IIM Ahmedabad Admission 2025: Important Dates, Selection Criteria, Admission Process

To get admission into IIM Ahmedabad, you must first meet the eligibility criteria, which requires a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates). Final-year students can also apply. The next step is to appear for the CAT exam, where a 99+ percentile is typically needed for the general category, with a strong performance in VARC, DILR, and QA sections. Shortlisting for the next round depends on multiple factors, including CAT score, academic performance (10th, 12th, and graduation), work experience, and diversity factors (such as non-engineering backgrounds and gender diversity). If shortlisted, candidates must clear the Analytical Writing Test (AWT) and Personal Interview (PI), where evaluators assess critical thinking, communication skills, domain knowledge, and clarity of career goals. The final selection is based on a composite score considering CAT, PI, AWT, and overall profile strength. Alternative pathways include the PGPX program for professionals with 4+ years of experience, the FABM program for agri-business management, and the YLP (Young Leaders Program) for undergraduates.

No, you cannot apply to IIM Ahmedabad after 12th. Though you can apply through the Integrated Program in Management (IPM). However, IIM Ahmedabad itself does not offer an IPM like IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak, IIM Ranchi, and others. Since IIM Ahmedabad does not offer an IPM, your best bet is to get into IIM Indore, Rohtak, Ranchi, Bodh Gaya, or Jammu via IPMAT/JIPMAT, gain a strong foundation, and later aim for IIM Ahmedabad’s PGP (MBA) via CAT.

An 80% score in 10th, 12th, or graduation is decent but not highly competitive for IIM Ahmedabad, as it places strong emphasis on academic consistency. If you have 80% in 10th, 12th, and graduation, you need a very high CAT percentile (99.5+ for General category) to compensate. If you belong to a reserved category (SC/ST/OBC), slightly lower CAT scores may work.’

The fees for IIM Ahmedabad vary depending on the program. The 2-year Post Graduate Programme (PGP), which is the flagship MBA program, costs ₹26.5 lakh for the 2024-26 batch, covering tuition, accommodation, course materials, and other academic expenses, but excluding personal costs. For experienced professionals, the 1-year Post Graduate Programme for Executives (PGPX) is priced at ₹32 lakh. The Fellow Programme in Management (FPM), equivalent to a PhD, is fully funded, with a monthly stipend ranging from ₹42,000 to ₹55,000 for up to five years. Additionally, IIM Ahmedabad offers the 2-year Executive Post Graduate Programme (ePGP) for working professionals, which costs ₹20 lakh and is conducted in an online format. To support students financially, the institute provides need-based scholarships, bank loan assistance, and corporate sponsorship opportunities.

Yes, the CAT exam is considered tough, but with the right preparation, it can be cracked. The difficulty lies in its high competition, with over 2.5 lakh candidates appearing each year for a limited number of seats in top IIMs. Additionally, the time pressure is intense, as candidates must answer 66 questions in just 120 minutes, requiring both speed and accuracy. The question patterns are unpredictable, especially in sections like Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) and Quantitative Aptitude (QA), which often feature tricky and time-consuming problems. The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section also poses a challenge, testing deep comprehension and critical reasoning skills, which can be difficult for those who don’t read regularly. Since the exam pattern changes every year, adapting to new formats is essential. However, with smart strategies, consistent practice, and mock test analysis, scoring a 99+ percentile is achievable to get admissions into top IIMs like IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta.

No, 30 is not too late for IIM, but the ideal program for you depends on your experience and career goals. If you are aiming for the regular 2-year MBA (PGP), most students are between 22-26 years old, and the class has limited seats for older candidates. However, if you have significant work experience (5+ years), you have a much better chance of getting into IIM Ahmedabad’s 1-year Executive MBA (PGPX), which is designed for professionals with strong leadership potential. Many people in their late 20s and early 30s opt for PGPX at IIM Ahmedabad, PGPX at IIM Bangalore, or PGPEX at IIM Calcutta to accelerate their careers. Even in the regular PGP program, there are some students above 30 who make it with a strong CAT score, relevant work experience, and clarity in career goals.