The IIFT Admission Process 2026 through CAT Score has been structured to select the most deserving candidates for its prestigious MBA programs, namely MBA International Business (IB) and MBA Business Analytics (BA). Since 2023, IIFT has replaced its own entrance exam with the CAT score, making it accessible to a larger pool of aspirants.
Table of Contents
Overview of IIFT Admission Process 2026
The admission process for 2026 is structured to select highly capable candidates for the MBA programs in International Business (IB) and Business Analytics (BA). It consists of multiple stages:
- CAT 2025 Score-Based Shortlisting – Candidates must appear for the CAT exam on November 30, 2025. Based on performance, over 1,000 candidates are shortlisted for further rounds.
- Essay Writing, Extempore, and Personal Interview (PI) – Shortlisted candidates participate in these stages, which will be conducted online in April and May 2026. These rounds evaluate communication skills, clarity of thought, and problem-solving ability.
- Final Selection – Admissions are granted based on a combination of CAT score, written ability, group discussion/extempore performance, personal interview, academic record, and relevant work experience.
This two-stage process ensures a fair and comprehensive assessment, helping the institute select well-rounded candidates with strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills.
IIFT MBA Admission Eligibility Criteria 2026
To apply, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Educational Qualification: A bachelor’s degree of at least three years in any discipline with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates).
- Final-Year Students: Those in their final year can apply, provided they submit proof of graduation by October 31, 2025.
- Age Limit: There is no restriction on age.
- Test Scores: Primarily CAT 2025. GMAT scores are accepted only for foreign or NRI applicants.
Ensure eligibility to avoid disqualification. For detailed IIM eligibility info, check IIM Admission Criteria.
The application form for 2026 will be available online soon. Key aspects include:
- Online Registration: Candidates need to register on the official portal and fill out personal, academic, and professional details accurately.
- Application Fee:
- General/OBC-NCL/EWS: ₹3,000
- SC/ST/PwD/Transgender: ₹1,500
- Foreign Nationals/NRIs: $200 (≈ ₹16,000)
- Payment Methods: Debit/credit card, net banking, or UPI. Please note that the fee is non-refundable.
- Documentation: Keep a valid photo ID ready (Aadhar, Passport, Voter ID, or Driver’s License) for verification during application and later selection rounds.
Candidates are advised to complete the registration carefully and double-check all information before submission, as errors may affect eligibility or shortlisting.
For CAT form guidance and tips, explore CAT Form Filling 2025 and CAT Application Correction Guide.
Important Dates for IIFT Admission 2026
Candidates should track the following key dates for smooth application and preparation:
| Event |
Date/Timeframe |
| CAT Exam |
November 30, 2025 |
| Application Start Date |
Third week of October 2025 |
| Application End Date |
First week of December 2025 |
| Extempore & Personal Interview (PI) Rounds |
April–May 2026 |
| Final Selection Lists Release |
May 2026 |
Mark these dates carefully to avoid missing critical deadlines in the IIFT admission process.
IIFT Shortlist Criteria 2026
Candidates qualifying in CAT are shortlisted for Extempore and PI rounds based on the following parameters:
| Parameter |
Score |
| CAT Score |
98 |
| Gender Diversity |
2 |
| Total |
100 |
This ensures that academic performance, gender diversity, and merit are considered in the selection process.
MBA-IB Cut-offs:
| Category |
Percentile |
| General |
55.734 |
| General/EWS |
50.9354 |
| OBC-NCL |
50.7536 |
| SC |
46.0963 |
| ST |
48.1518 |
| PwD |
45.8104 |
| Kashmiri Migrants/Non-Migrants |
58.0719 |
MBA-BA Cut-offs:
| Category |
Percentile |
| General |
57.00 |
| General-EWS |
52.00 |
| OBC-NCL |
52.00 |
| SC |
47.00 |
| ST |
47.00 |
| PwD |
47.00 |
| Kashmiri Migrants/Non-Migrants |
58.07 |
GMAT Cut-offs for MBA-BA:
| Category |
GMAT Score |
| General |
700 |
| Gen-EWS/OBC-NCL |
650 |
| SC/ST/PwD/Kashmiri Migrants |
600 |
Use these cut-offs to gauge your shortlist chances. For more previous year CAT trends, explore CAT PYQ Zone.
