The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), established in 1963 under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, is a leading institution offering specialised programmes in international business, management, and economics. It operates across multiple campuses in India and provides full-time postgraduate programmes and integrated courses for aspiring business professionals. This article provides a comprehensive overview of IIFT’s programmes for the 2025–27 academic session, including eligibility, IIFT cutoff, selection processes, important dates, fee structures, and application procedures.
IIFT Programmes Overview
IIFT offers multiple full-time programmes including:
| Programme Name | Duration | Campus Location(s) | Specialisation / Focus Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA (International Business) | 2 Years | New Delhi, Kolkata | International Business |
| MBA (Business Analytics) | 2 Years | New Delhi | Business Analytics |
| MA (Economics) | 2 Years | New Delhi, Kolkata | Trade and Finance |
| Integrated Programme in Management (BBA + MBA) | 5 Years | Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh | BBA in Business Analytics and MBA in International Business |
MBA (International Business) and MBA (Business Analytics) 2025-27
IIFT Pattern and Selection Criteria
Stage 1: Shortlisting
The shortlisting for Group Discussion and Personal Interview is based on CAT 2024 score including sectional IIFT cutoff and Gender Diversity.
Shortlisting Parameters:
| Parameters | Weightage |
|---|---|
| CAT 2024 Score | 98 (calculated as: CAT 2024 score of the candidate / Maximum score of CAT 2024 × 98) |
| Gender Diversity (M=0; F=2) | 02 |
| Total Score | 100 |
Source: Selection_Criteria_MBA_2025.pdf
Stage 2: Final Selection
Shortlisted candidates will undergo Group Discussion and Personal Interview. The final selection considers multiple parameters.
Final Selection Criteria:
| Parameters | MBA(IB) 2025-27 Weightage | MBA(BA) 2025-27 Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| CAT 2024 Score | 48 | 48 |
| Group Discussion (21) + Personal Interview (22) | 43 | 43 |
| Gender Diversity (M=0, F=3) | 3 | 3 |
| Academic Diversity (Engg=0, Non Engg=3) | 3 | 3 |
| Work Experience | 3 | 3 |
| Total Score | 100 | 100 |
Source: Selection_Criteria_MBA_2025.pdf
MA (Economics) Programme 2025-27
This programme focuses on trade and finance, using tests and interviews to select students.
Eligibility Criteria for MA (Economics) Programme For General/Reserved Category Candidates
Applicants must meet educational and subject-specific requirements to be considered for the programme.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks in aggregate (45% for SC, ST, and PWD categories) |
| Mathematics Requirement | Mathematics at higher secondary or higher level is mandatory |
| Age Limit | No age limit |
| Final Year Candidates | Eligible to apply; provisional admissions must meet minimum percentage requirements by 31st October 2025 |
Source: MAECO202527_Details.pdf Page 32
IIFT Syllabus Exam Pattern
An Objective Aptitude Test covering:
- Basic Mathematics and Statistics
- Microeconomics
- Macroeconomics
- International Economics
- Public Finance
- Syllabus at undergraduate level Economics Programme
Duration: Maximum of 120 minutes
Source: MAECO202527_Details.pdf
Mode of Admission
AI Proctoring Based Entrance Exam conducted on 22 June 2025. Interviews of shortlisted candidates conducted in physical mode at Delhi and Kolkata Campus.
Source: MAECO202527_Details.pdf
Seat Allocation
The MA programme admits 200 students across its two campuses.
| Campus | Number of Seats |
|---|---|
| Delhi Campus | 100 |
| Kolkata Campus | 100 |
| Total Capacity | 200 |
| Reservation | Seats reserved as per Government of India norms |
Source: MAECO202527_Details.pdf Page 36
Important Dates
Candidates must adhere to these key dates for a smooth application and selection process.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Last date of submission of application | 7th June 2025 |
| Date of AI Proctoring Based Entrance Examination | 22nd June 2025 (3 pm - 5 pm) |
| Declaration of IIFT Result of Examination | Last week of June 2025 |
| Interview of Shortlisted Candidates | Mid-week of July 2025 |
| Commencement of the Programme | August 2025 |
Source: MAECO202527_Details.pdf Page 35
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC/EWS Category | ₹1,600/- |
| SC/ST/PWD Category | ₹800/- |
| Foreign Nationals / NRIs | $80/ ₹6,000/- |
Source: MAECO202527_Details.pdf Page 35
Programme Fee Structure (MA Economics – Specialisation in Trade & Finance, 2024–26)
The annual fee is subject to revision by IIFT; SC/ST/PwD students receive a tuition fee concession.
| Category | Annual Programme Fee | Instalments | Fee Concession/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / EWS / OBC-NCL | ₹2,05,753 (per year) | Payable in two instalments | — |
| Foreign Nationals / NRIs | US$ 5,500 (per year) | Payable in two instalments | — |
| SC / ST / PWD | ₹2,05,753 (per year) | Payable in two instalments | 50% concession on tuition fee only |
Note: The fee is subject to change at the discretion of IIFT.
