Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM Kozhikode) Cut-Off: Complete Guide 2025

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to IIM Kozhikode

2. Understanding IIM Kozhikode Cut-Offs

3. IIM Kozhikode Admission Process Overview

4. CAT Exam and its Role in IIM Kozhikode Admission

5. IIM Kozhikode Cut-Off Trends (Last 5 Years)

6. Sectional and Overall CAT Cut-Offs for IIM Kozhikode

7. Category-Wise Cut-Offs (General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS)

8. Gender-Based Cut-Offs (Female Candidates)

9. Weightage of CAT Scores in Final Selection

10. Other Admission Criteria Beyond CAT Scores

11. Cut-Offs for Other Programs at IIM Kozhikode (PGP-FABM, EFPM, etc.)

12. Factors Influencing Cut-Off Variations

13. How to Interpret IIM Kozhikode Cut-Off Percentiles

14. Comparison of IIM Kozhikode Cut-Off with Other IIMs

15. Tips to Clear IIM Kozhikode Cut-Offs

16. Importance of Academics and Work Experience in Selection

17. Final Selection Process: GD, PI, and WAT

18. How to Prepare for IIM Kozhikode Admission Holistically

19. FAQs about IIM Kozhikode Cut-Offs

20. Conclusion

1. Introduction to IIM Kozhikode

The Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM Kozhikode or IIMK) is one of India’s premier business schools, known for its academic rigor, excellent placements, and diverse student community. Established in 1996, IIM Kozhikode has consistently ranked among the top IIMs in the country.

Every year, thousands of candidates compete for a limited number of seats through the Common Admission Test (CAT) and other criteria. Understanding the cut-offs for IIM Kozhikode is crucial for aspirants aiming to join this prestigious institute.

2. Understanding IIM Kozhikode Cut-Offs

The cut-off is the minimum score or percentile that candidates must achieve in the CAT exam (and other parameters) to be shortlisted for the next admission stages at IIM Kozhikode. It acts as a preliminary filter and varies every year depending on factors like:

• Number of applicants

• Difficulty level of CAT exam

• Number of available seats

• Overall competition

• Reservation policies

3. IIM Kozhikode Admission Process Overview

The admission process at IIM Kozhikode for the flagship Post Graduate Program (PGP) includes:

• CAT Exam score

• Shortlisting based on CAT cut-offs

• Written Ability Test (WAT)

• Group Discussion (GD)

• Personal Interview (PI)

• Academic and work experience evaluation

4. CAT Exam and its Role in IIM Kozhikode Admission

CAT (Common Admission Test) is the gateway exam for admission to IIM Kozhikode. The CAT score determines:

• Shortlisting for further rounds (WAT, GD, PI)

• Final merit list ranking (combined with other components)

IIM Kozhikode gives weightage to the CAT percentile score but also considers other factors to create a holistic admission process.

5. IIM Kozhikode Cut-Off Trends (Last 5 Years)

Note: Cut-offs fluctuate yearly based on the factors explained above.

6. Sectional and Overall CAT Cut-Offs for IIM Kozhikode

IIM Kozhikode typically sets sectional cut-offs in:

• Quantitative Ability (QA)

• Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

• Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

Typical Sectional Cut-Offs for General Category (Percentile):

Candidates need to clear sectional as well as overall cut-offs to be shortlisted.

7. Category-Wise Cut-Offs (General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS)

IIM Kozhikode follows the Government of India’s reservation policy for category-based cut-offs:

• General: Highest cut-off

• OBC-NCL: 10% relaxation approximately

• SC: 20-25% relaxation approximately

• ST: 25-30% relaxation approximately

• EWS: 5-10% relaxation approximately

Example: If General cut-off is 97 percentile, OBC might be 88-90, SC around 75-80, ST 70-75, and EWS 85-90.

8. Gender-Based Cut-Offs (Female Candidates)

IIM Kozhikode encourages gender diversity and has relaxed cut-offs for female candidates to ensure higher female representation in its classrooms.

• Female candidates typically have 3-5 percentile points lower cut-offs compared to the general category

• Special reservations and scholarships further motivate female candidates

9. Weightage of CAT Scores in Final Selection

The CAT score weightage in final selection is significant but combined with:

• Academic record (Undergraduate performance)

• Work experience (if applicable)

• Performance in WAT, GD, and PI rounds

The typical weightage breakdown is:

10. Other Admission Criteria Beyond CAT Scores

• IIM Kozhikode looks for holistic profiles including leadership skills, extracurriculars, and diversity

• Strong communication skills tested in WAT and GD

• Critical thinking and personality assessed during PI

11. Cut-Offs for Other Programs at IIM Kozhikode

Apart from PGP, IIM Kozhikode offers:

• PGP in Finance (PGP-FABM)

• Executive Fellow Programme in Management (EFPM)

• Post Graduate Program in Business Leadership (PGP-BL)

Each program has its own admission process and cut-offs:

• PGP-FABM may require CAT or GMAT scores with high cut-offs (95+ percentile)

• EFPM is research-oriented, requires academic and professional credentials

• Executive programs have different eligibility criteria, often with work experience requirements

12. Factors Influencing Cut-Off Variations

• Number of applicants each year

• Difficulty level of CAT

• Changes in reservation policy

• Number of seats available

• Popularity of the program

• Economic conditions influencing the demand

13. How to Interpret IIM Kozhikode Cut-Off Percentiles

• Percentile means percentage of candidates scoring below a particular score

• A 97 percentile means you scored better than 97% of the candidates

• Higher percentile increases chances of shortlisting

14. Comparison of IIM Kozhikode Cut-Off with Other IIMs

IIM Kozhikode is competitive and often considered just below the top three IIMs in terms of cut-off requirements.

15. Tips to Clear IIM Kozhikode Cut-Offs

• Prepare all three CAT sections diligently

• Focus on speed and accuracy

• Practice mock tests to simulate real exam conditions

• Work on weak areas to ensure sectional cut-offs

• Stay updated with IIMK admission announcements

16. Importance of Academics and Work Experience in Selection

• Good academic records strengthen your profile

• Relevant work experience is an added advantage, especially for executive programs

• Diversity of background can be beneficial

17. Final Selection Process: WAT, GD, and PI

• Candidates clearing cut-offs are shortlisted for further rounds

• Written Ability Test (WAT) evaluates written communication and critical thinking

• Group Discussion (GD) tests teamwork and communication skills

• Personal Interview (PI) judges personality, motivation, and fit for IIM Kozhikode

18. How to Prepare for IIM Kozhikode Admission Holistically

• Prepare well for CAT exam and clear cut-offs

• Build a strong academic and extracurricular portfolio

• Develop communication skills for WAT and GD

• Practice interview skills and mock PIs

• Research IIM Kozhikode’s values and programs

19. FAQs about IIM Kozhikode Cut-Offs

Q1. What is the minimum CAT percentile required for IIM Kozhikode?
A: Typically around 97 percentile for General category.

Q2. Are there sectional cut-offs?
A: Yes, usually 85-90 percentile in each section.

Q3. Can work experience compensate for lower CAT scores?
A: To some extent, but meeting CAT cut-offs is mandatory.

Q4. Are CAT cut-offs released officially?
A: IIM Kozhikode does not officially release exact cut-offs but publishes shortlists and indicative ranges.

20. Conclusion

IIM Kozhikode remains a coveted destination for management aspirants across India. Understanding and clearing the CAT cut-offs is the first crucial step to securing a seat at this prestigious institute. Coupled with a holistic profile, preparation for subsequent admission stages, and clarity on cut-offs, candidates can maximize their chances of joining IIM Kozhikode.