Among premier public business schools, the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), New Delhi, has a highly competitive cut-off structure. Admissions to its flagship programs are strictly merit-based and involve national-level entrance exams along with multi-stage evaluation. Unlike flexible private universities, IIFT maintains a selective approach, making it a preferred choice for students with strong academic and competitive exam performance.
The cut-off at IIFT is not officially fixed each year but remains consistently high due to intense competition. It varies depending on factors such as the number of applicants, CAT exam difficulty, seat availability, and program demand. For MBA programs, CAT percentile plays the most critical role, followed by GD/PI and academic profile evaluation.
| MBA Specialization | Expected Cut-Off |
|---|---|
| MBA (International Business) | CAT 96–98th percentile (General Category) |
| MBA (Business Analytics) | CAT 95–97th percentile |
| Reserved Categories | Relaxed as per government norms |
| Program | Entrance Exam / Basis | Reported Cutoff (General Category) | Trend (Last 4–5 Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA (IB) | CAT | ≥ 96–98 percentile | Stable / High |
| MBA (BA) | CAT | ≥ 95–97 percentile | Stable |
| Executive MBA | Work Experience + Test | Profile-Based | Stable |
| PhD (All Streams) | Entrance + Interview | University Qualifying Score | Varies |
The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade follows a highly selective cut-off system that prioritizes merit, analytical ability, and overall candidate profile. Students aiming for admission must focus on achieving a strong CAT percentile along with developing communication and problem-solving skills for later selection rounds.
For the 2026 admission cycle, the expected CAT cut-off for IIFT New Delhi is around the 96–98 percentile for MBA (International Business).
No. While it remains consistently high, the exact cut-off varies depending on CAT difficulty, number of applicants, and seat availability.
Yes. CAT is mandatory for MBA admissions, followed by GD/PI evaluation.
Students should aim for a high CAT percentile, maintain strong academic consistency, prepare for GD/PI rounds, and build a well-rounded profile including internships or work experience.
