Separate the exam from the campus
Most applicants mix three questions that should stay separate: which exam, which programme, and which campus. Mixing them produces bad shortlists. You end up chasing “any IIM” percentiles without knowing whether you are aiming at a two-year PGP, a five-year IPM, or a specialised line that never used CAT.
Open CAT or IPMAT for the exam-to-interview sequence. Open a campus review when you are ready to judge fees, placements, and fit. Use comparisons and Compare IIMs after you have two to four real names on the list.
CAT and IPMAT
Two paths cover most IIM shortlists:
| Exam | Typical entry | Programme | Start here |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAT | After bachelor’s | Two-year MBA / PGP at most IIMs | CAT pathway |
| IPMAT / IPM AT | After Class 12 | Five-year Integrated Programme in Management | IPMAT pathway |
CAT is a common test. Each institute (or CAP cluster) still shortlists and admits on its own policy. IPMAT feeds a different product from CAT: Indore and Rohtak run separate aptitude tests and interview stages for IPM seats. If the household is still choosing between early IPM and bachelor’s-plus-CAT, read IPM vs CAT MBA before buying two coaching products.
Exam and programme hubs
Process guides
Once you know CAT vs IPMAT, shortlist formulas and interview logistics beat percentile hearsay.
Out of scope here
Fee notices and placement PDFs belong on the review plus fee or placements guides; they change by batch. Executive MBA, one-year formats, and non-IIM exams (XAT / SNAP / NMAT) stay off this hub until the CAT and IPM coverage is solid.
For money math after you have campus names, use the fees & ROI framework and the fee payback calculator. For career-path shortlists, use consulting, finance, product, and operations.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between CAT and IPMAT pathways?
CAT feeds most two-year IIM MBA/PGP shortlists after a bachelor’s degree. IPMAT-style exams feed five-year Integrated Programme in Management seats at campuses such as IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak after Class 12. They are different programmes with different fees and peer groups.
Is every IIM programme entered only through CAT?
No. Flagship two-year MBA/PGP lines usually shortlist from CAT, then run institute or CAP interviews. IPM seats use separate aptitude tests. Executive and specialised programmes often use other exams or work-ex filters and are not covered here yet.
Should I pick a campus before I pick an exam?
If you are finishing Class 12 and only care about Indore or Rohtak IPM, prepare for those IPMAT notices. If you want the widest IIM set, plan a bachelor’s path and CAT. Use the IPM vs CAT guide when the household is still undecided.
Where do institute fees and placements live?
On each campus review and its fee or placements companion guides. Reviews carry Anchal’s verdict, scores, and official fee and placement tables.
Do you cover XAT, SNAP, or NMAT here?
Not yet. We keep the surface on CAT-linked IIM PGP and IPM pathways until that coverage is strong. Non-IIM exam hubs are deferred on purpose.
Next: open the CAT pathway or IPMAT pathway, or browse all guides and reviews.
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