IIM Lucknow RTI Data 2025 | 92.48% CAT Cutoff Analysis

This comprehensive analysis synthesizes Real-Time Information (RTI) disclosure data spanning a full decade (2014-26) of IIM Lucknow admissions, examining minimum CAT percentile cut-offs, selection criteria evolution, batch composition trends, and critical admission insights. Based on official IIM Lucknow admission policies and verified RTI responses, this report reveals how one of India's most competitive business schools has adjusted its selection methodology while maintaining remarkably stable competitive thresholds.

Key Findings Summary

Minimum Final Selection CAT Percentiles (10-Year Trend):

The visualization above displays the evolution of minimum CAT percentile cut-offs for final admission offers across four categories over a decade. Several critical insights emerge:

1.    General Category Stability: Despite year-to-year fluctuations, General category cut-offs have remained centred around 91-92 percentile, with the range spanning 85.28 (2020-22) to 95.48 (2023-25) percentile. This suggests that while CAT is important, the 10.2-point range reflects the significant influence of composite scoring factors (academics, interview, and experience) in final selection.

2.    NC-OBC Convergence Trend: NC-OBC cut-offs have gradually moved closer to General category standards, particularly evident in the 2022-24 batch where NC-OBC reached 91.37 percentile versus General's 91.36—near-perfect parity. This represents a significant shift from historical 5-8 percentile gaps, suggesting either improved NC-OBC applicant quality or increased emphasis on absolute merit in composite scoring.

3.    Reserved Category Uplift: Both SC (from 55.87 to 67.80 percentile) and ST (from 55.62 to 71.91 percentile) categories show long-term improvement, indicating the applicant pool within these categories has strengthened substantially over the decade.

4.    Anomalous 2020-22 Data: The dramatic dip in General category to 85.28 percentile likely reflects COVID-19 pandemic effects on CAT exam or evaluation methodology changes, serving as a notable outlier in otherwise stable trends.

Batch Profile Evolution

The Changing Face of IIM Lucknow (2015-2027):
This combination chart reveals three simultaneous transformations in batch composition:

1.      Batch Size Expansion: From a stable 410-440 range (2015-2019) to 509-643 range (2021-2027), representing 40-45% growth. This expansion aligns with increased CAT applications (265,849 in 2024-26 vs. ~200,000 in 2015-17).

2.      Dramatic Female Diversity Increase: Female representation nearly doubled from a low of 23.8% (2016-18) to 36.5% (2024-26). This trend reflects:

·         5-point diversity bonus in shortlist scoring for female candidates

·         Increasing applications from women MBA aspirants

·         Possible bias correction in interview evaluation

·         Institutional commitment to gender balance

3.      Non-Engineer Representation Surge: Perhaps the most striking transformation—non-engineers increased from 31.6% (2015-17) to 49.3% (2025-27), effectively doubling their representation. This reflects:

·         Active recruitment from commerce, arts, and science backgrounds

·         5-point diversity bonus for non-engineers

·         Broader skill requirements beyond engineering

·         Deliberate strategy to create diverse classroom composition

Minimum Final Selection CAT Percentile by Academic Year

Insight: Across the decade, General category final selection ranged from 85.28 (low) to 95.48 (high) percentile, with most years clustering at 91-92. This demonstrates that while CAT provides the initial filter, composite scoring (incorporating academics, interview performance, work experience, and diversity) significantly influences final outcomes beyond raw percentile.

      Shortlist CAT Percentile Requirements (Eligibility Criteria)

Critical Insight: These shortlist cut-offs have remained fixed since 2018 across all three programs (PGP, PGP-ABM, PGP-SM), indicating stable policy. However, these are filter criteria; actual interview calls go below these thresholds when academics and work experience are strong.

    Application-to-Offer Funnel (2024-26 - Most Recent Complete Data)

Critical Observations:

·         Selection Intensity: Less than 0.2% of all applicants receive final admission offers.

·         Category Disparity: ST candidates have 9.3× higher offer rate (1.02%) versus General (0.11%), reflecting reservation policy.

·         Interview-to-Offer Gap: Only 14-30% of interviewed candidates receive offers, with General showing lowest conversion (16.5%) due to intense within-category competition.

