Common Admission Process for IIMs is a one-window admissions procedure for MBA admission to the nine new IIMs. CAT cutoffs serve as the basis for the selection.
The Common Admission Process (CAP) for IIMs is a unified system designed to simplify the admissions to MBA/PGP programs across the newer Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). Established as an efficient mechanism for selecting candidates post-CAT, CAP ensures a single-window process for various IIMs, reducing redundancy for applicants.
This article delves into all aspects of IIM CAP 2025, including registration procedures, participating institutes, selection parameters, and the anticipated CAT cutoffs.
What is IIM CAP 2025?
The IIM Common Admission Process (CAP) is an integrated selection process conducted by 10 newer IIMs for candidates aspiring to join their MBA or PGP programs. Instead of each institute organizing separate selection rounds, candidates are evaluated through a common Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI). These rounds are managed by one of the participating IIMs, selected on a rotational basis every year.
Key Characteristics of IIM CAP 2025
- Unified Admission Process: A single WAT-PI round suffices for admission to all participating IIMs.
- Simplified Candidate Journey: Candidates only appear once for WAT and PI, and their scores are shared with all participating IIMs.
- Rotational Responsibility: The task of conducting the CAP rotates among the IIMs. For 2024 admissions, IIM Kashipur took charge, while the conducting IIM for 2025 will be announced by December 2024.
- Transparent Selection: Each IIM utilizes CAP scores, CAT performance, and additional criteria like academic background, work experience, and diversity to create its final merit list.
The CAP system eliminates redundancies, ensuring a seamless selection process for both institutes and candidates.
Also Read: How Much Weightage is Given to CAT Exam Score in IIMs?
Important Dates for IIM CAP 2025
Candidates planning to participate in IIM CAP 2025 should take note of the following tentative dates to ensure timely action:
Event |
Expected Date |
CAP Shortlist Release |
January 20, 2025 |
CAP Registration Start |
January 20, 2025 |
CAP Registration End |
January 28, 2025 (5 PM) |
Intimation of PI Schedule |
February 10, 2025 |
CAP PI Start Date |
February 14, 2025 |
CAP PI End Date |
March 5, 2025 |
PI Results Announcement |
May 2025 (First Week) |
It is crucial for candidates to adhere to these timelines and regularly check for updates on the official website of the conducting IIM.
Participating IIMs in CAP 2025
The CAP process involves 10 newer IIMs, established between 2010 and 2016. These institutes are collectively referred to as "baby IIMs." Below is the list of IIM CAP 2025 participating colleges:
- IIM Udaipur
- IIM Tiruchirappalli
- IIM Kashipur
- IIM Nagpur
- IIM Raipur
- IIM Ranchi
- IIM Bodh Gaya
- IIM Jammu
- IIM Sambalpur
These institutes follow a common WAT-PI round for CAP but prepare individual merit lists for admissions based on their specific parameters.
Also Read: How tough are WAT/GD/PI rounds of IIMs?
Registration Process for IIM CAP 2025
The IIM CAP 2025 registration process is conducted entirely online, simplifying the application procedure for candidates. To apply, candidates must have their CAT 2024 login credentials.
Step-by-Step Guide for IIM CAP Registration:
- Visit the Conducting IIM’s Website
Access the official website of the IIM designated to conduct CAP for 2025. - Locate the CAP 2025 Section
Click on the specific CAP 2025 tab to initiate the registration process. - Log In Using CAT Credentials
Use your CAT ID and password to log in. First-time users will need to register by providing their personal and academic details. - Fill in the CAP Application Form
Accurately complete the form by entering personal information, academic records, and work experience details. - Upload Relevant Documents
Attach scanned copies of the following:
- Academic certificates
- Category certificates (if applicable)
- Work experience documents
- Identity proof
Ensure all details are correct before final submission.
Post submission, candidates will receive confirmation via email along with further instructions.
Expected CAT Cutoff for IIM CAP 2025
The CAT cutoff plays a crucial role in the shortlisting process for CAP. Candidates must meet the sectional and overall CAT percentile requirements to be eligible. The expected qualifying cutoffs for IIM CAP 2025 are listed below:
Category |
VARC (%) |
DILR (%) |
QA (%) |
Overall (%) |
General (GEN) |
73 |
73 |
73 |
94 |
NC-OBC |
50 |
50 |
50 |
77 |
EWS |
50 |
50 |
50 |
77 |
SC |
44 |
44 |
44 |
60 |
ST |
25 |
30 |
25 |
40 |
DAP |
25 |
30 |
25 |
40 |
Candidates must achieve these percentiles to qualify for the WAT-PI round under IIM CAP 2025.
Selection Criteria and Weightage
The final merit list for IIM CAP 2025 will be prepared based on a weighted score across multiple parameters. Here’s how the scores are distributed:
Parameter |
Weightage (%) |
CAT Score |
33 |
Personal Interview (PI) |
25 |
Academic Performance |
15 |
Profile (Work Experience, Diversity, etc.) |
27 |
Total |
100 |
This comprehensive evaluation ensures a fair and holistic assessment of each candidate's suitability for the program.
Also Read: List of Documents Required for IIM Interview Process 2025
Step-by-Step Process for IIM CAP 2025
The IIM CAP 2025 process is outlined below in eight simple steps:
- CAT Application: Candidates select preferred IIMs during the CAT application process.
- Shortlisting: Each participating IIM shortlists candidates based on CAT scores and predefined criteria.
- Compilation of Shortlists: The conducting IIM consolidates these lists and sends email notifications to shortlisted candidates.
- CAP Registration: Shortlisted candidates complete the CAP registration and submit required documents.
- WAT-PI Schedule Notification: The conducting IIM informs candidates about the schedule and venue for the WAT-PI rounds.
- WAT-PI Participation: Candidates attend the common WAT-PI round.
- Score Sharing: WAT-PI scores are shared with all participating IIMs.
- Final Merit Lists: Each IIM prepares its individual merit list and sends admission offers to selected candidates.
Also Read: Online MBA from IIM 2024