In this article we will talk about IIM Shillong Selection Criteria 2025, which is primarily known as the “Campus in the Clouds,” is one of the premier Indian business schools and among the most acclaimed and cherished places to study management in India.
IIM Shillong Selection Criteria 2025
Recently, the institute has struck a balance for its aspirants by designing programs that are cut across sustainable management and innovation. Thousands of students apply every year for MBA programs there, but only a few make it to admission through the stringent IIM Shillong Selection Criteria 2025. Admission to IIM’s flagship Post Graduate Program (PGP) in Management is based on a multi-dimensional evaluation process.
To be considered for IIM Shillong in the academic year 2024-2025, applicants will need to score highly in CAT 2024, they will have to meet both the educational as well as professional eligibility criteria and finally, they have to succeed in the subsequent levels of selection, which generally correspond to the Written Ability Test (WAT) followed by a Personal Interview (PI).
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This blog is your complete guide on IIM Shillong Selection Criteria 2025, to the eligibility criteria, cut-offs, selection process, and fees that take you through this journey to IIM Shillong. A comprehensive guide from admission timeline to the weightage of the system concerning academic and professional factors is here explained all through.
About IIM Shillong on IIM Shillong Selection Criteria
IIM Shillong was established in the year 2007 at one of the most beautiful and serene locations in India, held-up very nicely in hills of Shillong, Meghalaya. IIM Shillong offers a full-time Post-Graduate Program (PGP) in Management equivalent to MBA to equip future business heads handling the challenges of the changing global business environment. It’s a very rigorous, holistic, and dynamic program. It does not only make you an expert in the concepts of management, but it also prepares you to be an excellent leader, develop your problem-solving skills, and hone your decision-making skills.
In fact, the pedagogy of the institution revolves around sustainability, mainly using management as a tool to induce the sustainability-related thoughts in students. With a mix of theoretical knowledge and practical exposure, IIM Shillong prepares students for leadership roles in top companies across the world.
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Let’s look into the detail of the IIM Shillong Selection Criteria 2025.
Key Features of IIM Shillong
| Attribute | Details |
| Established | 2007 |
| Location | Shillong, Meghalaya |
| Flagship Program | PGP in Management (MBA equivalent) |
| Focus Areas | Sustainability, Leadership, Innovation |
| Average Placement | ₹26 LPA |
| Batch Size (PGP) | ~200 students |
| International Links | Collaboration with global universities and international exposure |
Key Highlights of the Admission Process – IIM Shillong Selection Criteria 2025
The IIM Shillong Selection Criteria 2025 is a process by which a candidate has to go through for final selection into the program and is based on multiple activities-the assessment of CAT performance, academic records, work experience, and personal interview(WAT). The major highlights of the process are as under:
- CAT 2024 Exam: Candidates have to sit for the CAT exam with the sectional and total cut-off as specified by IIM Shillong Selection Criteria 2025.
- Academic Performance: The entire academic record, whether primary, secondary, or tertiary, from Class 10 to bachelor, will be taken into consideration, with greater weightage given to relevant subjects having higher scores.
- Work Experience: It is not a prerequisite but is given some weight in the selection process. IIM Shillong Selection Criteria 2025 places importance on professional experience concerning leadership, innovation, or management.
- WAT and PI: On the basis of the shortlisting of candidates based on CAT scores, candidates will undergo two more rounds-Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI). These rounds will assess a candidate’s ability to communicate, solve problems, and fit into the program.
- Diversity: In IIM Shillong Selection Criteria 2025, IIM Shillong craves diversity in the student body; it means different genders, academic backgrounds, or work experience that have been catered to providing a better cohort.
IIM Shillong Selection Criteria 2025 Key Phases
| Phase | Description |
| Phase 1 | Shortlisting candidates based on CAT scores, academic performance, work experience, and diversity factors. |
| Phase 2 | Final selection through WAT-PI rounds, with weightage given to CAT scores, academic history, and work experience. |
IIM Shillong Selection Criteria 2025 Important Dates
The IIM Shillong Selection Criteria 2025 makes some timelines fixed. Thereby candidates will be required to be updated on the important dates for a smooth process of application. Below are the expected timelines for IIM Shillong’s admission process:
| Event | Timeline |
| Shortlisting of Candidates for PI | Mid-January |
| Commencement of PI Process | Early February |
| End of PI Process | Late April |
| Final Admission Offer | Early May |
IIM Shillong Selection Criteria Admission Timeline
- Mid-January: Shortlisting of candidates on the basis of scores in CAT 2024, academic records and work experience. This list is communicated to candidates after the screening.
