The expected IIFT MBA 2026-28 EWS category cutoff is 95 to 97 percentile in CAT 2025, based on trends from the 2024-26 and 2025-27 admission cycles.
IIFT (Indian Institute of Foreign Trade) offers the MBA International Business (MBA-IB) programme across its Delhi, Kolkata, and Kakinada campuses. Since 2020, IIFT has used CAT scores for shortlisting students instead of conducting its own entrance exam. The EWS (Economically Weaker Section) category reserves 10% of seats for students from economically weaker general category families. The 2026-28 EWS cutoff is expected to stay slightly lower than the general category cutoff while remaining highly competitive.
- Expected EWS overall CAT 2025 percentile: 95–97 percentile (based on 2024-26 and 2025-27 batch trends).
- IIFT applies both overall and section-wise CAT cutoffs for every category including EWS.
- EWS students must produce a valid EWS certificate issued by a competent authority at document verification.
- Total IIFT MBA-IB seats: approximately 450 across Delhi, Kolkata, and Kakinada campuses.
- EWS reservation accounts for 10% of total seats in IIFT MBA 2026-28, roughly 45 seats expected.
IIFT MBA 2026-28 EWS Cutoff Overview
The IIFT MBA 2026-28 EWS cutoff is the minimum CAT 2025 percentile that shortlists EWS students for the Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI) rounds. IIFT sets both an overall CAT percentile cutoff and section-wise cutoffs for each category including EWS. Only students who clear all thresholds are called for the selection round.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam for Shortlisting | CAT 2025 |
| EWS Seat Reservation | 10% of total seats |
| Expected EWS Overall Cutoff | 95–97 percentile (expected) |
| Selection Rounds | WAT + GD + PI |
| Campuses | Delhi, Kolkata, Kakinada |
| Total MBA-IB Seats (Approx.) | ~450 |
Previous Year IIFT EWS Cutoff Trends
Based on available data from the 2023-25 and 2024-26 IIFT MBA-IB admission cycles, the EWS overall cutoff has ranged between 93 and 97 percentile. The table below provides approximate category-wise cutoffs to help you benchmark your expected CAT 2025 percentile.
| Batch | General Cutoff | EWS Cutoff | OBC-NCL Cutoff | SC Cutoff | ST Cutoff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-27 (approx.) | ~99 percentile | ~95–97 percentile | ~94–96 percentile | ~85–90 percentile | ~75–80 percentile |
| 2024-26 (approx.) | ~98.5 percentile | ~94–96 percentile | ~93–95 percentile | ~84–88 percentile | ~74–78 percentile |
| 2023-25 (approx.) | ~98 percentile | ~93–95 percentile | ~92–94 percentile | ~82–87 percentile | ~72–76 percentile |
All figures above are approximate and based on available trend data from previous batches. Official cutoffs vary by year and are announced by IIFT after CAT results are declared.
Expected IIFT MBA 2026-28 EWS Cutoff
Based on rising competition and consistent patterns over the last three batches, the expected EWS cutoff for IIFT MBA 2026-28 is likely to be 95 to 97 percentile overall in CAT 2025. IIFT also applies section-wise minimum percentile thresholds that EWS students must clear alongside the overall cutoff.
| CAT 2025 Section | Expected EWS Sectional Cutoff |
|---|---|
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | ~72–78 percentile (expected) |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | ~70–76 percentile (expected) |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | ~65–72 percentile (expected) |
| Overall (All Sections Combined) | ~95–97 percentile (expected) |
These are expected figures based on previous batch trends. IIFT will release the official 2026-28 cutoffs after CAT 2025 results are declared and the shortlisting process begins.
EWS Category Eligibility Criteria for IIFT MBA
To avail EWS reservation at IIFT MBA 2026-28, you must meet all of the following criteria set by the Government of India. Meeting only some of these conditions does not qualify you for the EWS category.
- You must belong to the general (unreserved) category — EWS reservation does not apply to SC, ST, or OBC students.
