What calls can a GEM candidate with 96 percentile, EWS-NE category, and 95/93/65 academics expect, and what about IIFT?

A 96 percentile with EWS-NE category gives you a realistic shot at New IIMs, IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, and MDI Gurgaon, while IIFT and IIM Kozhikode remain borderline. Your 65% graduation score is the limiting factor, especially at older IIMs that weight academics heavily, but the EWS-NE tag opens doors that would otherwise stay shut for a General candidate at this score.

IIFT Delhi: Borderline Territory

IIFT Delhi typically shortlists General candidates around 98-99 percentile, but EWS cutoffs drop to roughly 94-95 percentile. Your 96 puts you in the zone, but IIFT's composite scoring gives 25% weight to academics.

With 95/93 in Class X and XII you're safe, but the 65% graduation pulls your profile down. From Reddit, we learnt that candidates with similar splits received calls in 2024, but conversion required exceptional performance in the Group Discussion and Personal Interview rounds.

IIFT's interview panel probes academic dips hard, so prepare a crisp narrative around your third-year performance.

New IIMs and IITs: Strong Prospects

You should expect calls from IIM Sambalpur, IIM Sirmaur, IIM Bodh Gaya, and IIM Nagpur. These schools set EWS cutoffs between 90-94 percentile, and your 96 clears the bar comfortably. IIT Bombay (SJMSOM) and IIT Delhi (DMS) also become accessible, both shortlist EWS candidates in the 94-96 range and use a more balanced scorecard that doesn't penalize graduation marks as harshly as the top-tier IIMs.

MDI Gurgaon is another strong call, they've historically been lenient on academics if your CAT score compensates.

MDI's PGPM program placed the Class of 2024 at ₹28.03 LPA average, with recruiters like Deloitte, EY, ICICI Bank, and Asian Paints dominating the cohort.

IIM Kozhikode: Possible but Not Guaranteed

IIM Kozhikode sets its EWS cutoff around 95 percentile, so you're numerically eligible. However, Kozhikode's WAT-PI shortlist also factors in academic diversity scores, and a 65% graduation in engineering (assuming GEM = General Engineer Male) might push you to the waitlist rather than a direct call.

If the call comes, treat it as a bonus and prepare intensively, Kozhikode's panel is known for grilling candidates on fundamentals.

Conversion Strategy

Calls are only half the battle. With a lower graduation score, your GDPI performance must be flawless. Mock interviews, current affairs fluency, and a well-rehearsed answer to "Why did your grades drop?" are non-negotiable. Schools like MDI and the IITs conduct case-based group tasks, practice those separately. Use the compare colleges tool to weigh fee structures and placement outcomes across your likely admits, and run an eligibility match to spot any second-tier B-schools (XIMB, NITIE, SIBM Pune) where your profile fits better.