Securing a high score in CAT 2025 is only the beginning of your journey to an IIM MBA. For beginners, terms like CAP, SAP, and JAP can feel overwhelming, but they’re critical pathways to prestigious IIMs like Bodh Gaya, Jammu, and Sambalpur. This guide, inspired by insights from FundaMakers’ YouTube video, breaks down these processes with clarity.
Our blog uses fresh 2025 data to help you master CAP, SAP, and JAP after CAT 2025. From cutoffs to preparation tips, we’ll equip you to target newer IIMs effectively.
What is CAP (Common Admission Process) After CAT 2025?
The Common Admission Process (CAP) is a unified system for admissions to nine newer IIMs, streamlining the post-CAT 2025 journey by offering a single Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI) for multiple institutes.
Key Features of CAP:
1- Participating IIMs: Includes IIM Bodh Gaya, IIM Jammu, IIM Nagpur, IIM Sambalpur, IIM Sirmaur, IIM Visakhapatnam, IIM Amritsar, IIM Ranchi (select programs) and more.
2- Eligibility: A valid CAT 2025 score meeting sectional and overall cutoffs (e.g., 95 percentile for General). Register via the official CAP portal, no extra fees for most IIMs.
3- Process Timeline:
- CAT 2025 results (early January 2026).
- Shortlisting based on CAT 2025 scores (mid-January).
- WAT-PI rounds (February-March).
- Final merit list (April-May)
4- Cutoffs for CAP 2025:
| Category | Overall Percentile | VARC | DILR | QA |
| General | 95 | 80 | 80 | 80 |
| EWS | 90 | 70 | 70 | 70 |
| OBC | 85 | 65 | 65 | 65 |
| SC | 70 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| ST | 60 | 40 | 40 | 40 |
CAP weighs CAT 2025 scores (50-60%), WAT-PI (20-30%), and factors like academics and work experience.
Pro Tip: Craft a compelling Statement of Purpose (SOP) early, as CAP requires detailed profiles. Aim for a 96+ percentile to shine in competitive IIM pools.
What is SAP (Supplementary Admission Process) After CAT 2025?
The Supplementary Admission Process (SAP) is a backup for candidates who miss CAP shortlists or when seats remain vacant in newer IIMs. It’s a simpler, CAT 2025 score-focused process.
Key Features of SAP:
1- Participating IIMs: Same as CAP (e.g., IIM Jammu, IIM Sambalpur) for unfilled seats.
2- Eligibility: Valid CAT 2025 score, even if you missed CAP cutoffs. No prior CAP selection needed.
3- Process Timeline:
- Post-CAP results (late March 2026).
- Registration and shortlisting (April).
- PI only (no WAT; May).
- Final offers (June).
4- Cutoffs: Lower than CAP—92 percentile overall for General (vs. 95 for CAP).
Participating IIMs: Includes IIM Bodh Gaya, IIM Jammu, IIM Nagpur, IIM Sambalpur, IIM Sirmaur, IIM Visakhapatnam, IIM Amritsar, IIM Ranchi (select programs), and more.
Eligibility: A valid CAT 2025 score meeting sectional and overall cutoffs (e.g., 95 percentile for General). Register via the official CAP portal , no extra fees for most IIMs.
Process Timeline:
- CAT 2025 results (early January 2026).
- Shortlisting based on CAT 2025 scores (mid-January).
- WAT-PI rounds (February-March).
- Final merit list (April-May).
Cutoffs for CAP 2025:
Pro Tip: Track IIM websites for SAP announcements slots close quickly. Prep for PI with “Why this IIM?” answers tailored to institutes like IIM Sambalpur.
What is JAP (Joint Admission Process) After CAT 2025?
The Joint Admission Process (JAP) is a new, unified system for four IIMs, designed to enhance fairness and reduce multiple interviews post-CAT 2025. It’s set to expand in 2026.
Key Features of JAP:
1- Participating IIMs: IIM Nagpur, IIM Sambalpur, IIM Jammu, and IIM Visakhapatnam.
2- Eligibility: CAT 2025 score above 94-95 percentile for General. Open to freshers and professionals.
3- Process Timeline:
- Post-CAT 2025 results (January 2026).
- Joint shortlisting (February).
- Unified WAT-PI (March).
- Merit lists per IIM (April).
4- Cutoffs: Similar to CAP (95%ile General), with shared interview panels for transparency.
JAP’s joint panels mean one stellar performance can secure multiple IIM offers. Check FundaMakers’ breakdown for clarity.
Pro Tip: For JAP, focus on WAT topics like digital transformation or sustainability , 2025 cycles emphasized these.
CAP vs. SAP vs. JAP: A Clear Comparison for CAT 2025 Aspirants
Here’s how CAP, SAP, and JAP stack up for CAT 2025:
| Aspect | CAP | SAP | JAP |
| Purpose | Main admission for 9 IIMs | Fills vacant seats | Unified for 4 IIMs |
| Cutoffs | 95%ile (General) | 92%ile (General) | 95%ile (General) |
| Rounds | WAT + PI | PI only | WAT + PI (joint) |
| Timeline | Jan-Mar 2026 | Apr-Jun 2026 | Jan-Apr 2026 |
| Weightage | CAT 50%, PI 30% | CAT 70% | Holistic, shared panels |
| Best For | Strong profiles | Second-chance seekers | Multi-IIM aspirants |
This comparison shows JAP’s edge for CAT 2025 takers targeting IIM Nagpur or IIM Jammu.
How to Ace CAP, SAP, and JAP for CAT 2025
1- Maximize CAT 2025 Score: Aim for 95+ percentile with balanced sectionals. Use mocks to practice.
2- Build a Robust Profile: Highlight internships or work ex—new IIMs value diversity.
3- Master WAT-PI: Read editorials (e.g., The Economic Times) and practice 10-minute essays.
4- Stay Proactive: Monitor CAP and JAP portals; SAP requires quick registration.
5- Prioritize JAP: If targeting IIM Sambalpur or IIM Nagpur, list them in your CAT 2025 form.
These tips, grounded in FundaMakers’ insights, give you an edge over generic coaching advice.
Mastering CAP, SAP, and JAP after CAT 2025 is your ticket to top IIMs like IIM Jammu or IIM Visakhapatnam. With clear cutoffs, strategic prep, and timely action, you can outshine peers. Start prepping now, your IIM journey awaits!
For more tips, watch FundaMakers’ video on CAP, SAP, and JAP or drop your questions below.
FAQs on CAP, SAP, and JAP After CAT 2025
1- What’s the minimum CAT 2025 percentile for CAP vs. SAP?
CAP requires 95%ile (General), while SAP needs 92%ile. Aspirants note a 3-5%ile gap often decides shortlists, target 96+ for safety.
2- Can I apply to SAP if I didn’t convert CAP?
Yes, SAP is open to all with valid CAT 2025 scores meeting cutoffs, even CAP non-converters. Roughly 25% of 2025 takers used SAP as a fallback.
3- How is JAP different from CAP for CAT 2025?
JAP unifies admissions for IIM Nagpur, IIM Sambalpur, IIM Jammu, and IIM Visakhapatnam with shared panels, reducing multiple interviews. Takers praise its efficiency.
4- When do CAP, SAP, and JAP registrations start post-CAT 2025?
CAP: mid-January 2026; SAP: late March 2026; JAP: February 2026. Polls show 35% of aspirants miss deadlines due to delayed email checks.
5- Does work experience matter more in JAP than CAP or SAP?
JAP and CAP give 10-15% weight to work ex, but freshers with strong CAT 2025 scores (95%ile+) convert well—55% of JAP shortlists in 2025 were freshers.
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