IIFT Exam Pattern 2026- Check Marking Scheme, Number of Questions, Eligibility Criteria & Preparation Plan
The IIFT Exam Pattern 2026 is now completely different from earlier years. There will be no separate IIFT entrance exam this time. Instead, admissions to the MBA (International Business) and MBA (Business Analytics) programs will be based on CAT 2025 scores.
If you’re aiming for IIFT, you need to appear for CAT 2025 and then apply separately on the IIFT website once the application window opens. After the CAT result is declared, IIFT will announce its shortlisting criteria and will call selected candidates for Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds.
Also Read:
Key Summary
- IIFT no longer conducts its own entrance exam for MBA (International Business) and MBA (Business Analytics) programs.
- For IIFT 2026 admissions, candidates must appear for the CAT 2025 exam to be considered for shortlisting.
- Based on CAT 2025 scores and other parameters, IIFT will shortlist candidates for the next stages of selection.
- The GD and PI rounds will be held in offline mode across centers such as Delhi, Kolkata, Kakinada, GIFT City, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Indore, Lucknow, and Mumbai.
- To be eligible for MBA (International Business), you need a Bachelor’s degree (minimum 3 years) with 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD) and final-year students eligible till October 31, 2026 with no age limit.
- For MBA (Business Analytics), you need a Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks / 5.0 CGPA, with Maths/Statistics at graduation or B.Tech/B.E. or Maths (not Applied Maths) at 10+2 level; final-year students eligible till October 31, 2026 and no age limit is required.
- The final selection will depend on CAT percentile, GD/PI performance, academic profile, and relevant work experience.
- All official notifications, application details, and updates are available exclusively on the IIFT official website - iift.ac.in.
- IIFT 2026 Admission Through CAT - What Has Changed?
1.1 IIFT Exam Pattern Change 2026: Old vs. New Admission Process
- Past Year’s IIFT Exam Pattern
2.1 IIFT Exam Section-wise Distribution (Previous Format)
- Why Understanding the Old IIFT Exam Pattern Still Helps in IIFT 2026?
- IIFT 2026 Eligibility Criteria for MBA (IB) and MBA (BA)
- What to Prepare for IIFT 2026
5.1 IIFT 2026 Preparation Plan
- IIFT Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs
IIFT 2026 Admission Through CAT - What Has Changed?
The IIFT Exam Pattern 2026 has undergone a major change. From the 2024-25 admission cycle onward, the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) has discontinued its own entrance exam. For 2026 admissions, candidates will be shortlisted based on their CAT 2025 scores.
This means there will be no separate IIFT entrance test like previous years. Instead, candidates must appear for CAT 2025, and their scores will be used for shortlisting for Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI) as the next stages of the IIFT admission process.
The IIFT Exam Pattern 2026 is now aligned with CAT 2025, followed by the institute’s internal evaluation stages for final selection.
IIFT Exam Pattern Change 2026: Old vs. New Admission Process
| Parameter | Earlier IIFT Admission | Revised IIFT Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance Exam Conducted By | National Testing Agency (NTA) | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) through CAT 2025 |
| Exam Name | IIFT Entrance Test | CAT (Common Admission Test) |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Number of Sections | 4 (VARC, DILR, QA, GK) | 3 (VARC, DILR, QA) |
| Exam Duration | 120 minutes | 120 minutes (40 mins per section) |
| Sectional Time Limit | No | Yes (40 mins each) |
| General Awareness Section | Included | Not included |
| Application Process | Applied only on IIFT website | Register for CAT + Apply separately on IIFT website |
| Shortlisting Basis | IIFT exam score | CAT score + other parameters |
| Selection Rounds | Essay Writing (WSA), GD, PI | GD and PI only |
| GD/PI Mode | Offline (selected cities) | Offline (Delhi, Kolkata, Kakinada, GIFT City, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Indore, Lucknow, Mumbai) |
| Official Websites | iift.ac.in | iift.ac.in, iimcat.ac.in |
Past Year’s IIFT Exam Pattern
While IIFT no longer conducts its own entrance exam, the exam was structured before it was discontinued, and is useful for understanding its style and level of difficulty.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 2 hours (120 minutes) |
| Sections | 4 Sections
|
| Total Questions | 110 |
| Maximum Marks | 300 |
| Marks per Question | VARC / QA / DILR: 3 marks each GA: 1.5 marks each |
| Negative Marking | -1 mark for incorrect answers in VARC / QA / DILR -0.5 mark in GA |
| Language | English |
IIFT Exam Section-wise Distribution (Previous Format)
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | 35 | 3 | 105 |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | 30 | 3 | 90 |
| Quantitative Analysis | 25 | 3 | 75 |
| General Awareness | 20 | 1.5 | 30 |
| Total | 110 | 300 |
Also Read: IIFT Syllabus
Why Understanding the Old IIFT Exam Pattern Still Helps in IIFT 2026?
