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.

🔵 Where things stand

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:

IIM Ahmedabad

WAT PI

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.

IIM Bangalore

WAT PI

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.

IIM Calcutta

WAT PI

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.

IIM Lucknow

WAT PI

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 & IIM Rohtak

WAT Extempore PI

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.

IIM Kozhikode

WAT PI

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

⚡ CAP Process — note

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:

1

Walk me through your resume / Tell me about yourself

2

Why MBA? Why now? Why this school specifically?

3

What are your short-term and long-term career goals?

4

Tell me about a challenge you faced and how you resolved it

5

Questions from your academic background or undergraduate subject

6

What is happening in your industry or sector right now?

7

Describe a leadership experience / team conflict you navigated

✅ Mockat tip

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.

Sources

🏫

IIM Official Websites

iimahmedabad.ac.in, iimb.ac.in, iimcal.ac.in

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Compiled by Mockat

mockat.com — CAT MBA prep resources

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