- Early February: PI commences. This is the critical step in which a candidate’s communication skills, leadership potential, and suitability for the programme are judged.
- Late April: The PI procedure gets completed and the final evaluation will be made, where the PI scores will be combined with CAT scores, academic marks and work experience.
- Early May: The final merit list is made and successful candidates are offered admission.
Each of these stages is equally critical during the selection process.
Candidates are thus required to manage their time accordingly since it calls for remaining informed on all deadlines that ensure a smooth application journey.
Eligibility Criteria for IIM Shillong Selection Criteria 2025
The eligibility conditions set forth for the IIM Shillong selection criteria 2025 are indisputably ironclad, as they make certain that only those students, who are academically strong and have strongly competed in the CAT, can apply. Below is the complete eligibility unearthed:
Academic Qualification
Bachelor’s Degree: In IIM Shillong Selection Criteria 2025, Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or institution valid for degree.
Minimum Percentage
- General Category: Candidates, to be eligible, should score not below the 50% mark in their undergraduate degree.
- SC/ST/PwD Selected Candidates: At least 45% marks in their undergraduate degree.
Entrance Exam
CAT 2024: In IIM Shillong Selection Criteria 2025, He/she must possess a valid score in CAT 2024. Candidacy also requires the candidate to appear in CAT exam to obtain minimum percentile that IIM Shillong would require for its admission process.
Final-Year Students
In IIM Shillong Selection Criteria 2025, This eligibility criterion is applicable to all the final year candidates. However, they should qualify the eligibility conditions such as 50% or 45% depending on the category before a final admission offer.
Key Points to Note
In fact, IIM Shillong goes beyond listening to the average range of marks from Class 10 to graduation and while work experience is not compulsory, it is considered for the final selection.
IIM Shillong Selection Criteria 2025 Overview
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
| Academic Qualification | Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university |
| Minimum Marks | 50% for General Category, 45% for SC/ST/PwD |
| Entrance Exam | Valid CAT 2024 score |
| Final-Year Students | Eligible, provided they complete their degree before final admission |
Sectional and Overall CAT 2024 Cut-Offs
In order to be eligible for the following stages of IIM Shillong Selection Criteria 2025, a candidate should be meeting overall and sectional cut-offs in CAT 2024. Important cut-offs of each of the three sections (VARC, DILR, and QA) in CAT are shown below:
VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension) Cut-Off
| Category | Percentile |
| General | 75% |
| EWS | 75% |
| SC | 60% |
| ST | 50% |
| PwD | 50% |
DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning) Cut-Off
| Category | Percentile |
| General | 75% |
| EWS | 75% |
| SC | 60% |
| ST | 50% |
| PwD | 50% |
QA (Quantitative Ability) Cut-Off
| Category | Percentile |
| General | 75% |
| EWS | 75% |
| SC | 60% |
| ST | 50% |
| PwD | 50% |
Overall CAT Cut-Off
| Category | Overall Percentile |
| General | 90% |
| EWS | 75% |
| SC | 60% |
| ST | 50% |
| PwD | 50% |
Important Notes
- Sectional cut-offs matter a lot: hence, candidates should perform across all sections of CAT.
- A candidate who meets the cut-offs is eligible for a WAT-PI round for assessment for the IIM Shillong admission
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Detailed Selection Process
Eligibility for Phase 1 IIM Shillong Selection Criteria 2025: The process will then feature multiple stages wherein selection will be done based on each of the criteria starting from the CAT performance to personal history to carry-work-related details and the end-all be-all-the-personality. So, here is how each phase looks:
Selection Phase 1: Shortlist for Personal Interview (PI)
In the first phase of IIM Shillong Selection Criteria 2025, shortlisting for candidates is from their CAT score, academic records, work experience, etc., and diversity. Candidates getting more than the limit prescribed for each section and overall percentile in CAT are eligible for the shortlisting process. Then, a complete composite score will be calculated for each candidate. This score combines:
| Parameter | Weightage (%) |
| CAT Score | 40-50% |
| Academic Records | 20-30% |
| Work Experience | 5-10% |
| Diversity Factors | 10-15% |
Phase 2: Final Selection (WAT & PI)
In IIM Shillong Selection Criteria 2025, The Last Selection (WAT & PI)-shortlisted candidates would be called for Writing Ability Test and Personal Interviews. Such selection is aimed at preparing to examine the candidates’ communication skills, decision making qualities, leadership perspective, and overall match for the program.
