IIM Calcutta Admission 2026: Cut-Off, Fees, Eligibility & Selection Process Explained

The Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIMC) conducts admissions for its flagship MBA (Post Graduate Programme - PGP) 2026-28 batch through a multi-stage selection process based primarily on CAT 2025 scores.

As one of India's oldest IIMs, IIM Calcutta follows a merit-driven and transparent admission framework, combining entrance scores with academic and interview performance.

Eligibility Criteria for IIM Calcutta 2026

Candidates applying for the PGP programme must:

• Hold a Bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD)
• Possess a valid CAT 2025 score
• Final-year students are also eligible (subject to completion requirements)

The institute places strong emphasis on academic consistency and performance in CAT.

CAT Cut-Off 2026 (Expected)

IIM Calcutta uses both minimum qualifying cut-offs and higher shortlisting thresholds.

Minimum Qualifying Cut-Off:

General category:

1. Overall: 85 percentile
2. Sectional: 75 percentile (approx.)

Actual Shortlisting Cut-Off:

• Typically 98-99+ percentile for General category
• Unlike some other IIMs, IIM Calcutta gives significant weightage to CAT score during shortlisting.

Selection Process: Step-by-Step

The admission process is divided into two stages:

Stage 1: Shortlisting for WAT & PI

Candidates are shortlisted based on:

• CAT score (major weightage)
• Academic performance (10th, 12th, graduation)

Shortlisted candidates are invited for:

• WAT (Written Ability Test)
• PI (Personal Interview)

Stage 2: Final Selection

Final admission is based on a composite score, including:

• CAT score
• WAT performance
• Personal Interview performance
• Academic profile

Compared to some other IIMs, IIM Calcutta places relatively higher emphasis on CAT performance in final selection.

Fees for IIM Calcutta MBA

• Total programme fee: Approximately ₹27-31 lakh (2 years) (based on recent trends)
• Includes tuition, academic facilities, and other institutional charges
• Additional expenses: Hostel and mess charges, Personal expenses
• Final fees for the 2026 batch will be confirmed through official notification.

Programme Intake & Structure

1. Programme: MBA (PGP equivalent)
2. Duration: 2 years
3. Intake: 450-480 students (approx., varies annually)

The institute offers specialisations in areas such as:

• Finance
• Marketing
• Operations
• Strategy

Key Points for Aspirants

• CAT score is crucial for both shortlisting and final selection
• Strong performance in WAT & PI remains important
• Academic consistency can improve chances
• Sectional cut-offs must be cleared

Conclusion

IIM Calcutta's admission process for 2026 reflects a CAT-focused yet holistic selection approach, where both entrance performance and interview stages play key roles. With high competition and limited seats, candidates must aim for top percentile scores along with a strong overall profile.

Applicants are advised to track official updates and notifications for detailed timelines and criteria.