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 2026: Dates, Fees, Eligibility, Application Process, Selection Criteria

Q: How many students are shortlisted for IIM Lucknow WAT-PI each year?

For the 2024-26 batch, IIM Lucknow shortlisted 3,914 candidates for WAT-PI across PGP, PGP-ABM, and PGP-SM combined. Of these, 509 were finally admitted to PGP alone, giving a shortlist-to-PGP-admission conversion rate of about 13%.

Q: What is the IIM Lucknow PGP WAT-PI selection weightage?

The final merit score for PGP weighs Personal Interview at 40%, CAT score at 30%, WAT at 10%, academic record at 10%, work experience at 5%, and diversity at 5%. Candidates must score at least 12 out of 40 in the PI to be eligible for the final merit list.

Lucknow, Uttar PradeshAutonomous UniversityEstd 1984

4.2

(93 Reviews)

Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | Updated on - Aug 17, 2026

IIM Lucknow Latest Updates and News

03 Aug, 2026 CAT 2026 registration begins. Aspirants can register @iimcat.ac.in till Sept 15, 2026. CAT 2026 is scheduled for Nov 29, 2026. Read News.

IIM Lucknow Admission 2027 is fully decentralised and managed by the institute. The two-year Post Graduate Programme (PGP) and the PGP in Agribusiness Management (PGP-ABM) admit candidates through CAT scores followed by a Written Ability Test and Personal Interview (WAT-PI). The one-year International Programme in Management for Executives (IPMX) runs on a separate GMAT or GRE-based process.

No central counselling body controls seat allotment for any management programme at IIM Lucknow. Government of India reservation norms apply uniformly across all programmes.

Admission Update:

PGP and PGP-ABM (2027-29 batch): CAT 2026 registration is open from August 3, 2026 to September 15, 2026. CAT exam is on November 29, 2026. IIM Lucknow WAT-PI shortlist expected January 2027 (Tentative).
IPMX (2027-28 batch): Phase 1 deadline is September 2, 2026. Phase 2 closes October 17, 2026. Phase 3 closes December 1, 2026.
FPM or DPM (2027 intake): Next cycle dates are not yet announced. The 2026 cycle closed February 16, 2026.

IIM Lucknow PGP enrolled 509 students in the 2024-26 batch. PGP-ABM enrolled 59 students. PGP-SM enrolled 46 students. The 2027-29 batch is expected to be of similar size.
For the 2024-26 batch, 3,914 candidates were shortlisted for WAT-PI across all PGP variants. Only 509 students were finally admitted to PGP alone. That is a 13% shortlist-to-admission conversion rate, or roughly 7.5 candidates per seat.
Reservation norms: General (40.5%), NC-OBC (27%), SC (15%), ST (7.5%), EWS (10%), PwD (5% horizontal reservation).
Final-year students may apply if they complete all degree requirements by the date specified in the IIM Lucknow admission notification.
CAT score is valid for the current cycle only. IIM Lucknow does not accept scores from prior years.
PGP-SM requires a minimum of 24 months full-time post-graduation work experience. PGP and PGP-ABM do not mandate work experience.

IIM Lucknow Admission Portal 2027: iiml.ac.in

Direct Admission at IIM Lucknow: 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 MBA Admission 2027
IIM Lucknow PGP-ABM Admission 2027
IIM Lucknow IPMX Admission 2027
IIM Lucknow MBA vs IIM Calcutta vs FMS Delhi
IIM Lucknow FPM Admission 2027
IIM Lucknow Scholarships
Frequently Asked Questions

IIM Lucknow MBA Admission 2027

IIM Lucknow PGP admission 2027 is for the 2027-29 batch, targeting a similar intake to the 2024-26 batch of 509 students. The 2024-26 batch received applications from over 6,87,515 candidates across PGP, PGP-ABM, and PGP-SM combined. From this pool, 3,914 candidates were shortlisted for WAT-PI, and 509 were finally admitted to PGP alone.

IIM Lucknow MBA Admission Dates 2027

The 2027-29 batch uses CAT 2026 as the qualifying exam. Dates for IIM Lucknow’s own shortlist and WAT-PI will be announced after CAT 2026 results are declared.

