IIM Lucknow Admission
IIM Lucknow offers admission to its two-year MBA program through CAT scores. Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree with at least 50 percent marks (45 percent for SC, ST, PwD categories). General category applicants need a minimum of 85 percentile overall in CAT with sectional cutoffs around 85 in VARC, DILR, and QA. Shortlisted candidates undergo a personal interview and written ability test. Final selection is based on CAT score, academic performance, work experience, diversity, and performance in WAT and PI. The total program fee is approximately ₹20.75 lakh.
IIM Lucknow Admission Summary
Category |
Details |
Programs Offered |
PGP (MBA), PGP-ABM, PGP-SM, Executive (IPMX, PGPWE), FPM/EFPM |
Application Dates |
- PGP: December 2024 – January 2025 - IPMX: Phases ending in Dec 2024 & Jan 2025 - PGPWE: November 2024 |
Entrance Exams Required |
- CAT for PGP - GMAT/GRE for IPMX and PGPWE - GATE/JRF/CAT/GMAT/GRE for FPM/EFPM |
First-Year Fees |
- ₹10.95 L (PGP) - ₹13 L (IPMX) - ₹11 L (PGPWE) - ₹2.6 L per annum (FPM) |
Hostel Costs |
₹3.45–₹3.87 L per annum |
Selection Criteria |
Based on entrance exam score, WAT, PI, academic record, work experience, and diversity factors |
IIM Lucknow Entrance Exam Overview
Program |
Entrance Exam(s) |
Registration Deadline |
PGP |
CAT |
January 2025 |
IPMX |
GMAT / GRE |
December 2024 / January 2025 |
PGPWE |
GMAT / GRE / PGPWE Test |
November 2024 |
FPM / EFPM |
GATE / CAT / GRE / GMAT / JRF |
February 2025 |
IIM Lucknow Step-by-Step Admission Process
- Online Registration
Register on the IIM Lucknow admissions portal using your email and basic details. - Document Submission
Upload scanned copies of academic transcripts, photo ID, scorecards, experience certificates, and photographs. - Application Fee Payment
Pay the application fee online through UPI, net banking, or debit/credit card. - Entrance Exam
Appear for the required exam: CAT, GMAT, GRE, or institute-specific test depending on the program. - Selection & Merit List
Shortlisting is done based on exam scores, academic record, work experience, and diversity factors. - Interview & Final Offer
Selected candidates are invited for WAT and PI. Final admission offers are released based on overall performance.
IIM Lucknow Application Timeline & Important Dates
Program |
Registration Period |
Exam / Interview Dates |
PGP |
Dec 2024 – Jan 2025 |
WAT/PI in February 2025 |
IPMX |
Phase 1: Aug – Oct 2024 |
WAT/PI in Nov – Dec 2024 |
PGPWE |
Till Nov 20, 2024 |
WAT/PI on Jan 18–19, 2025 |
EFPM |
Till Feb 12, 2025 |
WAT/PI on Feb 20–23, 2025 |
IIM Lucknow Eligibility Criteria
Program |
Eligibility Criteria |
PGP (MBA, ABM, SM) |
- Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD) - Valid CAT score |
IPMX |
- Bachelor’s degree with minimum 50% marks - Minimum 5 years full-time work experience by March 31, 2025 - Valid GMAT or GRE score |
PGPWE |
- Graduation with minimum 50% marks - At least 3 years of work experience - Valid GMAT/GRE score or PGPWE entrance exam score |
FPM / EFPM |
- Master’s degree with at least 55% marks or equivalent professional qualifications - Valid score in CAT, GRE, GMAT, GATE, or JRF |
IIM Lucknow Entrance Exam Cutoffs & Selection Criteria
Exam |
Cutoff Percentile |
CAT |
Overall: 90+%ile; Sectional: 80+%ile |
GMAT / GRE |
Typically 650+ |
PGPWE Entrance |
Institute-defined |
Selection Weightage Table:
Criteria |
Weightage (%) |
Entrance Exam Score |
30–60% |
Written Ability Test |
10% |
Personal Interview |
30–40% |
Academic Record |
10% |
Work Experience |
10% |
Diversity Factor |
5% (varies) |
IIM Lucknow Test Preparation Tips & Admission Strategy
- Begin preparation 6 to 9 months in advance.
- Focus on mock tests, especially for CAT, GMAT, or GRE.
- Practice essay writing for the WAT round.
- Attend mock interview sessions to build confidence.
- Highlight leadership, work experience, and academic achievements in your SOP and interviews.