IIM Shillong - Indian Institute of Management

The minimum qualifying CAT percentile required for IIM Shillong MBA admission is different for all category candidates:General: A minimum of 75 percentile in each section (VARC, DILR, and QA), with an overall percentile of at least 75.EWS: A minimum of 75 percentile in each section (VARC, DILR, and QA).SC: A minimum of 60 percentile in each section (VARC, DILR, and QA).ST and DA: A minimum of 50 percentile in each section (VARC, DILR, and QA).Candidates are required to meet both the sectional cut-off and the overall percentile criteria. Not meeting any of the sectional cut-offs will lead to disqualification.Moreover, IIM Shillong takes into account additional factors during the admission process, which include work experience, gender diversity, and performance in the Personal Interview (PI).

IIM Shillong's admissions procedure is highly competitive, with the total cutoff changing each year based on criteria such as candidate pool quality and seat availability. For the 2024-2026 batch, the institute has established minimum percentile standards for each category. General category candidates must achieve a minimum overall percentile of 75, with sectional cutoffs of 75 in VARC, 70 in DILR, and 70 in QA. NC-OBC candidates must meet an overall cutoff of 70, with sectional cutoffs of 60 in VARC, 60 in DILR, and 65 in QA. SC candidates must achieve an overall percentile of 60, with sectoral cutoffs of 50 in VARC, 50 in DILR, and 55 in QA. 

IIM Shillong's MBA programme selection procedure is multi-staged. Candidates must first take the CAT exam and meet the institute's cutoff criterion. Shortlisted candidates are assessed based on their academic performance, employment experience, diverse criteria, and CAT results. Those chosen in the first phase are invited to the Group Discussion (GD), Personal Interview (PI), and Written Ability Test (WAT) rounds. These rounds evaluate candidates' communication, leadership, and problem-solving ability. IIM Shillong takes a holistic approach, focussing on both academic and non-academic components to produce well-rounded students. The final selection is based on a composite score that takes into account CAT results, GD-PI-WAT performance, and overall profile, all of which correspond with the institute's aim of developing innovative leaders.

{Source: MBA/PGDM students & alumni}Based on the reviews and feedback from students and alumni, here are some key points that highlight the pros and cons of pursuing an MBA/PGDM programme at IIM Shillong:Pros:* Excellent Faculty: The faculty is highly qualified, knowledgeable, and helpful, with many having extensive corporate experience.* Good Placement Record: The institute has a decent placement record, with around 50-55% of students getting placed, and the average package being around INR6 LPA.* Industry Exposure: Students get exposure to real-world business challenges through case studies and projects, making them industry-ready.* Diverse Campus Life: The campus is diverse, with students from different backgrounds, cultures, and industries, providing a unique learning environment.* State-of-the-Art Infrastructure: Although currently operating from a temporary campus, the new campus promises world-class infrastructure and amenities.Cons:* Infrastructure Issues: The temporary campus lacks certain amenities, such as sports facilities and computer labs, although this is likely to change with the shift to the new campus.* Mess Food Quality: The hostel mess food quality is subpar, with many students opting to dine outside instead.* Small Batch Size: While this can lead to closer bonding among peers, it may limit networking opportunities.* Limited Extracurricular Activities: Some students mentioned that the extracurricular activities could be more varied and frequent.In conclusion, while IIM Shillong faces some challenges related to infrastructure and food quality, its strong faculty, decent placement record, and industry exposure make it a viable option for those seeking an MBA/PGDM education. However, potential students should carefully weigh the pros and cons before making an informed decision.