IIFT Delhi Revises MBA 2026-28 Stage 1 Shortlisting Criteria; Reduces CAT Weightage to 90

Content Writer | Updated On - Jan 22, 2026

Admission to IIFT Delhi is based on the shortlisting of the candidates on the CAT score for group discussion, personal interview, and other parameters. Below you can find the key differences between the selection criteria for academic year 2025-27.

IIFT Delhi Revises MBA 2026-28 Stage 1 Shortlisting Criteria

The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) has revised the selection criteria for the Stage-1 shortlisting of MBA (International Business) and MBA (Business Analytics) programs for the academic year 2026-28. These changes introduce new weightage for candidate work experience and gender diversity at the Stage-I shortlisting level.

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Two-stage selection remains constant in that both the 2025–27 and 2026–28 admissions:

Stage I – Shortlisting for GD/PI: Based on CAT marks and diversity factors.

Stage II – Final Selection: Based on GD & PI performance, CAT, and additional profile criteria.

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Stage-I Shortlisting Criteria Comparison

Parameter	2025–27 Shortlisting	2026–28 Shortlisting (Revised)
CAT Score Weightage	98 marks (CAT score / maximum CAT score) × 98	90 marks
Work Experience	Not applicable	5 marks
Gender Diversity	2 marks (Female: 2, Male: 0)	5 marks (M: 0, Other Gender: 5)
Total Marks	100 marks	100 marks

What has changed So Far?

CAT score weightage dominance in Stage I has been reduced from 98 to 90.
Previously, work experience was considered only in the final selection, but now it carries dedicated marks.
Gender diversity weightage has more than doubled, reflecting a push toward broader representation.

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IIFT Kakinada
IIFT Kakinada Courses & Fees 2026

Stage-II Final Selection Metrics

Despite changes at Stage I, final selection criteria remain largely similar for both cycles:

Component	2025–27	2026–28
CAT Score	48	48
GD (21) + PI (22)	43	43
Gender Diversity (F=3)	3	3
Academic Diversity (Non-Engg=3)	3	3
Work Experience	3	3
Total	100	100

Note: Work experience, academic diversity, and gender diversity continue to play a role in the final merit list, but their influence remains secondary to CAT and GD/PI performance.

Applicants must note that the changes in IIFT selection criteria for the Full-Time MBA (International Business & Business Analytics) 2025-2027 programmes are applicable to its campuses, including Delhi, Kolkata, and Kakinada.

Candidates are advised to check the official website and collegedunia.com for the latest updates.

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