- Your family’s gross annual income from all sources must be below ₹8 lakh per annum.
- Your family must not own agricultural land of 5 acres or more.
- Your family must not own a residential flat of 1,000 sq. ft. or more.
- Your family must not own a residential plot of 100 sq. yards or more in a notified municipality, or 200 sq. yards or more in non-notified areas.
- You must submit a valid EWS certificate issued by a Tehsildar or equivalent competent authority at the time of document verification.
Factors Affecting IIFT MBA 2026-28 EWS Cutoff
Several factors influence where the EWS cutoff lands each year. Understanding these helps you assess your chances before the official cutoff is released.
- Number of EWS applicants: A higher volume of EWS-category applications raises competition and can push the closing cutoff upward.
- CAT 2025 difficulty level: An easier CAT 2025 paper produces higher scores across the board, which typically raises cutoffs for all categories.
- Total seats available: IIFT allocates 10% of seats under EWS; any expansion in total intake at any of its three campuses increases the absolute EWS seat count.
- Score normalisation: CAT scores are normalised across multiple sessions, and the normalisation methodology can shift percentile thresholds marginally.
- WAT-GD-PI performance: The final merit list also weighs WAT, GD, PI, academic record, and work experience, so EWS students with strong profiles can compensate for a borderline percentile.
IIFT MBA 2026-28 Selection Process After EWS Cutoff
Clearing the EWS cutoff is the first step. IIFT follows a multi-stage process before the final admission offer is extended to EWS students.
| Stage | Component | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CAT 2025 Shortlisting | Students meeting overall and sectional EWS cutoffs are called for the next round |
| 2 | Written Ability Test (WAT) | Short essay assessing written communication and analytical ability |
| 3 | Group Discussion (GD) | Group discussion on a current affairs or management-related topic |
| 4 | Personal Interview (PI) | Interview covering academics, work experience, and general awareness |
| 5 | Final Merit List | Composite score: CAT percentile + WAT + GD + PI + academic record + work experience |
EWS students who clear the cutoff and perform well in WAT-GD-PI are ranked on a separate EWS merit list. Admission offers are made in order of this list, subject to seat availability at the chosen IIFT campus.
IIFT MBA 2026-28 EWS Cutoff FAQs
Ques. What is the expected IIFT MBA 2026-28 EWS cutoff in CAT 2025?
Ans. The expected EWS overall cutoff for IIFT MBA 2026-28 is 95 to 97 percentile in CAT 2025, based on trends from the 2024-26 and 2025-27 admission cycles. IIFT will announce the official cutoff after CAT 2025 results are declared.
Ques. Does IIFT apply a section-wise cutoff for EWS students?
Ans. Yes. IIFT applies section-wise minimum CAT percentile thresholds in addition to the overall cutoff. EWS students are expected to clear around 72–78 percentile in VARC, 70–76 percentile in DILR, and 65–72 percentile in QA, based on previous batch trends.
Ques. What is the income limit to qualify for IIFT EWS reservation?
Ans. Your family’s gross annual income from all sources must be below ₹8 lakh per annum. You must also not own land or property exceeding the limits prescribed in the Government of India’s EWS notification.
Ques. How many EWS seats are available at IIFT MBA 2026-28?
Ans. IIFT reserves 10% of total MBA-IB seats for EWS students as per the central government reservation policy. With approximately 450 total seats across all three campuses, around 45 seats are expected under the EWS category for the 2026-28 batch.
Ques. Does IIFT use CAT scores to shortlist EWS students?
Ans. Yes. IIFT has been using CAT scores for MBA-IB admissions since 2020. EWS students are shortlisted based on their CAT 2025 percentile, subject to clearing both the overall and section-wise cutoffs set for the EWS category.
Ques. What certificate do EWS students need for IIFT MBA admission?
Ans. You need a valid EWS certificate issued by a competent authority (Tehsildar or above), along with your CAT 2025 scorecard, academic mark sheets, and identity proof. Refer to the official IIFT admissions notification for the complete document checklist.
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