IIM-A announces 70% in SSC, HSSC as latest benchmark

While some might be celebrating the point three percent relaxation in the maximum cut off for the coveted Indian Institute of Management – Ahmedabad (IIM-A); for others it might be time to actually take a peek into their high school result cards. For, those falling short of the newly announced minimum cut-off of 70 percent will have to say goodbye to their chances of securing a seat in the prestigious institute, irrespective of their CAT scores.

In a recently made announcement, the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, declared a reduction in the maximum cut-off limit for the new batch of students; bringing it down to 99 percent from the previous 99.3 percent. However, the institute also made clear that students who could not muster a 70 percent score in their SSC or HSSC examinations, would not be allowed entry into the institute. This was irrespective of their scores in the CAT.

The reduction in top cut-off percentages was granted due to the increase in seats in the institute from a previous 315 to 417 this year. The other benchmark although had been introduced last year, while the institute has openly declared academic performance as a selection criterion, for the first time this year. There are no changes so far in the other selection procedures like essay writing and personal interviews.

Speaking on the new benchmark, IIM-A admissions chairperson Diptesh Ghosh said:

“This year, we have removed the complexity of the calculation and set a clear cut-off percentage of 70% for the two boards while short listing candidates.”

This criterion is applicable to general category applicants and Ahmedabad is the only IIM among the total six, to introduce HSSC scores as a benchmark.

Each IIM has been seen to follow a different admission criterion. While IIM-Bangalore emphasises on academic record during the selecting procedure, IIM-Lucknow, gives weightage to work experience. IIM- Kozhikode, gave 90 percent weightage to CAT scores last year, while others prefer to split weightage among CAT scores, personal interviews and academic performance.

The move is likely to gather criticism from various quarters as many feel that class X and XII scores should not form the basis of eliminating one from competition or thinking one as unworthy of admission to an institute, especially if the entrance exam scores speak otherwise.