IIFT 2026: Eligibility, Dates, Registration, Admission through CAT, Selection Procedure

The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) has announced changes in its admission process for the MBA International Business and MBA Business Analytics programs. Unlike previous years, the IIFT entrance exam will not be conducted. Instead, candidates will be shortlisted based on their CAT 2026 Scores. The registration process for admission has commenced, and applicants must complete the IIFT MBA admission form by December 2025. 

IIFT, renowned for its esteemed ranking and impressive return on investment, operates campuses in Delhi and Kolkata. For the upcoming admission cycle, IIFT exclusively considers CAT 2026 exam scores. Aspiring candidates are required to appear for CAT 2026, scheduled by the IIMs in the fourth week of November 2026, and submit a separate application for IIFT admission in 2026. 

IIFT offers two full-time MBA programs: MBA (IB) and MBA (BA), both spanning two years. Admission to these programs will be based on CAT scores, marking a shift from previous entrance exam-based admissions. Eligible candidates will undergo further evaluation through WAT, Extempore, GD, and PI rounds for admission to the Delhi and Kolkata campuses.

IIFT 2026 Highlights

The IIFT 2026 admission process has undergone significant changes, with the cancellation of the IIFT entrance exam. Instead, candidates will be selected based on their CAT 2025 scores for the MBA International Business and MBA Business Analytics programs.

IIFT 2026 Important Dates

IIFT 2026 Important Dates will guide candidates through the crucial timelines for the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) admission process. These dates mark significant events such as application deadlines, exam dates, and result announcements.

IIFT 2026 Application Form

The IIFT 2026 Application Form process is crucial for aspiring candidates seeking admission to the MBA (IB) and MBA (BA) programs. It will be available online from the fourth week of October 2025, and candidates need to adhere to the specified guidelines for a smooth application process. Ensuring eligibility criteria fulfilment is paramount before initiating the application. Attention to detail during form filling is essential, as no changes will be permitted later. Candidates must complete the form accurately, including personal and educational details, and upload necessary documents in the prescribed format. 

• The IIFT 2026 Application Form will only be available online; no offline submission option will be provided.
• Candidates can access the IIFT registration form from the 1st week of August 2025.
• Before filling out the application form, candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility criteria specified by the institute.
• Careful attention must be given while filling out the application form to avoid errors, as no changes can be made later.
• Complete all sections of the application form with accurate details including educational qualifications, personal information, and contact details.
• Candidates must upload scanned copies of their photographs and signatures in the prescribed format.
• The Last date to submit the application form is expected to be in the 4th week of September 2025.
• There is no requirement to send a hard copy of the filled application form via post to the authorities.
• After submission, candidates should retain a printout of the registration form for future reference.
• Ensure all steps are completed within the specified deadlines to avoid any complications during the application process.

IIFT 2026 Application Fee

The application fee for IIFT 2026 can be conveniently paid through various online payment gateways. Accepted modes include debit cards, credit cards, net banking, and UPI methods. Once paid, the fee is non-refundable.

How to Fill IIFT 2026 Application Form

• Step 1: Navigate to the IIFT Website: Visit the official website of IIFT. The link will be provided above or can be found through a search engine.
• Step 2: Register on the Website: Click on the registration or signup option. Provide basic details such as name, mobile number, email address, etc.
• Step 3: Log in to the Website: After successful registration, go to the homepage and click on the login link. Enter the login credentials (username and password) created during registration.
• Step 4: Fill out the Registration Form: Once logged in, fill in all the mandatory details asked in the registration form. Provide academic details, personal information, communication address, etc.
• Step 5: Document Upload: Proceed to the document upload section. Upload scanned images of the photograph, signature, and category certificate in the prescribed size and format.
• Step 6: Fee Payment: After filling out the form and uploading documents, proceed to make the fee payment.: Choose the online payment gateway option such as debit card, credit card, or net banking.
• Step 7: Confirmation: Once the payment is successful, download the confirmation page. Ensure all details provided are accurate before proceeding.
• Step 8: Print Confirmation Page: Take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference and use during the admission process.

IIFT 2026 Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for IIFT 2026 admission determine the qualifications and requirements candidates must meet to apply for the MBA programs. Fulfilling these criteria is essential for consideration in the selection process. Understanding the eligibility conditions is crucial for prospective applicants aiming to pursue their MBA at IIFT in 2026.

• Nationality: Indian citizens, foreign nationals, and NRI candidates are eligible for IIFT.
• Qualifications: Candidates need a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized institute with a minimum duration of 3 years.
• Age Limit: There is no age limit to apply for IIFT.
• Marks Criteria: Applicants must have secured at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) in their qualifying examination.
• Appearing Candidates: Final-year students are also eligible to apply.
• Work Experience: According to the eligibility criteria for the IIFT exam, candidates are not required to possess prior work experience to complete the IIFT application form. However, it’s worth noting that work experience may carry additional weight in the selection process.

