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IIFT Registration: Exam Dates, Fees, Eligibility & Application Process

Aditi Bhardwaj Jun 12, 2025 1K Reads

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The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) ranks among the premier management institutes in the country, specializing in an MBA in International Business (IB), which prepares students for leadership roles in a global environment. The IIFT entrance exam acts as a major way into building careers or paths in international trade, logistics, finance, and global business strategy.

This blog covers all details related to the IIFT Registration 2025. Important exam dates, criteria for eligibility, syllabus, and some tips on preparation will be dealt with to guide you toward success. Whether a novice or trying to broaden the disposition on the process, this article will help you take that step toward admission for this elite program. 

What is the IIFT Exam?

The IIFT Exam is a competitive MBA entrance exam for admission into the IIFT MBA (IB) programme at Kolkata, Kakinada, and Delhi. The candidates who take the exams have a unique blend of skills. They have strong analytical abilities, logical reasoning, and excel in language comprehension. They also show a high level of general awareness. This combination makes it one of the toughest management entrance exams in India. 

IIFT exam cancelled | Good or Bad | Would IIFT take CAT exam ? Expected cut off of IIFT through CAT

Whereas CAT, XAT, or NMAT are gaining popularity, the IIFT exam is uniquely evident in the International Business slant that focuses on prospective students interested in international markets and international trade scenarios.

IIFT 2025 Exam Dates & Schedule (Tentative)

The IIFT 2025 registration Dates are yet to be released, however, as per the previous year's exam dates. Here is the list of last year's IIFT Exam Registration Dates for your reference:

Event

Tentative Date

IIFT 2025 Registration Begins

September 1, 2024

Last Date for Application

November 15, 2024

Application Correction Window

Mid-November 2024

IIFT Admit Card Release

Early December 2024

IIFT 2025 Exam Date

December 15, 2024 (Expected)

IIFT Result Declaration

January 2025

GD-PI-WAT Process

February–March 2025

Final Selection List

April–May 2025

Tip: If you have any queries, then it is advisable to always check the official website regularly for the latest updates – www.iift.edu

IIFT Exam Highlights 2025

If you are looking for the IIFT Exam Highlights and want to know better about the entrance exam, then here's a quick overview of what you can expect from the IIFT 2025 entrance exam:

IIFT Exam Features

IIFT Exam Details

Exam Name

IIFT Exam

Conducting Body

National Testing Agency (NTA)

Exam Level

National

Exam Frequency

Once a year

Exam Mode

Online

Exam Duration

2 hours (10:00 AM to 12:00 PM)

Exam Syllabus

  • Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
  • General Knowledge
  • Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation
  • Quantitative Analysis

Exam Pattern

110 questions in MCQ format

Language

English

Exam Fees

INR 3,000 (General category)INR 2,500 (Reserved category)

Exam Purpose

Admission into IIFT Delhi, IIFT Kolkata, and IIFT Kakinada

Course Offered

MBA - International Business

No. of Test Cities

63

Number of Applicants

30,622 (as per 2023 data)

Number of Seats

400 (approx.)

Exam Helpdesk No.

0120-6895200

Exam Website

https://iift.nta.nic.in

Contact Details

  • NTA Office: Block C-20/1A/8, Sector 62, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Noida - 201309 (UP)
  • NTA Helpdesk: 0120-6895200 (09:30 AM to 06:00 PM, working days)

IIFT Eligibility Criteria 2025

If you want to enroll for the IIIFT Exam registration, then you are required to meet their basic eligibility criteria. And to know about the eligibility criteria, you need to see the below mentioned list below:

  • Students must have a recognized Bachelor’s degree of a minimum of 3 years’ duration in any discipline.
  • Students must have a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) in graduation.

  • The final-year students are eligible to apply, provided they submit proof of graduation by the required date.
  • No age limit.
  • Foreign Nationals/NRIs can apply under a separate process using valid GMAT scores (taken between January 1, 2024, and Dec 31, 2024).

Note: Eligibility criteria can vary slightly based on notifications. Always verify from the official prospectus.

IIFT Application Process 2025

To apply for the registration form then students are required to follow the sequence of steps so that they don’t miss any steps and complete their registration properly. Here is the list of the step-by-step guide for better understanding:

  • Visit the official website: www.iift.edu
  • Click on ‘IIFT MBA (IB) Admission 2025
  • Register with basic details – name, date of birth, email ID, phone number
  • Fill in your academic, personal, and communication details
  • Upload a passport-size photo and signature (as per specifications)
  • Pay the application fee using Net Banking/Credit/Debit Card
  • Submit and download the confirmation page for future reference

Application Fees (Expected):

Here is the list of the application fees of various categories for the IIFT Exams for better understanding:

Category

Fee (INR)

General/OBC/EWS

₹2,500

SC/ST/PwD/Transgender

₹1,250

Foreign Nationals/NRIs

US $200

Note: No application is complete until the payment is made and acknowledgment received.

