IIM Lucknow admissions to all courses are based on merit and entrance exams like CAT, GMAT, GRE, GATE and PGPWE. IIM Lucknow offers a range of postgraduate, executive and doctoral programs in management and business administration. The institute was ranked 4th in IIRF MBA ranking 2025 and 7th in NIRF 2024 Ranking under the Management category, making it one of the leading business schools in India. The college is also accredited by the Association of MBAs (AMBA) and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). PGP, PGPWE, MBA E&I, IPMX and FPM are some of IIM Lucknow’s well-known courses. The candidates also need to appear for a Personal Interview and Written Ability Test (WAT) to get selected into the institute.
CAT 2025 registration started on 1 August, 2025, at 10:00 AM and will close on 13 September, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Admit cards will be available for download from 5 November to 30 November 2025. The CAT 2025 exam is scheduled for 30 November 2025, and the results are likely to be announced in the first week of January 2026. The CAT application fee has been revised to INR 2600 for General category candidates and INR 1300 for SC/ST/PwD candidates.
Table of Contents
IIM Lucknow Important Dates 2025
Event | Date (Tentative) |
Application Window Closes | January, 2026 |
IIMB Test Round 1 | November, 2025 |
IIMB Test Round 2 | February, 2026 |
Shortlist Notification | March, 2026 |
Area Tests (Online) | February to March, 2026 |
Interview Dates | March, 2026 |
Offer Notification | March, 2026 |
Offer Acceptance Deadline | March, 2026 |
IIM Lucknow PG Admission 2025
IIM Lucknow offers several postgraduate programs, including PGP, PGP-ABM, PGP-SM, PGPWE, IPMX, and MBA E&I. Admission is based on merit and scores from entrance exams such as CAT, GMAT, GRE, and GATE. The candidates will also have to appear for a Personal Interview and a Written Ability Test to be selected.
Program Name | Duration | Fees (INR) | Eligibility Criteria |
PGP (MBA) | 2 years | 20.75 Lakh | Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks + CAT score |
PGP-ABM | 2 years | 20.75 Lakh | Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks + CAT score |
PGP-SM | 2 years | 20.75 Lakh | Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks + CAT score |
PGPWE | 2 years | 11 Lakh | Bachelor's degree with 50% marks + minimum 3 years work experience + CAT / GMAT / GRE / GATE Scores |
IPMX | 1 year | 26 Lakh | Bachelor's degree with at least 5 years of work experience + GMAT/GRE scores |
MBA E&I | 16 months | 14.30 Lakh | Bachelor’s degree + CAT/ GMAT score & Business Plan Presentation |
IIM Lucknow Ph.D Admission 2025
The candidates need to pass 10th and 12th grade with a minimum of 50% marks to be eligible for admission into the doctoral program. They must have a Bachelor's degree (non-engineering) with a minimum of 55% marks and a Master's degree with a minimum of 55% marks. Additionally, the shortlisted candidates will be required to participate in a personal interview round for final selection.
Program Name | Duration | Eligibility Criteria |
FPM | 4-5 years | 10th + 12th with 50% marks, Bachelor's degree (non-engineering) with 55% marks and Master's degree with minimum 55% marks OR Bachelor's degree (engineering) with a minimum of 60% marks OR any professional qualifications such as CA and CS with minimum 55% marks |
IIM Lucknow Application Process 2025
To apply to the PGP/PGP ABM program at IIM Lucknow, you will have to go through the following steps.
- Visit the official CAT website, www.iimcat.ac.in, and then register to get your login credentials.
- Once logged in, fill the application form with accurate personal, educational and work experience details.
- Then choose IIM Lucknow and the PGP or PGP ABM program. You also need to pick your test centre.
- Submit the application and pay the application fee.
CAT 2025 Registration
How to Register:
- Visit the official CAT website to register online.
- Use a valid and unique email ID and mobile number to start the process.
- After registering, you’ll receive a User ID and Password to log in and fill out the application form.
Key Guidelines:
- You can complete the form in multiple sessions — your progress will be saved automatically.
- Review all details carefully before submitting the application fee. No changes are allowed after payment.
- Incorrect or incomplete forms may be rejected.
- SC/ST/PwD candidates must upload valid certificates. Category changes cannot be made after registration.
- A short correction window will be available after registration closes for a limited time only.
CAT 2025 Registration Fee
- The registration fee for CAT 2025 must be paid online only.
- Candidates can choose from SBI ePay or BillDesk payment gateways.
- The fee is non-refundable under any circumstances.
- The application fee is required to be paid only once, regardless of the number of IIMs or other institutions candidates are applying to.
How to Register for CAT 2025 Exam
Follow the steps below to complete CAT 2025 registration:
- Visit the Official Website
- Click on ‘New Candidate Registration’ Begin by selecting the New Registration option.
- Generate OTP Enter basic details to receive a One-Time Password (OTP) for verification.
- Complete Basic Registration Fill in the Name, Date of Birth, Email ID, and Mobile Number.Ensure all details are accurate — these cannot be edited later.
- Login to Complete the Application Use the provided User ID and Password to log in and access the application form.
- Fill in Detailed Information
- Personal Details
- Academic Qualifications
- Work Experience (if any)
- Programme Preferences
- Test City Choices
- Pay the Application Fee Choose the preferred payment gateway and complete the payment process.
- Submit & Save After making a successful payment, please submit the form and download a copy of the completed application for future reference.
Documents required:
- Scanned signature and passport-sized photographs
- Class 10 and Class 12 marksheet
- Graduation and post-graduation marksheet (if needed)
- Work Experience (if applicable)
IIM Lucknow Admission FAQs
What is the criteria for IIM Lucknow admission?
You need to score at the 90th percentile in CAT (minimum) to participate in the IIM Lucknow admission process for PGP courses. For PGP-ABM and PGP-SM, the qualifying cut off is 85th percentile (overall).
Can I get admission to IIM Lucknow without taking the CAT?
No, you can only pursue an MBA from IIM Lucknow after scoring well in the CAT exam.
What is the IIM Lucknow eligibility criteria for FPM?
You must hold a Master's/Bachelor's degree with a minimum aggregate of 55%. The selection is based on CAT/GMAT scores and a personal interview.
Are Class 12 marks important for IIM Lucknow MBA admission?
Yes, MBA admission in IIM Lucknow is based on candidates' performance in their Class 12 marks along with other parameters. The candidates also need to have valid CAT scores.
Is CAT mandatory for PhD at IIM Lucknow?
No, CAT isn't mandatory for IIM Lucknow FPM admission. It's one of the accepted examinations.
What is the Executive MBA admission process for IIM Lucknow?
Admission to the Executive MBA or PGPWE program is based on the CAT, GMAT, and GATE scores. Applicants are then shortlisted for the WAT and PI round based on their CAT performance, relevant work experience and scholastic achievement.
Which courses are offered by IIM Lucknow?
IIM Lucknow offers MBA (PGP), Executive MBA, PGP-ABM, PGP-SM, IPMX and MBA E&I at the postgraduate level. It also provides doctoral programs such as FPM and various other certificate courses to students.