·         PwD Priority: Highest offer rate (5.22% of applicants) reflects institutional focus on disability inclusion.

  Batch Composition Evolution (2015-2027)

Trend Analysis:

·         Female Representation: Volatility (23.8%-36.5%) reflects varying yearly applicant demographics, with recent years showing strong commitment to 30%+ female participation

·         Non-Engineer Growth: Consistent upward trajectory from 31.6% to 49.3%, demonstrating successful diversification away from engineering dominance

·         Experience Preference: Remarkably stable 72-82% experienced candidate ratio, indicating institutional preference for post-graduation work experience before MBA

·         Fresher Acceptance: Increasing fresher acceptance (from 18% to 24%), suggesting greater flexibility while maintaining experienced majority

Work Experience Distribution (2024-26 Batches)

Mode: 13-24 months (19.1%) represents the single largest group, indicating IIM Lucknow's preference for early-career professionals rather than immediate post-graduation or highly experienced candidates.

     Shortlisting Stage Weights

     Final Selection Weights 

Critical Insight: Personal Interview (40%) is the single largest factor in final selection, effectively making interview excellence the most critical success factor post-shortlisting.

Major Insights & Trends

Insight 1: CAT's Declining Dominance

While CAT accounts for 60% of shortlist scoring, it represents only 30% of final score. The decade shows consistent evidence that candidates with 90-92 percentile CAT but exceptional academics (82%+ graduation) and interview skills successfully secure admission, despite lower percentiles than peers who don't convert offers.

Insight 2: Academic Profile as Equalizer

The 2024-26 batches showed a General female candidate selected at 92.41 percentile (below the 94.52 male minimum), indicating strong academics and interview performance overcame the percentile deficit. This pattern appears consistent across reserved categories where academic strength more than compensates for lower CAT scores.

Insight 3: Interview as Primary Differentiator

With 40% weight in final selection, Personal Interview effectively functions as the primary selection tool post-shortlisting. The 50% conversion rate for General category interview calls indicates that interview performance creates distinct winner-loser differentiation among similarly-qualified candidates.

Insight 4: Diversity Drive Success

Female representation increased from 23.8% to 36.5% (53% growth), and non-engineers from 31.6% to 49.3% (56% growth). These aren't diversity-quota results but deliberate selection strategy changes reflecting institutional recognition that diversity improves learning outcomes.

Insight 5: Reserved Category Quality Convergence

SC and ST final cut-offs have improved substantially (SC from 55.87 to 67.80, ST from 55.62 to 71.91), suggesting applicant pool quality improvements within reserved categories, not merely normalization of scores.

Insight 6: Work Experience as Significant Differentiator

With 5-10% weight in composite scoring plus interview-performance influence, work experience acts as a meaningful selection factor. Candidates with 24+ months experience show notably higher selection probability at equivalent CAT percentiles.

Insight 7: Application Growth vs. Selection Stability

Applications grew 33% (200,000 to 265,849) but shortlist rate remained stable at 1.2-1.3% indicating the institute maintains consistent selection standards despite rising applicant volume.

FAQs: Addressing Common Questions

1.      What is the minimum CAT percentile required for IIM Lucknow admission?

RTI data for PGP 2024-26 reveals 92.48 percentile (General category) as the lowest CAT score for final admission. EWS: 88.18, NC-OBC: 83.74, SC: 67.36, ST: 61.33, PwD: 61.29. Average admitted General candidates score 99.4+.

2.      Can I get IIM Lucknow with 90 percentile?

Possible but rare. RTI shows 92.48 minimum for General, but exceptional PI performance (40% weightage), academics, and diversity factors needed. 95+ percentile strongly recommended for realistic chances.

