FMS Delhi Selection Criteria 2026: Shortlisting criteria, Cut-off

Understanding the FMS Delhi selection criteria is the first step toward securing a seat at one of India's most prestigious B-schools. As a top-tier government institute, the Faculty of Management Studies follows a unique selection process where 12th percentage is considered (10% weightage) for the final merit list. Known for its incredible ROI and high FMS Delhi MBA salary packages, it offers 100% placement with a reported average package of ₹34.1 LPA and a lowest package rarely dipping below ₹20 LPA, making many ask if FMS Delhi is better than IIMs or XLRI.

FMS Delhi MBA Admissions

Question	Answer
Is FMS government or private?	Government (Department of University of Delhi).
Does FMS consider 12th marks?	Yes, 10% weightage in the final merit list.
How many seats are in FMS?	251 (Sanctioned) + Supernumerary seats.
Is there 100% placement?	Yes, historically consistent 100% placement records.
FMS vs IIMs/XLRI?	Better ROI than IIMs/XLRI; equivalent in prestige and roles.

FMS Delhi MBA Eligibility & CAT Score Requirements

Before diving into the FMS Delhi MBA selection process, aspirants must ensure they meet the basic FMS Delhi MBA eligibility standards. Unlike many IIMs, FMS does not give weightage to work experience during the initial shortlisting, making it a "fresher-friendly" campus.

Academic Qualification: A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for reserved categories).
Entrance Exam: A valid CAT 2025 score is the only accepted entrance exam.
FMS Delhi MBA Eligibility CAT Score: General category candidates typically need a 99+ percentile overall, with a heavy emphasis on the VARC section.

FMS Delhi Selection Criteria for Academic Eligibility

Category	Minimum Marks in Graduation
General	50%
OBC-NCL / EWS / PWD / CW	45%
SC/ST	Passing Marks

FMS Delhi MBA Admissions: Seat Matrix

The FMS Delhi MBA Admissions are highly competitive due to the limited number of seats across various categories. Below is the detailed intake for the upcoming batch:

Category Name	Abbreviation	Number of Seats	Seat Type
Unreserved / General	Gen	101	Sanctioned
Scheduled Castes	SC	37	Sanctioned
Scheduled Tribes	ST	19	Sanctioned
Other Backward Classes	OBC	69	Sanctioned
Economically Weaker Section	EWS	25	Sanctioned
Person with Disability	PWD	12	Supernumerary
Children & Widows of Armed Forces	CW	12	Supernumerary
Foreign Students	FS	25	Supernumerary
Ward Quota – Teaching Staff	WT	6	Supernumerary
Ward Quota – Non-Teaching Staff	WNT	6	Supernumerary
Orphan Quota	OQ	2	Supernumerary

FMS Delhi Selection Criteria 2026

The first stage involves generating a "Composite Score" to shortlist candidates for the interview rounds. This FMS Delhi selection criteria system prioritises verbal ability over other sections.

Composite Score Calculation (Shortlisting Weightage)

CAT Section	Weightage
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)	40%
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)	30%
Quantitative Ability (QA)	30%

Pro-Tip: Women candidates receive an additional 5 marks added to their weighted composite score to promote gender diversity.

Gender Diversity & The Interview Shortlist

To ensure a balanced classroom, FMS Delhi provides gender diversity marks. During the FMS Delhi interview shortlist preparation, women candidates receive an additional 5 marks added to their composite score. This extra cushion often makes a huge difference in clearing the FMS Delhi expected cutoff 2026.

Download FMS Delhi Selection Criteria PDF

For aspirants looking for the category-wise cutoff trends and detailed registration steps, you can Download FMS Delhi selection criteria PDF through our portal. This FMS Delhi selection criteria 2026 PDF provides the exact weightage breakdown for the final merit list as well.

FMS Delhi Shortlisting Criteria 2026: Cracking the Composite Score

Once the CAT results are out, the next hurdle is the FMS Delhi shortlisting criteria 2026. Unlike other top B-schools that look only at your overall percentile, FMS Delhi uses a unique FMS Delhi weighted score calculation to decide who makes it to the interview stage. If you are eyeing the MBA full-time programme, you need to understand how your CAT score weightage is distributed across the sections.

Composite Score Cutoff (Previous Cycle Reference)

The FMS Delhi selection criteria cutoff is the real barrier to entry. This score is calculated based on the FMS Delhi sectional weightage (VARC 40%, DILR 30%, QA 30%). Below is a reference from the previous cycle to help you understand the competition:

Category	Seats	Shortlisted Candidates	Composite Score Cutoff
General	101	707	51.103
SC	37	259	31.887
ST	19	133	23.424
OBC	69	483	39.154
EWS	25	175	40.796
PWD	12	84	27.304

Important Point: Supernumerary seats exist for PWD, CW, staff quota, and orphan quota. Plan according to your position, practice interview models, and consider taking mentorship.

FMS Delhi Expected Cutoff 2026

FMS Delhi does not release percentile cutoffs officially. However, trends show very high requirements because it is one of the top MBA colleges in India with low fees and high ROI. Here is the FMS Delhi CAT percentile required for a safe shortlist:

Category	Expected CAT Percentile
General	99.5+
EWS	98+
OBC	98+
SC	90+
ST	85+
PWD	85+

These are safe estimates; actual shortlisting depends on your sectional balance and composite score.

FMS Delhi Selection Criteria for Final Merit List Weightage

After shortlisting, candidates appear for the Interview Process. The FMS Delhi final merit list preparation depends on multiple factors, not just your CAT score.

