Does having work experience improve my chances of getting selected at IIM Lucknow?

Yes, while fresh graduates are admitted every year, applicants with 13 years of relevant work experience often receive additional points during the admission process at IIM Lucknow. Quality matters more than durationstrong projects, responsibility, and relevant exposure can significantly enhance your PI performance.

What academic profile helps in getting an interview call from IIM Lucknow?

A strong academic recordtypically 80%+ in 10th and 12th, and a competitive graduation scorecan improve shortlist chances at IIM Lucknow. Students from non-engineering backgrounds also benefit from diversity points, improving their odds with similar CAT scores (90 percentile).

What is the admission process for the Executive MBA programs at IIM Lucknow?

The candidates will have to appear for any of the exams like the CAT/ GMAT/ GRE/ PGPWE Entrance Exam. If they have cleared the cut-off then they will be shortlisted for Written Ability Test and the personal interview. The candidates will be evaluated based on their test scores, WAT, PI, and academic and professional profiles for the final selection.

Is it possible to complete the EFPM program on a part-time basis at IIM Lucknow?

Yes, EFPM is a part-time, non-residential program offered by IIM Lucknow. Classes during the first year are held with PGPWE students on alternate weekends. During the second year, three campus visits of 21 days duration each are needed to finish the coursework.

IIM Lucknow Course Admission 2027: Dates, Eligibility, Registrations, Selection Criteria

Lucknow, Uttar PradeshAutonomous UniversityEstd 1984

4.2

(93 Reviews)

Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | Updated on - Sep 27, 2026

IIM Lucknow Latest Updates and News

Key Updates1

Other Updates1

29 Sep, 2026 CAT 2026 registration has closed. The correction window will be available from Oct 5 to 6, 2026, @iimcat.ac.in. CAT 2026 is scheduled for Nov 29, 2026. Read News.

IIM Lucknow Admission 2027 will be conducted through different selection processes for its offered programs. The popular MBA and MBA-ABM admissions for the 2027-29 batch will be based on CAT 2026, followed by WAT and Personal Interview. MBA admission at IIM Lucknow considers CAT performance, academic record, work experience, diversity factors, WAT, and PI for final selection.

The institute also offers IPMX admission for working professionals through GMAT/GRE, WAT, and PI, while EFPM follows a separate doctoral-level selection process.

The institute does not participate in a centralised counselling or seat-allotment process for its management programs. Admissions and seat allocation are handled by the institute as per its respective admission policies.

Admission Update:

PGP & PGP-ABM 2027: CAT 2026 registration is open from Aug 03 to Sept 22, 2026. IIM Lucknow WAT-PI shortlist is expected in January 2027.
IPMX 2027: Phase 1 deadline is Sept 02, 2026. Phase 2 closes Nov 30, 2026. Phase 3 closes Jan 20, 2027.

IIM Lucknow follows the prescribed Government of India reservation policy, including:
- 15% SC, 7.5% ST, 27% NC-OBC, and 10% EWS reservation. PwD has 5% horizontal reservation.
Candidates applying for PGP-SM require a minimum of 24 months of full-time work experience.
The latest admission policy does not prescribe mandatory work experience for PGP & PGP-ABM.
Admissions and program information are available through the official IIM Lucknow website (iiml.ac.in).

Note: IIM Lucknow does not offer a management quota. All seats are filled through merit and the institute’s own CAT-based and GMAT or GRE-based selection process.

Table of Contents

IIM Lucknow Important Dates
IIM Lucknow MBA Admission
IIM Lucknow IPMX Admission
IIM Lucknow Admission vs IIM Calcutta
IIM Lucknow EFPM Admission
IIM Lucknow Scholarships
IIM Lucknow Admission FAQs

IIM Lucknow Important Dates 2027

Admission to IIM Lucknow is through CAT, as its primary exam. Check below for the key dates:

CAT 2026 Dates

Event	Date
Registration Starts	August 03, 2026
Registration Last Date	September 22, 2026
Admit Card Release	November 4, 2026
CAT 2026 Exam	November 29, 2026
Result	First week of January 2027 (Tentative)

IIM Lucknow MBA Admission 2027

IIM Lucknow admission to its MBA and MBA-ABM will be based on CAT 2026, followed by shortlisting for Written Ability Test (WAT) and PI. Candidates will be assessed on their CAT performance, academic record, work experience, diversity factors, WAT, and PI. The 2027-29 batch is targeting a similar intake to the 2026 batch of 559 students (combined batch profile of PGP and PGP-ABM).

The admission policy for the 2027-29 batch is yet to be released. Therefore, the latest available 2026-28 admission policy has been used as a reference for the eligibility and selection process.

MBA Eligibility Criteria 2027

Bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC, ST and PwD) or equivalent CGPA.
Final-year bachelor's degree students and candidates awaiting results can also apply, subject to fulfilling the prescribed degree requirements within the specified deadline.
For candidates awarded grades or CGPA instead of marks, the percentage will be calculated according to the conversion procedure prescribed by the concerned university or institution.
- Where no conversion formula is available, the CGPA may be converted using the prescribed equivalence method.

