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The decision of both IIMs to withdraw from CAP 2025 stems from their desire to tailor the admission process to find elite candidates.
IIM Raipur and Sambalpur look for MBA candidates beyond CAT scores. (Symbolic/file photo)
In a significant change, IIM Raipur and IIM Sambalpur have decided to opt out of the Common Admission Process (CAP) for the 2025 MBA admission cycle, a move that has raised many questions among prospective students. Traditionally, most of the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) follow CAP for the selection of candidates for their MBA programmes. The process, which involves shortlisting candidates on the basis of CAT (Common Admission Test) scores followed by a written aptitude test (WAT) and personal interview (PI), has been the standard route for admission.
The decision of both IIM Raipur and IIM Sambalpur to withdraw from CAP 2025 stems from their desire to tailor the admission process to identify a more specific type of candidate. Both institutions have expressed concerns that the CAP process does not adequately meet their need to select students with particular qualities.
For example, IIM Raipur has been vocal about its objective of promoting a culture of entrepreneurship. The institute’s motto, ‘Building Business Owners’, reflects its focus on selecting candidates with an entrepreneurial mindset. Professor Ramkumar Kakani, IIM Raipur, pointed out that although the CAP process allows initial selection based on CAT scores, it fails to identify candidates with the entrepreneurial spirit they wish to develop. As a result, IIM Raipur has opted for a more personalized approach to admissions, which it believes will better align with its educational objectives.
Similarly, IIM Sambalpur has also expressed similar concerns. The institute has stated that MBA candidates require specific competencies that cannot be fully assessed through the CAP process. IIM Sambalpur’s decision to deviate from the normal process is based on the need to better identify candidates who have the right qualities for the MBA program that it feels cannot be adequately assessed through the current CAP framework.
How will admissions be done in IIM Raipur and Sambalpur now?
With the exit of CAP 2025, IIM Raipur and IIM Sambalpur have announced a new admission approach. Both the institutes will now select the candidates on the basis of their CAT score after the interview.
This change in the selection process means that the initial shortlisting will still be based on the candidate’s performance in the CAT exam, but there will be more emphasis on the interview stage. The decision to choose the interview as a central part of the selection process reflects the institutions’ desire to assess the suitability of candidates with their unique educational philosophies and specific needs.
CAT 2024 Cutoff Percentile
Since CAT scores will continue to play a major role in the admission process into IIM Raipur and IIM Sambalpur, it is important for prospective candidates to be aware of the expected cutoff percentage for 2024. The exact percentage limit for admission will be determined by each institution. Based on various factors including the overall performance of the candidates in the CAT exam and the number of seats available in their respective MBA programmes. Candidates must meet these cutoffs to be considered for the interview stage, where their suitability for the program will be further evaluated.
