background for context:

• Academics: 9/8/7 
• Background: Non-engineer
• Work Experience: 1.5 years
• CAT Result: Converted 13 IIMs, including IIM Calcutta, as well as IIFT

So yes — even with a profile that isn't considered "perfect" by many standards, it's absolutely possible to make it to the top B-schools.

found this useful image, this could help you understand the selection criteria and weightage.. all the best. 

thanks this looks good. 

found this useful image, this could help you understand the selection criteria and weightage.. all the best. 

All the IIMs calculate a composite score for sending out interview calls. In this calculation, their are parameters which affect engineers negatively a bit and affect not engineers positively. Inspite of all that the composite score calculation gives a huge weight to the CAT score (almost 50% in all the colleges). 

To get a call make sure you prepare well for all the exams you are about to give (CAT, XAT etc.) because that's the only thing you can control.

This is coming from an engineering fresher who got all the BLACKI calls. All the best.