MBA-ABM Eligibility Criteria 2027

Candidates can qualify through either of the following routes:

Agriculture/Allied Degree: Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, or an allied discipline with 50% marks/equivalent CGPA (45% for SC/ST/PwD).

Other Bachelor's Degree

Bachelor’s degree in another discipline with 50% marks/equivalent CGPA (45% for SC/ST/PwD).
At least 2 years of work experience or strong interest in Agriculture/allied sectors.
Submit the prescribed PGP-ABM Special Form at the interview.
Degree must involve at least 3 years of education after 10+2 or equivalent.

IIM Lucknow MBA Admission Process 2027

Both programmes are expected to follow the same sequence:

CAT 2026
WAT-PI shortlisting
Written Ability Test
Personal Interview
Final selection

The details below are from the 2026-28 admission policy and may change for the 2027-29 batch:

Stage 1: Shortlisting for WAT-PI

IIM Lucknow MBA and PGP-ABM Shortlisting criteria

Image Source: iiml.ac.in

Composite Score for Shortlisting for WAT-PI Stage

Only candidates who meet the minimum sectional and overall CAT 2026 percentiles specified for their respective category will be considered for composite score shortlisting for the WAT-PI stage. Composite scores will be calculated based on the factors listed in the table below.

Shortlisting Component	Weightage (for MBA)	Weightage (for MBA-ABM)
Scaled CAT Score	60	60
Class 12 Marks	10	10
Graduation Marks	10	10
Work Experience	10	0
Academic Discipline Diversity	5	20*
Gender Diversity	5	5*

* The maximum marks for the diversity factors (DFa and DFb) cannot exceed 20 for the MBA-ABM program.

Final Selection

The final selection score in the latest policy was calculated after the WAT-PI stage. For the MBA programme, CAT carried 30% weightage, while Class 12 and graduation marks carried 5% each. Diversity factors and work experience carried 5% each, WAT carried 10%, and PI carried the highest weightage of 40%.

Final Selection Component	Weightage (for MBA)	Weightage (for MBA-ABM)
CAT	30%	35%
Class 12 Marks	5%	5%
Graduation Marks	5%	5%
Diversity Factor	5%	5%
Work Experience	5%	NA
WAT	10%	10%
Personal Interview	40%	40%

IIM Lucknow MBA Final Selection Criteria

Image Source: iiml.ac.in

Note: Candidates must secure at least 12 marks out of 40 in the Personal Interview to qualify for inclusion in the final merit list under the latest policy.

How to Apply for MBA at IIM Lucknow?

Register for CAT 2026 at iimcat.ac.in during the registration window.
Appear in the CAT 2026 exam at your selected city.
After CAT results are declared, apply to IIM Lucknow PGP/PGP-ABM through iiml.ac.in by filling the programme preference form.
If shortlisted, attend the WAT-PI at one of IIM Lucknow’s designated centres. Past centres include Bengaluru, Mumbai, Noida, and Lucknow.
Track the merit list release on iiml.ac.in and accept the admission offer within the stipulated deadline.
Pay the seat deposit amount to secure the admission.

IIM Lucknow IPMX Admission 2027

IIM Lucknow has opened admissions for the 2027-28 batch of the International Program in Management for Executives (IPMX), a 1-year residential MBA program offered at its Noida Campus. Admission is based on a valid GMAT/GRE score, academic and professional profile, Written Ability Test (WAT), and Personal Interview (PI). The 2026-27 batch comprised 104 participants, with an average work experience of 8 years.

IPMX Important Dates 2027

IPMX applications are accepted in 3 phases. Candidates who are not shortlisted for WAT and PI in Phase 1 or Phase 2 may apply in the subsequent phase with an improved GMAT/GRE score, subject to the applicable eligibility conditions and deadline.

Event	Phase 1	Phase 2	Phase 3
Programme Announcement	July 20, 2026	September 3, 2026	December 1, 2026
Last Date to Apply	September 2, 2026, 5 PM	November 30, 2026, 5 PM	January 20, 2027, 5 PM
Shortlisted Candidates	September 17, 2026	December 10, 2026	January 31, 2027
WAT and PI	October-November 2026	January 2027	February 2027
Selected Candidates	November 2026	January 2027	March 2027
Programme Commencement	First week of April 2027	First week of April 2027	First week of April 2027

Note: All admission dates are tentative and may be changed by the IIM Lucknow Admissions Office. There is no stated advantage to applying in an earlier phase.

Ques. Can I apply in more than one phase of the IPMX admission process?

Ans. Candidates may apply in subsequent phases, subject to the eligibility conditions applicable to their previous phase. However, if a candidate applies in Phase I or Phase II, is shortlisted for the WAT and PI, but is not selected after the PI process, the candidate will not be eligible to apply in the subsequent phase, i.e., Phase II or Phase III, respectively.

Ques. What is the total number of seats available for IPMX 2027-28?

Ans. IIM Lucknow has approximately 110 seats for the IPMX 2027-28 batch. As per the institute’s official data, the 2026-27 IPMX batch had 104 participants, providing a reference for the previous year’s batch size.

