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

The Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIM Lucknow) conducts admissions for its flagship MBA (Post Graduate Programme - PGP) 2026-28 batch through the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025, followed by a multi-stage selection process.

As one of India's leading management institutes, IIM Lucknow follows a composite evaluation model, where CAT scores, academic performance, and interview performance all play a role in final selection.

Eligibility Criteria & Basic Requirements

Candidates applying for IIM Lucknow must hold a bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) from a recognised university. Final-year students are also eligible to apply, provided they meet graduation requirements within the stipulated timeline.

A valid CAT 2025 score is mandatory, and candidates must also meet the institute's sectional and overall cut-offs to be considered for further stages.

CAT Cut-Off 2026 (Expected)

IIM Lucknow releases minimum qualifying cut-offs as well as higher internal shortlisting thresholds.
For the General category, the expected minimum cut-off is:

• Overall: around 90 percentile
• Sectional: around 85 percentile

However, the actual percentile required for shortlisting is significantly higher, often in the 97-99 percentile range, depending on the applicant pool and competition.

Selection Process: How Candidates Are Shortlisted

The admission process is conducted in two stages.

In the first stage, candidates are shortlisted for the Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI) based on a combination of CAT scores and academic records. Unlike some IIMs, IIM Lucknow also gives importance to academic diversity and consistency.

In the second stage, final selection is based on a composite score that includes:

• CAT score
• Academic performance (10th, 12th, graduation)
• WAT performance
• Personal Interview performance

Work experience may also carry weight in the final evaluation.

Fees & Programme Details

The total fee for the MBA (PGP) programme at IIM Lucknow is expected to be around ₹20-25 lakh for two years, based on recent trends.

The programme duration is two years, and the intake is typically around 450-500 students, including domestic and international candidates.

In addition to tuition fees, students should account for hostel charges, mess fees, and personal expenses.

Key Points for Aspirants

IIM Lucknow's selection process is relatively balanced, meaning that a high CAT score alone may not guarantee admission. Academic consistency, performance in WAT and PI, and overall profile play an important role.

Candidates should also ensure they clear sectional cut-offs, as failing to meet them can lead to disqualification despite a high overall percentile.

Conclusion

IIM Lucknow remains one of the most sought-after B-schools in India, with a holistic admission process that balances test performance with academic and personal evaluation. For the 2026 cycle, aspirants should aim for a high CAT percentile while also preparing for the interview and written assessment stages.

Applicants are advised to regularly check the official IIM Lucknow website for detailed admission notifications and updates.