Source: MAECO202527_Details.pdf Page 31
Foreign Nationals/NRI Admission for MBA(IB) 2025-27
Eligibility Criteria
International applicants must meet specific residency and academic criteria.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Recognised Bachelor’s degree of minimum 3 years’ duration with at least 50% marks |
| Final Year Candidates | Eligible to apply; must submit proof of qualification by 31st October 2025 |
| Residency Requirement | International candidates must have been resident outside India for at least 18 months as on 31st December 2024 |
| Proof for Indian Nationals Abroad | Must produce a certificate from the Indian Embassy / High Commission/Consulate of the residing country |
| Foreign Nationals | Must possess a valid passport or travel document from a country other than India |
| GMAT Requirement | Valid GMAT score required GMAT score must be received by IIFT by 15th March 2025 GMAT taken before 1st January 2023 is not valid |
| Exclusions | NRI-Sponsored candidates and Children of NRIs are not eligible under this category |
Source: FNNRI.pdf
Selection Process
- Admission based on GMAT Score and Personal Interview
- Candidates called for interview must make their own travel arrangements
- Online interview mode available if unable to be physically present
Source: FNNRI.pdf
Documents Required for Foreign Nationals / NRI Admission – MBA (IB) 2025–27
Applicants must submit the following documents to complete their application.
| Document | Description / Requirement |
|---|---|
| GMAT Score Certificate | Copy of the latest GMAT score certificate |
| Academic Certificates | Self-attested copies of all academic mark sheets and certificates – Class X, Class XII, and Graduation |
| Passport Copy | Copy of all passport pages containing official entries |
| Letters of Recommendation | Two letters of recommendation, preferably one from the current supervisor or manager |
| Embassy/Consulate Certificate | Certificate from Indian Embassy / High Commission / Consulate (for Indian nationals living abroad) |
Note: No letter of recommendation should be written by immediate family members (parents, grandparents, siblings, spouse)
Source: FNNRI.pdf
Integrated Programme in Management (IPM) 2025-30
Five-Year Integrated Programme offering BBA (Business Analytics) after 3 years and MBA (International Business) after 5 years at Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh campus.
Source: Prospectus2025IPM.pdf
Eligibility Criteria – Integrated Programme in Management (BBA in Business Analytics and MBA in International Business)
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Qualifying Examination | Passed 10+2 / XII / HSC examination in Arts, Commerce, or Science stream or equivalent with 60% marks (55% for SC/ST/PwD/Transgender categories) in 2023, 2024, or appearing in 2025 |
| Class 10th Requirement | Passed Class 10th examination with 60% marks (55% for SC/ST/PwD/Transgender categories) in a year not before 2021 |
| Appearing Candidates | Candidates appearing in Class XII/HSC by 31st July 2025 are eligible to apply |
| Mandatory Subject | Mathematics /Business Mathematics /Applied Mathematics /Statistics /Business Statistics at the +2 level is mandatory |
Age Criteria:
- Candidate should have been born on or after August 01, 2005
- 5 years relaxation for SC/ST/PwD category (born on or after August 01, 2000)
Source: Prospectus2025IPM.pdf Page 23
Mode of Admission
IIFT uses IPMAT 2025 score conducted by IIM-Indore for shortlisting/selecting candidates. Merit list prepared based on:
- IPMAT 2025 Score
- Academic Profile of class 10th
- Gender Diversity
Note: IIM Indore has no role in selection process or conduct of IIFT's IPM programme.
Source: Prospectus2025IPM.pdf Page 23
Application Process
Step 1: Apply for IIM-Indore entrance exam (IPMAT 2025)
Step 2: Visit IIFT website (www.iift.ac.in) and submit online application form with IPMAT-2025 registration number
Step 3: Upload required documents:
- Self-Attested copies of mark-sheets of 10th and 12th
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- Application form of IPMAT 2025 (IIM Indore)
Source: Prospectus2025IPM.pdf Page 24
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Last Date to Apply Online for IIFT's IPM 2025-30 | 30th April 2025 |
| Entrance Exam by IIM-Indore | 12th May 2025 |
Source: Prospectus2025IPM.pdf Page 42
Application Fee
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| General/Gen-EWS/OBC-NCL | Rs. 2,000 |
| SC/ST/PWD | Rs. 1,000 |
Application fee once paid will not be refunded.
Source: Prospectus2025IPM.pdf Page 42
Course Fee Structure
First three years of IPM: Rs. 4,00,000/- (Rupees Four Lakh) per annum for resident Indians
Course fees for fourth and fifth years as per prevailing MBA in International Business Programme fees. Other charges extra.
Source: Prospectus2025IPM.pdf Page 25
Conclusion
The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade offers a range of programmes in international business, economics, and analytics, with a structured selection process and clear eligibility criteria. Candidates planning to apply should familiarise themselves with entrance exam requirements, programme-specific eligibility, important deadlines, and fee structures to make informed decisions. While pursuing management or economics education can involve financial planning, students can explore education loans to manage tuition and related expenses. Careful IIFT preparation, timely application, and awareness of programme-specific details can help aspirants navigate the IIFT admission process effectively.