IIFT Exam Syllabus 2025:  Section-Wise Breakdown

The IIFT Exam Syllabus 2025 is a detailed set of topics and ideas that the applicants would be required to cover during the entrance examination. Understanding the division of such sections is a crucial part of the examination preparation process as it enables the candidates to schedule and prioritize their time effectively. All these sections are subdivided into significant areas such as Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, Verbal Ability,  and GK. For this reason, the candidates should know a couple of things regarding the syllabus since it will tell them how to plan the strategy for preparing and ultimately move closer towards the road of success. The Table below provides the Section-wise List of work for the IIFT Exam 2025:

IIFT Sections

IIFT Syllabus (Topics Covered)

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning

Line Graph, Bar Graph, Tables, Pie Chart, Circular & Linear Arrangements, Tournaments, Scheduling, Coding, Puzzles

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

Reading Passages, Synonyms, Sentence Correction, One Word Substitution, Para Jumbles, Grammar-Based Questions

Quantitative Analysis

Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, and Modern Mathematics topics

General Awareness

Current Affairs and Static General Knowledge

IIFT Exam Pattern 2025

The IIFT Exam Pattern 2025 assesses the aptitude and knowledge of candidates in various sections considered essential in management studies, so it is an important one. It shows the structure of the exam and tells how many questions there are, the marking scheme, and the time allotted to complete a particular section. Gone is the time when aspirants didn't have even the sketch of the exam pattern, for it aids in the preparation, and gives directions for time management and question attempt strategy. 

Understanding the subtle characteristics of an exam will transcend one's preparation, and they might just wish to have that plus point. Unlike CAT, the IIFT, however, is without sectional time limits but has differential marking schemes for each section. The Table for Exam Pattern of IIFT Exam 2025 is:

IIFT Section

Number of Questions

Marks Allotted per Question

VARC

35

3

GK

20

1.5

LRDI

30

3

QA

25

3

Can I Register for the IIFT Exam and Join the Same Academic Year?

The registration and joining for the IIFT Exam typically happen within the same academic year. For the IIFT Exam 2025, you would generally register in the latter part of 2024, with the exam conducted in December. If you qualify, the admission process for MBA programs usually takes place in early 2025, aligning with the academic year. Always check the official IIFT website for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding registration dates and procedures. Here is the last year IIFT Exam registration to joining classes dates for your better understanding:

Events

Dates 2025

Availability of registration form

17th October 2024

Last date to register

5th December 2024

Last Date of Payment for Registered Candidates only

5th December 2024

CAT exam date

24th November 2024

Release of merit list/ List of shortlisted candidates for 2nd round admission

8th February 2025

Group Discussion/Extempore, Writing Skills Assessment, and Interview

3rd March 2025 onwards

Classes commencement

June 2025

IIFT Exam Preparation 2025

Students who are preparing for the IIFT entrance Exams to ease their preparation the some preparation tips that help them in strategically planning their schedules:

  • Build a customized study timetable
  • Start with NCERTs for basics, then move to MBA prep books like Arun Sharma, Word Power Made Easy, etc.
  • Attempt weekly mock tests (especially full-length IIFT mocks with sectional analysis)
  • Practice from previous years’ IIFT papers
  • Read The Hindu, Business Line, or Economic Times daily for current affairs and RC vocabulary.

IIFT Result 2025

The IIFT Result is a step in the admission procedure of illustrious MBA programs. Usually, the result is announced a few weeks after the exam, and candidates will be able to check their score on the official IIFT website. The result will carry not just the marks secured by the candidate but also the overall rank, which becomes extremely significant in the final selection. Candidates should thoroughly go through the results and should be very much aware of what to do next: personal interview (PI), group discussion (GD), and selection to finally allocate them to their desired program.

  • IIFT results will be announced on https://iift.nta.nic.in or the IIFT website.
  • Scorecards can be accessed using the Application Number and Date of Birth.
  • Results will display sectional and overall scores, along with percentiles.

Tip: Download the result immediately and keep multiple copies for GD/PI rounds.

