The recent exit of IIM Sambalpur and IIM Raipur from the Common Admission Process (CAP) marks a significant shift in the way third-generation Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) approach their admissions.
History of CAP Rounds
The CAP, a unified process used by several IIMs to shortlist and interview candidates for MBA/PGP programs, has been a hallmark of convenience and standardization for both aspirants and institutions. Last year, ten IIMs—Jammu, Bodhgaya, Kashipur, Raipur, Ranchi, Sambalpur, Sirmaur, Trichy, Nagpur, and Udaipur—participated in CAP. However, IIM Raipur and IIM Sambalpur have chosen to opt out this year, signaling a strategic realignment with their unique institutional goals and philosophies.
Focus on Specific Student Profiles
Both IIM Raipur and IIM Sambalpur have cited a misalignment between CAP’s methodology and their focus on attracting a specific type of student. IIM Raipur’s vision emphasizes fostering entrepreneurial talent and building business owners. According to Professor Ram Kumar Kakani, Director of IIM Raipur, the CAP process has limitations in identifying candidates who possess an entrepreneurial mindset. “Through our independent interview process, we will concentrate more on finding candidates with this mindset,” he explained.
Similarly, IIM Sambalpur has introduced a new MBA Business Analytics program at its Delhi campus, which requires applicants to meet specific eligibility criteria, including at least one year of work experience and a background in STEM disciplines. This program also prioritizes candidates with strong professional profiles and places a special emphasis on increasing the representation of women. “Our new program’s requirements could not be fulfilled through CAP,” said Professor Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director of IIM Sambalpur. “We needed a more tailored approach to admissions, and opting out of CAP was the right decision for us.”
Transition to Offline and Hybrid Interviews
Another reason for these institutions’ departure from CAP is the reliance of the CAP process on online interviews. While CAP’s virtual format includes a Writing Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI), IIM Raipur and IIM Sambalpur believe this format is insufficient for assessing a candidate’s true potential. “An online process does not allow us to fully gauge a candidate’s mindset and personality,” said Professor Kakani. To address this, IIM Raipur plans to conduct offline interviews across multiple cities, including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Raipur, Lucknow, and Guwahati. This decentralized approach aims to enhance regional diversity and enable face-to-face interactions, which are considered more effective for assessing interpersonal skills and mindset.
In addition, IIM Raipur will offer candidates the unique opportunity to receive feedback on their interviews. “This is the first time an IIM will provide such feedback,” Professor Kakani noted. “It will be extremely helpful for candidates, regardless of whether they are selected, as it allows them to understand their strengths and areas for improvement.”
On the other hand, IIM Sambalpur has opted for a hybrid interview format, offering both online and offline options. While offline interviews will be conducted at the Sambalpur and Delhi campuses, the inclusion of an online option ensures greater accessibility for candidates who may face logistical constraints.
Incorporation of Industry Experts
Both IIM Raipur and IIM Sambalpur are also introducing another distinctive feature to their admissions process—the involvement of industry experts on interview panels. This is a significant departure from CAP, where interviews are typically conducted by faculty members. By including industry professionals, these institutions aim to bring real-world perspectives into the evaluation process, ensuring that candidates are assessed not only on academic and theoretical grounds but also on their potential to excel in practical, industry-oriented scenarios.
IIM Amritsar Joins the Movement
Adding to the trend, IIM Amritsar has also decided to opt out of CAP. According to its faculty, the primary motivation behind this decision is the desire for greater control over the admissions process. By conducting an independent process, IIM Amritsar hopes to ensure that the selection criteria align more closely with its institutional objectives and the profiles of students it seeks to admit.
Diverging Opinions Among Other IIMs
While these developments indicate a shift among some third-generation IIMs, others continue to see significant value in CAP. For instance, IIM Nagpur, which joined CAP in 2024, views the online process as an advantage. “CAP has helped us save time, money, and other resources,” said Professor Bhimaraya Metri, Director of IIM Nagpur. “By reducing the logistical and financial burden of conducting an independent admission process, CAP has allowed us to optimize resource utilization.”
Similarly, IIM Bodh Gaya, which is hosting CAP 2025, believes the unified process benefits both institutions and aspirants. Sunil Kumar, Chairperson of the Admissions Committee at IIM Bodh Gaya, highlighted the convenience CAP offers to candidates. “Students only need to apply for one exam and attend one interview,” he explained. “Although it can be cumbersome for the organizing IIM, our intention is to reduce the burden on students.” Kumar also emphasized that CAP provides access to a larger pool of talent, enabling participating institutions to select candidates from a diverse and competitive cohort.
Balancing Efficiency and Customization
The contrasting perspectives among IIMs reflect a broader debate about balancing efficiency with customization in the admissions process. On one hand, CAP streamlines admissions, reduces duplication of efforts, and offers a standardized platform for candidate evaluation. On the other hand, institutions like IIM Raipur and IIM Sambalpur argue that a one-size-fits-all approach may not adequately serve their specific needs, especially when it comes to identifying candidates with entrepreneurial or specialized skills.
For aspirants, these changes mean navigating a more fragmented admissions landscape. While CAP remains a convenient option for those applying to multiple IIMs, candidates targeting institutions like IIM Raipur, Sambalpur, or Amritsar will need to prepare for separate application and interview processes. These independent processes may involve additional travel, preparation, and costs, but they also present opportunities for candidates to showcase their unique strengths in a more personalized setting.
The Road Ahead
The decision by IIM Raipur, Sambalpur, and Amritsar to exit CAP signals a growing recognition among IIMs of the need to align admissions processes with their institutional missions. As more IIMs evaluate the effectiveness of CAP, it remains to be seen whether these departures will spark a broader trend or remain isolated cases. In the meantime, CAP continues to serve as a valuable tool for many second- and third-generation IIMs, offering efficiency and convenience in an increasingly competitive admissions landscape.
For the IIMs opting out, the success of their independent processes will depend on their ability to balance inclusivity with the rigor and precision required to identify the right candidates. By tailoring their admissions strategies, these institutions hope to not only attract top talent but also shape the future leaders of India’s business ecosystem.