Event	Date	Status
CAT 2026 Registration Opens	August 3, 2026	Official
CAT 2026 Registration Closes	September 15, 2026	Official
CAT 2026 Admit Card	November 4, 2026	Official
CAT 2026 Exam Date	November 29, 2026	Official
CAT 2026 Result	December 24, 2026	Tentative
IIM Lucknow WAT-PI Shortlist	January 2027	Tentative
WAT-PI Process	February to March 2027	Tentative
Final Admission Results	April to May 2027	Tentative
Programme Commencement	June 2027	Tentative

IIM Lucknow MBA Eligibility Criteria 2027

Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university. Minimum marks and CAT qualifying cutoffs vary by category.

Category	Min Graduation Marks	CAT Cutoff (Overall / Each Section)
General	50%	90 percentile / 85 percentile
NC-OBC	50%	82 percentile / 77 percentile
EWS	50%	82 percentile / 77 percentile
SC	45%	65 percentile / 55 percentile
ST	45%	60 percentile / 50 percentile
PwD	45%	60 percentile / 50 percentile

The fees mentioned above are subject to revision and have been included for reference. Contact the college or visit iiml.ac.in for exact fee details.

All three CAT sections (VARC, DILR, QA) must meet the sectional cutoff independently.
Candidates must also have a positive raw score in each section.
CGPA is converted as: (Obtained CGPA divided by Maximum CGPA) multiplied by 100.
PGP total fees (indicative): INR 20,75,000 (Year 1: INR 10,95,000 and Year 2: INR 9,80,000).

IIM Lucknow MBA Selection Criteria 2027

IIM Lucknow PGP admission uses a two-stage model. Stage 1 builds a shortlist score to invite candidates for WAT-PI. Stage 2 computes the final merit score after the interview.

Stage 1 - Shortlist Composite Score Weightages:

CAT Score: 60%
Class 12 Marks: 10%
Graduation Marks: 10%
Work Experience: 10%
Academic Diversity: 5%
Gender Diversity: 5%

Stage 2 - Final Merit Score (after WAT-PI, out of 100):

Component	Weightage	Max Marks
Personal Interview (PI)	40%	40
CAT Score	30%	30
Written Ability Test (WAT)	10%	10
Academic Record	10%	10
Work Experience	5%	5
Diversity (Academic and Gender)	5%	5

Minimum PI score is 12 out of 40. Candidates below this threshold are not considered for the final merit list.
WAT is a 30-minute written essay of 300 words on a contemporary topic.
PI panel consists of 2 to 3 faculty members and lasts 20 to 25 minutes.
Female candidates receive up to 5 bonus marks under gender diversity in the final composite score.

Actual CAT percentile range for admitted PGP students, 2024-26 batch:

General: minimum 92.41 percentile, average 99.44 percentile
NC-OBC: minimum 83.74 percentile, average 96.99 percentile
EWS: minimum 86.83 percentile, average 97.65 percentile
SC: minimum 65.13 percentile, average 91.76 percentile
ST: minimum 61.21 percentile, average 86.88 percentile
PwD: minimum 61.13 percentile, average 86.82 percentile

As per Collegedunia Reviews, students who went through the IIM Lucknow WAT-PI process describe the Personal Interview as academically rigorous. Panels test academic fundamentals, current affairs, and the consistency between the SOP and the candidate’s actual profile. Reviewers note that work experience candidates are questioned closely on industry roles and career goals.

Note: PGP-SM (Sustainable Management) admission follows the same CAT route and WAT-PI format as PGP. The key difference is a mandatory minimum of 24 months full-time work experience after graduation. Final merit gives work experience a weight of 5%, and PGP-SM has a separate programme preference form. The 2024-26 PGP-SM batch enrolled 46 students.

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 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 PGP-ABM Admission 2027

IIM Lucknow PGP-ABM admission 2027 is for the two-year Post Graduate Programme in Agribusiness Management. The programme has around 60 seats. The 2024-26 batch enrolled 59 students. PGP-ABM admits entirely through CAT scores and an institute-run WAT-PI. Work experience carries zero weight at both shortlisting and final selection stages.

IIM Lucknow PGP-ABM Admission Dates 2027

PGP-ABM admission 2027 follows the same CAT 2026 timeline as PGP. IIM Lucknow announces the PGP-ABM shortlist alongside the PGP shortlist.

Event	Date	Status
CAT 2026 Exam Date	November 29, 2026	Official
CAT 2026 Result	December 24, 2026	Tentative
PGP-ABM Shortlist Release	January 2027	Tentative
WAT-PI Process	February to March 2027	Tentative
Final Admission Results	April to May 2027	Tentative
Programme Commencement	June 2027	Tentative

IIM Lucknow PGP-ABM Eligibility Criteria 2027

Candidates need a bachelor’s degree with the minimum marks shown below. PGP-ABM accepts all graduation streams. A separate programme preference form must be submitted by the deadline. Failure to submit it disqualifies the candidate from PGP-ABM consideration.