IPMX Eligibility Criteria 2027

Bachelor’s degree (10+2+3 or 10+2+4) years of formal education in any discipline, with a minimum 50% marks/equivalent CGPA.
CGPA conversion as per the university’s formula; if unavailable, IIM Lucknow calculates it as (CGPA / maximum CGPA) * 100.
GMAT/GRE: Valid score as on the last date of application; submit the Official Score Card/Test Taker copy with the application and report the score to IIM Lucknow.
- Only test-centre-based GMAT/GRE scores are accepted; online/take-home scores are not valid.
Minimum 4 years of full-time (regular) post-qualification work experience after graduation, as on March 31, 2027.

IIM Lucknow IPMX Admission Process 2027

IIM Lucknow IPMX admission process includes:

Online application
GMAT/GRE-based shortlisting
WAT, Personal Interview
Final selection

Candidates must upload the required documents and provide details of two recommenders. The recommendation letters must be submitted online directly by the referees within the prescribed application deadline.

Shortlisting for WAT and PI is based on the GMAT/GRE score. IIM Lucknow does not specify a fixed minimum GMAT/GRE score in advance; the institute uses the score as one of the factors for evaluation and decides the shortlisting cutoff. The final admission offer is made based on the final selection score.

IPMX Selection Criteria 2027

For IPMX 2027-28 batch, the final selection score is calculated using four components: GMAT/GRE score, academic and professional profile, WAT and PI.

Selection Component	Weightage
GMAT/GRE Score	30%
Academic and Professional Profile	30%
Writing Ability Test (WAT)	10%
Personal Interview (PI)	30%

The final admission offer is made on the basis of the candidate's final score after evaluation across these components.

IPMX Application Fee 2027

Candidates have to pay a non-refundable application fee of INR 5,000 to complete the IPMX application. The application cannot be modified after submission, so candidates are advised to carefully verify their details and uploaded documents before submitting the form.

How to Apply for IPMX at IIM Lucknow?

Appear in GMAT or GRE at an authorised test centre (test centre-based only).
Submit the online IPMX application at iiml.ac.in before the Phase 1, 2, or 3 deadline.
Upload supporting documents: transcripts, work experience letters, and a Statement of Purpose.
If shortlisted, attend WAT and PI at the IIM Lucknow Noida campus or a designated centre.
Accept the admission offer and pay the programme fees and deposits.

IIM Lucknow Admission vs IIM Calcutta

IIM Lucknow and IIM Calcutta are both CAT-based MBA programs with a multi-stage selection process. The table below compares the key admission parameters:

Particulars	IIM Lucknow PGP	IIM Calcutta MBA
Entrance Exam	CAT	CAT
General CAT Cutoff	90 overall, 85 sectional	85 overall; 80 VARC, 80 DILR, 75 QA
Selection Stages	Shortlisting based on composite score, WAT + PI, final selection	CAT-based screening, WAT + PI, final selection
CAT Weight in Final Score	30%	30%
Work Experience Role	5% in final score; also considered in shortlisting	8% in final score
Total Fees	INR 20.75 lakhs	INR 27 lakhs

The programs follow a broadly similar CAT-shortlist-WAT/PI structure, but differ in their CAT cutoff thresholds, work-experience weightage and overall fee structure. Candidates should therefore compare the detailed selection criteria rather than relying only on the qualifying CAT cutoff.

As per the Reddit Discussion, an IIM Lucknow IPMX admit with 5.5 years of work experience considered joining the program for a career reset instead of waiting to target IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore or ISB. Respondents highlighted the uncertainty of securing admission to these institutes later and suggested taking the IPMX opportunity, with the possibility of pursuing another MBA in the future if required.

IIM Lucknow EFPM Admission 2027

IIM Lucknow offers the Executive Fellow Program in Management (EFPM), a part-time, non-residential doctoral program for working executives, managers, faculty members, and researchers.

Important Dates 2027

The tentative schedule below is based on the latest available information:

Activity	Date (Tentative)
Last Date of Application Submission	20 Jan, 2027
Entrance Exam	01 Feb, 2027
Announcement of Shortlisted Candidates	18 Feb, 2027
Personal Interviews	26-28 Feb, 2027
Announcement of Selected Candidates	24 Mar, 2027
Last Date of Submission of Acceptance Fee	25 Mar, 2027
Induction and Commencement of Programme	April 2027

Note: The official IIM Lucknow EFPM Admission Schedule 2027-28 is yet to be released and may be revised.

IIM Lucknow EFPM Eligibility 2027

As per the latest eligibility criteria, candidates must have completed 10+2+(3 or 4) years of formal education. The academic requirements vary according to the candidate's educational background and category.

Candidate Type	Academic Requirement
General/OBC	Minimum 55% each in Class 10 and Class 12
Non-Engineering Graduates	Minimum 50% in graduation and 55% in post-graduation
Engineering Graduates	Minimum 65% in graduation
CA/ICWA/CS	Minimum 55% aggregate in professional qualification and 50% in B.Com
SC/ST Candidates	Prescribed relaxation in the above academic requirements

Other eligibility requirements:

Must be currently employed in a full-time job.
Must have at least 7 years of work experience as of March 31 of the admission year.
Maximum age is 55 years as of March 31 of the admission year.

