Every CAT aspirant knows that simply scoring well in the CAT exam isn’t enough. A lot depends upon your percentile and how you convert that into opportunities in the multi-layered IIM admission process, and if you’re eyeing to get into one of the main IIMs like IIM Kozhikode, this becomes a whole lot important.IIM Kozhikode is one of the top IIMs in the country and stands as one of the premier institutions for PGDM courses. Being one among the BLACKI (IIM Bangalore, IIM Lucknow, IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Kolkata, IIM KOZHIKODE & IIM INDORE), the institute is famous for its own rigorous admission process that blends CAT scores with academic history, profile diversity, and interview performance. For aspirants trying to get into IIM Kozhikode for their MBA journey, understanding the IIM Kozhikode cut-off for 2025 admissions and how it compares to the previous year becomes crucial. Every year, the institute admits around 540+ students into its flagship PGP/PGDM program and while the minimum eligibility criteria hovers around 85 percentile overall, with 75 in each section, the real chance for a student stands at 97–98 percentile. This blog provides you with an in-depth overview of IIM Kozhikode Cutoff 2025 and the past year trends.Official Shortlisting Cut-Offs for 2025
Much like other IIMs. IIM Kozhikode too follows a three-stage admission process. Stage-1 begins with CAT-based shortlisting, where candidates must cross both sectional and overall thresholds along with academic cutoffs.
Here are the minimum CAT percentiles or Cut-offs for Stage-1 shortlisting for admission into IIM Kozhikode in 2025.
Category-wise CAT Cutoff 2025
Note: These are the qualifying cut-offs (bare minimum)— clearing them makes you eligible to be considered for the shortlist, but doesn’t guarantee you a call. Actual shortlisting tends to be at much higher percentile, especially for the General category.
Stage-2: Shortlisting via Aggregate Index Score (AIS)
Eligible candidates from Stage-1 move to the next round where an Aggregate Index Score (AIS) of each and every candidate is calculated to decide the WAT–PI shortlist.
Key components of AIS include the following:
This way IIM Kozhikode promotes students with strong academics and diversity. For example, female candidates or students from non-engineering backgrounds gain an edge over others.
Stage-3: Final Merit List
Aspirants with good AIS (Aggregate Index Score) move to the final stage, where they are evaluated on the basis of Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI). The final composite score typically considers:
- CAT Score (35%)
- PI Performance (35%)
- WAT (20%)
- Resume & Other Profile Elements (10%)
This way the Final Merit List is prepared category-wise, and only those with strong consistency across CAT, academics, and PI stand a chance to secure admission into the institute.
Suggested Read: CAT 2025 Result
IIM Kozhikode Cutoff for 2024
To better understand the trend, let’s look at the official IIM Kozhikode cutoffs for 2024 admissions:
Observation: The official eligibility cutoffs have remained more or less the same in both the years i.e. 2024 and 2025. However, the actual shortlisting cutoff for General category candidates typically lies in the 97–98 percentile range, highlighting the gap between eligibility and realistic chances.
Know more about CAT Cutoff 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022 for IIMs, Non IIMs and MBA Colleges
What the Trends Tell Us?
On the basis of our understanding, it is safe to say that while qualifying percentiles get you in the admission game, PI calls at main IIMs like IIM Kozhikode generally hover above the qualifying bar.Clearing the eligibility criteria like an overall 85 percentile bar for General category aspirants doesn’t guarantee a call and a safe score would be somewhere around 97 percentile +.
- Profile Weightage is SignificantUnlike many other IIMs, IIM Kozhikode gives 40% combined weightage to Class X and XII scores in Stage-2. This means consistency in academics plays a pivotal role.
- Diversity PushIIM-K has been proactive in rewarding gender and academic diversity. Non-engineers and female candidates with solid CAT scores often enjoy an advantage in the shortlisting phase.
- PI Performance is Make-or-BreakEven a 98+ percentile candidate can miss out with a weak interview. With PI carrying 35% weight, personality and communication are crucial.
Also Read: CAT 2025 Preparation Strategy: Section Wise Study Plan, Timeline and Resources
Final Thoughts
The IIM Kozhikode cut-off is not just a number, it is a multi-dimensional filter that checks consistency in academics, CAT score, and personal aptitude.
For General category aspirants, aiming 97–98 percentile with strong sectionals is the safest bet. For reserved categories, the relative margin is lower, but competition remains fierce.
At the end of the day, remember: a strong CAT score, consistent academics, diversity points, and polished PI skills together build your case. The official thresholds are only stepping stones — your target should always be higher.