IIFT MBA Eligibility- For NRI/ Foreign applicants

For NRI or foreign applicants applying for the IIFT exam 2026, the following basic criteria must be met to be eligible for the examination:

• Possession of a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum duration of three years from a recognized university, with a minimum aggregate of 50 per cent.
• Candidates appearing for their qualifying examination are also eligible to apply for the exam.
• The candidate must have resided outside India for at least 18 months.
• A certificate from the Indian Embassy/ High Commission /Consulate of the country where the candidate is currently residing, affirming continuous residency during the specified period, must be provided.
• Foreign Nationals are required to take the GMAT exam after January 1, 2025, and submit their GMAT score to the authority.
• Candidates who have appeared for any other MBA entrance exam in India during the same year are not eligible to apply and must provide an undertaking to this effect.
• NRI-sponsored candidates and children of NRIs are not considered under this category for eligibility.

IIFT 2026 Merit List

The merit list of shortlisted candidates for IIFT 2026 admission will be published online. Applicants can access the merit list in PDF format on the official website. The release of the IIFT Merit List is anticipated in the fourth week of January 2026.

The merit list will include the names, ranks, and scores obtained by the shortlisted candidates. It will be prepared by the authorities based on CAT/GMAT scores. Selected candidates will be notified for further rounds of the admission process by the IIFT authority. Candidates should download and retain a copy of the merit list for future reference.

IIFT 2026 Cut-Off

The IIFT cut-off for 2026 will be announced in the fourth week of January. Aspirants can access the cut-off list from the official website. The cut-off will be released separately for different categories of candidates.

Candidates must secure a minimum score equal to or above the cut-off marks to qualify for further rounds of the admission process. The cut-off marks represent the minimum scores required by candidates in their qualifying exam. Factors such as the number of candidates who have qualified for the exam, the total number of aspirants appearing for the exam, available seats, and the difficulty level of the exam will be considered in determining the cut-off.

Selection criteria through CAT score:

Category-wise sectional cut-off:

IIFT 2026 Admission/ Selection Process

Admission to MBA (International Business) and MBA (Business Analytics) programs will be based on the candidate’s CAT Score/ valid GMAT score and other parameters. Candidates are required to appear in the CAT exam for admission. Shortlisting for the second round of admission will be based on WAT/ Group Discussion/ Personal Interview rounds.

Final admission will be granted to candidates only after the completion of the second round admission procedure. Seats will be allocated based on the candidate’s performance in both the first round (CAT scores) and the second round (GD/ PI). Shortlisted candidates must download their admission letter from the website.

Final selection will be made after evaluating each candidate who has appeared for the CAT exam & GD/ PI rounds. Candidates must report to the allotted campus for further admission formalities, including document verification. Original as well as photocopies of documents must be brought for verification purposes.

Documents verification List:

Here is a list of documents required for verification during the admission process.

• Academic Mark Sheets and Certificates: Original and photocopies of academic mark sheets and certificates from 10th grade onwards are required for verification.
• IIFT Admission/Call Letter: Candidates must bring the original copy of their IIFT admission or call letter received after completing the application process.
• CAT 2026-27 Admit Card: The original CAT admit card for the years 2026-27 needs to be presented for verification.
• CAT 2026-27 Score Card: The original CAT scorecard for the year 2026-27, indicating the candidate’s performance in the exam, is mandatory.
• Income Certificate: Candidates may need to provide an income certificate as proof of their financial status.
• Category Certificate: If applicable, candidates must provide the original category certificate (such as SC/ST/OBC) for verification purposes.
• EWS Certificate (wherever applicable): For candidates belonging to the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), an EWS certificate may be required.
• Migration Certificate: Candidates who have transferred from one educational institution to another may need to submit a migration certificate.
• Coloured Passport Size Photographs: Recent coloured passport-size photographs, as per the specifications mentioned by the authorities, are necessary for verification.
• Other Relevant Documents: Any other relevant documents specified by the authorities or mentioned in the admission guidelines should also be carried out for verification.

IIFT 2026 FAQ’s

Sunil Kushwaha

As a dedicated Biology Science graduate, I’m passionate about sharing the latest updates in national and state entrance exams through my blog. I aim to keep aspiring students informed about exam trends, important dates, and changes in syllabi. With a keen interest in education, I strive to offer valuable insights for students navigating the competitive landscape of entrance examinations and admission tests. Stay updated with me.