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IIFT
Indian Institute of Foreign Trade Entrance Exam
📝 Management Entrance Examination Computer Based Test (CBT) ⏱ Valid: 1 Year Since 1963 ⚡ Hard
🕐 Last updated: June 18, 2026
📝 Register Now 🌐 Official Site
›
Score Range
0 to 300
Exam Fee
$200
Duration
120 minutes
Questions
110
Score Valid
1 Year
Frequency
Annual
Accepted By
3 (IIFT Delhi, Kolkata, and Kakinada)
Pass Rate
Less than 2%
Difficulty
Hard
📝 Register for IIFT 🌐 Official Website ✍️ Need application help? →
Quick Summary

IIFT (Indian Institute of Foreign Trade Entrance Exam) is a management entrance examination conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA). Scores range from 0 to 300, valid for 1 Year, with a total duration of 120 minutes. Accepted by 3 (IIFT Delhi, Kolkata, and Kakinada), the exam fee is $200, with hard difficulty level.

📋 Exam Overview
🎯
Score Range
0 to 300
⏱
Duration
120 minutes
💳
Fee
$200
📅
Valid For
1 Year
🖥
Mode
Computer Based Test (CBT)
🌍
Accepted By
3 (IIFT Delhi, Kolkata, and Kakinada)
🗓
Frequency
Annual
🏛
Conducted By
National Testing Agency (NTA)
❓
Total Qs
110
📑
Sections
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Analysis, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, General Awareness
⚡
Difficulty
Hard
📊
Pass Rate
Less than 2%
Excellence in International Business Education
👤 Who Should Take This Exam?
Graduates seeking admission to the MBA in International Business (MBA-IB) program at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade. It is ideal for candidates looking for a career in global trade and logistics.
🎓 Education Level
National
🌍 Accepted In
India
📝 Exam Structure & Format
Question Types
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Language / Medium
English
Total Duration
120 minutes
Retake Policy
Once per year only
Total Questions
110
Sections
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Analysis, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, General Awareness
⚙️ More format details (timing, marking, equipment)See all ▾
Time Per Section
No sectional time limit; total 120 minutes for all sections.
Negative Marking
Yes
Calculator Allowed
No
Scratch Paper
Yes
Breaks Allowed
No
Home Edition
No
Digital vs Paper
The exam was historically paper-based but transitioned fully to a computer-based format under NTA administration.
📑 Section Details
VARC covers 35 questions, QA covers 25 questions, DILR covers 30 questions, and GK covers 20 questions based on the latest pattern.
🎯 Scoring System
Score Range
0 to 300
Good / Passing Score
Varies (Sectional and overall cut-offs apply)
How Scoring Works
Differential marking applies; usually +3 for correct answers in VARC, QA, DILR, and +1.5 for GK, with 1/3 negative marking.
🏆 Minimum Scores for Top Universities
Not specified (Depends on annual percentile distribution)
📊 Section / sub-scoresSee all ▾
Writing
Not specified (Assessed during separate WAT round)
Speaking
Not specified (Assessed during separate Interview round)
Listening
Not Applicable
Reading
Provided within VARC section
Grammar
Provided within VARC section
Vocabulary
Provided within VARC section
Analytical
Provided within DILR section
Quantitative
Provided within QA section
Verbal
Provided within VARC section
Subject
Not Applicable
All Sub-Scores
Sectional scores are provided for all four modules.
📈 Avg First Attempt
120-140 out of 300
🔼 Score Improvement
15-20% with dedicated mock practice
💳 Registration & Fees
Fee (USD)
$200
See all ▾
200
Fee (INR)
₹2500
See all ▾
2500
Other
1250 for SC/ST/PWD candidates
📝 Register Now →
📋 Policies (rescheduling, cancellation, verification, waivers)See all ▾
⏰ Register in Advance
2-3 months
🔄 Rescheduling Policy
Not permitted once registration is closed
❌ Cancellation Policy
No refund provided upon cancellation of application.
🔍 Score Verification
Yes
📋 Score Audit
Yes
↩ Reinstatement Policy
Not Applicable
🎁 Fee Waiver Criteria
Not Applicable
📅 Exam Dates & Schedule
📆 Available Months
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
🔁 Frequency
Annual
📊 Results Declared
4-6 weeks
🔄 Retake Policy
Once per year only
⏰ Register By
2-3 months
✅ Eligibility & Access
🎂 Age Limit
No age limit
🎓 Education Required
Bachelor's degree with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PWD).
🛂 Citizenship
Open to Indian citizens, NRIs, and Foreign Nationals.
📍 Test Centers
68 cities across India
More on accommodations, ID, and special versionsSee all ▾
🪪 ID Required
Yes
♿ Accessibility
Scribe facility and extra time for PWD candidates as per government norms.