IIM Lucknow EFPM Qualifying Exams 2027

Candidates can qualify for EFPM admission through any one of the following accepted examinations/scores, subject to the prescribed validity requirements:

CAT
GATE
Valid GMAT/GMAT Focus Edition score
Valid GRE score
Valid JRF/SRF score under UGC/CSIR/ICAR
IIM Lucknow EFPM Entrance Exam

Only test-centre-based GMAT/GMAT Focus Edition and GRE scores are accepted. Online or take-home scores are not valid. The accepted CAT and GATE years are specified separately for each admission cycle.

IIM Lucknow EFPM Selection Process 2027

EFPM selection process can be understood in three main stages:

Application: Candidates submit the application form along with documents supporting their academic and professional qualifications.
Area Selection & Shortlisting: Applicants can select up to two academic areas offered under the programme. Area-level committees screen applications and shortlist candidates.
Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates appear for a Personal Interview (PI) at the IIM Lucknow Lucknow or Noida Campus.

Final selection is based on the PI and the candidate's academic and professional profile.

Application Fee 2027

Category	Application Fee
General/OBC	INR 1,000
SC/ST	INR 500

The application fee is non-refundable.

IIM Lucknow EFPM First-Year Exemption

Candidates may be considered for exemption from the first year if they meet the prescribed additional requirements. As per the latest criteria, candidates need:

A 2-year MBA/PGDM or equivalent with at least 60% marks or 6 CGPA on a 10-point scale.
Graduation from an institution meeting the specified NIRF or international accreditation criteria.
Approval from the interview panel.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee first-year exemption, as the final decision rests with the interview panel.

How to Apply for FPM at IIM Lucknow?

Candidates must have a valid qualifying test score (CAT, GATE, GRE, GMAT, or JRF or SRF) that is not more than two years old at the time of application.
Watch iiml.ac.in for the FPM 2027 application notification, expected late 2026.
Submit the online application at iiml.ac.in with academic transcripts, qualifying test scorecard, and a research statement.
If shortlisted, attend the RAT and PI at the IIM Lucknow campus in Lucknow.

IIM Lucknow Scholarships 2027

IIM Lucknow offers need-based and merit-cum-means financial assistance to PGP and PGP-ABM students. The institute also facilitates access to government scholarship schemes.

Need-based financial aid: PGP students may apply for need-based assistance through the student welfare office. The application window typically opens shortly after the programme commences.
Government SC and ST scholarship: Eligible SC and ST students can apply for the Post Matric Scholarship from the Ministry of Social Justice. This covers a portion of tuition and living costs.
Bank loan tie-ups: IIM Lucknow has facilitated educational loans through select public sector banks at preferential terms for enrolled students. Details are shared at the time of admission.
FPM stipend: FPM scholars receive INR 35,000 per month in Years 1 to 2 and INR 40,000 per month from Year 3. This is separate from any external scholarship.
IPMX merit-based consideration: Phase 1 IPMX applicants are given priority consideration for merit scholarships. Scholarship amounts vary by profile and are determined at the time of admission.

Check IIM Lucknow Scholarships for more details.

IIM Lucknow Admission FAQs

Ques. Is there a minimum GMAT/GRE score required for IIM Lucknow IPMX?

Ans. IIM Lucknow does not prescribe a fixed minimum GMAT/GRE score for IPMX in advance. Shortlisting for WAT and PI is based on the GMAT/GRE score, which is considered as part of the selection process. Only valid test-centre-based GMAT/GRE scores are accepted. Online or take-home test scores are not valid.

Ques. What is the minimum CAT percentile required for IIM Lucknow PGP admission 2027?

Ans. The latest available 2026-28 admission policy specifies a minimum CAT cutoff of 90 overall and 85 in each section for the General category. However, the admission policy for the 2027-29 batch has not yet been released. Therefore, these percentiles should be treated as the latest available reference and may change for 2027 admission.

Ques. Is CAT the only exam accepted for IIM Lucknow MBA admission?

Ans. Yes. Admission to IIM Lucknow MBA and MBA-ABM for the 2027-29 batch will be based on CAT 2026, followed by WAT and PI. IPMX admissions use a valid GMAT/GRE score. For EFPM, candidates can qualify through CAT, GATE, GMAT, GRE, or UGC/CSIR/ICAR JRF/SRF, subject to the applicable validity and eligibility requirements.

Ques. What is the IIM Lucknow PGP WAT-PI selection weightage?

Ans. As per the latest available 2026-28 policy, the final MBA selection score gives 30% weightage to CAT, 5% each to Class 12, graduation, diversity factor and work experience, 10% to WAT, and 40% to PI. Candidates must secure at least 12 marks out of 40 in the Personal Interview to qualify for the final merit list.

Ques. Is work experience mandatory for IIM Lucknow PGP admission?

Ans. No. Work experience is not mandatory for IIM Lucknow MBA/PGP or MBA-ABM admission. It carries 5% weightage in the MBA final selection and no weightage in MBA-ABM. The information provided does not specify the PGP-SM work-experience requirement. Therefore, candidates should refer to the applicable PGP-SM admission notification for its eligibility conditions.

