The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow has officially announced the admission criteria for its MBA programs for the 2025 batch, maintaining a process that aligns with previous years. The selection process for IIM Lucknow’s management programs will evaluate candidates based on their CAT 2024 scores, Application Rating Score (ARS), and performance in a Personal Interview (PI). This approach ensures a comprehensive evaluation of applicants, factoring in academic achievements, diversity, and personal interaction.
Components of the IIM Lucknow intake process for MBA 2025
The selection for IIM Lucknow’s MBA programs relies on three primary elements. First, the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2024 score serves as a baseline for shortlisting candidates. The test will be conducted in three shifts today, November 24, 2024 with Shift 1 from 8:30 am to 10:30 am, shift 2 from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm, and shift 3 running from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
Second, the Application Rating Score (ARS) evaluates the academic consistency of candidates, while the final stage involves the Personal Interview (PI), where candidates’ interpersonal skills, clarity of thought, and suitability for the program are assessed.
Academic Disciplines for MBA-ABM Program
The MBA in Agribusiness Management (MBA-ABM) program emphasises disciplines connected to agriculture, rural management, and sustainable development. Candidates from various academic backgrounds linked to these areas are eligible to apply. The following fields are considered for admission:
| Field | Specialisations |
| Agriculture | Agronomy, Soil Science, Agricultural Biochemistry, Agricultural Economics, Plant Pathology |
| Science | Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Zoology, Botany, Home Science |
| Veterinary Science & Allied Fields | Veterinary Science, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Dairy Science |
| Technology and Engineering | Agricultural Engineering, Dairy Technology, Food Technology, and related management streams |
| Forestry and Horticulture | Forest management, Conservation, and Plant cultivation |
| Rural Studies | Rural Sociology, Rural Cooperatives, Rural Banking |
These disciplines reflect the program’s alignment with sectors crucial for rural development and agribusiness sustainability.
Selection parameters and weightage for IIM Lucknow 2025 intake
The final selection for IIM Lucknow’s MBA programs is based on a weighted assessment of multiple parameters. Each parameter is assigned a specific percentage, reflecting its significance in the overall evaluation process. Below is an explanation of these components, followed by a table summarising the weightage:
- CAT Score: The primary measure of aptitude, with a weightage of 30% for MBA and MBA-SM programs and 35% for MBA-ABM.
- Academic Performance: Considers marks in 12th and graduation, each contributing 5% across all programs.
- Diversity Factor: Acknowledges diversity in academic and personal backgrounds, with a 5% weightage.
- Work Experience: Applicable only to MBA and MBA-SM programs, carrying a weightage of 5%.
- Writing Ability Test (WAT): Evaluates written communication skills, with a 10% contribution across all programs.
- Personal Interview (PI): The most heavily weighted parameter at 40%, focusing on a candidate’s interpersonal and analytical abilities.
Here is a table summarising the weightage:
| Components | MBA & MBA-SM | MBA-ABM |
|---|---|---|
| CAT Score | 30% | 35% |
| Academic Performance | 10% (5% each) | 10% (5% each) |
| Diversity Factor | 5% | 5% |
| Work Experience | 5% | Not Applicable |
| Writing Ability Test | 10% | 10% |
| Personal Interview | 40% | 40% |
Minimum section-wise cut off percentile required for shortlisting to WAT-PI round
To be considered for IIM Lucknow’s MBA program, candidates must achieve the minimal sectional and overall cut-off percentiles on the CAT 2024 exam. Here’s an overview-
| Category |
For MBA | |||
| VARC |
DILR |
QA |
Total | |
| General | 85 | 85 | 85 | 90 |
| EWS | 77 | 77 | 77 | 82 |
| NC-OBC | 77 | 77 | 77 | 82 |
| SC | 55 | 55 | 55 | 65 |
| ST | 50 | 50 | 50 | 60 |
| PWD | 50 | 50 | 50 | 60 |
Additional criteria and policies
A minimum score of 12 out of 40 in the PI is mandatory for candidates to qualify for the final merit list. Those failing to meet this threshold will not proceed further in the selection process. Furthermore, the Admissions Committee reserves the final authority on classifying academic programs into specific categories. IIM Lucknow also follows a reservation policy in accordance with government norms to ensure equitable representation.
For more details, check the official notice here.
