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The decision of both IIMs to withdraw from CAP 2025 stems from their desire to tailor the admission process to find specific candidates.
IIM Raipur & Sambalpur seek MBA candidates beyond CAT scores.(Representational/ File Photo)
In a significant shift, IIM Raipur and IIM Sambalpur have decided to exit the Common Admission Process (CAP) for the 2025 MBA admissions cycle, a move that has raised several questions among prospective students. Traditionally, most of the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have adhered to the CAP for selecting candidates for their MBA programmes. The process, which includes shortlisting candidates based on CAT (Common Admission Test) scores followed by a Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI), has been the standard route for admissions.
The decision of both IIM Raipur and IIM Sambalpur to withdraw from CAP 2025 stems from their desire to tailor the admission process to identify a more specific kind of candidate. Both institutions have expressed concerns that the CAP process does not adequately meet their need to select students with particular qualities.
IIM Raipur, for example, has been vocal about its aim to foster a culture of entrepreneurship. The institute’s motto, ‘Building Business Owners’, reflects its focus on selecting candidates with an entrepreneurial mindset. IIM Raipur Professor Ramkumar Kakani explained that while the CAP process does allow for an initial selection based on CAT scores, it falls short in identifying candidates with the entrepreneurial spirit they wish to cultivate. As a result, IIM Raipur has opted for a more personalised approach to admissions, which it believes will better align with its educational objectives.
Similarly, IIM Sambalpur has voiced similar concerns. The institute has stated that MBA candidates need specific qualifications that cannot be fully gauged through the CAP process. IIM Sambalpur’s decision to withdraw from the common process is based on the need to better identify candidates who possess the right attributes for an MBA programme, something they feel cannot be adequately assessed through the current CAP framework.
How Will Admissions at IIM Raipur and Sambalpur Happen Now?
With their exit from CAP 2025, IIM Raipur and IIM Sambalpur have announced a new admission approach. Both institutes will now select candidates based on their CAT scores followed by an interview.
This change in the selection process means that the initial shortlisting will still be based on a candidate’s performance in the CAT exam, but there will be a stronger emphasis on the interview stage. The decision to opt for interviews as a central part of the selection process reflects the institutes’ desire to assess candidates’ fit with their unique educational philosophies and specific requirements.
CAT 2024 Cutoff Percentile
Since CAT scores will continue to play a major role in the admission process at IIM Raipur and IIM Sambalpur, it is essential for prospective candidates to be aware of the expected cutoff percentiles for 2024. The exact percentile thresholds for admission will be determined by each institute based on various factors, including the overall performance of candidates in the CAT exam and the number of available seats in their respective MBA programmes. Candidates must meet these cutoffs to be considered for the interview stage, where their suitability for the programme will be further assessed.
