The Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIM Lucknow) has officially released the PI–WAT shortlist for the PGP 2026–28 batch. Candidates who appeared for CAT 2025 and meet the required cutoffs can now check their call status. This is a crucial milestone for MBA aspirants aiming for one of India’s top IIMs.
In this blog, Planet.E brings you a complete breakdown of IIM Lucknow Calls 2026, including cutoff details, important dates, selection stages, PI process, and final admission criteria.
IIM Lucknow Calls 2026 – Overview
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Institute Name: IIM Lucknow
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Program: PGP / PGP-ABM / PGP-SM
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Admission Year: 2026–28
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Exam Accepted: CAT 2025
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Shortlisting Stage: PI–WAT Calls Released
IIM Lucknow is known for its rigorous academic framework, strong alumni network, and excellent placement outcomes, making the PI call extremely competitive.
IIM Lucknow Cutoff 2026 (Expected)
Category-wise CAT Percentile Cutoff (Expected)
| Category | Overall Percentile |
|---|---|
| General | 90–92+ |
| EWS | 82–85+ |
| OBC-NCL | 80–82+ |
| SC | 65–70+ |
| ST | 55–60+ |
| PwD | 55–60+ |
Note: Meeting the minimum cutoff does not guarantee a PI call. IIM Lucknow uses a composite score-based shortlisting process.
Sectional Cutoff (Expected)
Candidates must clear both sectional and overall cutoffs:
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VARC: 85+ percentile (General)
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DILR: 85+ percentile (General)
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QA: 85+ percentile (General)
Relaxation is applicable for reserved categories as per IIM norms.
IIM Lucknow Selection Process 2026
The selection process consists of two major stages:
Stage 1: Shortlisting for PI–WAT
Based on:
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CAT 2025 Score
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Academic Profile (10th, 12th, Graduation)
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Diversity Factors (Academic & Gender)
Stage 2: Final Selection
Based on:
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CAT Score
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Personal Interview (PI)
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Written Ability Test (WAT)
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Work Experience
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Academic Consistency
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Diversity Weightage
IIM Lucknow PI & WAT Process 2026
Written Ability Test (WAT)
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Duration: 15–20 minutes
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Topics: Current affairs, business issues, social themes
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Evaluation Criteria: Clarity, structure, critical thinking, grammar
Personal Interview (PI)
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Duration: 20–30 minutes
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Panel Size: 2–3 faculty members
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Focus Areas:
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Academics & graduation subjects
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Work experience (if applicable)
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Current affairs & business awareness
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Career goals & leadership qualities
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Planet.E Tip: IIM Lucknow interviews are known to be concept-heavy and profile-based.
IIM Lucknow Important Dates 2026 (Tentative)
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| PI Calls Release | January 2026 |
| WAT–PI Rounds | February – March 2026 |
| Final Merit List | April – May 2026 |
| Academic Session Begins | June – July 2026 |
Weightage Criteria for Final Admission
| Component | Weightage |
|---|---|
| CAT Score | 30–35% |
| PI | 30% |
| WAT | 10% |
| Academics | 20% |
| Work Experience | 10% |
| Diversity | As Applicable |
What to Do After Getting IIM Lucknow Call?
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Start PI & WAT preparation immediately
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Revise graduation subjects thoroughly
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Prepare HR answers & SOP clarity
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Stay updated with current affairs
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Take mock interviews with experts
At Planet.E, we offer specialized IIM PI mentoring, mock interviews, and profile-based preparation to help you convert top IIM calls.
Why Choose Planet.E for IIM Lucknow PI Prep?
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Experienced MBA mentors
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Real IIM-style mock interviews
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Profile-specific feedback
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Updated current affairs sessions
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Proven record of IIM conversions
Final Words
Getting an IIM Lucknow call for 2026 is a remarkable achievement, but the real challenge lies in converting the call. With structured preparation, clarity of thought, and expert guidance, your chances improve significantly.
Stay connected with Planet.E for the latest MBA admission updates, PI strategies, and expert guidance.