Even though the IIFT exam has been replaced by CAT, knowing the old format can still be useful.
- It gives an idea of the question types and difficulty level IIFT valued.
- The General Awareness (GA) section that was unique to IIFT and often influences the kind of topics you may be asked about in GD and PI rounds.
IIFT 2026 Eligibility Criteria for MBA (IB) and MBA (BA)
Before applying, candidates must check the detailed eligibility requirements for both programs offered by IIFT. The criteria differ slightly for MBA (International Business) and MBA (Business Analytics), as shown below:
| Program | Educational Qualification | Additional Requirements | Other Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA (International Business) | Bachelor’s degree (minimum 3 years) in any discipline with 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD) from a recognized university. | Candidates in the final year can apply, provided proof of qualification is submitted by October 31, 2026. | No age limit. Admission is provisional until minimum marks are achieved. |
| MBA (Business Analytics) | Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks or 5.0 CGPA (out of 10). | Must have Mathematics/Statistics at graduation OR hold a B.Tech/B.E. degree OR have Mathematics (not Applied Mathematics) at 10+2 level. | Final-year students can apply if proof of qualification is submitted by October 31, 2026. No age limit. |
What to Prepare for IIFT 2026
Since IIFT 2026 admissions will be based on CAT 2025 scores, your preparation should be aligned with the CAT exam structure and IIFT’s selection process that follows it.
Step 1: Understand the CAT 2025 Syllabus & PatternThe CAT exam is the first step toward IIFT admission, so it’s important to master its structure.
| Section | Full Form | Time Limit (per section) | Question Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| VARC | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | 40 minutes | MCQs & TITA (Type in the Answer) |
| DILR | Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | 40 minutes | MCQs & TITA |
| QA | Quantitative Ability | 40 minutes | MCQs & TITA |
CAT Marking Scheme: +3 for correct answers and -1 for incorrect MCQs (no negative marking for TITA).
Step 2: Know IIFT’s Cut-offs & Shortlisting Rules
Even though the exam is CAT, IIFT will release its own IIFT cutoff criteria based on CAT percentiles. These cutoffs vary by campus (Delhi, Kolkata, Kakinada) and category.
| Category | Expected Overall CAT Percentile |
|---|---|
| General / EWS | 90+ |
| OBC-NCL | 80-85 |
| SC / ST / PwD | 70-75 |
IIFT shortlisting may give different weights to overall CAT percentile and sectional performance, so balanced preparation is key.
Step 3: Prepare for GD, and PI Round
Once shortlisted, candidates appear for the Writing Skills Assessment (WSA), Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI) rounds.
To perform well:
- Stay updated on business news, trade policies, and current affairs.
- Practice writing short, structured essays for WSA.
- Improve clarity of thought, communication, and presence of mind for GD/PI.
Step 4:Check IIFT Eligibility & Application Details
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree (minimum 3 years) from a recognized university |
| Minimum Aggregate | 50% (General/OBC-NCL/EWS); 45% (SC/ST/PwD) |
| Final-Year Students | Eligible to apply |
| Campuses | Delhi, Kolkata, and Kakinada, GIFT City |
| Application Mode | Online via https://iift.ac.in |
Ques. Do I need to register separately for IIFT 2026 after CAT registration?
Ans. Yes, you must fill out the IIFT application form separately on the official website after completing CAT registration.
Ques. Is work experience mandatory for IIFT 2026 admission?
Ans. No, it’s not mandatory, but relevant experience can add value during the interview.
Ques. Can I apply to multiple IIFT campuses?
Ans. Yes, you can indicate campus preferences during the IIFT application process.
IIFT 2026 Preparation Plan
Since IIFT 2026 admissions are based on CAT 2025 scores followed by Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds, your preparation should focus first on CAT and then on developing strong communication and awareness skills for GD/PI.
| Phase | Duration | Focus Areas | Key Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1: Concept Building | Months 1-2 | Basics of QA, VARC, and DILR | Revise fundamentals, solve topic-wise questions, and read newspapers daily for vocabulary and comprehension. |
| Phase 2: Practice & Sectional Tests | Months 3-4 | Strengthen weak areas | Attempt sectional tests twice a week, analyze performance, and work on speed and accuracy. |
| Phase 3: Full-Length Mocks | Months 5-6 | Exam strategy & consistency | Take 2–3 full mocks weekly under timed conditions and review errors carefully. |
| Phase 4: GD/PI Preparation (Post-CAT) | After CAT | Communication & business awareness | Read about international trade, current affairs, and business news. Practice mock GDs and personal interviews. |
Ques. How should I prepare for IIFT 2026 since there’s no separate exam?
