Top 7 IIM Lucknow Admission Criteria 2026 MBA Aspirants Should Know

Staff Writer: Sweata Maiti

Last Updated: January 12, 2026

Synopsis: The IIM Lucknow admission criteria 2026 for the MBA, MBA-ABM and MBA-SM programs set clear benchmarks for shortlisting and final selection. The process involves minimum CAT 2025 cut-offs to qualify for the Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds, followed by a composite evaluation that considers academics, work experience and diversity along with CAT performance. Aspiring candidates must understand these criteria to improve their chances in the 2026-28 admission cycle

The IIM Lucknow admission criteria 2026 have been released for the upcoming 2026-28 MBA/management program cycle, guiding aspirants on key benchmarks to secure a place through the WAT-PI selection process. Candidates interested in the flagship MBA, MBA-Agribusiness Management (ABM) and MBA-Sustainable Management (SM) program must first clear minimum CAT 2025 cut-offs to be considered for advanced rounds.

Shortlist Eligibility under IIM Lucknow Admission Criteria 2026

According to the admission policy, shortlisting for the IIM Lucknow admission criteria 2026 is primarily based on candidates’ performance in the CAT 2025 exam and fulfilling minimum cut-off requirements to enter the WAT (Written Ability Test) and PI (Personal Interview) rounds. The qualifying overall CAT percentile for the MBA programme is around 90 percentile for the general category, with adjusted benchmarks for other categories and programmes.

• For the MBA programme, the CAT 2025 cut-off is generally 90 percentile (general);
• For MBA-ABM and MBA-SM, the minimum threshold is around 85 percentile for general aspirants;
• Sectional cut-offs in VARC, DILR and QA also apply as part of the shortlist eligibility under the IIM Lucknow admission criteria 2026.

Selection Process & Composite Evaluation

After meeting shortlist criteria, candidates enter the WAT-PI stage, where their performance contributes to the final composite score as outlined in the IIM Lucknow admission criteria 2026. This holistic assessment typically includes:

• CAT 2025 score
• Academic performance (Class 12 and graduation marks)
• Work experience
• Diversity factors
  The composite score determines admission offers alongside performance in WAT and PI rounds.

What Aspirants Should Do Next

• Verify your IIM Lucknow shortlist status online based on the admission criteria 2026 and fill any required WAT-PI forms.
• Prepare thoroughly for WAT and PI rounds, focusing on communication, analytical ability and personal profile presentation.
• Keep all academic records, identity proofs and supporting documents ready for verification during the selection stages.

Key Takeaways

The IIM Lucknow admission criteria 2026 emphasize a strong CAT 2025 performance, followed by balanced evaluation of academic profile, experience and diversity. Aspirants should pay close attention to cut-offs that vary by category and program to ensure eligibility and improve odds of a final offer.

Tracking your IIM Lucknow admission criteria 2026 progress? Connect with My College Campus for expert guidance — from shortlist tracking and interview prep to final admission support tailored to your goals!

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