IIM Kozhikode Cut-off | 2026 Section, Category-wise Cutoffs

IIM Kozhikode: Cut-Off, Admission Criteria, CAT Percentile & Course Details (2026)

IIM Kozhikode is among the most competitive and respected management institutions in India. For CAT aspirants, especially those targeting the top IIMs in India, understanding how IIM Kozhikode evaluates candidates is critical. Many students focus only on CAT percentile, but admission to IIM Kozhikode depends on a combination of sectional cut-offs, overall cut-off, academic profile, and personal assessment performance. This content is designed for CAT aspirants who are trying to clear doubts related to IIM Kozhikode cut-off, percentile requirements, CAT score vs percentile, and previous year trends, while forming a realistic admission strategy.

IIM Kozhikode Overall Cut-off

IIM Kozhikode follows a three-stage admission process for its postgraduate management programs. The overall CAT cut-off acts as the Stage 1 eligibility filter, which determines whether a candidate is allowed to register for further stages of the selection process.

For the 2026 admission cycle, the institute has defined minimum overall CAT percentile requirements that candidates must meet to be considered eligible for Stage 1.

IIM Kozhikode Overall CAT Percentile Requirements

Category	Overall CAT Percentile
General (GEN)	85
OBC-NCL / EWS	75
SC	65
ST / PwD	55

It is important to understand that meeting the overall cut-off only allows candidates to proceed to the next stage of the process. Clearing this percentile does not guarantee a WAT–PI call, as the actual shortlisting is based on a much higher effective percentile after applying additional evaluation criteria.

IIM Kozhikode Section-Wise Cut-off

IIM Kozhikode applies sectional cut-offs for all three sections of the CAT exam — Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Candidates must meet the minimum required percentile in each section individually, along with the overall CAT cut-off, to remain eligible for the next stage of the admission process.

The institute clearly states that failure to clear even one sectional cut-off leads to disqualification, irrespective of the overall CAT percentile scored.

IIM Kozhikode Sectional Percentile Requirements

Category	VARC Sectional	DILR Sectional	QA Sectional
General (GEN)	75	75	75
OBC-NCL / EWS	65	65	65
SC	55	55	55
ST / PwD	45	45	45

These sectional percentiles represent the minimum eligibility thresholds for Stage 1 of the selection process. Clearing these does not automatically result in an interview call, as further shortlisting is done using a composite score.

IIM Kozhikode Category-Wise Cut-off & Academic Eligibility

In addition to CAT performance, IIM Kozhikode also defines minimum academic requirements that candidates must satisfy. These criteria apply equally to candidates from traditional graduation backgrounds as well as those holding professional qualifications such as CA, CMA (ICWA), or CS.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

Category	CAT Overall	CAT Sectional	Class X (%)	Class XII (%)	Graduation (%)
General (GEN)	85	75	60	60	60
OBC-NCL	75	65	60	60	60
EWS	75	65	60	60	60
SC	65	55	55	55	60
ST	55	45	55	55	60
PwD	55	45	55	55	60

How Sectional & Category Cut-offs Impact Shortlisting

After meeting the minimum overall and sectional cut-offs, IIM Kozhikode evaluates candidates using a weighted composite score. This ensures that selection is not dependent solely on CAT percentile.

The composite score typically includes:

CAT score
Class X and XII performance
Graduation performance
Gender and academic diversity
Work experience

As a result, actual interview shortlists are usually issued at significantly higher percentiles, especially for the General category.

Important Clarifications on IIM Kozhikode Cut-offs

The cut-offs listed above are minimum qualifying criteria, not final admission cut-offs
Sectional cut-offs are strict and non-negotiable
A high overall percentile cannot compensate for a low sectional score
Academic consistency plays a crucial role after clearing CAT cut-offs

Minimum Qualifying Sectional Cutoff for Top IIMs

Top IIMs follow a category-wise sectional cutoff system to ensure fair representation while maintaining academic standards. Candidates must clear the minimum percentile in each CAT section—VARC, DILR, and QA—along with the overall cutoff. These cutoffs differ for General, NC-OBC, SC, ST, and PwD categories, but the principle of balanced sectional performance applies to all. Falling short in even one section can result in elimination, regardless of overall score.

