What is IIM CAP, and why is it important?

The Indian Institute of Management Common Admission Process (IIM CAP) is a centralized system for admissions into MBA/PGP programs across 10 newer IIMs. CAP simplifies the process by replacing multiple WAT-PI rounds with a single session for all participating IIMs. This reduces the logistical challenges for candidates while maintaining a streamlined evaluation process. Additionally, CAP ensures fairness and transparency by adhering to a standardized selection framework.

What is the General category cutoff for IIM CAP 2025?

The expected overall CAT cutoff for General category candidates is 94 percentile. In addition, sectional cutoffs of 73 percentile each are required in the VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension), DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning), and QA (Quantitative Ability) sections. However, meeting these cutoffs does not guarantee admission, as factors like performance in WAT-PI, academic history, and work experience also play a significant role.

What happens if I miss the registration deadline for CAP?

Missing the registration deadline disqualifies candidates from participating in the CAP process. This also means they forfeit the opportunity to be considered for admission to the 10 participating IIMs. Candidates are strongly advised to complete their application before the deadline, as late submissions are not entertained.

Are CAP scores valid for non-participating IIMs?

No, CAP scores are only shared with the 10 participating IIMs. Non-participating IIMs conduct their own WAT-PI rounds and follow independent admission processes.

How do participating IIMs utilize CAP scores?

After the WAT-PI rounds, the conducting IIM shares the scores with all participating institutes. Each IIM combines these scores with other metrics like: CAT score, Academic background (10th, 12th, and undergraduate performance), Work experience, and Diversity (academic and gender). Each institute applies its unique weightage to these parameters to create a final merit list and issue admission offers to successful candidates.

Common Admission Process for IIMs 2025: Registration Details, Participating Colleges & Expected CAT Cutoff

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.

Table of Contents

What is IIM CAP 2025?
Important Dates for IIM CAP 2025
Participating IIMs in CAP 2025
Registration Process for IIM CAP 2025
Expected CAT Cutoff for IIM CAP 2025
Selection Criteria and Weightage
Step-by-Step Process for IIM CAP 2025

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:

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

Review and Submit
Ensure all details are correct before final submission.

Confirmation
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.