IIM Bangalore: MBA Exam Date, Updates, Admissions, Eligibility, Exam Pattern and Syllabus

The Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) is one of India’s most prestigious institutions for management education, attracting aspiring leaders from across the country. If you are considering pursuing an MBA at IIM Bangalore, this guide is your go-to resource. Here, you will find crucial information on key exam dates, admission updates, eligibility criteria, and the exam pattern and syllabus. 

Whether you are preparing for the CAT exam, wondering about the shortlisting process, or need details on the final selection criteria, this guide will help you navigate every step of the IIM Bangalore MBA admission journey.

IIM Bangalore: MBA Admissions

Admission to the MBA program at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) is highly competitive process. To be eligible, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) and appear for the Common Admission Test (CAT), scheduled for November 24, 2024. The CAT registration process, which began on August 1, 2024, and closed on September 20, 2024, is the first step. Candidates who meet the prescribed sectional and overall CAT cutoffs are shortlisted for the next rounds, which include a Written Ability Test (WAT) and a Personal Interview (PI). The shortlist for these rounds is expected to be released in the second week of January 2025. 

The selection criteria give significant weightage to the CAT score (55%), along with marks from Class 10 (10%), Class 12 (10%), and the bachelor’s degree (10%), as well as considerations for gender diversity (5%) and work experience (10%). International students must register for the GMAT or GRE. After completing the WAT and PI rounds, a category-wise merit list is released based on the Final Composite Score, determining the final admission offers. IIMB offers various MBA programs, including the Post Graduate Programme (PGP) and the Post Graduate Programme in Business Analytics (PGP-BA), each with its specific eligibility and selection criteria.

Important Dates for MBA Admissions at IIM Bangalore:

Here is the list of Important MBA Admission dates for IIM Bangalore: 

IIM Bangalore: MBA Eligibility

To be eligible for the MBA program at IIM Bangalore, you need to meet several criteria. 

• You must hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks (or equivalent CGPA); for SC/ST/PwD candidates, the minimum is 45%. 
• If you are in your final year of your bachelor’s degree, you can also apply, but you must submit your final marks and degree certificate by December 31, 2025. 
• You must also appear for and score the minimum required sectional and overall percentile in the CAT 2024 exam. For example, general category candidates need to score at least 80 percentile in each section and an overall percentile of 85.

IIM Bangalore: MBA Exam Pattern

The admission process for IIM Bangalore’s MBA program involves several key parts. 

• First, candidates must appear for the Common Admission Test (CAT) and achieve a minimum qualifying percentile. For the 2025-27 batch, the qualifying CAT cut off is set at 85 percentiles for the General category.
• In the shortlisting phase, candidates are selected for the Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI) based on their CAT scores, academic performance, and work experience. The weightage for shortlisting includes 55% for the CAT score, 10% each for Class 10 and Class 12 marks, 10% for the bachelor’s degree, 5% for gender diversity, and 10% for work experience.
• In the final selection phase, the weightages are as follows: 25% for the CAT score, 40% for the Personal Interview, 10% for the Written Ability Test, 5% each for Class 10 and Class 12 marks, 5% for the graduation score, and 10% for weighted work experience or professional qualifications. The Personal Interview evaluates the candidate’s communication ability, academic background, quality of work experience, and other personal traits. The WAT is a 30-minute essay writing test on various topics.

IIM Bangalore: MBA Syllabus (Entrance Exam)

For admission to the MBA program at IIM Bangalore, the primary entrance exam is the Common Admission Test (CAT). 

Here’s a simplified overview of the CAT syllabus and exam pattern. The CAT exam is divided into three main sections:

• Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC): This section tests English grammar, verbal reasoning, and reading comprehension skills. It includes passages, syllogisms, analogies, and other verbal ability questions.
• Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR): This section evaluates data interpretation and logical reasoning skills through puzzles, coding-decoding, and data interpretation questions.
• Quantitative Aptitude (QA): This section covers mathematics topics such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and mensuration, primarily from Class 9 to 10 levels.

The CAT exam is an online test with 66 questions, each carrying three marks, and a negative marking of one mark for incorrect answers. Candidates must achieve a minimum qualifying percentile in the CAT to be shortlisted for the next stages of the admission process at IIM Bangalore, which include a Written Ability Test (WAT) and a Personal Interview (PI).

Boost your MBA preparations with Guidance Forever 

To boost your MBA preparations, it’s essential to have a structured approach and the right guidance. Start by understanding the syllabus and format of the entrance exams like CAT, XAT, or GMAT, which include sections on Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation, and Quantitative Aptitude. Consistent practice with mock tests and previous year’s question papers is crucial. Additionally, focus on developing your soft skills through Group Discussions, Written Ability Tests, and Personal Interviews.

At Guidance Forever, we offer you valuable insights and help you stay focused on your MBA goals. A well-planned study schedule and regular feedback can significantly enhance your preparation, making you more confident and ready for the challenges ahead. Get in touch with us at +91-9982228773, or email us at info@guidanceforever.org, and begin your MBA preparations.

FAQs for IIM Bangalore

1.How to get admission to MBA in IIM Bangalore?

To get admission for an MBA at IIM Bangalore, you must appear for and score the minimum required sectional and overall percentile in the CAT exam, followed by shortlisting for the Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI), and finally, selection based on a composite score including CAT, academics, work experience, and performance in WAT and PI. The entire process involves meeting specific eligibility criteria and weightages assigned to each parameter.

2. What is the CAT score for IIM Bangalore?

For IIM Bangalore, the minimum CAT score required for general category candidates is an overall percentile of 85, with sectional percentiles of 80 in each section. For other categories, the cut-offs vary, such as 75 for OBC and EWS, 70 for SC, 65 for ST, and 60 for PWD.

3. Can I join IIM Bangalore without CAT exam?

No, Indian students cannot join IIM Bangalore without appearing for the CAT exam, as it is a mandatory requirement for admission. However, international students can apply through GMAT or GRE scores.

4. Who is eligible for IIM Bangalore MBA for working professionals?

Working professionals are eligible for the IIM Bangalore MBA program if they meet the general eligibility criteria, including a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates), and they must also appear for and score well in the CAT exam. Work experience is given a weightage of 10% in the shortlisting and final selection process.

5. What are the requirements for IIM Bangalore MBA?

The requirements include a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates), appearing for and scoring the minimum required sectional and overall percentile in the CAT exam, and meeting specific weightages for Class 10 and 12 marks, graduation marks, gender diversity, and work experience. Final year students can also apply but must submit their final marks by December 31, 2025.

6. How to join MBA in IIM Bangalore?

To join the MBA program at IIM Bangalore, you need to register and appear for the CAT exam, achieve the minimum required sectional and overall percentile, get shortlisted for the WAT and PI rounds based on your CAT score and academic profile, and finally, get selected based on your performance in WAT, PI, and other criteria. You must also meet the eligibility criteria regarding your academic qualifications and submit necessary documents.

7. What are the entrance exams for IIM Bangalore?

The primary entrance exam for IIM Bangalore’s MBA program is the Common Admission Test (CAT). International students, however, can apply through GMAT or GRE scores. 

8. What is the syllabus for the IIM Bangalore entrance exam?

The syllabus for the IIM Bangalore entrance exam, which is the CAT, includes three main sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). Each section tests different skills such as English grammar, verbal reasoning, data interpretation, logical reasoning, and mathematics topics from Class 9 to 10 levels.

Author: admin