What is CAP in IIM selection and which IIMs participate?

CAP stands for Common Admission Process, a shared shortlist and interview process used by a group of newer and mid-tier IIMs to streamline candidate selection. The honest framing is that CAP simplifies the candidate's application process across multiple IIMs but does not directly affect cutoffs or selection rigour.

The structure of CAP

The Common Admission Process is organised by a consortium of participating IIMs and typically includes:

• A shared shortlist round based on CAT score and academic profile
• A common WAT and PI round held at specific locations
• A shared evaluation framework, with each IIM applying its own weights to the components
• Separate final composite calculations and offers from each participating IIM

Candidates apply through the CAP process once and receive shortlist decisions and offers from multiple participating IIMs.

Which IIMs participate in CAP

The CAP consortium has typically included

• IIM Trichy
• IIM Ranchi
• IIM Kashipur
• IIM Raipur
• IIM Rohtak
• IIM Udaipur (in some years)
• IIM Shillong (in some years)
• IIM Jammu, IIM Bodhgaya, IIM Sirmaur, and other newer IIMs

The specific participating list can vary year on year. Some IIMs join or leave the consortium based on institutional decisions. Verify the current cycle's CAP participants on the official admissions communication.

How CAP differs from individual IIM selection

For IIMs not in CAP (IIM A, B, C, L, K, I, Mumbai, Indore):

• Each IIM runs its own shortlist, WAT, and PI process
• Candidates apply individually to each IIM
• Selection is independent at each IIM

For IIMs in CAP

• Shared WAT and PI sessions at common locations
• Single application process covers all participating IIMs
• Each IIM applies its own weights to the shared evaluation
• Independent offers from each IIM

The candidate experience in CAP

Candidates in CAP typically

• Apply through the CAP application process (rather than individual IIM forms)
• Receive consolidated shortlist decisions from participating IIMs
• Attend common WAT-PI sessions at specified locations (typically Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai)
• Receive separate offer decisions from each IIM based on its specific evaluation

This simplifies the application logistics and reduces travel costs for candidates targeting multiple newer IIMs.

Implications for cutoffs

CAP does not standardise cutoffs across participating IIMs. Each IIM still has its own threshold:

• IIM Trichy and Udaipur: typically higher cutoffs (95 to 97 CAT for GEM)
• IIM Ranchi, Kashipur: typically 93 to 96 CAT
• IIM Raipur, Rohtak: typically 92 to 95 CAT
• IIM Jammu, Bodhgaya, Sirmaur: typically 90 to 94 CAT

CAP enables candidates to be evaluated for multiple IIMs through a single process, but each IIM applies its own threshold and final composite.

For your application

If you are targeting newer or mid-tier IIMs, the CAP process simplifies your application logistics. You apply once and receive evaluation across participating IIMs.

The CAT threshold for CAP participation depends on which specific IIMs you are targeting within the consortium. Plan around the highest-threshold IIM in your target list.

For specific CAP details for the current cycle, refer to the official IIM communications. To map your profile against newer IIM shortlists, run an eligibility match.