IIM Kolkata Interview Shortlist 2026 Released: Check PI Status for MBA 2026-28 Batch at iimcal.ac.in
IIM Kolkata Interview Shortlist 2026 for MBA admission has been released on 8 January 2026. Candidates who appeared for CAT 2025 and selected IIM Calcutta during registration can now check their Personal Interview (PI) shortlist status at the official portal application.iimcal.ac.in. The IIM Kolkata Interview Shortlist is prepared based on CAT 2025 scores, academic records, and gender diversity factors.
IIM Calcutta has shortlisted approximately 1,500-2,000 candidates for the WAT-PI round from lakhs of applicants. Shortlisted candidates must complete the application form before the deadline to participate in the Personal Interview scheduled for February-March 2026. The qualifying CAT 2025 cutoff for IIM Kolkata Interview Shortlist was 85 percentile for General category candidates.
IIM Kolkata Interview Shortlist 2026: Direct Link to Check Status
Candidates can check their IIM Kolkata Interview Shortlist status using CAT 2025 registration number and email ID:
🔗 Official Link: Check IIM Kolkata Interview Shortlist 2026
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Institute Name | Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM Kolkata) |
| Programme | MBA (PGP) 2026-2028 Batch |
| Shortlist Release Date | 8 January 2026 |
| Total Seats | ~480 seats |
| Candidates Shortlisted | Approximately 1,500-2,000 |
| Selection Basis | CAT 2025 Score, Academics, Diversity |
| PI-WAT Schedule | February-March 2026 |
| Official Website | application.iimcal.ac.in |
How to Check IIM Kolkata Interview Shortlist 2026 Status
Follow these steps to check your IIM Kolkata Interview Shortlist status for MBA 2026-28 batch:
- Visit the official IIM Calcutta application portal at application.iimcal.ac.in
- Navigate to the Admissions section and click on “Interview Shortlist: MBA 2026-2028 Batch”
- Enter your CAT 2025 Registration Number or User ID
- Enter the Email ID used during CAT 2025 registration
- Click on Login to view your IIM Kolkata Interview Shortlist status
- If shortlisted, complete the WAT-PI application form before the deadline
- Download and save the shortlist confirmation for future reference
IIM Kolkata Interview Shortlist 2026: CAT 2025 Cutoff (Category-wise)
The IIM Kolkata Interview Shortlist 2026 is based on minimum CAT 2025 cutoff percentiles. Candidates meeting these cutoffs were considered for composite score calculation and subsequent shortlisting.
| Category | VARC Cutoff | DILR Cutoff | QA Cutoff | Overall Cutoff |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | 80 percentile | 80 percentile | 75 percentile | 85 percentile |
| EWS | 70 percentile | 70 percentile | 65 percentile | 75 percentile |
| NC-OBC | 70 percentile | 70 percentile | 65 percentile | 75 percentile |
| SC | 55 percentile | 55 percentile | 55 percentile | 70 percentile |
| ST | 50 percentile | 50 percentile | 50 percentile | 65 percentile |
| PwD | 45 percentile | 45 percentile | 45 percentile | 55 percentile |
Note: The qualifying cutoff is the minimum threshold. Actual IIM Kolkata Interview Shortlist cutoff for General category candidates typically ranges between 99-99.5 percentile due to intense competition and composite score requirements.
IIM Kolkata Interview Shortlist 2026: Composite Score Calculation
The IIM Kolkata Interview Shortlist is prepared using a composite score derived from multiple parameters. Understanding this calculation helps candidates assess their chances:
Pre-PI Shortlisting Weightage (Total: 85 points)
| Parameter | Maximum Points | Details |
|---|---|---|
| CAT 2025 Score | 56 points | Based on scaled/normalized percentile |
| Class 10 Marks | 10 points | Normalized score calculation |
| Class 12 Marks | 15 points | Normalized score calculation |
| Gender Diversity | 4 points | Female and transgender candidates |
Based on RTI data from previous years, candidates with composite scores between 51-56 points (General category) received IIM Kolkata Interview Shortlist calls.
IIM Kolkata Final Selection Criteria 2026: WAT-PI Weightage
Candidates who receive IIM Kolkata Interview Shortlist will be evaluated through WAT-PI rounds. The final selection is based on the following weightage:
| Component | Weightage | Maximum Points |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Interview (PI) | 48% | 48 points |
| CAT 2025 Score | 30% | 30 points |
| Written Ability Test (WAT) | 8% | 8 points |
| Work Experience | 8% | 8 points |
| Academic Diversity | 6% | 6 points |
| Total | 100% | 100 points |
The combined WAT-PI weightage of 56% makes this round crucial for final admission. CAT score alone carries only 30% weightage in final selection, allowing candidates with strong interview performance to secure admission.