Category	Min Graduation Marks	CAT Cutoff (Overall / Each Section)
General	50%	85 percentile / 80 percentile
NC-OBC / EWS	50%	77 percentile / 72 percentile
SC	45%	55 percentile / 50 percentile
ST / PwD	45%	50 percentile / 45 percentile

PGP-ABM total fees (indicative): INR 20,75,000 (same structure as PGP: Year 1 INR 10,95,000 and Year 2 INR 9,80,000).
In the 2024-26 batch, 68% of PGP-ABM admitted candidates were freshers with no work experience.
Actual minimum CAT percentile for admitted General category candidates in 2024-26: 92.67 percentile.

IIM Lucknow PGP-ABM Selection Criteria 2027

PGP-ABM shortlisting and final merit use the same composite score framework as PGP, but with one key difference: work experience carries zero weight at both stages.

Stage 1 - Shortlist Composite Score Weightages (PGP-ABM):

CAT Score: 60%
Class 12 Marks: 10%
Graduation Marks: 10%
Work Experience: 0% (not counted)
Academic Diversity: 10%
Gender Diversity: 10%

Stage 2 - Final Merit Score Weightages (PGP-ABM, out of 100):

Personal Interview: 40%
CAT Score: 35% (higher than PGP)
Written Ability Test: 10%
Academic Record: 10%
Work Experience: 0%
Diversity: 5%

For the 2024-26 cycle, 3,257 candidates were shortlisted for PGP-ABM WAT-PI.
Minimum PI score of 12 out of 40 applies here as well.

How to Apply for PGP-ABM at IIM Lucknow?

Register for CAT 2026 at iimcat.ac.in and appear in the exam.
After CAT results, visit iiml.ac.in and fill both the common IIM application form and the separate PGP-ABM programme preference form.
Submit the preference form before the stated deadline. Missing this step automatically disqualifies the candidate from PGP-ABM.
If shortlisted, attend WAT-PI at an IIM Lucknow designated centre.
Accept the offer and pay the seat deposit on time.

IIM Lucknow IPMX Admission 2027

IIM Lucknow IPMX (International Programme in Management for Executives) is a one-year full-time MBA equivalent for working professionals. The 2027-28 batch uses GMAT or GRE scores and requires a minimum of four years full-time post-graduation work experience. The programme is open to Indian and international candidates.

IIM Lucknow IPMX Admission Dates 2027

IPMX 2027-28 admission runs in three phases. Earlier phases get more time for profile evaluation and scholarship consideration.

Phase	Application Deadline	Status
Phase 1	September 2, 2026	Official
Phase 2	October 17, 2026	Official
Phase 3	December 1, 2026	Official
Programme Start	April 2027	Tentative

IIM Lucknow IPMX Eligibility Criteria 2027

IPMX requires both a qualifying exam score and a minimum work experience threshold.

Criterion	Requirement	Notes
Qualifying Exam	GMAT or GRE (test centre-based)	Online or home-based tests not accepted
Work Experience	Minimum 4 years full-time, post-graduation	Part-time or freelance not counted
Graduation Marks	Minimum 50% aggregate	All graduation disciplines accepted
Nationality	Open to all nationalities	Indian and international candidates

IPMX total programme fees: INR 26,00,000 plus a refundable caution deposit of INR 20,000 and a one-time alumni membership of INR 5,000. Total outgo: INR 26,55,000.

IIM Lucknow IPMX Selection Criteria 2027

IPMX admission runs in four stages: online application, profile shortlisting based on GMAT or GRE, a Written Ability Test and Personal Interview, and final selection.

IPMX Final Composite Score Weightages:

GMAT or GRE Score: 30%
Academic and Professional Profile: 30%
Personal Interview: 30%
Written Ability Test: 10%

PI and WAT are conducted at the IIM Lucknow Noida campus and select international locations.
For queries, contact: admission_nc@iiml.ac.in or +91-120-6678481.

As per Collegedunia Reviews, IPMX applicants describe the interview process as internationally oriented, with panels probing leadership experience, decision-making under pressure, and global career vision. Several reviewers note that Phase 1 applicants receive more detailed feedback and priority consideration for merit scholarships.

