IIM Lucknow is one of India’s top IIMs, renowned for its academic rigor, leadership focus, and stellar placements. If you're aiming for a seat in the 2025 batch, it’s essential to understand the complete IIM Lucknow selection criteria — from CAT cutoffs and academic weightages to personal interview evaluation and diversity factors. This detailed guide will help you navigate the process with clarity and strategy so you can stand out in the competitive admissions race.
Table of Contents
Overview: IIM Lucknow Admission Process
The IIM Lucknow selection criteria adopt a holistic approach that goes beyond just CAT scores. The process evaluates a candidate’s overall potential through academic consistency, relevant work experience, diversity, and communication skills. It unfolds in three main stages:
- CAT 2025 Qualification – Candidates must meet sectional and overall cutoffs to be considered for shortlisting.
- Shortlisting for WAT-PI – A composite score is calculated using CAT percentile, academic scores (12th & graduation), work experience, and diversity. This score determines who gets called for the next round.
- Final Selection – Includes the Written Ability Test (WAT) and a Personal Interview (PI), each carrying significant weight. The final list is based on a recalculated composite score using all these parameters.
This systematic approach ensures that IIM Lucknow identifies candidates who are not only academically strong but also possess leadership and communication skills.
CAT Cutoff for IIM Lucknow 2025
To be considered for shortlisting, candidates must meet the minimum CAT percentile cutoffs.
| Category |
VARC |
DILR |
QA |
Overall Percentile |
| 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 |
These cutoffs are minimum eligibility—actual shortlisting happens at higher scores due to intense competition at iim lucknow.
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Shortlisting Criteria for Interview Round
IIM Lucknow selection criteria for shortlisting uses a composite score based on:
- CAT Score: 60%
- Class 12 Marks: 10%
- Graduation Score: 10%
- Work Experience: 10%
- Diversity (Academic & Gender): 10%
A candidate’s iim lucknow shortlisting score is calculated using this formula, and top scorers are invited to the WAT-PI round.
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Weightage for Academics & Work Experience
Class 12 Weightage
| % Marks |
Score |
| ≥ 90% |
10 |
| 85–90% |
8 |
| 80–85% |
6 |
| 75–80% |
4 |
| < 75% |
2 |
Graduation Weightage
| % Marks |
Score |
| ≥ 90% |
10 |
| 80–90% |
8 |
| 70–80% |
6 |
| 60–70% |
4 |
| < 60% |
2 |
Work Experience (in months)
| Months |
Score |
| 24–36 |
10 |
| 18–23 |
8 |
| 12–17 |
6 |
| 6–11 |
4 |
| 0–5 |
0 |
Work experience is only counted if it’s full-time, after graduation, and supported by valid documents.
Final Selection Criteria: PI, WAT & Composite Score
After shortlisting, the final selection at iim lucknow is based on a different composite score, including:
| Component |
Weightage |
| Personal Interview (PI) |
40% |
| CAT 2025 Score |
30% |
| Academic & Work Profile |
20% |
| WAT |
10% |
This step determines your final admission into iim lucknow, with PI playing the most critical role.
Category-Wise Selection Details
The IIM Lucknow selection criteria remain consistent across all categories, but cutoffs differ to ensure representation from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
- General category candidates typically face the highest cutoffs due to open competition.
- OBC-NCL and EWS candidates benefit from slightly relaxed cutoffs but still compete at a high level due to larger applicant pools.
- SC, ST, and PwD candidates see lower cutoffs and often qualify with sectional scores around the 50–55 percentile range.
- All categories can avail scholarships and financial aid, including need-based and merit-based schemes, making the iim lucknow MBA accessible and inclusive.
This structured diversity-based approach helps IIM Lucknow create a balanced, socially representative, and academically capable cohort.
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Eligibility for Non-Engineers & Freshers
The iim lucknow selection criteria are notably inclusive of non-engineering backgrounds and fresh graduates. Here’s how:
- Freshers: There is no minimum work experience required, and freshers regularly make it to the final list if they meet the academic and CAT score benchmarks.
- Non-Engineers: Candidates from commerce, humanities, science, or other non-technical streams are eligible and even receive academic diversity weightage—usually up to 5% in the shortlisting composite score.
- The aim is to diversify classroom discussions and peer learning, making profiles from all academic streams equally valuable.
This inclusiveness shows that IIM Lucknow is looking for all-rounders, not just engineers or experienced professionals.
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Tips to Crack IIM Lucknow Admission 2025
Cracking the IIM Lucknow admission process requires more than just a high CAT percentile. Here’s a step-by-step strategy to improve your chances:
1. Target a 99+ Percentile in CAT
While the minimum cutoff for General category is around 90 percentile, actual shortlisting happens well above 98–99 percentile due to intense competition. Focus on:
- Mastering all three sections (VARC, DILR, QA)
- Taking sectional mock tests to avoid any weak links
- Time-bound practice with Coachify’s daily mock series and performance analytics
2. Maintain Strong Academic Scores
IIM Lucknow gives 20% weightage to academic performance across Class 12 and Graduation during shortlisting and final selection.
- Aim for at least 85%+ in 12th and 80%+ in Graduation
- If your academics are average, a high CAT score and excellent interview can balance your profile
Tip: Keep your academic documents organized and verified for the WAT-PI stage.
3. Build a Well-Rounded Profile
Even if you're a fresher, building your profile with real achievements adds weight:
- Internships, online certifications (esp. in analytics, marketing, finance)
- Leadership roles (college committees, NGOs, student-run events)
- National/state-level sports, writing, or debate achievements
This strengthens your resume and helps you stand out in interviews.
4. Start PI/WAT Prep Early
The Personal Interview (PI) carries 40% weight and can make or break your final selection.
- Join Coachify’s GD-PI Prep Program with IIM mentors
- Practice with mock interviews, current affairs discussions, and writing prompts
- Learn to structure your WAT responses and tackle behavioral questions in PI
Bonus Resource: CAT Coaching 2025 – What You Should Know Before You Enroll
Join Coachify for Expert CAT Prep
Coachify offers aspirants a comprehensive prep toolkit:
- CAT percentile predictor & cutoff calculators
- Free downloadable PDFs of CAT PYQs & mock WAT topics
- Daily updates, reminders, and doubt-solving on our prep communities
Join Our Free Prep Communities:
Watch on YouTube: CAT Preparation Channel
Join on WhatsApp: Click to Join
Telegram Group: Join Now
Also Read: How to Crack CAT in 6 Months – Ultimate 2025 Strategy
The iim lucknow selection criteria 2025 involve more than just scoring high in CAT. With weightages given to academics, work experience, and diversity, it offers well-rounded candidates a real shot at India’s top IIMs. Now that you know the complete process, cutoffs, and tips, it’s time to act.
Start your preparation with Coachify and take one step closer to your dream IIM Lucknow MBA!
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