Category	VARC (%)	DILR (%)	QA (%)	Overall (%)
General	70–85	70–85	70–85	80–90
NC-OBC	65–75	65–75	65–75	75–85
SC	55–60	55–60	55–60	65–70
ST	45–50	45–50	45–50	55–60
PwD	45–50	45–50	45–50	55–60

Academic & CAT Cut-off Trends

Year	Category	Class 10 (%)	Class 12 (%)	Graduation (%)	CAT Overall (%)
2022	General	60	60	60	85
	NC-OBC	60	60	60	75
	SC	55	55	60	65
	ST	55	55	60	55
2023	General	60	60	60	85
	NC-OBC	60	60	60	75
	SC	55	55	60	65
	ST	55	55	60	55
2024	General	60	60	60	85
	NC-OBC	60	60	60	75
	SC	55	55	60	65
	ST	55	55	60	55
2025	General	60	60	60	85
	NC-OBC	60	60	60	75
	SC	55	55	60	65
	ST	55	55	60	55

CAT Cutoff 2026 – Factors Affecting Cutoffs

The actual CAT 2026 cutoffs will be officially announced after results are declared. However, the following factors typically influence cutoff trends:

Difficulty Level of the Paper – A tougher exam usually lowers cutoff scores, while an easier paper can push cutoffs higher.
Total Number of Applicants – More applicants increase competition, which can raise cutoff percentiles. For reference, CAT 2025 saw over 3.3 lakh candidates.
Total Number of Seats Available – Changes in seat count or reservation policies affect the number of seats for general candidates, influencing cutoff thresholds. Fewer seats often mean higher cutoffs.
College Rankings – Top-ranked IIMs and other reputed colleges generally have higher cutoffs due to greater demand.
Number of Candidates Clearing Minimum Cutoffs – The number of candidates surpassing overall and sectional eligibility cutoffs can impact the final shortlisting cutoff.

CAT Score vs Percentile 2026

The CAT score is officially released only after the declaration of results. However, once the CAT answer key is available, candidates can accurately estimate their raw and scaled scores. By comparing these scores with previous years’ CAT score vs percentile data, aspirants can assess their expected percentile and evaluate whether they are likely to meet the IIM Kozhikode cut-off requirements.

For CAT 2026, the overall cut-offs for top IIMs, including IIM Kozhikode, are expected to remain competitive. Given the moderate difficulty level of recent CAT exams and the consistently high number of serious test-takers, aspirants should expect slightly higher score requirements for the same percentile compared to tougher exam years.

Understanding the CAT score vs percentile relationship helps candidates estimate:

Whether they clear the minimum eligibility cut-off of IIM Kozhikode
How close they are to the actual interview shortlisting percentile
Which IIMs they can realistically expect calls from

Percentile	VARC Score	DILR Score	QA Score	Overall CAT Score
80.00	18	17	11	43
85.00	20	19	14	49
90.00	24	22	17	57
95.00	30	27	22	70
97.00	33	31	25	79
98.00	36	34	29	85
99.00	41	38	33	96
99.50	45	42	37	104

IIM KOZHIKODE ADMISSION PROCESS

1. Eligibility Criteria

For PGP / MBA

Educational Qualification:
- A bachelor’s degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates)
- Recognized by a university or equivalent
Work Experience:
- Not mandatory, but relevant experience can strengthen your profile.
Age Limit:
- No age limit for PGP.

2. Admission Process for PGP (MBA)

Admission to IIM Kozhikode generally follows a three-step process:

Step 1: CAT Exam

Common Admission Test (CAT) is mandatory.
IIMK shortlists candidates based on CAT score, academic profile, and gender diversity.
CAT cut-off: Varies by category, typically high for IIMK (above 95 percentile for General category).

Weightage in Shortlisting for Interview:

Component	Weightage
CAT Score	~55%
Academics (10th, 12th, UG)	~20%
Gender / Diversity	~5-10%

Step 2: Written Ability Test (WAT) & Personal Interview (PI)

Shortlisted candidates are invited for:
- WAT: Assess clarity of thought, writing ability, and logic
- PI: Assesses communication skills, leadership potential, and fit for IIMK culture
Score Weightage for final admission:
- CAT: ~55%
- PI: ~30%
- WAT: ~15%

Step 3: Final Selection

Final admission is based on a composite score including CAT, WAT, PI, and academic profile.
Offers are made to top-ranked candidates on this score.

3. Admission Process for Other Programs

Program	Key Requirement	Admission Criteria
BMS (Bachelor of Management Studies)	10+2 with minimum marks	Entrance exam + personal interview
FPM / PhD	Master’s degree in management/related discipline	IIMK PhD admission test + interview
Executive MBA / Post Graduate Executive Programs	Work experience required	Application + GMAT/GRE/CAT + PI/WAT

4. Application Timeline

CAT Registration: Aug – Sept (previous year)
CAT Exam: Nov
IIMK Shortlist Announcement: Dec – Jan
WAT & PI: Jan – Mar
Final Admission Offer: Apr – May

5. Tips to Strengthen Your Admission Chances

Score high in CAT, especially in Quant and LRDI for IIMK.
Maintain consistent academic performance in 10th, 12th, and UG.
Build leadership, work experience, or extracurricular profile.
Prepare for WAT & PI with current affairs, management knowledge, and communication practice.
Demonstrate fit with IIM Kozhikode culture, which values collaboration, innovation, and social impact.

