Class X score for IIM entry

Updated on: Wednesday, March 03, 2010

Kolkata: A good percentile in CAT 2009 and an impressive performance in group discussion and personal interview may not be enough to get you into the Indian Institutes of Management. IIMs have added a new criteria from this year — your scores in matriculation, higher secondary and graduation.

For instance, IIM-Calcutta is taking into account work experience and grades in these three public examinations while screening candidates for GD and interview for selection to the postgraduate diploma in computer management course.

“Out of 100 marks, 75 have been allotted to the CAT score, 10 each for Class X and HS scores, and the remaining five marks for work experience,” said an IIM-C official.

IIM-Bangalore has the same measures to shortlist candidates, but it has gone one step ahead and cancelled the group discussion altogether. “Instead a candidate will be asked to write on a given topic from current affairs, business or economics. It will be followed by an interview,” said a senior IIM-B official.

“The selection will be based on CAT scores, experience and the Class X, HS and graduation results. We are working on the individual weightages,” said an IIM-B official. The reason for doing away with the GD, sources say, is that students used to form “cartels”.

Authorities at IIM-Kozhikode have also decided to emphasise the consistency factor, apart from the CAT score. “We want to evaluate students under three categories during admission — consistent academic performance, analytical ability and capacity to conceptualise, comprehend and communicate. Finally, the students will have to appear for a personal interview,” said director of IIM-K, Debashish Chatterjee. He feels the changes should have been brought about much earlier.

IIM-Lucknow has also made changes. “Till last year, we screened candidates on a 50-marks basis. Of the first 50 marks, 30 was allotted to CAT score and five each for Class X, HS, graduation and work experience. This year, the weightage for Class X results has been increased to 10 marks,” said admissions chairperson of IIM-L Himanshu Roy. “This is because research has shown that Class X results have the highest co-relation in an IIM score and the matriculation exam gives an even chance for students from all streams.”

The break-up for the other 50 marks is thus: 30 for interview and 10 each for GD and written. “The 30 marks for interview will include 5 marks for non-academic achievements,” said Roy.

At IIM-Ahmedabad, the cutoff list has been prepared after taking into account the Class X and HS marks, along with the CAT score. “Students with more than 70% in the two exams have been shortlisted,” said a source. The institute replaced GD with a written test two years ago.

At IIM-Shillong, the cut-off list was prepared only with students who have scored more than 75% consistently in their academic career.

Class X score for IIM entry

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