🔀 Special Versions
None
📐 Subject Variants
None
🤝 Disability Accommodations
Reservation of seats and compensatory time as per Indian Government regulations.
🗓 Exam Day Guide
✅ What to Bring
Admit card, valid original photo ID, and transparent ballpoint pen.
🚫 Prohibited Items
Mobile phones, calculators, watches, jewelry, bags, and books.
📋 Exam Day Rules
No electronic gadgets, reach the center 90 minutes early, mandatory ID check.
After the exam: score reporting and deliverySee all ▾
⏱ Score Reporting
30-45 days
📤 Score Sending
Scores are automatically sent to IIFT campuses.
🎓 Score Recipients
IIFT Delhi, IIFT Kolkata, IIFT Kakinada.
📚 Preparation Guide
📅 Recommended Prep Time
4-6 Months
🗓 Avg Prep Months
6 Months
Preparation involves mastering Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability. A unique General Knowledge section requires staying updated with current business and global affairs.
💡 Top Tips & Tricks
Focus on time management across sections and maintain a high reading speed. Practice previous year papers to understand the differential marking scheme and balance speed with accuracy.
Full study plan, resources, and common mistakesSee all ▾
📅 Study Plan
Spend 4-6 months covering the syllabus, followed by 2 months of intensive mock tests. Dedicate at least 30 minutes daily to reading international business news for the GK section.
📖 Recommended Books
Arun Sharma for Quant/DI, Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis, and Manorama Yearbook for GK.
🏫 Popular Prep Courses
TIME, IMS, Career Launcher, 2IIM.
📱 Popular Prep Apps
Unacademy, BYJU'S Exam Prep, MBA-IB Prep App.
✅ Official Practice Tests
Available on the NTA website during the exam season. — Free (Included in the NTA registration portal)
🆓 Free Online Resources
NTA official mock tests, IIFT previous year question papers available on educational portals, and online MBA prep forums.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ignoring the General Knowledge section which often has a sectional cutoff. Spending too much time on a single complex DI set or a tricky Quant problem.
💡 EduAtlasHub Exclusive Insights
🔍 Insider Tips
Since the sectional cutoffs are strictly enforced, ensure you clear the GK minimums first before maximizing scores in other sections. Focus on Reading Comprehension as it carries significant weight.
⭐ Unique Features
Includes a dedicated General Awareness section focused on trade and economy, and features differential marking for different sections.
🎓 How This Score Impacts Your Application
The score is the primary filter for shortlisting candidates for Group Discussion, Writing Skills Assessment, and Personal Interviews.
More insights: country notes, comparisons, myths, examiner tipsSee all ▾
🌍 Country-Specific Notes
The exam is primarily conducted in major Indian cities. Foreign nationals and NRIs can apply through GMAT scores rather than the IIFT entrance exam.
⚖️ Comparison with Alternatives
IIFT is more speed-oriented than CAT and includes a GK section, unlike CAT or XAT's main percentile calculation.
🆕 Recent Changes
Starting for the 2024-26 batch, IIFT has transitioned to using CAT scores for shortlisting candidates, effectively discontinuing the separate entrance exam.
🔜 Upcoming Changes
Future admissions are expected to continue via CAT scores, though the institute reserves the right to re-introduce its own test.
🧐 Myths vs Facts
Myth: GK doesn't matter much. Fact: GK has its own sectional cutoff which many high scorers fail to clear.
👨‍🏫 Examiner Tips
Focus on the Reading Comprehension length as they are usually long and data-intensive. Do not guess in the GK section as negative marking can ruin your percentile.
🏆 Success Stories
Thousands of alumni now lead global trade organizations and multinational corporations after clearing this rigorous process.
📋 Post-Exam Steps
Shortlisted candidates must appear for Writing Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI).
🎯 Score Uses Beyond Admission
Scores may be used for internal scholarships or by other niche management institutes in India.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the IIFT score valid?+
The IIFT score is valid for 1 Year.
How much does the IIFT cost?+
The exam fee is $200 (approximately ₹2500 in India).
How often can I retake the IIFT?+
Once per year only
When are IIFT results declared?+
4-6 weeks
Which universities accept the IIFT?+
IIFT is accepted by 3 (IIFT Delhi, Kolkata, and Kakinada).
Is a calculator allowed in the IIFT?+
No
How should I prepare for the IIFT?+
Preparation involves mastering Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability. A unique General Knowledge section requires staying updated with current business and global affairs.
📝
Register for IIFT
Excellence in International Business Education
Register Now →
📊 Quick Facts
Official Site →
Conducted ByNational Testing Agency (NTA)
Year Started1963
CategoryManagement Entrance Examination
Last UpdatedJune 18, 2026
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