IIM Kozhikode Campus

IIM Kozhikode’s campus is a scenic, nature-rich academic environment nestled in the hills of Kerala’s Western Ghats. Renowned for its eco-friendly and sustainable design, the campus integrates world-class academic infrastructure with a serene natural setting. Spread across a lush hilltop landscape, it offers advanced classrooms, a technology-enabled library, modern residential facilities, and vibrant student activity zones. The campus culture emphasizes academic excellence, diversity, ethical leadership, innovation, and inclusive growth, supporting holistic development across flagship PGP, doctoral, and executive education programs.

IIM Kozhikode Campus Features

Feature	Details
Campus Type	Fully Residential, Hilltop
Location Advantage	Western Ghats, Kerala
Architectural Style	Eco-friendly, terraced hillside design
Academic Blocks	Smart classrooms, discussion halls
Library	24/7 digital-enabled knowledge center
Sports & Recreation	Gym, courts, indoor & outdoor facilities
Sustainability Focus	Solar power, rainwater harvesting, green buildings
Innovation & Research	Research centers and entrepreneurship support

Academic & Learning Spaces

Facility	Purpose
Lecture Halls	Interactive case-based learning
Seminar Rooms	Group discussions and presentations
Computer Labs	Analytics, research, and simulations
Library & E-Resources	Academic research and digital access
Faculty Offices	Mentorship and academic guidance
Innovation & Incubation Spaces	Startups, research, and student ventures

Residential & Student Life Facilities

Facility	Details
Student Hostels	Fully residential, single-occupancy rooms
Dining Facilities	Central mess and food courts
Student Activity Centers	Clubs, committees, cultural spaces
Recreation Areas	Common rooms, lounges, open spaces
Healthcare Services	On-campus medical and wellness support
Connectivity	High-speed Wi-Fi across campus
Convenience Services	ATMs, stores, laundry, daily needs
Safety & Security	24/7 security and surveillance

IIM Kozhikode Courses 2026

IIM Kozhikode offers a diverse portfolio of postgraduate, doctoral, and executive education programs designed to develop ethical leaders, analytical thinkers, and innovative managers. The institute is known for its academic rigor, global outlook, digital integration, and inclusive education, serving students, working professionals, and researchers.

Postgraduate Programs (PGP)

1. Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP)

Parameter	Details
Program Name	Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP)
Duration	2 Years (Full-Time)
Degree Awarded	MBA (Equivalent)
Mode	Residential
Eligibility	Bachelor’s degree (minimum 50% marks)
Admission Through	CAT + WAT + PI
Specializations	Finance, Marketing, Operations, Strategy, HR, Economics, Analytics
Pedagogy	Case-based learning, live projects, internships
Career Outcomes	Consulting, Finance, Marketing, General Management

2. Post Graduate Programme in Liberal Studies & Management (PGP-LSM)

Parameter	Details
Program Name	PGP in Liberal Studies & Management
Duration	2 Years (Full-Time)
Degree Awarded	MBA (Equivalent)
Mode	Residential
Focus	Management + Liberal Arts
Eligibility	Bachelor’s degree
Admission Through	CAT + PI
Unique Aspect	Interdisciplinary approach
Career Outcomes	Policy, Consulting, Social Impact, Strategy

3. Post Graduate Programme in Finance (PGP-F)

Parameter	Details
Program Name	Post Graduate Programme in Finance
Duration	2 Years (Full-Time)
Degree Awarded	MBA (Finance)
Mode	Residential
Focus Area	Advanced Finance
Eligibility	Bachelor’s degree with strong quantitative background
Admission Through	CAT + PI
Career Outcomes	Investment Banking, Corporate Finance, FinTech

Executive & Working Professional Programs

4. Executive Post Graduate Programme (EPGP)

Parameter	Details
Program Name	Executive Post Graduate Programme
Duration	1 Year
Mode	Full-Time
Target Audience	Professionals with work experience
Eligibility	Bachelor’s degree + experience
Admission Through	GMAT/GRE/CAT + PI
Focus	Leadership, strategy, decision-making
Career Outcomes	Senior management roles

5. Executive MBA (EMBA – Kochi Campus)

Parameter	Details
Program Name	Executive MBA
Duration	2 Years
Mode	Weekend / Modular
Campus	Kochi
Target Audience	Working executives
Eligibility	Bachelor’s degree + work experience
Focus	Leadership, analytics, business strategy
Career Outcomes	Career acceleration & leadership roles

