CAT 2026 is not just about securing a high percentile. MBA aspirants must also understand how individual Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are changing their admission and shortlisting processes. From a new Joint Admission Process to institute-specific selection criteria, the post-CAT stage is becoming increasingly important for candidates.

IIM Indore will conduct CAT 2026 on November 29 in three sessions across around 170 cities. Registration will remain open until September 15, 2026. The CAT 2026 exam pattern and syllabus remain unchanged.

However, the admission process after the entrance examination has seen several changes. Here are five key developments CAT 2026 aspirants should know.

1. Four IIMs have introduced a Joint Admission Process

IIM Kashipur, IIM Raipur, IIM Ranchi and IIM Tiruchirappalli have introduced a Joint Admission Process (JAP) for their two-year MBA programmes.

Under the process, eligible candidates will participate in a common Personal Interview. However, appearing for the common interview does not mean that all four institutes will follow identical selection criteria.

Each IIM will prepare its own final merit list based on its respective admission policy. Candidates will therefore need to understand the individual criteria used by each participating institute.

2. CAP is no longer common to all IIMs

The Common Admission Process (CAP) has also undergone changes. For CAP 2026, IIM Bodh Gaya, IIM Jammu and IIM Sirmaur participated in the process, while other IIMs opted to conduct their own admission procedures.

IIM Udaipur, for example, follows a separate selection process that considers CAT performance along with a written test and Personal Interview.

This means candidates can no longer assume that one common process will cover all newer IIMs.

3. IIM Indore has revised its admission formula

IIM Indore has revised its admission criteria for the 2026-28 batch. The institute increased the weightage assigned to CAT performance while reducing the weightage given to Class 10 marks.

Work experience has also been incorporated into the revised selection framework.

The change makes it important for candidates to study the latest admission policy rather than relying on the weightage used by the institute in previous admission cycles.

4. A high CAT percentile alone does not guarantee admission

A strong CAT score is important, but it is not the only factor considered during IIM admissions.

Institutes may assess candidates on multiple parameters, including sectional CAT performance, academic record, work experience, written tests and Personal Interviews.

IIM Ahmedabad, for instance, considers CAT performance along with past academic performance, the Analytical Writing Test and Personal Interview as part of its selection process.

Therefore, meeting or exceeding the minimum CAT cut-off does not automatically guarantee a shortlist or final admission.

5. Every IIM follows its own admission criteria

One of the most important points for CAT 2026 aspirants is that admission policies vary across IIMs and can change from one admission cycle to another.

Candidates should therefore check the latest official admission policy of every IIM they plan to apply to. Previous years' cut-offs, weightages and selection formulas should be treated only as reference points.

For CAT 2026 aspirants, preparation should consequently go beyond the entrance examination. Understanding individual IIM selection policies, maintaining a strong academic profile and preparing for subsequent selection rounds can be equally important in converting an admission call.