WAT-PI Process
- Written Ability Test (WAT): The candidates are instructed to write an essay which judges candidates on writing skills, clarity of thought, quality of arguments, etc.
- Personal Interview (PI): Those shortlisted on the basis of their performance in WAT, are called for PI. The PI checks candidates mostly on their interpersonal relations, a confidence level, and their approach to handling practical business issues. The panel can be faculty members, alumni, and industry experts.
IIM Shillong Selection Criteria 2025
The final merit list is prepared based on a combination of:
| Parameter | Weightage (%) |
| CAT Score | 30-40% |
| WAT Performance | 10-15% |
| PI Performance | 40-50% |
| Academic Profile | 10-15% |
| Work Experience | 5-10% |
The final merit list would be based on the combined totals from the weights given in both WAT and PI rounds, even though these weights may vary a little from the minimum to maximum.
Rating System for Academic Scores
High priority is given to the academic records of the candidate like the performance in Class 10, Class 12, and graduation while seeking admission in IIM Shillong. It further employs what is called a rating system based on academic scores where higher marks earn higher weightages in the selection process. Thus, higher marks against your academic score boosts your chance of getting a higher rating that will be in your favor during final selection.
The ratings are to be calculated on the basis of marks percentage in Class 10 and Class 12, as shown in the table below:
Class 10 and Class 12 Rating System
| Marks/Percentage | Science Stream | Commerce Stream | Arts Stream |
| 95-100% | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| 90-94.99% | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| 85-89.99% | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| 80-84.99% | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| 75-79.99% | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| 70-74.99% | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 65-69.99% | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| <60% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
This would ensure that even candidates having a solid foundation in academics get their due importance under the scheme of things even as different backgrounds are taken care of, the whole object being to preserve the high academic standards that IIM Shillong stands for.
Work Experience Weightage in IIM Shillong Selection Criteria 2025
Currently, IIM Shillong does not make work experience a compulsory criterion for admissions, yet it gives that kind of weightage to candidates at the time of the final selection. Relevant experience with some duration, particularly in management or managerial roles that show critical thinking, problem-solving, and management ability, can significantly strengthen a candidate’s profile.
The table below sheds light on how much weightage IIM Shillong assigns this criterion in accordance with the specific months of exposure:
Work Experience Rating System
| Months of Experience | Score |
| < 12 months | 0 |
| 12 – 18 months | 6 |
| 18 – 24 months | 10 |
| 24 – 30 months | 14 |
| 30 – 36 months | 10 |
| 36 – 42 months | 6 |
| 42 – 48 months | 2 |
| > 48 months | 0 |
High-performing candidates having work experience in-to scopes or assignments-of consulting, finance, and operations would certainly earn points in this dimension. But again it is worth noting that work experience or rather what is seen in IIM Shillong for a candidate profile as a whole but not separately.
Fee Structure for IIM Shillong MBA Program
Certainly, the total fees for an IIM Shillong MBA would seem quite hefty, but given the quality of education and subsequent career opportunities, that’s a fair price to pay. This is the fee structure of the MBA program:
| Fee Category | Amount (in INR) |
| Acceptance Fee | ₹90,000 |
| Term 1 Fee | ₹3,63,000 |
| Term 2 Fee | ₹4,33,000 |
| Term 3 Fee | ₹4,33,000 |
| Term 4 Fee | ₹4,33,000 |
| Term 5 Fee | ₹4,33,000 |
| Term 6 Fee | ₹4,33,000 |
| Total Fee for the Entire Program | ₹21,85,000 |
Breakdown of the Fee Structure
- Acceptance Fee: One time payment upon admission to claim your seat in IIM Shillong.
- Term Fees: Student shall pay this at the beginning of each term. Fees include tuition fees, mess charges, and other academic expenses.
- Caution Deposit: A refundable caution deposit is also fee of which usually gets refunded after completion of the course on fulfilling all the dues and obligations.
Other Expenditure: Other than this term fees, one has to consider living expenses, travels, and study materials. Students are further advised to take into account any incidental costs associated with networking events, conferences, and other activities designed to enlarge the learning opportunities possible for students at IIM Shillong.
