IIM CAP Admission Process Explained (For New IIMs) – 2026 Complete Guide

After CAT results, many aspirants receive a single interview call called IIM CAP and get confused about what it actually means.

Questions students commonly ask:

• What is IIM CAP?

• Which IIMs are part of CAP?

• Is CAP one interview for all IIMs?

• How is final selection done after CAP?

The Common Admission Process (CAP) is used by New IIMs to conduct a centralized Personal Interview (PI) instead of separate interviews.

This blog explains the IIM CAP admission process step by step, including:

• Participating IIMs

• Shortlisting criteria

• PI process

• Composite score & final selection

What Is IIM CAP?

IIM CAP (Common Admission Process) is a centralized interview process conducted for New IIMs.

Instead of each IIM conducting separate interviews, one common PI round is conducted, and scores are shared with participating IIMs.

Each IIM then prepares its own final merit list using CAP scores and other criteria.

Which IIMs Participate in CAP?

The list may vary slightly each year, but CAP generally includes:

• IIM Trichy

• IIM Udaipur

• IIM Ranchi

• IIM Kashipur

• IIM Raipur

• IIM Rohtak

• IIM Bodh Gaya

• IIM Jammu

• IIM Sambalpur

• IIM Sirmaur

• IIM Nagpur

• IIM Visakhapatnam

Old IIMs (A, B, C, L, K, I, S) do NOT use CAP.

Step-by-Step IIM CAP Admission Process

Step 1: CAT Score-Based Shortlisting

After CAT results:

• CAP conducting IIM releases cutoff criteria

• Candidates meeting minimum sectional & overall cutoffs are shortlisted

Important points:

• Cutoffs are usually lower than Old IIMs

• Sectional cutoffs are strictly applied

• Profile is not considered at this stage

Shortlisted candidates receive one CAP interview call.

Step 2: CAP Registration & Slot Booking

Shortlisted candidates must:

• Register on the CAP portal

• Upload documents

• Select interview slots

Documents typically required:

• CAT scorecard

• Academic certificates

• Work experience proof (if any)

Missing deadlines can lead to disqualification, even after shortlisting.

Step 3: CAP Personal Interview (PI)

CAP includes only a Personal Interview (no GD or WAT in most years).

PI Focus Areas:

• Academic fundamentals

• Work experience (if applicable)

• Current affairs & awareness

• Communication skills

• Career clarity

Duration:

• Usually 15–20 minutes

Interview panel:

• 2–3 faculty members

This single PI score is used by all CAP IIMs.

Step 4: Composite Score Calculation (Key Step)

After PI, each IIM calculates a composite score using its own formula.

Components typically include:

• CAT score

• PI score

• Academic performance (10th, 12th, graduation)

• Work experience

• Gender / academic diversity

Each IIM assigns different weightages, which is why:

• You may convert one CAP IIM and not another

• Merit lists differ across IIMs

Step 5: Final Merit List & Offer Letters

Each IIM:

• Publishes its own merit list

• Sends offer letters independently

• Operates its own waitlist

CAP conducting IIM does not control final selection.

Is CAP One Interview for All IIMs?

Yes and No.

• One PI is conducted

• Same PI score shared with all IIMs

• Final selection differs due to different weightages

So performance in one interview can lead to multiple offers.

Important CAP Myths (Reality Check)

• High CAT score alone does not guarantee conversion

• PI performance is extremely important

• Academic consistency matters

• Work experience can significantly help

• CAP is competitive due to large applicant pool

Typical Weightage in CAP Selection

Component	Approx Weight
CAT Score	35–45%
Personal Interview	30–40%
Academics	10–20%
Work Experience & Diversity	5–10%

Exact weightage varies by IIM.

How to Prepare for IIM CAP Interview

Focus on:

• Graduation subject basics

• Work experience clarity

• Why MBA & career goals

• Awareness of business & economy

Avoid:

• Overconfidence due to CAT score

• Vague answers

• Poor communication

CAP interviews reward clarity, honesty, and fundamentals.

Common Mistakes Students Make in CAP

• Treating CAP as “easy”

• Ignoring academic fundamentals

• Not preparing for HR questions

• Missing document deadlines

• Assuming all IIMs have same criteria

CAP vs Individual IIM Interviews

Aspect	CAP	Old IIM Interviews
Interview	Single PI	Separate PI
Competition	High	Very High
Flexibility	Lower	Higher
Profile Weightage	Moderate	High

Final Verdict

IIM CAP is a huge opportunity for candidates targeting New IIMs.

One strong interview performance can lead to:

• Multiple IIM offers

• Entry into the IIM ecosystem

• Strong long-term career outcomes

Success in CAP depends on balanced CAT score, solid PI performance, and consistent academics.

FAQs – IIM CAP Admission Process

1. What is IIM CAP?

   IIM CAP is a common interview process for New IIMs.

   
   

2. How many interviews are conducted in CAP?

   Only one Personal Interview.

   
   

3. Does CAP include WAT or GD?

   Usually no. Most years include only PI.

   
   

4. Can I convert multiple IIMs through CAP?

   Yes, depending on composite score and merit lists.

   
   

5. Is CAP easier than Old IIM interviews?

   Cutoffs are lower, but competition is still high.