Does IIM Lucknow compare acad scores stream-wise for admissions?

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Accepted Answer

Yes, IIM Lucknow normalizes academic scores by board/stream, meaning a 7/10 in tough state boards can be equivalent to a topper-level score - this dramatically changes admission calculus. The OP shared this lesser-known insight - "IIM Lucknow actually compares acad scores board/stream wise and in some state boards getting a 7 meant almost a topper. (Shocking but true)." And for UG normalization specifically - "I think for grad, the normalization is done stream wise not university wise." This changes evaluation for candidates from tough boards. IIM L acad normalization mechanism: 1) 10th: Normalized against your specific state board's topper score distribution, 2) 12th: Normalized against state board + stream (Science vs Commerce vs Arts), 3) UG: Normalized by stream (Engineering vs Commerce vs Arts vs Medicine), 4) Professional qualifications (CA/CMA): weighted separately. Practical implications: 1) State board students (UP, WB, Bihar, etc.) with 70-80% often normalized as 85%+ CBSE equivalent, 2) Engineering UG with 7.5 CGPA from tier 1 IIT normalized as 9+ equivalent for some streams, 3) Commerce UG with 75% from DU SRCC valued higher than 85% from tier 3 DU college, 4) CBSE 80% Commerce normalized differently from ICSE 80% Science. For state board students with 7/10 scores: 1) Don't panic if you're from a tough board - IIM L may normalize favorably, 2) Disclose board accurately in application, 3) During interviews, can explain tough marking in your board, 4) Profile still needs 99+ CAT for competitive shortlist at IIM L. For CBSE/ICSE 9-9.5 scorers: 1) Competition is fierce at IIM L, 2) Normalization might work against you (your 9 = another board's topper 7), 3) Need 99.4+ CAT with clean profile for conversion. For commerce UG from competitive Mumbai University (even 9.4 CGPA = 80% on MU scale), normalization may not fully compensate - OP acknowledged this issue. Mitigation: 1) Strong CAT percentile overrides normalization quirks, 2) Professional qualifications (CA, CFA) add absolute credit, 3) Work-ex + national achievements provide compensatory signals, 4) WAT-PI performance can shift borderline admission. This normalization is specific to IIM L - other IIMs (A, B, C) use different formulas. Check specific college policies before applying. For genuine low-board-mark candidates, IIM L is relatively more accessible than FMS Delhi or IIM A where normalization is less explicit. Check your eligibility at collvera.com/eligibility