3.      What are IIM Lucknow sectional cut-offs for shortlisting?

Minimum sectional: VARC/DILR/QA ~85 each (General). RTI confirms average sectional scores of admitted General males: VARC 97.29, DILR 97.68, QA 97.72. No relaxation even for final admits.​

4.      What is the difference between IIM Lucknow shortlist and final cut-off?

Shortlist: 94-96+ CAT (60% weight). Final selection: Composite score minimums - General: 59.04, EWS: 47.99, NC-OBC: 45.44, SC: 41.53, ST: 30.06, PwD: 20.67. PI (40%) dominates final offers.​

5.      How selective is IIM Lucknow PGP program?

Extremely competitive: 265,849 total applicants → 3,541 interview calls (1.33%) → 1,409 final offers (0.53%) → 643 batch size (0.24% overall conversion). General category: 176,969 applicants → 581 admits (0.33%)

6.      How many students applied to IIM Lucknow 2024-26?

Total: 265,849 applicants. Category-wise: General (176,969), EWS (14,153), NC-OBC (46,590), SC (21,444), ST (5,608), PwD (1,085). Shows massive competition scale.

7.      Can freshers get into IIM Lucknow?

 Yes, 23.4% freshers (119 students). RTI shows freshers need 98+ CAT + exceptional academics vs experienced candidates (390 students) who get work ex points (5-10% weight).

8.      What is average work experience at IIM Lucknow?

20-24 months average. RTI distribution: 13-24 months (97 students, most common), 25-36 months (84 students). Sectors: IT/Analytics 28.1%, Operations 18.3%, Finance 12.8%.

Real-World Implications

For 90+ Percentile General Category Candidates

 Your CAT score qualifies you for an interview. However, 50% of those interviewed are rejected, meaning academics (aim for 82%+ graduation) and interview excellence become critical. A perfect interview (40/40) and strong academics can result in selection even at 91 percentile.

For 85-90 Percentile General Category Candidates

Selection is theoretically possible (evidenced by 2020-22 batch minimum of 85.28) but practically requires:

·         Graduation marks 88%+ (top-tier performance)

·         24+ months relevant work experience

·         Absolutely exceptional interview (38-40/40)

·         Even with these, selection probability remains below 5%

For Reserved Category Candidates

The gap between General and reserved category cutoffs (15-28 percentile) provides meaningful opportunity. An SC candidate at 70 percentile with strong academics has higher selection probability than a General candidate at 70 percentile, reflecting both policy and absolute evaluation against category peers.

For Female Candidates

The growth of female representation from 23.8% to 36.5%, combined with 5-point diversity bonus and noted lower CAT thresholds at equivalent composite scores, indicates expanding opportunity for female MBA aspirants.

For Non-Engineers

With non-engineer representation approaching 50% and dedicated 5-point diversity bonus, non-engineering backgrounds are no longer disadvantageous; they're actively sought for diverse perspectives.

Future Outlook (2026-28)

Based on published admission policies for CAT 2025 (2026-28 batch):

·         General category shortlist: 90 percentile (consistent with historical)

·         Reserved categories: 82 (EWS/OBC), 65 (SC), 60 (ST)

·         Selection criteria: Unchanged from 2022-24 standards

Projected Final Selection Ranges:

·         General: 91-93 percentile

·         NC-OBC: 84-87 percentile

·         SC: 68-72 percentile

·         ST: 62-65 percentile

Conclusion

IIM Lucknow's decade-long admissions data reveals an institution successfully balancing merit-based selection with diversity and holistic evaluation. While CAT remains important as an initial filter (90 percentile for General), the final selection mechanism has evolved to weight Personal Interview (40%), academics (10%), work experience (5%), and diversity (5%) nearly equally with CAT (30%), effectively creating a composite evaluation system where multiple strengths can compensate for lower raw CAT scores.

The institution's expansion of batch size, female representation, and non-engineer diversity demonstrates successful implementation of strategic admission changes without compromising competitive standards. Application growth of 33% with stable 1.3% shortlist rate and <0.2% offer rate confirms that even as IIM Lucknow becomes more accessible through diverse pathways, it remains among India's most selective institutions.

For future aspirants, the data clearly demonstrates that while 90+ percentile provides interview access, success depends equally on academic excellence, relevant work experience, and interview preparedness. The decade's most important lesson: IIM Lucknow selects based on perceived MBA potential, not solely on CAT percentile.