Ques. Can final-year graduation students apply for IIM Lucknow admission 2027?

Ans. Yes. Final-year bachelor's degree students and candidates awaiting results can apply for IIM Lucknow MBA admission, provided they fulfil the prescribed degree requirements within the specified deadline. The eligibility criteria require a bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks, or 45% for SC, ST and PwD candidates. The 2027-29 policy is yet to be released.

Ques. Does IIM Lucknow offer direct admission or a management quota?

Ans. The provided IIM Lucknow admission information does not specify any direct-admission or management-quota route. For the MBA and MBA-ABM, candidates are expected to qualify through CAT 2026 and the subsequent WAT-PI process. IPMX follows GMAT/GRE-based shortlisting, WAT and PI. Final selection is based on the respective programme's prescribed selection criteria.

PGPM

AI-Generated Summary based on 66 Reviews

To gain admission to the Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGPM) at IIM Lucknow, candidates must first clear the CAT exam, which is essential for entrance. A general category candidate typically requires a percentile of 98+, though for reserved category candidates the cutoff can be lower, ranging from 85+ for Agribusiness Management (ABM) to 92+ for the MBA program. The application forms are generally released on the CAT official website in July, with an average application fee of approximately INR 3000.

Eligible candidates include those who have completed graduation or are in their final year. After taking CAT, candidates are shortlisted based on their composite scores which are derived from various parameters like CAT scores, academic records, and work experience. Shortlisted candidates must complete a candidate information form and proceed through stages including a Written Ability Test (WAT), and Personal Interview (PI), which may include questions on current affairs, personal background, and professional experiences.

The final selection is based on the overall performance, with results announced on the institute's website. The process is well-structured and competitive, and timely preparation is essential. The CAT exam is considered challenging, demanding rigorous preparation. There is no direct or management quota mentioned, emphasizing a merit-based admission process.

By Collegedunia’s Personal AI

IIM Lucknow Important Events

IPMX5

Popular Colleges Compared With IIM Lucknow

College
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XLRI, Jamshedpur
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IIMA - Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad
MDI Gurgaon, Gurgaon
SPJIMR, Mumbai
IIMK - Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode
JBIMS Mumbai, Mumbai

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IIM Lucknow Upcoming Important Dates 2026

Important Events

Events	Dates
CAT Form Correction	Upcoming Oct 05, 2026 - Oct 06, 2026
CAT Exam Date	Nov 29, 2026
CAT Admit Card	Nov 04, 2026 - Nov 29, 2026

Expired Events

Events	Dates
CAT Registration Fee Payment	Sep 22, 2026 - Sep 24, 2026
Last Date for Fee Payment - CAT 2026 [MBA/PGDM]	Sep 24, 2026
CAT Registration	Aug 03, 2026 - Sep 22, 2026

Events	Dates
Admission Timeline [Ph.D] (Management)	Ongoing Sep 01, 2026 - Nov 20, 2026

Important Events

Events	Dates
Admission Timeline for Admission 2027 [Executive MBA]	Ongoing Jul 20, 2026 - Oct 17, 2026
Application - Phase II for Admission 2027 [Executive MBA]	Ongoing Sep 03, 2026 - Oct 17, 2026
Shortlist Announcement - Phase II for Admission 2027 [Executive MBA]	Tentative Nov 02, 2026
Written Ability Test and Personal Interview - Phase I for Admission 2027 [Executive MBA]	Tentative Nov 14, 2026 - Nov 15, 2026
Written Ability Test and Personal Interview at Noida - Phase I for Admission 2027 [Executive MBA]	Tentative Nov 21, 2026 - Nov 22, 2026
Written Ability Test and Personal Interview - Phase II for Admission 2027 [Executive MBA]	Tentative Dec 12, 2026 - Dec 13, 2026
Selection Result - Phase I for Admission 2027 [Executive MBA]	Tentative Dec 15, 2026
Admission Timeline [MBA] (Executive )	Ongoing Aug 18, 2026 - Dec 17, 2026
Written Ability Test and Personal Interview at Noida - Phase II for Admission 2027 [Executive MBA]	Tentative Dec 19, 2026 - Dec 20, 2026
Selection Result - Phase II for Admission 2027 [Executive MBA]	Tentative Jan 15, 2027

Expired Events

Events	Dates
Shortlist Announcement - Phase I for Admission 2027 [Executive MBA]	Sep 17, 2026
Application - Phase I for Admission 2027 [Executive MBA]	Jul 20, 2026 - Sep 02, 2026