IIM Kolkata Interview Shortlist 2026: Work Experience Points
IIM Calcutta awards additional points for professional work experience. The experience is calculated as of January 31, 2026:
| Work Experience Duration | Points Awarded |
|---|---|
| Less than 12 months | 0 points |
| 12-18 months | 2 points |
| 19-24 months | 4 points |
| 25-30 months | 6 points |
| 31-36 months | 8 points (Maximum) |
| More than 36 months | 6 points |
IIM Kolkata Interview Shortlist 2026: Academic Diversity Points
To promote diversity, IIM Calcutta awards additional points based on academic background:
| Academic Background | Diversity Points |
|---|---|
| Engineering/Technology graduates | 0-2 points |
| Commerce/Economics graduates | 3-4 points |
| Science graduates | 4-5 points |
| Arts/Humanities graduates | 5-6 points |
| CA/CS/ICWA qualified | 4-5 points |
IIM Kolkata Interview Shortlist 2026: WAT-PI Schedule
Candidates who received IIM Kolkata Interview Shortlist calls will appear for WAT-PI rounds as per the following tentative schedule:
| Event | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| IIM Kolkata Interview Shortlist Release | 8 January 2026 |
| WAT-PI Application Form Deadline | Mid-January 2026 |
| WAT-PI Round Commencement | February 2026 |
| WAT-PI Round Conclusion | March 2026 |
| Final Selection List | April-May 2026 |
| Admission Offer Acceptance | May 2026 |
| Session Commencement | June 2026 |
IIM Kolkata Interview Shortlist 2026: WAT-PI Preparation Tips
Candidates who received IIM Kolkata Interview Shortlist should start preparing for the WAT-PI rounds immediately:
- Written Ability Test (WAT): Practice essay writing on current affairs, business topics, and abstract themes. The WAT is typically 20-30 minutes long.
- Personal Interview: Prepare for questions on academics, work experience, career goals, current affairs, and situational scenarios. Interviews last 15-25 minutes.
- Know Your Profile: Be thorough with your academic projects, internships, extracurriculars, and achievements mentioned in the application.
- Current Affairs: Stay updated with national and international business news, economic developments, and industry trends.
- Why IIM Calcutta: Prepare a compelling answer for why you want to join IIM Kolkata specifically.
IIM Kolkata Interview Shortlist 2026: Selection Statistics
Based on RTI data from previous admission cycles, here’s the IIM Kolkata Interview Shortlist acceptance pattern:
| Category | Applicants | PI Shortlisted | Shortlist Rate | Final Selection Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | ~1,79,000 | ~956 | 0.53% | 0.26% |
| EWS | ~15,000 | ~150 | 1.0% | 0.14% |
| NC-OBC | ~45,000 | ~400 | 0.89% | 0.59% |
| SC | ~18,000 | ~380 | 2.12% | 0.81% |
| ST | ~6,000 | ~265 | 4.40% | 1.25% |
IIM Kolkata MBA 2026-28: Programme Details
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP/MBA) |
| Duration | 2 Years (Full-time residential) |
| Total Seats | ~480 |
| Programme Fee (Expected) | ₹31 Lakhs approximately |
| Accreditation | AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS (Triple Crown) |
| NIRF Ranking 2024 | Among Top 3 Management Institutes |
| Average Placement 2024 | ₹32.62 LPA |
| Highest Package 2024 | ₹1.15 Crore |
| Placement Rate | 100% |
IIM Kolkata Interview Shortlist 2026: Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements to appear in the IIM Kolkata Interview Shortlist selection process:
- Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD)
- Final Year Students: Eligible to apply, must complete degree by June 30, 2026
- Professional Qualifications: CA/CS/ICWA holders after Class 12 are also eligible
- Age Requirement: Minimum 19 years as of June 30, 2026
- Valid CAT Score: Must have appeared for CAT 2025 and selected IIM Calcutta
IIM Kolkata Contact Information
| Contact Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Website | www.iimcal.ac.in |
| Application Portal | application.iimcal.ac.in |
| pgpadmission@iimcal.ac.in | |
| Address | IIM Calcutta, Diamond Harbour Road, Joka, Kolkata – 700104 |
FAQs: IIM Kolkata Interview Shortlist 2026
When was IIM Kolkata Interview Shortlist 2026 released?
IIM Kolkata Interview Shortlist 2026 for MBA 2026-28 batch was released on 8 January 2026. Candidates can check their PI shortlist status at application.iimcal.ac.in using CAT 2025 registration number and email ID.
What is the minimum CAT 2025 cutoff for IIM Kolkata Interview Shortlist?
The minimum qualifying CAT 2025 cutoff for IIM Kolkata Interview Shortlist is 85 percentile for General category. However, actual shortlist cutoff is typically 99+ percentile due to high competition and composite score calculation that includes academics and diversity factors.
How many candidates received IIM Kolkata Interview Shortlist 2026?
Approximately 1,500-2,000 candidates have been shortlisted for the WAT-PI round from lakhs of CAT 2025 applicants. The final admission will be offered to approximately 480 candidates based on WAT-PI performance and composite score.
What is the weightage of WAT-PI in IIM Kolkata final selection?
WAT-PI carries 56% weightage in final selection at IIM Calcutta, with Personal Interview contributing 48% and Written Ability Test contributing 8%. CAT score carries 30% weightage, while work experience and academic diversity together contribute 14%.
When will IIM Kolkata WAT-PI 2026 be conducted?
IIM Kolkata WAT-PI for MBA 2026-28 batch is scheduled for February-March 2026. Shortlisted candidates will receive interview date and venue details via email. The final selection list is expected in April-May 2026.
Can freshers get IIM Kolkata Interview Shortlist?
Yes, freshers can receive IIM Kolkata Interview Shortlist. While work experience carries 8% weightage in final selection, candidates with zero experience can still get admission by scoring well in CAT, WAT-PI, and having strong academic records. Academic diversity points also help non-engineering candidates.