Selection Process: Essay Writing, GD/Extempore, and PI
The 2026 selection process evaluates candidates across multiple skills:
- Written Ability Test (WAT)/Essay
- Write an essay on a business, economic, or social topic.
- Time: 5 minutes to plan, 15 minutes to write.
- Assesses clarity, analytical thinking, and written communication.
- Group Discussion (GD)
- In-person GD to assess leadership, communication, and persuasion skills.
- Duration: 30–40 minutes, with initial introductions followed by open discussion.
- Extempore
- Candidates speak on a topic for a specified duration.
- Evaluates spontaneity, clarity, and public speaking skills.
- Personal Interview (PI)
- One-on-one assessment focusing on personality, problem-solving, and work experience.
Online Instructions for Extempore/PI:
- Conducted on MS Teams; join 10 minutes early.
- Laptop/desktop with camera and high-speed internet required.
- Use a white or light-colored background; no other person should be present.
- Keep audio and video on throughout the session.
This process ensures candidates are evaluated for academics, communication, leadership, and overall personality.
Prep tip: For DILR, VARC, and Quant practice, check DILR Questions, VARC Questions, Quant Questions.
Final Selection Parameters
Final selection considers CAT score, WAT, GD/PI, work experience, and academic performance:
| Parameter |
Weightage |
| CAT Score |
45 |
| WAT/Essay |
10 |
| GD |
10 |
| PI |
10 |
| Gender Diversity |
2 |
| Academic Diversity |
2 |
| Work Experience |
3 |
| Academic Consistency (10th & 12th) |
8 |
| Total |
100 |
Class 10 & 12 Rating:
| Score Range (%) |
Rating Score |
| Up to 55 |
1 |
| 55–60 |
2 |
| 60–70 |
3 |
| 70–80 |
5 |
| 80–90 |
8 |
| 90+ |
10 |
Work Experience Rating (in months):
| Experience |
Score |
| 0–12 |
0 |
| 12–24 |
2 |
| 24–36 |
3 |
| 36–48 |
2 |
| 48–60 |
1 |
| 60+ |
0 |
Number of MBA-IB Seats in IIFT
| Campus |
Seats |
| IIFT Delhi |
220 |
| IIFT Kolkata |
140 |
| IIFT Kakinada |
60 |
About 35,000–40,000 students appear for CAT to gain admission across these campuses.
IIFT Fees (MBA-IB)
| Category |
Tuition Fee |
| Indian Students |
₹17,25,000 |
| Foreign/NRI Students |
$60,000 (~₹55,000) |
Note: Hostel and other charges are extra.
Placements (MBA-IB)
| IIFT Packages and Placements |
| Highest international salary offered |
INR 80 LPA |
| Average domestic salary offered |
INR 25.16 LPA |
| Average median salary offered |
INR 24 LPA |
| Total number of recruiters |
82 |
| Total number of first time recruiters |
26 |
| Total number of students |
392 |
| Sector-wise maximum hiring |
BFSI (30 %) |
For complete MBA placement insights, also check Reading Zone and CAT Foundation.
The IIFT Admission Process 2026 is designed to ensure a fair and merit-based selection for MBA-IB and MBA-BA programs. From CAT shortlisting to WAT, GD/Extempore, and PI, every stage assesses academic performance, communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Candidates must carefully track application dates, eligibility, and cut-offs to maximize their chances of selection. By preparing strategically, aspirants can successfully navigate the IIFT admission journey and secure admission into one of India’s top MBA programs.
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