Important Events

Events	Dates
CAT Form Correction	Upcoming Oct 05, 2026 - Oct 06, 2026
Application - Phase II for Admission 2027 [Executive MBA]	Ongoing Sep 03, 2026 - Oct 17, 2026
Admission Timeline for Admission 2027 [Executive MBA]	Ongoing Jul 20, 2026 - Oct 17, 2026
Shortlist Announcement - Phase II for Admission 2027 [Executive MBA]	Tentative Nov 02, 2026
Written Ability Test and Personal Interview - Phase I for Admission 2027 [Executive MBA]	Tentative Nov 14, 2026 - Nov 15, 2026
Admission Timeline [Ph.D] (Management)	Ongoing Sep 01, 2026 - Nov 20, 2026
Written Ability Test and Personal Interview at Noida - Phase I for Admission 2027 [Executive MBA]	Tentative Nov 21, 2026 - Nov 22, 2026
CAT Admit Card	Nov 04, 2026 - Nov 29, 2026
CAT Exam Date	Nov 29, 2026
Written Ability Test and Personal Interview - Phase II for Admission 2027 [Executive MBA]	Tentative Dec 12, 2026 - Dec 13, 2026

Expired Events

Events	Dates
CAT Registration Fee Payment	Sep 22, 2026 - Sep 24, 2026
CAT Registration	Aug 03, 2026 - Sep 22, 2026
Last Date for Fee Payment - CAT 2026 [MBA/PGDM]	Sep 24, 2026

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IIM Lucknow: 10 Answered Questions

Should I join IIM Kashipur??

JadeJackal

Deciding on whether to join IIM Kashipur can be quite a puzzle for MBA hopefuls. It's normal to feel uncertain because doing an MBA is a big deal that requires a lot of time, effort, and money. So, when you're choosing a B-school, you're really thinking about what you'll get back from all these investments.

Whether a business school is a good choice can vary a lot from person to person. Someone with very high goals might only be interested in the top schools like IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, or Calcutta. Other places, like IIM Raipur, might have a few downsides. But if you're practical and have worked hard for a decent score in CAT, you might think about other top schools and make a smart choice based on your options.

IIM Raipur, now in its tenth year, has been growing fast, and here's why it's a good choice:

1. Placements:
At IIM Raipur, there's a strong focus on creating a corporate vibe on campus with real-world learning experiences. They have guest talks from industry leaders and events like leadership and HR summits. These efforts have caught the attention of companies, leading to more of them showing up for placements. The average salary has been on the rise, and there are diverse job roles in areas like analytics and wealth management. You can check the official placement reports for more details.

2. IIM Brand:
The IIM name is like a powerful badge that shows you meet high standards. It's a mark of honor that you carry with pride throughout your life, boosting your confidence to tackle big challenges in your career.

3. Infrastructure:
Since 2018, IIM Raipur has been on a new campus with modern facilities. The academic spaces are cutting-edge, and the hostels offer single rooms with attached bathrooms. There's also a sports center with a pool, squash, and badminton courts. The infrastructure keeps getting better, and the management has big plans for the future.

4. Fees:
Despite its impressive facilities, IIM Raipur is a non-profit government institution with fees that are more affordable compared to many private schools.

5. Course Pedagogy:
Thanks to the IIM Bill, IIMs can create their own curriculums. IIM Raipur offers flexibility, allowing students to craft industry-relevant courses and even specialize in more than one area, opening up more career paths.

6. Life at IIM Raipur:
Beyond academics, there are plenty of ways to get involved, like case study competitions and student clubs. These activities help build leadership and interpersonal skills while creating lasting memories.

Of course, like any college, there are a few downsides. The food might not match up to home-cooked meals, but it's better than typical engineering hostel food. Raipur might not be a top-tier city for luxury, but it has decent hangout spots and is well-connected by air, which helps with corporate networking. The school is making significant progress, as seen in its rising B-school rankings. Looking back, I'm glad I chose IIM Raipur over others. If you have questions about joining, feel free to reach out. Best of luck!

What is RTI Data for IIM Lucknow?

Mansi Jain

IIM Lucknow RTI Data for batch 2023-25 has been released. At IIM Lucknow, a total of 127812 general category candidates selected IIM Lucknow as their CAT preference, of which 1275 were shortlisted for PI WAT round and 585 received the final offer.

Admission Stats

Category	No. of Candidates Selected IIM Lucknow PGP	Candidates Selected for WAT/PI	No. of Students With Final Offer
General	127812	1275	585
EWS	8953	317	103
NC-OBC	32151	917	393
SC	15300	801	223
ST	4092	401	127
PWD	825	168	48

Cutoff Stats

Category	Composite Score for WAT/PI Shortlist	Composite Score for Admission Offer	Highest Composite Score
General	48.96	58.85	79.08
EWS	33.34	48.08	61.43
NC-OBC	32.94	44.26	63.25
SC	26.22	40.21	62.63
ST	17.73	31.58	60.84
PWD	14.03	24.76	59.95

Class Composition

Category	Number of Students
General	225
EWS	52
NC-OBC	158
SC	86
ST	45
PwD	NA

How much minimum CAT percentile do I need to get IIM Calcutta or IIM Lucknow if I have Xth 93, XIIth 73, and BTech 70, without any work experience?

Sagar Dikshitlives in Lucknow

Your graduation score is a bit low but it depends on your institute too. If you are from a top college, then this score will be considered pretty good. Moreover, past academics are not the only deciding factor when it comes to admission to IIMs. You do have decent changes if selection viewing your overall profile.