Final Selection Weightage Breakdown

Component	Weight
Weighted CAT 2025 Score	50%
Class X Marks	10%
Class XII Marks	10%
Statement of Purpose Discussion	10%
Extempore	5%
Personal Interview	15%

Academic Score Distribution (X/XII)

Percentage in X/XII	Weight Awarded
60% – 74.99%	5%
75% and above	10%

Key Highlights for FMS Delhi MBA Admissions

Gender Diversity: An extra 5 marks are awarded to women candidates appearing for the interview.
Eligibility Check: Candidates who have not taken CAT 2025 are not eligible for admission.
Documentation: Original certificates and mark sheets must be produced at the time of the interview.
Final List: The final selection list will be announced after the entire process is complete for all applicants.

Ready to Secure Your Seat at FMS Delhi?

Understanding the FMS Delhi selection criteria is only the beginning. To convert your call, you need to master the Extempore and Personal Interview rounds.

FMS Delhi Selection Criteria for Interview Process

From the list of candidates shortlisted for the Interview Process, the final battle moves beyond the CAT score. The FMS Delhi selection criteria for interview process are designed to evaluate a candidate’s communication skills, clarity of thought, and academic consistency. This stage is where the "Composite Score" transitions into a comprehensive evaluation of your personality.

FMS Delhi PI Weightage & Evaluation

The Personal Interview is the most significant component of the offline/online evaluation stage. The FMS Delhi PI weightage stands at 15% of the final merit list. During the PI, the panel assesses your leadership potential, current affairs knowledge, and how well you fit into the rigorous environment of the MBA full-time programme.

FMS Delhi Extempore Marks

A unique feature of the FMS admission cycle is the Extempore round. FMS Delhi extempore marks account for 5% of the total selection weightage. Candidates are typically given a topic on the spot and must speak for 1–2 minutes. This tests your ability to think on your feet and communicate logically under pressure.

FMS Delhi SOP Evaluation

Your Statement of Purpose is not just a document; it is a conversation starter. The FMS Delhi SOP evaluation and subsequent discussion carry a 10% weightage. The panel uses this to understand your career goals and your motivation for joining FMS Delhi. Ensure your SOP is authentic, as it forms the basis for deep-dive questions during the interview.

Conclusion: Securing Your Spot in the FMS Delhi Final Merit List

The journey to a "Red Building" dream is rigorous but highly rewarding. The FMS Delhi selection criteria prioritize a balanced profile—valuing exceptional verbal skills in the CAT while giving significant importance to your performance in the interview rounds. To feature in the FMS Delhi final merit list, you must maintain high accuracy in your CAT score weightage and deliver a stellar performance in the PI and Extempore. With its world-class ROI and unmatched FMS Delhi MBA salary outcomes, every bit of effort put into understanding the FMS Delhi selection criteria is worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FMS Delhi selection criteria for MBA 2026?

The FMS Delhi selection criteria for MBA is a two-stage process. Stage 1 involves shortlisting based on a weighted CAT score (VARC 40%, DILR 30%, QA 30%) plus 5 extra marks for women candidates. Stage 2 includes the Personal Interview (15%), Extempore (5%), SOP Discussion (10%), and academic marks.

Does FMS Delhi consider 12th percentage?

Yes, the FMS Delhi admission criteria assign a 10% weightage to Class 12th marks in the final merit list. However, it is student-friendly: scoring 75% or above receives the full 10 marks, while those between 60%–75% get 5 marks.

What is the FMS Delhi CAT percentile required for General category?

While there is no official cutoff, the FMS Delhi expected cutoff 2026 for General candidates is typically 99.5+ percentile. Due to the high FMS Delhi sectional weightage VARC DILR QA, a high Verbal score can sometimes compensate for a slightly lower overall percentile.

Is FMS Delhi better than IIMs in terms of ROI?

For many, FMS is better due to its incredible Return on Investment. With FMS Delhi MBA admissions costing only around ₹2.43 Lakhs for two years and an FMS Delhi MBA salary averaging ₹34.1 LPA, it outshines almost all IIMs in financial value.

How is the FMS Delhi composite score calculated for shortlisting?

The FMS Delhi weighted score calculation uses the formula: (0.4 * VARC Score) + (0.3 * DILR Score) + (0.3 * QA Score) + Gender Diversity Marks (5 for females). This determines your rank in the FMS Delhi interview shortlist.

Is there 100% placement in FMS?

Yes, FMS Delhi consistently reports 100% placement. The FMS Delhi MBA salary highlights include a median package of ₹31 LPA and a highest domestic package reaching over ₹1.23 Crore.

How many seats are in FMS for MBA?

There are 251 sanctioned seats for the MBA full-time programme. Including supernumerary seats for PWD, CW, Foreign Students, and Ward Quotas, the total batch size is approximately 320.

Is it easy to crack FMS Delhi?

No, it is highly competitive. Only about 707 General category candidates are typically shortlisted from thousands of applicants. Success depends on a high CAT score weightage and strong performance in the FMS Delhi interview process.

What is the lowest package in FMS?

While FMS focuses on its average package of ₹34.1 LPA, the 'lowest' or minimum packages rarely dip below ₹20–22 LPA, making it one of the safest bets for a high-paying career.

Can final year students apply for FMS Delhi MBA?

Yes, final year students meet the FMS Delhi MBA eligibility criteria provided they complete their degree with the minimum required marks (50% for General) by the time of admission.

Is FMS government or private?

FMS Delhi is a government institute. It is a department of the University of Delhi, which is a central university, allowing it to maintain its highly subsidized fee structure and high academic standards.