Ans.To prepare for IIFT 2026, candidates should focus entirely on the CAT 2025 syllabus that is Quantitative Ability (QA), Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR). After CAT, shift your focus to GD and PI rounds, emphasizing:
- Business and current affairs reading
- Communication and presentation skills
- Mock discussions and interview practice
| Stage | Preparation Focus |
|---|---|
| CAT (Pre-Exam) | Concept clarity, speed, accuracy |
| Post-CAT | GD & PI readiness, confidence building |
Ques. How many months are enough to prepare for IIFT 2026 through CAT?
Ans. A 6-8 month study plan is ideal for IIFT 2026.
- First 2 months: Build strong basics in all CAT sections.
- Next 3 months: Focus on sectional tests and time management.
- Final 2 months: Attempt full-length mocks and revise important topics.
- After CAT: Prepare for GD and PI through daily reading and practice sessions.
| Phase | Duration | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Concept Building | 2 months | Learn fundamentals |
| Sectional Practice | 2-3 months | Improve weak areas |
| Mock Practice | 2 months | Strengthen exam temperament |
| GD/PI Prep | Post-CAT | Build confidence & awareness |
Ques. Will the GD and PI be held online or offline for IIFT 2026?
Ans. As per the official IIFT admission guidelines on iift.ac.in, the GD and PI rounds will be conducted in physical (offline) mode. These rounds are expected to take place at the following centers:
Delhi, Kolkata, Kakinada, GIFT City, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Indore, Lucknow, and Mumbai.
The institute also reserves the right to add or remove any GD/PI center based on administrative reasons. Candidates should regularly visit the official website for the latest updates and exact schedules.
Also read:
IIFT Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs
Ques. Does IIFT conduct its own entrance examination in 2026?
Ans.
- No, for the 2025-26 admission cycle, IIFT has stopped its own separate entrance test for MBA (IB / BA).
- Admission is now based on CAT exam scores.
- However, selection involves further stages such as GD / PI after CAT shortlisting.
Ques. What is the IIFT Exam Pattern 2026?
Ans. The IIFT Exam Pattern 2026 no longer includes a separate entrance test. Admissions to IIFT’s MBA (International Business) and MBA (Business Analytics) programs will be based entirely on CAT 2025 scores, followed by Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI) rounds.
| Stage | Component | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CAT 2025 | Candidates must appear for CAT 2025 conducted by IIMs |
| 2 | IIFT Application | Apply separately on the IIFT website after CAT registration |
| 3 | Shortlisting | Based on CAT percentile (overall and sectional) |
| 4 | Final Selection | Based on GD, and PI performance |
Ques. What happens if I don’t appear in CAT? Can I appear for some “IIFT-only” test?
Ans.
- No. Since IIFT no longer conducts its own exam, CAT is compulsory for shortlisting.
- Without a valid CAT 2025 score, you cannot be shortlisted for IIFT MBA admission in 2026 (unless there is some alternate route for foreign / NRI / special categories, which you should check in IIFT’s official notification).
Ques. What is the selection process after CAT shortlisting for IIFT 2026 admission?
Ans.
- After shortlisting by CAT score (with IIFT-specific cutoffs), candidates undergo Group Discussion, and Personal Interview (PI) rounds.
- Performance in these rounds combines with academic / diversity / other criteria for final merit.
Ques. Is there any General Awareness section in IIFT 2026?
Ans. No. Since IIFT 2026 is CAT-based, there will be no separate General Awareness section in the exam. However, keeping up with current affairs, business, and global trade topics remains crucial for GD and PI rounds.
Ques. How can I apply for IIFT 2026 admission?
Ans. Candidates aspiring for IIFT 2026 admission can follow these steps to apply and appear for the selection process:
- Register for CAT 2025 at iimcat.ac.in.
- Appear for the CAT exam as it forms the basis for IIFT shortlisting.
- Apply separately for IIFT on iift.ac.in once the registration window opens.
- Wait for shortlisting based on CAT results announced by IIFT.
- Participate in the GD-PI rounds if shortlisted for the next stage.
Ques. What is the eligibility criteria for IIFT MBA (IB) / (BA) for 2026?
Ans.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree of 3 years or more from a recognized university |
| Minimum Aggregate Marks | 50% for General / OBC-NCL / EWS, 45% for SC / ST / PwD categories |
| Final-year students | Eligible to apply provisionally (must submit result proof by deadline) |
| Age Limit | There is no upper age limit mentioned |
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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