As for the CAT Score, don’t set a fixed target and just aim for as high as you can. The cutoffs keep changing depending on various factors so what should remain constant are your efforts. Additionally, preparing for the interview is very crucial because it determines your chances of admission.

Which B-school is harder to get into when you have a 'mediocre' academic profile and 1 yr of work experience, FMS Delhi or IIM K, L, and I?

Akriti Guptalives in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Among the above B-schools, FMS will be easier to enter because other IIMs like IIM K, IIM L, and IIM I give more weightage to past academic performance. FMS selection will be based on Personal Interviews, Group Discussions, and CAT scores.

IIM K gives 40% weightage while the initial shortlisting of candidates for Personal Interviews is contrary to IIM L and IIM Indore which gives only 20% weightage. IIM Indore gives no weightage to work experience where IIM K gives only 5% and IIM L gives 10% weightage.

All in all, if you are a mediocre student then you have to outperform others in terms of CAT score and PI/GD performance. Indore is home for freshers and competing here will be difficult but you should focus more on FMS then IIM L and then IIM K for your shortlisting and put your best foot forward and convert your calls.

All the best and Best of luck for your D-day.

Why do people flock to IIM Lucknow and leave SPJIMR and FMS, when IIML teaches management like engineering whereas SPJIMR and FMS have a more conducive environment to actually learn? They also get the

Swati BiswasGMP International Management, S. P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (2018)

By ‘teaches Management like Engineering’ I assume what you mean is Management studies at IIM Lucknow are more strict, mundane, and repetitive. In this regard, I refuse to accept your claim as the reality is far from this.

People graduating from these institutes are youngsters with an age group of 20-25 so there is very little impact of the institutes' pedagogy on the learner’s ability to learn. These candidates are likely to be more serious regarding their growth and even sacrifice the fun of a typical B School life just to reach new heights. Anyone with such a mindset is likely to fare well anywhere irrespective of the choice of Institute.

I am going to specifically pinpoint the scenario at FMS because there is a general conception that FMS has a relatively chilled ambiance. The truth is I have seen many students working tremendously hard in their 2 years. They explore much more than academics and take part in many extracurricular activities because they know it’s their last opportunity before they enter the corporate world. The attendance rules although stricter than that at IIM Lucknow are no direct indication of the general discipline and the rigor of the curriculum. Every institute has its own tailored learning environment and it’s up to the students to make the most out of it.

People just ‘flock’ to a particular B School because of the sheep mentality. Rather their decisions are based on continuous analysis of various factors like tags, peer group, intended specialization, placement opportunities, personal goals.

What is the selection procedure of IIM Lucknow?

Ayush RajStudied at Indian Institute of Management Lucknow

The procedure is divided into three stages:

WAT: If you are selected for WAT based on your profile and CAT score, you will likely be contacted to proceed with the process in the city of your choice. The process begins on the scheduled day with a WAT in which you are given 10 minutes to write on a given topic. The subject matter could be abstract, current affairs-related, or, in rare cases, technical.

GD: After submitting your WAT sheets, you will be asked to participate in a GD on the same topic.

PI: Following the GD, the same panel will conduct one-on-one interviews with the candidates. The majority of the questions are based on the information you would have provided in your profile on the application, including your educational background, ECA, and work history (if any).

You should also be ready to respond to inquiries about current events and perhaps your group discussion (GD) if there was a particularly important point to be made.

Does IIM Lucknow only give admission to students with work experience?

Animesh ShahMBA from Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (2022)

The simple answer is no, IIM Lucknow and in fact, even other IIMs don’t give calls to just experienced people. Every MBA aspirant who has a Bachelor's degree in any field (minimum 3 years of course) or is in their final year is eligible to appear for CAT. You start getting calls from IIMs based on your percentile. IIM Lucknow Sectional Cutoff is 85 Percentile while the Overall CAT Percentile is 90 for General Category.

However, there are several other parameters that determine your chances of admission. The parameters along with their respective weightage are given below

Parameters	PGP Weightage	PGP-ABM Weightage	PGP-SM Weightage
CAT	60	60	60
Class 12 Marks	10	10	10
Graduation Marks	10	10	10
Work Experience	10	0	10
Academic Diversity	5	20	5
Gender Diversity	5	5	5

From the table you can determine that the maximum weightage is given to CAT. Although work experience does carry a certain weight, a fresher can maximize their CAT score to compensate for it.

IIM Lucknow gives more weightage to work experience than other IIMs but that does not mean it does not give admission to freshers. It’s just that experienced candidates have a higher chance of admission.

How can I gain admission to IIM Lucknow?

Akash Kumar SahStudied at Indian Institute of Management Lucknow

The first step to getting admission to IIM Lucknow is to apply for entrance exams. Several national-level entrance exams are accepted by the IIM Lucknow for admission to its Management programs. Some of them include

PGP: CAT

MBAEx: GMAT

DPM: CAT/ GMAT/ GRE/ GATE/ UGC-JRF

IIM Lucknow Sectional Cutoff is 85 Percentile while the Overall CAT Percentile is 90 for General Category.

