With CAT 2024 results out and shortlists rolling in from the IIMs and other top B-schools, the next critical phase of MBA admissions has begun. Each institution has its own selection process — some rely on WAT + PI, some conduct group interviews, and others use written tests or case discussions. This guide breaks down what to expect at each top school.
CAT 2024 response sheets have been released. IIMs and other top schools are actively shortlisting candidates. Check your email and the respective admission portals regularly for your call letters.
Top IIMs — BLACKI Category
The BLACKI IIMs (Bangalore, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Calcutta, Kozhikode, Indore) are the most competitive and run the most structured selection processes. Here's how each one operates after shortlisting:
IIMA shortlists based on a composite score that gives significant weight to CAT score, academic background, and work experience. The process involves a Writing Ability Test (WAT) followed by a Personal Interview. The PI at IIMA is known to be rigorous — expect deep questions on your academic background, work experience, and current affairs. Candidates are evaluated on analytical ability and communication.
IIMB uses a shortlisting model that accounts for CAT percentile, work experience, gender diversity, and academic performance. The selection process comprises a Written Ability Test and a Personal Interview. IIMB interviews tend to explore your resume thoroughly and test your ability to think on your feet. Industry knowledge and clarity of goals matter here.
IIMC shortlists using a scoring model that includes CAT percentile, academic performance at 10th, 12th, and graduation levels, work experience, and gender diversity. The selection process is WAT + Personal Interview. IIMC interviews frequently involve finance, economics, and quant questions — especially for non-engineers. Expect case-based probing in some slots.
IIML shortlists candidates using a WAT-PI Composite Score (WAPIC) that factors in CAT score, academic profile, and work experience. The WAT is a 30-minute essay, and the PI covers areas like Why MBA, career goals, current affairs, and your academic or professional background. Communication and confidence play a significant role.
IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak stand out for including an Extempore round in addition to WAT and PI. In the Extempore, candidates are given a topic (usually a business situation, social issue, or current event) and asked to speak on it for 2–3 minutes without preparation. This tests spontaneous communication, structure, and confidence under pressure.
IIMK shortlists using a holistic scoring model similar to other IIMs. The selection involves a WAT followed by a Personal Interview. IIMK panels often include faculty from the candidate's undergraduate discipline, so be prepared for technical questions from your own field. Essays tend to be abstract or philosophy-adjacent topics.
Other Top MBA Schools
Beyond the BLACKI IIMs, several other top institutions have distinct processes worth understanding in detail:
| School | Process | Key Differentiator |
|---|---|---|
| FMS Delhi | Extempore + Group Discussion + PI | No WAT; SOP discussion is part of interview |
| SPJIMR Mumbai | Group Interviews (2 rounds) | Panel interviews in groups; no traditional WAT |
| CAP IIMs | Joint Common Interview | No WAT; single PI for multiple CAP institutes |
| XLRI Jamshedpur | Essay + Group Discussion + PI | XAT percentile used; separate PGP and HRM panels |
| Symbiosis (SCMHRD, SIBM) | Group Exercises + PI | Group exercises rather than traditional GD format |
| NMIMS Mumbai | Watson Glaser Test + Case Write-up + PI | Unique psychometric test component; NMAT-based shortlist |
The CAP (Common Admission Process) covers IIMs not in BLACKI — including IIM Amritsar, Bodh Gaya, Jammu, Nagpur, Ranchi, Sambalpur, Sirmaur, Udaipur, and Visakhapatnam. One common interview is used across all CAP institutes. No separate WAT.
Common Interview Questions to Prepare
Regardless of which school you're interviewing at, certain question types appear consistently across IIM and top B-school panels. Prepare thoughtful, specific answers for each:
For WAT preparation, practice writing essays on business, ethics, and current affairs topics — 250–300 words in 20 minutes. For the Extempore, practise speaking for 2 minutes on a random topic every day. Structure: Position → Argument 1 → Argument 2 → Counterpoint → Conclusion.