IIFT Exam Admission Process 2025

The IIFT Exam Admission Process 2025 begins the registration process for candidates appearing for the IIFT entrance examination to assess their verbal and analytical skills. After the results are announced, the shortlisted candidates will proceed to personal interviews and group discussions. They will be assessed on their communication skills and overall personality, and the chosen candidate will be issued an offer letter to join the MBA program. So, it is necessary for the applicant to keep all timelines and requirements up-to-date since the process has already commenced. After the IIFT Exam is cleared, the shortlisted students must wait for the selection Rounds:

Selection Rounds:

  • Group Discussion (GD): Business topics, policy analysis
  • Written Ability Test (WAT): Essay writing on abstract or business topics
  • Personal Interview (PI): Profile-based evaluation

Here are a few Factors to be considered:

  • IIFT Score
  • Academic Profile
  • Work Experience
  • Extra-curricular Achievements

IIFT Cut Offs for MBA Admission 2025

The IIFT Cut Offs for MBA Admission 2025 are going to be competitive due to the tough selection process. Candidates are required to score higher than the cut-off marks to increase their chances of acceptance. The cut-offs are released after the entrance exam and are subject to change based on categories and overall performance. Below are the indicative cut-offs for MBA Admission 2025:

Category

MBA-IB Cut Off

MBA-BA Cut Off

General

57.5

62

General/EWS/OBC-NCL

52.5

57

SC/ST/PwD

47.5

52

PwD/Kashmiri Migrants/Non-Migrants

56.4

56.4

Has the IIFT Exam Been Discontinued?

Yes, the IIFT examination will be discontinued from 2024. The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) has eliminated its entrance exam and instead takes admission of the students based on their CAT or GMAT scores. Read below for a quick overview of their renewed admission process:

Admission Criteria:

  • CAT or GMAT scores
  • Writing Skills Assessment (WAT)
  • Extempore
  • Group Discussion (GD)
  • Personal Interview (PI)

Important Dates for IIFT 2026:

  • Online registration starts: 3rd week of October 2025
  • Deadline for online registration: 1st week of December 2025
  • CAT exam date: 4th week of November 2025
  • Merit list/shortlisted candidates list release: 2nd week of February 2026
  • GD/Extempore, WAT, and PI rounds: 1st week of March 2026

It's recommended to check the IIFT website (iift.ac.in) for the latest updates and detailed information on the admission process.

IIFT 2024 Contact Information

NTA Office Address

  • Location: Block C-20/1A/8, Sector 62, Gautam Budh Nagar, Noida – 201309 (Uttar Pradesh)
  • Helpdesk Contact: 0120- 6895200 (Available from 09:30 AM to 06:00 PM on working days)

Payment Assistance Details

Here are the contact details for the payment assistance.

For ICICI Bank Payments:

Name

Email ID

Contact Number

Aiysha Khatun

support.nta@ingenico.com

0120-4728426

Karan Sinha

karan.sinha@icicibank.com

8826107923

Jai Sethi

jai.sethi@icicibank.com

9013799596

For Paytm Payments:

Contact Person

Email ID

Contact Number

Education Support

education.support@paytm.com

0120-4789521

Manasvi Haseeja

education.support@paytm.com

0120-4789522

Ambreen Fatma

education.support@paytm.com

  • IIFT New Delhi Campus Address: IIFT Bhawan B-21, Qutab Institutional Area,New Delhi – 110016
  • Official Website: https://iift.nta.nic.in
  • Admission Queries: admissions@iift.ac.in011-26857908 (Direct), 011-26965051 / 26965124 (Ext. 806)

What if I skip the IIFT and CAT Exams?

If you want to skip the IIFT and CAT exams or have already skipped the entrance Exams and still want to do an MBA degree. There are still good pathways to study an MBA. An option could be an Online MBA course, and there are many good institutions that offer Online MBA courses that have no entrance exams like the CAT or the IIFT. Many recognised institutions will offer flexible online MBA courses in which you can gain skills and knowledge, without going through the stress of an entrance exam. This is an excellent option if you want a flexible and easy way to continue your education without the hassles of taking a formal exam.

Here is a listing of the online universities that offer online MBA courses:

Top Online MBA Universities

Online MBA (Specialization)

MAHE Manipal Online MBA

  • Finance Management
  • Marketing Management
  • HR Management
  • Business Analytics
  • Data Science
  • Operations Management
  • Healthcare Management
  • Pharmaceutical Management
  • Information Systems
  • Fashion Management

Birchwood University Online MBA

  • Business & Law Ethics
  • Business Analytics
  • Marketing Management
  • General Management
  • Supply Chain Management
  • HR Management
  • Finance Management
  • Data Science
  • International Business

BIMTECH Online MBA

  • Finance Management
  • Marketing Management
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • Operations Management
  • Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance BFSI
  • Information Technology Management
  • General Management
  • Generative AI
  • HR Management Analytics
  • Supply Chain Management