The next step is PI. Candidates shortlisted on the basis of CAT score will be called for Personal Interview. This year, the WAT round is excluded from the selection process. The various parameters that are considered while shortlisting candidates for this round are

Parameters	PGP Weightage	PGP-ABM Weightage	PGP-SM Weightage
CAT	60	60	60
Class 12 Marks	10	10	10
Graduation Marks	10	10	10
Work Experience	10	0	10
Academic Diversity	5	20	5
Gender Diversity	5	5	5

The 3rd step includes shortlisting of candidates based on the following parameters

Parameters	PGP & PGP-SM	PGP-ABM
CAT	30	35
Academic Performance (12M + GM)	5+5	5+5
Diversity Factor	5	5
Work Experience	5	NA
Written Ability Test	10	10
Personal Interview (PI)	40	40

So finally based on your CAT score, GDPI score and your academic record along with work experience your total will be calculated out of 100. The students will then be listed in descending order of their total score and top students will be made an admission offer.

Can I get a call from IIM Lucknow as well as FMS Delhi after getting a 99+ percentile in CAT? My academics marks are 74%, 73% and 65% in X, XII and graduate degree in engineering respectively.

Chandan PandeyPGDM from Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (Graduated 2018)

Honestly speaking, your chances of getting into IIM Lucknow Calcutta and Kozhikode are scarce unless you score 100 percentile considering your profile. IIM Ahmedabad, Indore and Shillong won’t give you a call even after 100 as their eligibility criteria focuses majorly on past academics which are below average in your case.

IIM Bangalore is unpredictable in its eligibility criteria. It might take students with poor academic backgrounds but good work experience. So if you have none you can forget this chance also.

FMS does not almost consider past academics at all but for that, you need a CAT percentile of more than 99.5. For the safer side a 99.75 might grant you a conversion.

Don’t get demotivated just because of your past academic performance and ruin your future. Rather make the most out of your present life and opportunities.

I am fresher student studying at IIM Lucknow, I want to drop out. What are my chances of converting IIM-A,B, C after gaining 2-3 years of experience?

Saloni GuptaIIM Kozhikode PGP 2018-20

I don’t think it's wise to decide to drop out from IIM Lucknow when you already worked hard and cracked the entrance. You even succeeded in the interview and yet here you want to give it all up. Every year the level of difficulty of entrance exams like the CAT and XAT keeps changing. Students who might have scored 90+ percentile one year might score 40-60 percentile next year. It all depends on preparation and mindset. Meanwhile, you have already succeeded and gotten into an IIM so why take it for granted?

Yet if you are adamant about not continuing, I would suggest you just focus on your job and gain a lot of experience. Chances are that you might climb the ladder without an MBA or IIM. Many CEOs and CFOs don’t need an MBA to make them what they are.

Despite it all, if you are appearing again for CAT, then make sure you have a valid explanation of dropping out during your interview.

View All Questions and Answers

Comments

Found 5 Comments

aafiya yadgir

Mar 26, 2024 09:59

What are the factors that I need to work on, other than CAT scores for MBA admission at IIM Lucknow?

Shikhar Srivas

Mar 29, 2024 21:59

IIM Lucknow goes beyond your CAT score. They consider your academics, work experience (if any), and communication skills tested through WAT & PI. Acing these can strengthen your application. They also value diversity, so highlight unique experiences. Focus on these areas to craft a strong profile that complements your CAT score.

epil gagrai

Mar 22, 2024 18:43

What are the exams that IIM Lucknow considers for PhD admission?

Ashish Ramtari

Mar 23, 2024 08:13

The candidate need to appear for CAT/ GMAT/ GRE/ GATE/ JRF/ SRF (UGC/ CSIR/ ICAR) for taking admission to IIM Lucknow PhD admission. If candidate has not appeared for any of the said examinations. Then he can appear for PGPWE examination which is conducted for admission to PhD.

shivangi

Mar 22, 2024 17:10

What are the factors that I need to work on, other than CAT scores for MBA admission at IIM Lucknow?

Ashish Ramtari

Mar 23, 2024 08:19

Except CAT scores, you should also have Decent Academic Performance and Work Experience. You should also prepare for efficient performance in WAT, Group Discussion and Personal Interview.

vikram dewan

Jun 27, 2022 15:26

What is the average CAT cut off for IIM Lucknow?

Chitransha

Jun 29, 2022 13:25

The average cutoff for IIM Lucknow is 85. This year the sectional cut-off for PGP is reduced to 85 percentile, and 80 percentile for PGP-ABM & PGP-SM courses. The final selection depends on the Academic Profile, Work Experience, and Diversity Factors.

For more information, refer to this link: IIM Lucknow GMAT Score & CAT Cutoff

karan rathod

Jun 27, 2022 15:24

What is the minimum mark required to pursue Ph.D at IIM Lucknow?

Chitransha

Jun 29, 2022 13:30

To be eligible for the Ph.D. course at IIM Lucknow you must have passed your Master’s degree or equivalent in any stream with a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate. Or else, you must hold a degree in CA/ICWA/CS with a minimum of 55% marks.

For more information, refer to this link: IIM Lucknow Ph.D. Eligibility Criteria

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