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 MBA vs IIM Calcutta vs FMS Delhi

Top CAT-based MBA programmes differ in entry score, selection weightages, and work experience policy. The table compares IIM Lucknow PGP against two closely ranked peers.

Particulars	IIM Lucknow PGP	IIM Calcutta MBA	FMS Delhi MBA
Entrance Exam	CAT only	CAT only	CAT only
General CAT Cutoff	90 percentile overall, 85 sectional	85 percentile overall, 80 sectional	98 percentile overall (typical)
Selection Stages	Shortlist composite, then WAT and PI	Shortlist based on PI score, then PI	GD and PI (no WAT)
CAT Weight in Final Score	30%	25% (varies by profile)	50 to 60%
Work Experience Role	5% in shortlist, 5% in final score	Carries weight. Fresh graduates disadvantaged	Carries minor weight. Freshers admitted
Total Seats	520	480	216
Total Fees	INR 20,75,000	INR 27,00,000	INR 2,28,000

IIM Lucknow and IIM Calcutta both require 90-plus CAT percentile at the qualifying stage. FMS Delhi typically sees shortlists starting only at 98-plus for General category given its very low fee and high brand pull. IIM Lucknow’s shortlist composite gives work experience a 10% weight, making it friendlier to experienced professionals than FMS Delhi.

IIM Lucknow FPM Admission 2027

The Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) at IIM Lucknow, also called the Doctoral Programme in Management (DPM), is a full-time residential PhD-equivalent programme. Applications for the 2027 intake are not yet open. The 2026 cycle closed on February 16, 2026, with interviews held in April 2026 and programme commencement in June 2026. The 2027 cycle is expected to open in late 2026 following the same pattern.

IIM Lucknow FPM Eligibility Criteria 2027

Candidates may qualify through multiple academic routes. The table covers the key pathways.

Qualification	Minimum Marks	SC or ST Relaxation
Master’s degree or equivalent	55%	50%
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering	75%	70%
CA, ICWA, or CS	55%	50%
PGDM from IIMs (CGPA)	6.0 out of 10	Not specified

Age limit: not exceeding 55 years as of June 30 of the admission year.
Accepted qualifying tests: CAT, GATE, GRE, GMAT, or JRF or SRF from UGC, CSIR, or ICAR. Test score must be within the last two years.
Application fee: INR 1,000 for General and OBC candidates. INR 500 for SC and ST candidates.

IIM Lucknow FPM Selection Criteria 2027

Shortlisting is based on academic profile and qualifying test score. Selected candidates appear for a Research Aptitude Test (RAT) and Personal Interview at the IIM Lucknow campus in Lucknow.

FPM scholars receive a monthly stipend of INR 35,000 in Years 1 and 2, and INR 40,000 from Year 3 onwards.
Benefits include full tuition exemption, free on-campus hostel accommodation, conference travel grants of INR 1,40,000 to INR 1,60,000 per year, and health insurance coverage.
FPM is offered across eight areas: Finance and Accounting, Marketing, Operations Management, Human Resource Management, Decision Sciences, Strategic Management, Information Technology, and Economics.

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

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.

IIM Lucknow Admission FAQs

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

Ans. The minimum qualifying CAT percentile for the General category is 90 overall and 85 in each section (VARC, DILR, QA). For NC-OBC and EWS candidates, the cutoff is 82 overall and 77 sectional. SC candidates need 65 overall and 55 sectional. ST and PwD candidates need 60 overall and 50 sectional. Meeting these cutoffs only earns a place in the shortlist scoring pool. The actual CAT percentile of admitted General category students in the 2024-26 batch ranged from a minimum of 92.41 to an average of 99.44.

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

Ans. Yes. IIM Lucknow PGP, PGP-ABM, and PGP-SM accept only CAT for the two-year MBA routes. GMAT or GRE is accepted only for the one-year IPMX executive programme. For the FPM doctoral programme, CAT, GATE, GRE, GMAT, or UGC or CSIR or ICAR JRF or SRF qualifies the candidate.

Ques. How many students are shortlisted for IIM Lucknow WAT-PI each year?

Ans. For the 2024-26 batch, IIM Lucknow shortlisted 3,914 candidates for WAT-PI across PGP, PGP-ABM, and PGP-SM combined. Of these, 509 were finally admitted to PGP alone, giving a shortlist-to-PGP-admission conversion rate of about 13%.