6. MBA for Working Executives (MBA-WE)

Parameter	Details
Program Name	MBA for Working Executives
Duration	2 Years
Mode	Weekend
Campus	Kochi
Designed For	Mid-level professionals
Learning Method	Classroom + experiential learning
Key Focus	Applied management

Doctoral Program

7. Doctoral Programme in Management (PhD)

Parameter	Details
Program Name	Doctoral Programme in Management
Duration	4–5 Years
Mode	Full-Time
Areas of Specialization	Finance, Marketing, Strategy, OB & HR, Operations, Economics
Eligibility	Master’s degree / Professional qualification
Admission Through	CAT/GMAT/GRE/JRF + Interview
Career Outcomes	Academia, research, policy institutes

Online & Digital Programs

8. Online MBA (Digital Learning)

Parameter	Details
Program Name	Online MBA
Duration	2 Years
Mode	Online
Eligibility	Bachelor’s degree
Target Audience	Working professionals
Pedagogy	Live online classes, projects
Focus Areas	General Management, Analytics
Advantage	Flexibility with IIM Kozhikode credential

Certificate & Short-Term Programs

9. Executive Education & Certificate Programs

Parameter	Details
Program Type	Short-Term & Certificate Programs
Duration	Few weeks to 1 year
Mode	Online / On-Campus / Hybrid
Target Audience	Executives, entrepreneurs
Focus Areas	Leadership, Analytics, Digital Transformation, ESG
Outcome	Skill enhancement & certification

Top IIMs in India

The top IIMs in India are ranked based on academic excellence, placement outcomes, faculty strength, and long-term brand value. These institutes consistently attract the highest CAT percentiles and offer some of the best average salary packages among Indian business schools.

Rank	IIM Name	Year Established	Flagship Program	Typical CAT Percentile	Average Package (₹ LPA)
1	IIM Ahmedabad	1961	PGP (MBA)	99.7+	34–35
2	IIM Bangalore	1973	PGP (MBA)	99.6+	33–34
3	IIM Calcutta	1961	MBA	99.5+	34–35
4	IIM Lucknow	1984	PGP (MBA)	99+	30–31
5	IIM Kozhikode	1996	PGP (MBA)	98.5+	29–30
6	IIM Indore	1996	PGP (MBA)	98+	27–28
7	IIM Shillong	2007	PGP (MBA)	97+	26–27
8	IIM Mumbai	1963	MBA	97+	30–31
9	IIM Rohtak	2009	PGP (MBA)	96+	19–20
10	IIM Udaipur	2011	MBA	95+	20–21

Conclusion: IIM Kozhikode Cutoff 2026

IIM Kozhikode Cutoff 2026 represents the minimum eligibility benchmark rather than a guaranteed interview call. Aspirants must clear strict sectional and overall CAT cut-offs, as failure in any one section leads to disqualification. Final shortlisting depends on a composite score that includes CAT performance, academic background, diversity factors, and work experience. For General category candidates, actual interview calls are typically issued at much higher percentiles than the qualifying cutoff. A balanced CAT score, strong academics, and focused WAT–PI preparation together significantly improve admission chances at IIM Kozhikode.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Expected cut off for top management institutes in Kozhikode for the next admission cycle?

For the upcoming cycle at IIM Kozhikode, the qualifying CAT cutoff for General category is expected around 85–90+ percentile overall with sectional thresholds of about 75 in each section, while final shortlist percentiles for interview calls could trend toward 97–99+ for top profiles based on recent admission trends.

2) Best coaching services to clear management institute cut offs in Kozhikode?

In Kozhikode, TIME (Triumphant Institute of Management Education) is a prominent local option for CAT/MBA entrances, offering structured classroom batches, study material, and mock tests.

3) How to check previous years’ cut offs for Kozhikode's premier management institute?

Previous years’ cutoffs (overall and section‑wise CAT percentiles) can be found on educational portals like Careers360, CollegeDekho, and Percentilers that list historic cutoff data for IIM Kozhikode and similar institutes.

5) Predicted percentile required for admission in Kozhikode’s leading management institute?

To be competitive for IIM Kozhikode’s flagship PGP, aim for an overall 97–99+ CAT percentile (General category) to strengthen interview shortlisting chances, while the minimum eligibility cutoff is lower (~85).

6) List of books and study materials recommended for management entrance preparation in Kozhikode?

Standard MBA entrance books include Arun Sharma’s Quantitative Aptitude, How to Prepare for Verbal Ability (Meenakshi Upadhyay), and sectional guides for DI/LR, RC, and QA; these help build core CAT skills alongside academy notes and past papers.

7) Admission counseling services for management institutes in Kozhikode with cut off insight?

Local coaching centers often provide admission counseling and profile evaluation along with cutoff insights, and national online services like PaGaLGuY also offer expert forums and guidance forums for strategy and cutoff benchmarking.