IIM Ahmedabad PGP shortlisting: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad has made minor changes to the selection criteria for its two-year Post Graduate Programme (PGP) in Management for the 2027-29 batch. The institute has introduced a new classification of undergraduate disciplines and revised how candidates’ academic backgrounds are assessed. IIM-A uses academic performance, CAT-2026 scores and other components to shortlist applicants for the later stages of selection.
18 Broad Graduation Disciplines
For its admission process, IIM Ahmedabad has divided undergraduate degrees into 18 broad disciplines:
- Engineering and technology
- Computer science and information technology
- Medical and health sciences
- Commerce, accounting and finance
- Economics
- Agriculture and allied sciences
- Social sciences
- Arts and humanities
- Law
- Management
- Mathematics
- Pure sciences
- Professional courses
- Fashion and design
- Journalism and media
- Architecture and planning
- Hospitality and food sciences
- Others
New Rating Scores for Graduation Marks
Under the new policy, a candidate’s graduation marks will be given a rating score from one to 10:
| Graduation Marks | Points |
|---|---|
| Up to 55% | 1 |
| Above 55% to 60% | 2 |
| Above 60% to 70% | 3 |
| Above 70% to 80% | 5 |
| Above 80% to 90% | 8 |
| Above 90% | 10 |
Gender Diversity Component Retained
IIM Ahmedabad has kept the gender-diversity component in its selection process. Non-male candidates receive three points under this component, while male candidates receive no points.
Eligibility Criteria Unchanged
The basic eligibility criteria remain the same:
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA
- A minimum of 45% for candidates from the SC, ST and PwD categories
- A degree involving at least three years of education after Class 12 or an equivalent examination
- Candidates in the final year of their bachelor’s degree, or awaiting results, can also apply, subject to the institute’s conditions
- Candidates must be at least 19 years old as on June 30, 2027
CAT-2026 Cut-Offs Retained
IIM Ahmedabad has kept the minimum CAT-2026 qualifying cut-offs. For General and EWS candidates, the overall cut-off is the 95th percentile, with an 85th percentile sectional cut-off. The overall cut-offs for other categories are:
- NC-OBC: 90th percentile
- SC: 85th percentile
- ST: 75th percentile
The institute has clarified that these are minimum qualifying cut-offs, and meeting them does not guarantee a call for the next stage of the admission process.
What Candidates Should Do Now?
- Identify which of the 18 discipline categories their undergraduate degree falls under
- Check where their graduation percentage falls in the rating bands, since the points can affect shortlisting
- Confirm that they meet the age, degree duration and minimum marks requirements
- Read the institute’s official notice for the full details of the revised policy
Key Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Institute | IIM Ahmedabad |
| Programme | PGP in Management, 2027-29 batch |
| Graduation disciplines | 18 broad categories |
| Graduation marks rating | 1 to 10 points |
| Gender diversity points | 3 for non-male candidates, 0 for male |
| Minimum graduation marks | 50% (45% for SC, ST, PwD) |
| Minimum age | 19 years as on June 30, 2027 |
| General/EWS CAT cut-off | 95 overall, 85 sectional |
Why This Matters?
For thousands of CAT-2026 test-takers aiming for IIM Ahmedabad, the changes show that academic background now carries clearer, more structured weight in shortlisting. A candidate’s graduation percentage maps directly to a points band, and degrees are grouped into defined disciplines. The unchanged cut-offs mean that meeting the CAT percentile threshold is necessary but not enough, so candidates should understand how the other components add up before they expect an interview call.
