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IIM Amritsar, one of India’s premier management institutes, follows a rigorous multi-stage selection process that evaluates candidates holistically. As the institute prepares for its 2025 intake, let’s delve deep into the selection criteria that will shape the next generation of business leaders.
IIM Amritsar Selection Criteria
For aspirants targeting IIM Amritsar, understanding these criteria is crucial for strategic preparation. Focus on maintaining balanced performance across all components while showcasing your unique strengths and experiences that add value to the diverse learning environment at IIM Amritsar.
CAT Performance (60% Weightage)
The Common Admission Test (CAT) score forms the backbone of the initial screening process.
- Overall CAT Score: While IIM Amritsar doesn’t specify a minimum CAT percentile cutoff, historical data suggests that candidates typically need to score above the 90th percentile for consideration
- Sectional Balance: Strong performance across all three sections (VARC, DILR, and QA) is crucial
- Sectional Cutoffs: The institute maintains undisclosed but competitive sectional cutoffs to ensure well-rounded candidates
Academic Profile (20% Weightage)
Past academic performance plays a significant role in candidate evaluation:
Class X (5%)
- Consistent academic performers get an advantage
- Marks are normalized across different boards
- Focus on core subjects
Class XII (5%)
- Performance in science, mathematics, and languages carries higher weightage
- Board marks are standardized to ensure fair comparison
- Extra credits for achievements in national-level competitions
Graduation (10%)
- Minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates)
- Additional points for professional degrees
- Consideration of major subjects relevant to management studies
Diversity Component (20% Weightage)
IIM Amritsar values diversity in its student cohort:
Gender Diversity
- Special consideration for female candidates
- Aimed at maintaining balanced gender ratio
- Additional points in final merit calculation
Academic Background
- Engineers: Base points
- Non-engineers (Commerce, Arts, Science): Additional diversity points
- Professional degrees (CA, CS, ICWA): Extra consideration
Work Experience
- Fresh Graduates: Base consideration
- 1-2 years: Moderate advantage
- 2-5 years: Significant advantage
- 5+ years: Maximum points for experience
Personal Interview and Written Ability Test
For shortlisted candidates, the final selection comprises:
Written Ability Test (WAT) – 15%
- Topic selection from current affairs, business, social issues
- Evaluation of:
- Clarity of thought
- Language proficiency
- Logical flow
- Original thinking
- Time management crucial (30 minutes duration)
Personal Interview (PI) – 25%
- Comprehensive evaluation of:
- Communication skills
- Analytical ability
- Domain knowledge
- Leadership potential
- Current affairs awareness
- Duration: 15-20 minutes
- The panel typically includes faculty and industry experts
Final Merit List Compilation
The final selection considers:
- Combined scores from all stages
- Category-wise merit lists (General, EWS, NC-OBC, SC, ST, PwD)
- Normalization of scores across different components
- Waitlist management until program commencement
All IIMs Selection Criteria
The selection criteria for all IIMs are as follows.