After the CAT 2025 exam (results expected in late January/early February 2026), all 21 IIMs use CAT scores as a primary input for shortlisting, but their admission processes vary. The top six older IIMs—often referred to as "BLACKI" (Bangalore, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Calcutta, Kozhikode, Indore)—conduct fully independent admission processes. This means they handle their own shortlisting, application forms (where required), Written Ability Test (WAT), Personal Interview (PI), and final selection criteria independently, without participating in any joint or common processes like CAP or JAP.
Based on your query focusing on IIMA, IIMB, IIM-C, and IIML, here's the confirmed list of IIMs with independent processes (verified as of December 2025; no changes announced for 2026):
| IIM | Full Name | Key Notes on Independent Process |
|---|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA) | Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad | Separate application; shortlists based on CAT + academics; AWT & PI in March 2026. |
| IIM Bangalore (IIMB) | Indian Institute of Management Bangalore | Separate application; composite score (CAT 50%, academics 10%, work exp 10%, etc.); PI in February-March 2026. |
| IIM Calcutta (IIMC) | Indian Institute of Management Calcutta | Separate application; shortlists via CAT + profile; WAT-GD-PI in March 2026. |
| IIM Lucknow (IIML) | Indian Institute of Management Lucknow | Separate application; CAT weightage ~50%; WAT-PI in February 2026. |
| IIM Indore (IIMI) | Indian Institute of Management Indore | Separate application; holistic criteria (CAT 40%, PI 30%, etc.); PI in March 2026. |
| IIM Kozhikode (IIMK) | Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode | Separate application; CAT + profile-based shortlist; EXTREMES method for final selection; PI in March 2026. |
Alternative Routes for Other IIMs: JAP 2026, CAP 2026, or SAP 2026
| IIM | Full Name | Key Notes on Independent Process |
|---|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA) | Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad | Separate application; shortlists based on CAT + academics; AWT & PI in March 2026. |
| IIM Bangalore (IIMB) | Indian Institute of Management Bangalore | Separate application; composite score (CAT 50%, academics 10%, work exp 10%, etc.); PI in February-March 2026. |
| IIM Calcutta (IIMC) | Indian Institute of Management Calcutta | Separate application; shortlists via CAT + profile; WAT-GD-PI in March 2026. |
| IIM Lucknow (IIML) | Indian Institute of Management Lucknow | Separate application; CAT weightage ~50%; WAT-PI in February 2026. |
| IIM Indore (IIMI) | Indian Institute of Management Indore | Separate application; holistic criteria (CAT 40%, PI 30%, etc.); PI in March 2026. |
| IIM Kozhikode (IIMK) | Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode | Separate application; CAT + profile-based shortlist; EXTREMES method for final selection; PI in March 2026. |
