IIM Lucknow releases MBA admission criteria 2025-26, details here

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow has released the admission criteria for its MBA programmes for the 2025 batch. The Admissions Committee retains the final discretion in categorising academic programmes into specific categories.

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow has announced the shortlisting and selection criteria for its MBA, MBA-ABM, and MBA-SM programs for the 2025-27 batch. The selection process includes an evaluation of CAT 2024 scores, an Application Rating Score (ARS), and a Personal Interview (PI), ensuring a holistic assessment of candidates' academic performance, diversity, and interpersonal skills.

Shortlisting will be based on CAT 2024 scores, past academic records, and other specified parameters. For the MBA-SM programme, candidates must also have a minimum of 24 months of work experience to meet the eligibility criteria.

CAT 2024, conducted by IIM Calcutta on November 24, witnessed a successful completion. This year, candidates found the exam more challenging, with questions ranging from moderate to difficult in complexity. The test was conducted in three shifts: Shift 1 from 8:30 am to 10:30 am, shift 2 from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm, and shift 3 from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

ADMISSION PROCESS OVERVIEW AND WEIGHTAGE

The final selection for IIM Lucknow's MBA programs is determined through a comprehensive evaluation process, considering various parameters with assigned weightages. Each parameter plays a key role in assessing candidates, and the overall score reflects the significance of each component. Below is a breakdown of these factors along with their respective weightages:

• CAT Score: Serving as the primary measure of aptitude, the CAT score is given a weightage of 30% for the MBA and MBA-SM programs, and 35% for the MBA-ABM programme.
• Academic Performance: This includes the marks obtained in 12th grade and undergraduate studies, each contributing 5% to the overall evaluation across all programs.
• Diversity factor: To recognize a variety of academic and personal backgrounds, a 5% weightage is given for diversity.
• Work experience: Only applicable to the MBA and MBA-SM programs, work experience holds a 5% weightage.
• Writing Ability Test (WAT): Assessing candidates' writing and communication skills, the WAT contributes 10% to the final evaluation for all programs.
• Personal Interview (PI): The PI is the most significant component, with a weightage of 40%, focusing on a candidate's interpersonal skills and analytical thinking.

The MBA in Agribusiness Management (MBA-ABM) invites applications from candidates with backgrounds in agriculture, rural management, and sustainability, aligning with the program's focus on agribusiness and rural development.

Candidates can check the detailed admission criteria here.

CUT-OFFS AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

To pass the Personal Interview (PI) stage, candidates must secure at least 12 out of 40 marks. Candidates failing to meet this threshold will not be included in the final merit list. The final decision regarding the academic category classification of any program rests with the Admissions Committee of IIM Lucknow.

RESERVATION POLICY

IIM Lucknow adheres to the Government of India's reservation policy for admissions to Central Educational Institutions (CEIs).

Any disputes related to the admissions process for the 2025-27 batch will fall under the jurisdiction of the competent courts located within the territorial jurisdiction of Lucknow city.