Most Searched Topics by Students

IIM Lucknow minimum CAT percentile |IIM Lucknow final selection cut-off 2025 | What CAT percentile needed for IIM Lucknow | IIM Lucknow interview call requirements general category | IIM Lucknow cut-off 2024-26 batch | Minimum percentile to get IIM Lucknow admission | IIM Lucknow expected cut-off 2025-27 | Can I get IIM Lucknow with 90 percentile | IIM Lucknow CAT cut-off vs final cut-off difference | How much percentile needed IIM Lucknow interview | IIM Lucknow NC-OBC SC ST cut-off percentile | IIM Lucknow EWS category minimum percentile | IIM Lucknow PwD category cut-off special | IIM Lucknow sectional cut-off VARC DILR QA | IIM Lucknow composite score calculation explained | How is IIM Lucknow composite score weighted | IIM Lucknow shortlist composite score cut-off | IIM Lucknow final offer composite score range | IIM Lucknow RTI data 2024-26 complete | IIM Lucknow admission statistics total applicants | How many students applied IIM Lucknow 2025 | IIM Lucknow interview call percentage 0.66% | IIM Lucknow total offers final admission count | IIM Lucknow conversion rate interview to offer | IIM Lucknow overall admission conversion 0.19% | IIM Lucknow batch profile 2024-26 2025-27 | IIM Lucknow female representation percentage 36.5% | IIM Lucknow non-engineer percentage 49.3% | How many freshers in IIM Lucknow 23.4% | IIM Lucknow work experience distribution months | IIM Lucknow fresher vs experienced ratio 24:76 | IIM Lucknow average work experience 20-24 months | IIM Lucknow IT analytics 28.1% sector | IIM Lucknow operations 18.3% finance 12.8% | IIM Lucknow engineering non-engineering ratio | IIM Lucknow 248 engineers 205 non-engineers | IIM Lucknow selection criteria weightage CAT PI | How much weight CAT 30% IIM Lucknow | IIM Lucknow personal interview 40% weightage | IIM Lucknow WAT 10% essay academics 10% | IIM Lucknow work experience 5% weightage points | How important diversity factor IIM Lucknow | IIM Lucknow shortlist criteria academic profile | IIM Lucknow shortlisting methodology 60% CAT | IIM Lucknow written ability test WAT format | IIM Lucknow personal interview PI 20-25 minutes | IIM Lucknow minimum 12 out of 40 PI score | What topics come in IIM Lucknow WAT essay | How to prepare for IIM Lucknow interview | IIM Lucknow PI questions commonly asked | IIM Lucknow personal interview preparation strategy | IIM Lucknow interview shortlist preparation tips | IIM Lucknow 10-year cut-off trends 2014-2026 | IIM Lucknow highest cut-off 95.48 2023-25 | IIM Lucknow lowest cut-off 85.28 2020-22 | Has IIM Lucknow cut-off been increasing | IIM Lucknow historical admission difficulty analysis | When was easiest year to get IIM Lucknow | IIM Lucknow past years cut-off 2021-2025 | What is trend in IIM Lucknow percentile | IIM Lucknow female representation 23.8% to 36.5% | IIM Lucknow non-engineer diversity 32% to 49% | IIM Lucknow batch size expansion 440 to 643 | How has IIM Lucknow batch changed | IIM Lucknow competition increasing year-to-year | IIM Lucknow total applications 265000 growing | Is it harder to get IIM Lucknow now | IIM Lucknow general category conversion 49% | IIM Lucknow OBC category offer rate 0.81% | IIM Lucknow SC category conversion 0.95% | IIM Lucknow ST category offer rate 1.89% | IIM Lucknow PwD highest offer rate 4.61% | IIM Lucknow waitlist movement data statistics | How many percentile difference final vs shortlist | What is offer-to-call ratio categories | Can I get IIM Lucknow with 85 percentile | Can I get IIM Lucknow with 88 percentile | Will I get IIM Lucknow call 92 percentile | Is 90 percentile enough for admission | Can fresher get IIM Lucknow without experience | Can non-engineer get IIM Lucknow easily | Can female candidate get lower cut-off | Does IIM Lucknow prefer engineers only | IIM Lucknow vs IIM Bangalore cut-off | IIM Lucknow vs IIM Indore percentile | Which IIM is easier to get admission | IIM Lucknow