Lucknow: The second week of January 2026 has brought a whirlwind of excitement for management aspirants across India, with the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow taking center stage. The institute has officially kicked off its Phase 2 admission process for the Class of 2028 while simultaneously breaking records in its summer placement drive.
On January 10, 2026, IIM Lucknow released the highly anticipated WAT-PI Shortlist for its flagship PGP programs, ending the anxious wait for thousands of CAT 2025 test-takers. Alongside this, the institute’s placement report for the incoming batch has signaled a massive recovery in the job market, with stipends touching new highs.
Whether you are a shortlisted candidate preparing for your interview, a working professional eyeing the IPMX program, or an aspirant planning for next year, here is a comprehensive, 360-degree update on everything happening at IIM Lucknow right now.
1. WAT-PI Shortlist 2026: The Wait is Over
The biggest headline this week is the release of the shortlist for the Writing Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds.
How to Check Your Status
- Visit the “News and Announcements” section on the homepage.
- Click on “Admission Status: WAT-PI Shortlist for Batch 2026-28”.
- Enter your CAT 2025 Registration Number and Date of Birth (or registered email).
- If shortlisted, you will see a “Call Letter” available for download.
Programs Covered
The shortlist applies to the following full-time residential courses:
- PGP: Post Graduate Programme in Management (The flagship MBA).
- PGP-ABM: Post Graduate Programme in Agribusiness Management.
- PGP-SM: Post Graduate Programme in Sustainable Management.
What’s Next? (The Composite Score Game)
Being shortlisted doesn’t mean you are selected. IIM Lucknow uses a rigorous Composite Score formula to call candidates. This year, the weightage for the shortlist was heavily tilted towards CAT scores (60%), followed by academic consistency (Class 12 and Graduation marks), work experience, and diversity factors.
- Action Item: Shortlisted candidates must fill out the detailed Personal Interview Form available on the dashboard within the next 48-72 hours. Failure to do so may lead to disqualification.
2. Summer Placements 2025-27: Smashing Records
While new students fight for admission, the current batch (Class of 2027) has already made waves in the corporate world. IIM Lucknow’s Summer Placement Report for the 2025-27 cycle has defied all recession fears.
The Numbers That Matter
The institute achieved 100% placement for its 40th PGP batch and 21st PGP-ABM batch, securing over 580 offers for 576 students.
| Metric | Amount (Per Month) | Growth Trend |
| Highest Domestic Stipend | ₹3.95 Lakh | ▲ Record High |
| Highest International Stipend | ₹2.50 Lakh | ▲ Stable |
| Average Stipend | ₹1.67 Lakh | ▲ Increased from ₹1.43 Lakh |
| Median Stipend | ₹1.72 Lakh | ▲ Increased from ₹1.50 Lakh |
| Top 50% Average | ₹2.18 Lakh | ▲ High Demand for Top Talent |
Top Recruiters & Sectors
- Consulting Dominance: Firms like McKinsey & Company, BCG, Bain & Co., Kearney, and Accenture Strategy continued to be the biggest recruiters.
- Finance Surge: Investment banking roles saw a spike with Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, Avendus Capital, and Citi offering premium roles.
- New Entrants: First-time recruiters included Barclays, D.E. Shaw, and Google (Product Roles), proving that the tech slowdown is easing up for top-tier talent.
Why is this important?
A stipend of nearly ₹4 Lakh per month for an internship is a strong indicator that companies are willing to pay a premium for quality talent. It signals a robust final placement season for 2026-27.
3. IPMX Admission 2026: Last Chance for Professionals
For mid-career professionals who do not want to take the CAT route, the International Programme in Management for Executives (IPMX) is the golden ticket.
Phase 3 Deadline Alert
The application window for the One-Year MBA (IPMX) is currently open for its final phase.
- Deadline: You must submit your application by January 27, 2026.
- Eligibility:
- Executives with a minimum of 5 years of full-time work experience.
- A valid GMAT or GRE score.
- Selection Process: Candidates shortlisted in Phase 3 will be called for a Personal Interview in mid-February 2026.
- Program Start: The batch will commence classes at the Noida Campus in April 2026.
Pro Tip: If you missed Phase 1 and 2, this is your last opportunity to join the Class of 2027. Do not wait for the last day as the server load often increases.
4. PhD Admission 2026: Call for Researchers
IIM Lucknow is not just about MBAs; it is a research powerhouse. The institute has opened applications for its Doctoral Programme in Management (PhD) for the 2026 session.
- Application Deadline: February 16, 2026.
- Stipend: Selected scholars receive a generous monthly fellowship and tuition waiver.
- Areas: You can specialize in areas like Agri-Business, Decision Sciences, Finance, Marketing, and IT Systems.
- Who can apply? Candidates with a Master’s degree or a 4-year Bachelor’s degree (like B.Tech) with excellent academic records and a valid CAT/GATE/GRE/JRF score.
5. Campus Buzz: Manfest-Varchasva & MUN 2026
Life at IIM Lucknow is buzzing with cultural energy this month. The student body is gearing up for the annual business, cultural, and sports fest, Manfest-Varchasva 2025-26.
- Model United Nations (MUN): Registration for the IIM Lucknow MUN 2026 is closing soon (January 21, 2026). It is one of the most prestigious student diplomatic events in the country.
- Competitions: From “The Gupta & Sharma” marketing challenge to the “Joka Strategy” events, students from other IIMs are flying into Lucknow to compete for lakhs in prize money.
Conclusion: A Power-Packed Start to 2026
IIM Lucknow has started the year on a high note. With the WAT-PI shortlist out, the campus will soon be flooded with anxious candidates hoping to convert their call. Meanwhile, the record-breaking summer placements have reassured students that despite global uncertainties, the “HellL” (a nickname for IIM Lucknow due to its academic rigor) brand remains stronger than ever.
If you are an aspirant, check your dashboard immediately. If you are a recruiter or an observer, the rising stipends at IIM-L are a positive sign for the Indian economy at large.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How do I check if I am shortlisted for IIM Lucknow PGP 2026?
Go to iiml.ac.in, click on the “WAT-PI Shortlist 2026-28” link, and log in using your CAT 2025 Registration Number and email/DOB.
Q2: What is the highest stipend offered at IIM Lucknow for the 2025-27 batch?
The highest domestic stipend recorded is ₹3.95 Lakh per month, while the highest international stipend is ₹2.50 Lakh per month.
Q3: Can I apply for IIM Lucknow Executive MBA (IPMX) without CAT?
Yes, IPMX accepts GMAT or GRE scores. You do not need a CAT score. The last date to apply for Phase 3 is January 27, 2026.
Q4: Is the WAT-PI round conducted online or offline?
IIM Lucknow typically conducts offline interviews at major cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, Noida, and Lucknow. However, check your specific Call Letter for the confirmed venue.
Q5: What is the Composite Score weightage for the shortlist?
For the 2026 shortlist, the weightage is roughly: CAT Score (60%), Class 12 Marks (10%), Graduation Marks (10%), Work Experience (10%), and Diversity Factors (10%).