The IIT Madras DoMS admits students to its MBA and PGPEX-VLM programs based on a structured process. CAT-based shortlisting, the DoMS application form, the Written Ability Test and the Personal Interview are the main steps in the IIT Madras DoMS MBA admission process. The final decision is based on the CAT score, WAT, PI, academics, work experience and diversity criteria. Applicants to the PGPEX-VLM program must be first-class engineering graduates with at least 4.5 years of relevant experience. They will be selected through the written test known as the VLMAT and may then be interviewed jointly by IIMC, IITK and IITM. Selection to both the programs would depend on academic results, professional experience and test and interview scores.

The admission procedure in DoMS IITM is to identify students with excellent academic abilities, sound communication skills and the potential to become future managers.  The process therefore is transparent, organised and based on national-level entry exams.

Students have to appear for the CAT examination conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management Kozhikode for admission to the MBA program 2026. The CAT 2025 score is the first step toward shortlisting. Only the candidates who fulfill the minimum cutoff score as decided by the IIT Madras DoMS for different categories will be allowed to move further in the process.

After the CAT 2025 results are out IIT Madras DoMS releases a list of shortlisted candidates. The shortlisted candidates then have to fill out the application form of DoMS on the official institute portal.

This is where candidates give information on their academic history, work experience and achievements.

Shortlisted candidates have to appear in a written ability test and a personal interview. WAT is just a simple writing activity on a specific topic that the candidate needs to write about. It assists in assessing clarity of thought, writing skills and logical reasoning. PI will assess communication skills, confidence, intellectual comprehension, professional experience, career objectives and general personality.

IITM uses a weighted screening process for final candidates. The final merit list is prepared on the basis of the CAT score, WAT performance, PI performance, academic record, professional experience and diversity factors. Candidates with higher composite scores are offered admission. After being selected the candidates have to verify their documentation, pay the entrance fee and confirm their seat before the deadline.

IIT Madras DoMS Eligibility Criteria for MBA 

For Regular candidates

A valid CAT score is required for admission. 60% marks and 55% for SC/ST/PwD graduates in any discipline, can apply. Final year students may also apply and must submit proof of completion after joining. IIT graduates with a CGPA of 8 or above on 10 are exempt from the CAT requirement.

For sponsored candidates

• Candidates who are company sponsored must apply through their employer and have a minimum two years of work experience. They need a valid CAT score and a graduate degree with 60% marks from a recognised university.

• For defense personnel it is not mandatory to take a national entrance test. They must apply through the proper government channels. They should have a graduate degree with at least 55% marks from a recognized university.

IIT Madras DoMS selection Criteria

Table I: For shortlisting minimum 2025 CAT percentile

Table II.1: Application Rating (AR) scores for the 10th and 12th grade exams

Table II.2: Shows Application Rating (AR) scores for undergraduate degrees

Table II.3 Diversity

Table II.4: Work experience application rate (AR)

II. Stage II Final Selection and Admission Offer for MBA at DoMs, IIT Madras

Candidates in all categories who are short-listed on the basis of their composite score will be called for a personal interview.

Final selection will be based on the following with appropriate weights given to each of the components.

• Reflective Writing and Personal Interviews 

• Other achievements

• Composite Score

Eligibility criteria for PGPEX-VLM

• Candidates must be First-Class Graduate Engineers with first-division marks from Class 10 onwards.

• Self-sponsored (not in service) 4.5 to 10 years of work experience in manufacturing, engineering or related areas.

• Sponsored candidates Minimum 4.5 years of experience no upper limit.

• Candidates on study leave Minimum 4.5 years; no upper limit. Placement allowed only with an NOC.

• Work experience will be counted as of 28 February 2024.

• Applicants must meet the minimum experience requirement otherwise the application will be rejected with no refund.

• Any false information will lead to cancellation of the application at any stage.

The Admission Process Of IITM DoMS PGPEX-VLM program

Candidates will be selected based on their academic background, the candidate should have a first division/first class in a steady academic record from school (Secondary Examination Board) to graduation. Relevant work experience, recommendations from employers and performance in the VLMAT will be taken into account. Personal interviews will be jointly conducted by IIMC, IITK and IITM.

The Selection Process of IIT Madras DoMS for PGOEX-VLM program

Shortlisted candidates will be called for a written test comprising questions related to their qualifying requirements. The VLMAT consists of three parts Verbal Ability, Quantitative Ability and Engineering Capability. 

The VLMAT exam is conducted in four cities; Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai and Delhi.  

The offline written examination for the 2025-26 batch will be done under the guidelines and rules of Central and State Government during the time of admission.

Shortlisted candidates for the written test VLMAT will be invited for PI at the host institute. The mode of the interview will be decided based on the conditions and government advisories. Selection criteria include academic records, professional experience and performance on the VLMAT and personal interview. The Tri-Institute's responsible authority reserves the right to modify the admittance standards based on the feasibility of a written test. VLMAT or a personal interview at a later time. The decision of the competent authority shall be final.