Tips to Prepare for IIM Shillong Selection Criteria 2025
IIM Shillong could be a competitive entry, but with an approach and dedication towards focused preparation, there is much added to winning chances. The IIM Shillong Selection Criteria 2025 will have many phases requiring a fully cohesive preparation strategy. Here are some tips that outline thorough preparation for the whole process:
Master the CAT Exam
Your first task in the selection criteria concerning IIM Shillong 2025 is to excel in the CAT exam. The assessment is concerning testing one’s aptitude through the three modules: Quantitative Ability (QA); Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR); Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC). Here are ways to do just that:
- Plan your study hours: Create a timetable that keeps track of your progress in all three sections of the CAT. Study each one deeply so that one becomes more familiar with what kinds of questions typically appear on the exam.
- Take Mock Tests Regularly: Regular mock tests with all out real exam conditions. After the test analyze how you scored and where you can improve. Speed and accuracy should be targeted to improve.
- Review CAT Syllabus: Get a thorough understanding of the CAT syllabus and focus on weak areas such as verbal reasoning, data interpretation, or quantitative aptitude
Preparing for WAT and PI
Once you clear the CAT cut-off, the next thing is written ability test (WAT) and personal interview (PI). Here’s how to prepare for it:Â
- WAT Preparation: One must be prepared to write essays ranging from current affairs to abstract topics. Remember to base writing on clarity, logic, and presentation.
- PI Preparation: The personal interview is meant to evaluate communication skills, personality, and clarity of thought. So, be prepared to discuss all that appears in your resume, such as your academic history, work experience, and extracurricular activities, showing your passion for management and the reasons that make you an ideal fit for the PGP program at IIM Shillong.
- Mock Interviews: In IIM Shillong Selection Criteria 2025, You might have undergone mock interviews with even your friends or mentors or career coaches. Here’s where one needs to have a cool nerve and improve upon the question part.
Build Your Academic Profile
Academic history surely counts. Hence, let it be in a way to show that you have that zeal and discipline:
- Consistency is Everything: Aim at getting high marks in your final year of graduation, especially if the subject is related to business studies. Even if one’s record is not purely good, it can leave a difference when the growth trajectory is focused on.
- Show Accomplishments: Let these things be included in the application if you had participated in academic competitions, if you led college clubs, or even if you made some contribution in your projects.
Walk the Talk on Experience
The experience should be imperative, but relevant professional experience gives you an added edge. Well how do you maximize it?
- Exemplify Leadership and Innovation: Any example of leadership and innovation projects that can relate to a common thread value with IIM Shillong’s value of sustainability, ethical leadership, and innovation.
- Measure the Difference: Whenever possible, quantify your achievements—sales growth, operational efficiency improvement, or the successful completion of a project. All this shows the impact you had on your organization and makes your profile stronger.
- Stay Updated with Current Political Scenario: IIM Shillong would be a management institution with a focus on leadership in today’s world. Anything to do with world news, economic trends, and recent business headlines can add a lot of value. Attend to keeping up with the news in respect of business, technology, economics, and management so that you will be able to discuss intelligently with the interviewer during the interview.
FAQs on IIM Shillong Selection Criteria 2025
What is the minimum CAT score required for admission to IIM Shillong?
The minimum overall expected CAT percentile requirement for general candidates would be around 90%. Moreover, they need to have sectional cut-offs in general that are mostly 75% for QA, DILR, and VARC for the general category: It may be lower for the reserved category.
Is there any work experience required for selection in IIM Shillong?
Work experience is preferred during selection but it is not mandatory.
How much weightage is given to CAT score final selection?
The CAT score constitutes about 30 to 40 percent of the entire selection.
Is there any different cut-off for each section of CAT exam?
Yes, candidates must score the required percentile in each section- VARC, DILR, and QA.
What is the total fee of the MBA course at IIM Shillong?
 The overall fee for the MBA program in IIM Shillong amounts to approximately ₹21.85 lakhs; this consists of term fees, mess charges, and various academic charges. However, fees may differ a little bit from batch to batch depending on the requirement of that batch.
Conclusion
The IIM Shillong Selection Criteria 2025 entails full evaluation of the applicant for the most deserving admissions at IIM shillong. This very pertinent evaluation at IIM Shillong, however, does not only hone in on the academic and CAT score but also a proper mix of the work experience, leadership capability, and personality of the candidates.
Perform well in the CAT exam, prepare well for the WAT and PI rounds, and make your academic and professional profile at its zenith, and landing up here would be much more significant. It is a competitive journey for IIM Shillong, but that can be very well achieved with the right approach and complete preparation.