vs baby IIMs admission | IIM Lucknow vs FMS Delhi cut-off | IIM Lucknow vs SPJIMR MDI admission | Is IIM Lucknow harder than Kozhikode | IIM Lucknow ranking compared colleges | IIM Lucknow MBA admission eligibility | IIM Lucknow application process steps | What documents required for application | IIM Lucknow deadline dates 2025-26 | IIM Lucknow fee structure annual cost | IIM Lucknow scholarship opportunities financial aid | IIM Lucknow placements average salary package | IIM Lucknow highest package 2024 | IIM Lucknow placement statistics 100% | IIM Lucknow campus location infrastructure | IIM Lucknow specialization options courses | IIM Lucknow faculty profile expertise | IIM Lucknow alumni network benefit | IIM Lucknow reputation ranking NIRF 2025 | How good is IIM Lucknow MBA program | IIM Lucknow MBA-ABM agribusiness management | IIM Lucknow MBA-SM sustainable management | Should I target IIM Lucknow 91 percentile | Is IIM Lucknow worth it for career | IIM Lucknow or new IIM better choice | Will I regret missing IIM Lucknow | IIM Lucknow admission official website | IIM Lucknow application portal login | IIM Lucknow shortlist status check | IIM Lucknow WAT-PI form deadline | What percentile IIM Lucknow interview voice search | How can I get into IIM Lucknow | Is IIM Lucknow hard to get into | When will IIM Lucknow results out 2025 | IIM Lucknow gender diversity female advantage | Do female candidates get lower cut-off | IIM Lucknow academic diversity non-engineer bonus | Does IIM Lucknow have diversity quota | IIM Lucknow sectional cut-off 85 each section What if I miss sectional cut-off | Can I get call with low sectional |IIM Lucknow 91.02 general 86.20 OBC | IIM Lucknow 67.80 SC 60.30 ST percentile | IIM Lucknow 2025-27 expected cut-off range | IIM Lucknow 2024-25 admission final results | IIM Lucknow call percentage 0.66% general | IIM Lucknow shortlist rate 1.33% all | IIM Lucknow offer rate 0.19% less | IIM Lucknow selection intensity competitive | IIM Lucknow how many interview calls 3541 | IIM Lucknow total final offers 509 | IIM Lucknow 265849 applicants admits | IIM Lucknow shortlist to final 14.4% | Does IIM Lucknow prefer work experience | IIM Lucknow fresher 23.4% batch | IIM Lucknow work experience 13-24 months | How much experience helps admission | IIM Lucknow 12th marks percentile | IIM Lucknow graduation marks normalization | How important are academic marks | Can strong academics compensate CAT |IIM Lucknow interview low percentile | IIM Lucknow strong profile weak CAT | IIM Lucknow composite scoring CAT less | How much interview improve chances | IIM Lucknow 509 admitted 643 batch |IIM Lucknow 2024-26 batch 509 final | IIM Lucknow 2025-27 batch 643 enrolled | Why batch size increasing expansion | IIM Lucknow female 36.5% males 63.5% | IIM Lucknow non-engineers 49.3% diversity | How has gender diversity increased | IIM Lucknow admits 0.19% conversion | Most selective college India IIM L | Only 1 in 500 applicants admission | More selective Bangalore IIM Lucknow | IIM Lucknow process transparent RTI | Admission statistics public disclosure | Where to find IIM Lucknow RTI info | How reliable RTI data sources | IIM Lucknow 49 female 2024-26 | IIM Lucknow 186 women selected | Female percentage increased decade | Why more females IIM Lucknow | IIM Lucknow sector distribution | Work experience distribution batch | Academic discipline wise breakdown | IIM Lucknow 119 freshers 390 experienced | 97 students 13-24 months 84 25-36 | Months distribution pattern work | IIM Lucknow CAT not only criterion | Holistic evaluation beyond CAT | Interview crucial final selection | Academic profile equals CAT | IIM Lucknow 92.41 percentile admitted | Exceptional academics override low | Composite scoring selection logic | How composite determines final | IIM Lucknow policy changes 2025-27 | Selection criteria evolution |Weight-age unchanged previous | How criteria evolved over years.