New Delhi, January 8, 2026 — The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Sambalpur has officially released the Personal Interview (PI) shortlist for its MBA 2026 batch, sending waves of excitement through the MBA aspirant community. Candidates who included IIM Sambalpur as a preferred choice in their CAT 2025 application form and cleared the institute’s cut‑off criteria are now eligible to proceed to the next stage of admissions.
The institute began its shortlisting process in early January following the December 24, 2025 announcement of CAT 2025 results. This marks a critical milestone in the MBA admission journey for many hopefuls aiming to join one of India’s rapidly evolving management institutes.
Who Made the Cut? The CAT Cut‑offs Explained
IIM Sambalpur has established overall percentile thresholds based on CAT 2025 scores for candidates to qualify for the PI round. Importantly, sectional cut‑offs are not enforced, offering some candidates more leeway compared with other IIMs that use stricter sectional filters.
Here are the minimum overall cut‑offs by category:
- General – 90 percentile
- EWS – 80 percentile
- NC‑OBC – 75 percentile
- SC – 55 percentile
- ST – 40 percentile
- DAP – 40 percentile
For general category female candidates, the minimum overall percentile requirement is slightly lower at 85, reflecting IIM Sambalpur’s gender diversity policy.
Beyond CAT Scores: The Admission Rubric
Shortlisting for the PI is just one piece of the admission puzzle. IIM Sambalpur uses a point‑based evaluation system that rewards a mix of academic performance, professional experience, and diversity factors. This balanced approach remains consistent with the institute’s admission policy for the 2026‑28 MBA cohort.
Points distribution highlights:
- CAT score – 40 points
- Class 10 performance – 3 points
- Class 12 performance – 3 points
- Undergraduate performance – 4 points
- Work experience – 20 points
- Gender diversity – 5 points
- Personal Interview (PI) – 25 points
The final selection list will be based on the aggregate merit score across all these components, where PI performance accounts for 25 percent of the total score. Candidates who do not meet the institute’s minimum PI threshold will not feature in the final admission list.
The Next Frontier: PI Registration and Interview Schedule
Shortlisted candidates will soon receive detailed communication via email on how to register for the PI round. According to admission timelines circulating on verified portals, this registration window typically opens in early January and extends to late January, after which interview slots are allocated.
IIM Sambalpur is offering flexibility in how interviews will be conducted. Candidates may get options for:
- In‑person interviews at the Sambalpur campus
- Interviews at the IIM Sambalpur Delhi centre
- Virtual interviews (for those unable to travel)
The PI process is likely scheduled between early March and mid‑April, giving aspirants a solid preparation window.
How This Differs From Other IIMs
Although many IIMs have released their PI shortlists this January, their criteria and timelines vary. For instance:
- IIM Lucknow is expected to announce its shortlist soon.
- IIM Visakhapatnam and several others have already opened or will shortly open their registration forms for the next admission phases.
Notably, unlike some elite IIMs that mandate both overall and sectional CAT cut‑offs, IIM Sambalpur’s decision to consider only overall percentile allows candidates with uneven sectional performance to remain in contention.
Student Buzz: Mixed Feelings on Social Forums
Across online communities, reactions among aspirants range from jubilation to disbelief. Some candidates report receiving shortlists despite lower‑than‑expected sectional scores, celebrating the absence of sectional cut‑offs this year.
Others express anxiety over preparing for the interviews at short notice or the competitive pressure ahead. Forums also reflect discussions around waiting for official emails, checking spam folders, and coordinating PI prep strategies with peers.
Strategic Tips for Shortlisted Aspiring Managers
For MBA hopefuls now turning their attention to PI preparation, here are evidence‑based strategies that often resonate well during the interview stage:
- Know Your Profile
Articulate your academic journey, professional milestones, and future goals with clarity. Your ability to connect past experiences with your MBA aspirations will be crucial during the interview. - Stay Updated on Management Trends
Institutes like IIM Sambalpur often probe interest in current business topics, leadership frameworks, and real‑world case situations. - Prepare for Core Questions
Typical PI questions revolve around why you chose IIM Sambalpur, how your background adds diversity, and how you plan to contribute to the institute. - Practice Mock Interviews
Engaging with peers, mentors, or professional coaches can boost confidence and expose you to a variety of question styles.
What’s at Stake in 2026
IIM Sambalpur, though one of the younger members of the IIM family, has been steadily enhancing its reputation with holistic admission approaches, growing industry engagement, and a robust MBA curriculum. Admissions this year continue to reflect a blend of merit, profile strength, and institutional priorities that value diversity and potential.
The PI round, therefore, is not just a formality — it is a critical differentiator that can open doors to opportunities ranging from leadership roles in consulting and finance to entrepreneurial pathways and global placements.
In Summary
- IIM Sambalpur has released the PI shortlist for MBA 2026.
- Shortlisted candidates are those who met the overall CAT cut‑offs and academic criteria.
- The institute uses a balanced scoring system that includes CAT score, academics, work experience and PI performance.
- PI registration and interviews are expected to proceed through February‑April 2026.
Aspiring MBA students should leverage this momentum to ace the next crucial stage and secure their place in one of India’s emerging management education hubs.