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

Ans. The final merit score for PGP weighs Personal Interview at 40%, CAT score at 30%, WAT at 10%, academic record at 10%, work experience at 5%, and diversity at 5%. Candidates must score at least 12 out of 40 in the PI to be eligible for the final merit list.

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

Ans. No. Work experience is not mandatory for PGP or PGP-ABM. It contributes a maximum of 5% to the PGP final merit score and zero weight in PGP-ABM. For PGP-SM, a minimum of 24 months full-time post-graduation work experience is mandatory. IPMX requires at least four years full-time work experience after graduation.

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

Ans. Yes. Final-year students may apply and appear in CAT 2026. They must complete all degree requirements and produce proof of graduation before the cut-off date specified in the IIM Lucknow 2027 admission notification.

Ques. What is the total fee for IIM Lucknow PGP 2027?

Ans. The indicative total fee for IIM Lucknow PGP is INR 20,75,000 (Year 1: INR 10,95,000 and Year 2: INR 9,80,000). For IPMX, the total programme fee is INR 26,00,000 plus caution deposit and alumni membership (INR 25,000 combined). All figures are subject to revision. Visit iiml.ac.in for the confirmed fee structure for the 2027-29 batch.

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

Ans. No. IIM Lucknow does not offer direct admission or a management quota. All seats in PGP, PGP-ABM, PGP-SM, and IPMX are filled strictly through merit-based selection via CAT or GMAT or GRE and the WAT-PI process.

Ques. What is the reservation policy at IIM Lucknow?

Ans. IIM Lucknow follows Government of India reservation norms: General (40.5%), NC-OBC (27%), SC (15%), ST (7.5%), EWS (10%), and PwD (5% horizontal across all categories). The reservation applies uniformly across all programmes including PGP, PGP-ABM, and PGP-SM.

Ques. What is the IPMX work experience requirement and how is selection done?

Ans. IPMX requires a minimum of four years full-time post-graduation work experience. Selection uses a composite score: GMAT or GRE (30%), academic and professional profile (30%), Personal Interview (30%), and WAT (10%). Applications are accepted in three phases, with Phase 1 closing September 2, 2026, Phase 2 closing October 17, 2026, and Phase 3 closing December 1, 2026.

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

Popular Colleges Compared With IIM Lucknow

College
FMS Delhi Faculty of Management Studies, New Delhi
IIMI - Indian Institute of Management, Indore
XLRI, Jamshedpur
ISB Hyderabad Indian School of Business, Hyderabad
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
Admission Timeline [MBA/PGDM]	Ongoing Aug 01, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
CAT Registration	Ongoing Aug 03, 2026 - Sep 25, 2026
CAT Admit Card	Tentative Oct 26, 2026
CAT Admit Card	Tentative Oct 31, 2026
CAT Exam Date	Nov 29, 2026
CAT results	Tentative Dec 18, 2026
CAT results	Tentative Dec 23, 2026

Important Events

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

Expired Events

Events	Dates
Acceptance and Acceptance Fee Payment for Admission [EFPM]	Mar 23, 2026
Selected Candidates after PI for Admission [EFPM]	Mar 09, 2026

Important Events

Events	Dates
Admission Timeline [MBA] (Executive )	Ongoing Aug 18, 2026 - Dec 17, 2026

Expired Events

Events	Dates
Commencement of Program for Admission 2026 [IPMX]	Apr 01, 2026
Acceptance and Submission of Fee for Phase II Admission 2026-27 [IPMX]	Mar 10, 2026
Last Date of Acceptance and Submission of Fee for Phase-III Admission 2026 [IPMX]	Mar 10, 2026

Important Events

Events	Dates
Admission Timeline [MBA/PGDM]	Ongoing Aug 01, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
CAT Registration	Ongoing Aug 03, 2026 - Sep 25, 2026
CAT Admit Card	Tentative Oct 26, 2026
CAT Admit Card	Tentative Oct 31, 2026
Admission Timeline [Ph.D] (Management)	Upcoming Sep 01, 2026 - Nov 20, 2026
CAT Exam Date	Nov 29, 2026
Admission Timeline [MBA] (Executive )	Ongoing Aug 18, 2026 - Dec 17, 2026
CAT results	Tentative Dec 18, 2026
CAT results	Tentative Dec 23, 2026

Expired Events

Events	Dates
Commencement of Classes for Session 2026 [BS]	Aug 18, 2026
Programme Registration and Document Verification for Admission 2026 [BS]	Aug 17, 2026
Acceptance Fee Payment for Third List for Admission 2026 [BS]	Aug 10, 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.

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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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