IIFT Selection Criteria: A Complete Guide for MBA Aspirants

The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) is one of India’s premier business schools, widely recognized for its rigorous academic programs, world-class faculty, and industry-relevant curriculum. Its MBA in International Business (MBA-IB) program is highly regarded, with a focus on global trade, international markets, and strategic management.

The IIFT MBA program attracts thousands of aspirants every year due to its brand value, excellent placement records, and a well-rounded curriculum. However, getting into IIFT requires meeting specific selection criteria, which involves a structured and competitive admission process. In this blog, we will explore IIFT's selection criteria in-depth to help prospective students understand the process and increase their chances of admission.

IIFT Overview

IIFT, established by the Government of India in 1963, is an autonomous public business school that offers an array of management programs. The MBA in International Business (MBA-IB) is the flagship course and is available across IIFT’s campuses in New Delhi, Kolkata, and Kakinada.

Key Highlights of the IIFT MBA Program:

• Duration: 2 years

• Specialization: International Business, Trade, and Finance

• Mode of Admission: IIFT conducts its own entrance exam, IIFT Entrance Test.

• Ranking: IIFT consistently ranks among the top 10 business schools in India.

  
  

IIFT Selection Criteria: A Step-by-Step Process

The admission process to IIFT is a multi-stage process that assesses candidates on various parameters, such as academic excellence, work experience, entrance exam performance, and overall personality.

Stage 1: Eligibility Criteria

Before you begin the application process for IIFT, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria:

Eligibility Criterion	Details
Educational Qualification	A recognized undergraduate degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD)
Age Limit	No specific age limit for applying
Work Experience	Not mandatory, but work experience is given preference
National or International	IIFT accepts Indian and foreign nationals, but foreign nationals need to apply through a separate process

Stage 2: IIFT Entrance Exam

The next step in the selection process is qualifying for the IIFT Entrance Exam, which is a computer-based test held once a year. The exam is designed to test the candidate’s knowledge in various subjects, including quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, reading comprehension, and general knowledge.

Exam Pattern

Section	Number of Questions	Total Marks	Time Limit
Quantitative Ability	20-25	25	35 minutes
Verbal Ability & RC	35-40	35	40 minutes
Data Interpretation & LR	20-25	25	35 minutes
General Awareness	20-25	25	15 minutes
Total	100	100	2 hours

General Awareness is one of the distinguishing features of the IIFT exam, which tests candidates on a wide range of topics, such as current affairs, business, economics, and international relations.

Cutoff and Score Calculation

IIFT sets category-wise cutoffs for shortlisting candidates for the next stage, which typically ranges between 35 and 40 marks for the General category. These cutoffs can vary based on exam difficulty and the number of candidates applying.

Stage 3: Shortlisting for GD-PI-WAT

After the IIFT Entrance Exam, candidates who meet the cutoff scores are shortlisted for the Group Discussion (GD), Personal Interview (PI), and Written Ability Test (WAT). This stage evaluates candidates on their communication skills, leadership qualities, and overall personality. Here's a brief overview:

Component	Details
Group Discussion (GD)	A 15-20 minute discussion on a topic related to current affairs or business scenarios. Assesses leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.
Personal Interview (PI)	A personal interview to test communication, critical thinking, and cultural fit. Typically includes questions on academics, work experience (if any), and motivation for pursuing an MBA.
Written Ability Test (WAT)	Candidates are given a topic to write an essay on within 20 minutes. Assesses writing skills, clarity of thought, and structure.

Stage 4: Final Selection Criteria

After the GD-PI-WAT process, IIFT considers various factors for final selection, including performance in the entrance exam, GD-PI-WAT, academic background, work experience, and diversity.

Criteria	Weightage (%)
IIFT Entrance Exam Score	50%
Group Discussion	15%
Personal Interview	30%
Written Ability Test	5%
Overall Profile	5%

Candidates are then ranked based on their combined score and called for final admission based on available seats in each category.

Stage 5: Seat Allocation and Final Admission

The final stage of the admission process involves seat allocation based on the candidate’s rank and category. Selected candidates are then required to submit their documents, pay fees, and complete all formalities to secure admission into the MBA program at IIFT.

Key Highlights of IIFT’s MBA Program

1. Global Exposure

The IIFT MBA program places significant emphasis on global trade, which is why the curriculum is designed with an international outlook. Students are exposed to global markets, trends, and international business practices. The program also includes opportunities for international internships, exchange programs, and industry visits.

International Opportunities	Details
Foreign Exchange Program	Collaborations with leading universities worldwide
International Internships	Internships with global companies and organizations
Global Guest Lectures	Insights from international business leaders

2. Excellent Placement Record

IIFT boasts an impressive placement record, with students being recruited by top multinational companies in sectors such as consulting, finance, marketing, and trade.

Placement Highlights	Details
Average CTC	₹23-25 LPA
Top Recruiters	Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG, BCG, Accenture
Highest CTC	₹45 LPA (approx.)
Popular Roles	Consulting, Finance, Marketing, Supply Chain Management

3. Diverse Student Cohort

IIFT focuses on building diversity within its MBA cohort, welcoming students from different educational, professional, and geographical backgrounds. This diversity enriches the classroom discussions and enhances peer learning.

Diversity Factors	Details
Gender Diversity	Women candidates make up a significant percentage of the batch
Academic Diversity	Students come from diverse academic backgrounds, including engineering, commerce, economics, and humanities
Work Experience	Both freshers and candidates with prior work experience are admitted

The IIFT selection process is highly competitive, with the entrance exam (IIFT Exam), Group Discussion, Personal Interview, and Written Ability Test playing key roles in determining who gets admission to one of India’s most prestigious business schools. Candidates aspiring for a seat at IIFT should thoroughly prepare for all stages, focusing on strong performance in the entrance exam, a well-rounded personality for GD-PI-WAT, and a clear understanding of international business concepts.

With its focus on global trade, industry connections, and stellar placement opportunities, IIFT continues to be a top choice for MBA aspirants aiming to make a mark in the international business landscape.