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Indian Institute of Management Lucknow

(IIM Lucknow)
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh IIM Government | Est. 1984
4.6
UGC Approved NAAC A++ AACSB Accredited

Last Updated: Apr 24, 2026

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Established

1984

Campus Size

195.00 Acres

Total Students

900

Faculty

90

Student-Faculty

10:1

IIM Lucknow Admissions: Process, Eligibility, and Selection Criteria

IIM Lucknow is one of India's premier management institutions, offering postgraduate management programs through a rigorous merit-based selection process. The primary pathway for admission to IIM Lucknow's MBA program is through the Common Admission Test (CAT), a national-level examination conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management. Candidates who qualify in the CAT are shortlisted based on their performance, after which they undergo a comprehensive selection process that includes a personal interview, group discussion, and evaluation of their academic profile. The institute considers multiple parameters including CAT percentile, past academic record, work experience, and interview performance to ensure a diverse and talented cohort.

To be eligible for IIM Lucknow's MBA program, candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree from a recognized university. The institute welcomes applications from candidates across all academic backgrounds—engineering, commerce, arts, or science. There is no specific academic specialization requirement, making IIM Lucknow accessible to candidates from diverse educational streams. Work experience is not mandatory for admission, though the institute values candidates with professional exposure and business acumen.

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management and is the primary entrance exam for IIM Lucknow admissions. The CAT exam is held annually and tests candidates on quantitative ability, data interpretation, logical reasoning, and verbal ability. Candidates are advised to visit IIM Lucknow's official website for the most current information on admission criteria, application timelines, examination dates, and program-specific details. The admission process is highly competitive, and candidates should prepare thoroughly to succeed in this premier selection process.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates aspiring for MBA admission at IIM Lucknow must hold a Bachelor's degree in any discipline with a minimum aggregate of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates). The degree should be recognized by the Government of India. Candidates appearing in their final year of Bachelor's programme are also eligible to apply, provided they submit proof of degree completion before the stipulated deadline.

CAT (Common Admission Test) score is mandatory for all applicants. Candidates must achieve the minimum percentile cutoff set by IIM Lucknow, which typically varies based on category and program. While not strictly required, relevant work experience can strengthen the application profile during the Personal Interview stage.

PGDM program candidates follow the same eligibility criteria as MBA. Applicants from all academic backgrounds—engineering, commerce, humanities, and sciences—are encouraged to apply. Meeting the academic eligibility does not guarantee admission; final selection is based on overall merit including CAT performance, academic record, work experience (if any), and interview performance.

Application Process

1

Register for the CAT (Common Admission Test) entrance exam and submit application during notification period

2

Appear for CAT entrance exam conducted by IIMs

3

Meet the minimum CAT percentile cutoff and get shortlisted by IIM Lucknow

4

Participate in Group Discussion (GD) round to assess communication and analytical skills

5

Attend Personal Interview (PI) with admissions panel to evaluate profile and motivation

6

Submit final selection based on CAT score, GD, PI performance, and academic profile

7

Complete document verification and fulfill admission requirements

8

Register for the program and complete fee payment to confirm admission

Important Admission Dates 2026

Event Programme Date
CAT Notification Release MBA, PGDM July 2026
CAT Application Registration Deadline MBA, PGDM September 2026
CAT Entrance Exam Date MBA, PGDM November 2026
CAT Results Announcement MBA, PGDM January 2027
Shortlist Announcement MBA, PGDM January 2027
Group Discussion and Personal Interview MBA, PGDM February–March 2027
Final Merit List Declaration MBA, PGDM April 2027
Counselling and Seat Allocation MBA, PGDM April–May 2027
Document Verification All Programmes May 2027
Program Commencement MBA, PGDM June 2027

Seat Matrix

Course Total Seats Duration Admission Mode
MBA 460 2 Years Entrance Exam
PGDM 280 2 Years CAT + Interview

Entrance Exams Accepted

Latest Cutoff Summary

Exam Course Category Closing Rank
CAT - General -
CAT - OBC-NCL -
CAT - SC -
CAT - ST -
CAT - EWS -