For MBA aspirants in India, the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) represent the top destinations for management education. Normally, applying for the CAT (Common Admission Test) is enough to be considered by most IIMs. Once results are declared, your score is automatically forwarded to the institutes where you qualify.
But here’s the catch: a few IIMs ask you to go one step further. Apart from the CAT form, they require a separate admission form. If you skip this, your CAT score won’t even be considered for shortlisting.
The IIMs that currently follow this procedure include:
- IIM Rohtak
- IIM Mumbai (earlier NITIE Mumbai)
- IIM Amritsar
- IIM Visakhapatnam (Vizag)
- IIM Raipur
This guide explains the fees, deadlines, reasons behind the extra form, and what to expect afterward.
Why Some IIMs Need a Separate Form
Unlike the older IIMs, which shortlist directly from CAT data, these institutes prefer collecting additional details from applicants. The reasons are:
- Independent shortlisting process – They want more flexibility while deciding who qualifies.
- Comprehensive profile evaluation – The separate form gathers information about academics, work experience, and reservations in detail.
- Direct communication channel – Institutes use these forms to share updates, interview schedules, and results with candidates.
Essentially, the separate form ensures they have up-to-date data before beginning the admission rounds.
Application Fees
Here’s an overview of what each institute charges for the additional application form:
| IIM Campus | Application Fee |
| IIM Rohtak | ₹3,095 |
| IIM Mumbai | Free |
| IIM Amritsar | ₹1,000 (General/OBC/EWS) / ₹500 (SC/ST) |
| IIM Visakhapatnam | ₹1,000 |
| IIM Raipur | ₹1,000 |
Among these, IIM Mumbai stands out as it does not charge any fee for the application.
Tentative Deadlines for 2026 Admissions
The timeline for these forms usually begins right after CAT results are announced. Below are the expected dates:
- IIM Rohtak – January 3, 2026
- IIM Mumbai (NITIE) – January 31, 2026
- IIM Amritsar – January 25, 2026
- IIM Visakhapatnam – Early January 2026
- IIM Raipur – Yet to be declared
Tip: Keep checking the official websites because deadlines sometimes shift.
What Happens After Submitting the Form?
Once you’ve submitted the form, the selection process moves forward in these stages:
- Shortlisting of applicants – Based on CAT percentile, category, and academic performance.
- WAT / GD / PI rounds – Written Ability Tests, Group Discussions, and Personal Interviews are conducted.
- Profile-based weightage – Work experience, diversity factors, and consistency in academics are taken into account.
- Final admission list – Candidates receive offers depending on their overall composite score.
So, filling the form is not the end—it’s just the start of the admission battle.
Practical Tips for Aspirants
- Monitor updates daily after CAT results—don’t wait till the last week.
- Submit early to avoid technical glitches on the portal.
- Keep documents handy like marksheets, caste certificates, and work experience letters.
- Answer thoughtfully if a Statement of Purpose (SOP) or extra essay is required. Each IIM may look for slightly different qualities.
FAQs
Do all IIMs require a separate form?
No. Only a handful of IIMs like Rohtak, Mumbai, Amritsar, Vizag, and Raipur ask for it. For most others, the CAT application alone is valid.
Does IIM Mumbai charge any fee?
No, IIM Mumbai does not charge anything for the additional application.
What if I forget to apply?
You will not be shortlisted even if you have a high CAT percentile. Missing the form = missing the opportunity.
When are these forms released?
They are usually rolled out immediately after CAT results.
Conclusion
Filling out the extra application forms may feel like a small administrative step, but it is extremely important. Many candidates put months into CAT preparation but lose their chance because they missed these additional forms.
If you’re targeting these IIMs, make it a part of your admission strategy—track notifications, apply before deadlines, and keep all documents ready. With competition at its peak, you don’t want a missed form to cost you a dream B-school seat.
To read more about CAT Application process : CAT 2025 Registration