NMIMS Online MBA

  • Business Management
  • Operations Management
  • HR Management
  • Finance Management
  • Marketing Management
  • Data Science
  • General Management

Amity University Online MBA

  • Digital Entrepreneurship
  • HR Analytics
  • Data Science
  • Business Analytics
  • HR Management
  • Operations Management
  • IT Management
  • International Business
  • Insurance Management
  • Entrepreneurship & Leadership
  • Retail Management

Jain University Online MBA

  • HR Management
  • Finance Management
  • Marketing Management
  • General Management
  • System and Operations Management
  • Marketing and Finance Management
  • Marketing and HR Management
  • Information
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • International Finance Management

DY Patil University Online MBA

  • Marketing Management
  • Finance Management
  • IT Management
  • Operations Management
  • HR Management
  • International Business
  • Digital Marketing
  • Project Management
  • FinTech Management
  • Business Analytics

UPES Online MBA

  • HR Management
  • Finance Management
  • Marketing Management
  • Operations Management
  • Oil & Gas Management
  • International Business
  • Power Management
  • Business Analytics
  • Logistic & Supply Chain Management
  • Infrastructure Management
  • Digital Business
  • Supply Chain Management

LPU Online MBA

  • Finance Management
  • Human Resource Management
  • Marketing Management
  • Data Science
  • Operations Management
  • International Business Management
  • Information Technology
  • Digital Marketing
  • Business Analytics
  • Data Science and Analytics
  • Banking & Financial Services
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Healthcare Management

SRM University Online MBA

  • HR Management
  • Marketing Management
  • Finance Management

DY Patil Vidyapeeth, Navi Mumbai, Online MBA

  • Sales And Marketing
  • HRM
  • Finance
  • Hospital & Health Care Management
  • Retail Management
  • Logistics & Supply Chain
  • International Business
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Event Management
  • Digital Marketing
  • Data Science & Business Analytics

Amrita University Online MBA

  • HR Management
  • Finance Management
  • Marketing Management
  • Operations Management
  • General Management
  • Artificial Intelligence

Chandigarh University Online MBA

  • Marketing Management
  • HR Management
  • International Business Management
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Retail Management
  • Business Analytics
  • Finance Management
  • Logistics & Supply Chain Management
  • Information Technology
  • Operations Management
  • Banking & Insurance

Parul University Online MBA

  • Marketing Management
  • Finance Management
  • HR Management
  • IT Management
  • Business Analytics
  • Operation Management
  • Retail Management
  • Project Management
  • Banking and Financial Services
  • Healthcare Management
  • & Supply Chain Management
  • Agricultural Management
  • Digital Marketing & Sales Management
  • Digital Marketing

Sikkim Manipal University Online MBA

  • Marketing Management
  • Finance Management
  • HR Management Systems
  • Operations & Supply Chain Management
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Marketing and HR
  • Marketing and Finance
  • Healthcare Management

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

The IIFT exam is conducted for admission to the MBA (International Business) programme at the IIFT campuses in Delhi, Kolkata, and Kakinada. 
 

The 2025 registrations under IIFT are expected to be launched in September 2024, considering the previous year's schedule. 
 

The fees for the application are INR 3,000 for candidates of the general/OBC/EWS categories, INR 1,500 for those in the SC/ST/PwD/Transgender category, and USD 200 for foreign/NRI candidates.
 

IIFT 2025 eligibility requires a candidate possessing a Bachelor's Degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognized university, with not less than 50% aggregate marks. Relaxation of 5% shall be given to SC, ST, and persons with disabilities (PwD) categories. Final year candidates can also apply. 
 

The IIFT test, apart from components common to CAT or XAT, has an element of General Awareness and concentrates on International Business themes. 
 

Candidates should visit the official website, iift.nta.nic.in. Online registration, filling in all details in the application form, uploading of scanned images of documents asked for, payment of requisite application fees, and downloading the confirmation page are all the steps involved.
 

There will be 110 MCQs across 4 sections (VARC, QA, LRDI, GK), with special marking on MCQs selected and no separate sectional time limits. 
 

Yes, IIFT admissions will also be CAT/GMAT only, followed by the WAT, Extempore, GD, and PI rounds.
 

profile

By Aditi Bhardwaj

5 Years of Experience / Storyteller / Research-driven Writer

As an MBA graduate, my journey took a surprising turn from the corporate world to the creative field of writing. After years of working in strategic planning and marketing, I discovered my passion for expressing ideas through words. This shift to writing wasn't easy, but I began by writing articles and blogs, using my business knowledge to create engaging content. My background in business allows

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