IIM Indore Unveils New Selection Blueprint for PGP 2026-28
The Indian Institute of Management Indore has officially announced the admission criteria for its prestigious two-year Postgraduate Programme (PGP) for the 2026-28 academic batch. The revised policy introduces significant changes, placing greater emphasis on Class 12 academic performance and personal interview rounds during the selection process.
Three-Stage Selection Process and CAT 2025 Cut-Offs
Prospective candidates must appear for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 and achieve the minimum sectional and overall percentile scores set by the institute. General and EWS category candidates need a 90 overall percentile with 80 in each section, while NC-OBC candidates require an 80 overall percentile. For SC, ST, and PwD candidates, the minimum cut-offs are set at 60, 45, and 45 percentiles, respectively.
The institute has clarified that merely meeting these eligibility thresholds does not guarantee a shortlist. The selection follows a comprehensive three-stage process evaluating CAT 2025 scores, academic records from Classes 10 and 12, relevant work experience, and performance in the personal interview.
Increased Weightage for Class 12 Marks and Personal Interview
A notable shift in this year's policy is the heightened importance given to Class 12 board exam results. At the initial shortlisting stage, Class 12 marks carry a substantial 25% weightage, compared to 10% for Class 10 marks. CAT sectional scores collectively account for 55% of the composite score used for shortlisting candidates.
Work experience contributes a modest 3%, and a diversity factor adds another 7%. Candidates who make the cut will be informed in January 2026 and called for personal interviews. These PI rounds are scheduled to be conducted offline in seven major cities: Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Indore, Kolkata, and Mumbai, though the institute has stated that online interviews remain a possibility depending on circumstances.
For the final selection, the personal interview becomes the most decisive factor, carrying a massive 45% weightage in the final composite score. CAT sectional scores contribute 40%, while Class 10 and 12 marks carry 5% each. A diversity factor of five marks is also included at this final stage.
Special Consideration for COVID-Affected Candidates and Reservation Policy
In a considerate move, IIM Indore has addressed the unique situation of candidates whose Class 10 or 12 scores were impacted by COVID-19 board evaluation policies. For such students, the weightage of their affected board scores will be proportionally redistributed among other components, such as CAT sectional scores and the available board marks.
The institute will adhere to the Government of India's reservation policy, allocating 27% of seats for NC-OBC, 15% for SC, 7.5% for ST, up to 10% for EWS, and 5% for PwD candidates. However, all applicants, regardless of category, must meet the minimum performance standards established by the institute. IIM Indore has also reserved the right to modify the admission process in response to any changes in government or institutional directives.
