Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) Exam

The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) Exam is a national-level entrance test conducted for admission to the MBA in International Business (MBA-IB) program offered by the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade. Known for its focus on international business and trade, this exam is a gateway for candidates aspiring to join one of the most prestigious business schools in India. Below is a detailed overview of the IIFT exam, including its structure, eligibility, syllabus, and preparation tips.

---

What is the IIFT Exam?

The IIFT Exam is designed to assess a candidate’s aptitude in areas such as quantitative ability, verbal ability, data interpretation, logical reasoning, and general awareness. It’s renowned for its challenging nature and emphasis on international business concepts.

---

Key Highlights of IIFT Exam

Feature	Details
Exam Name	Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) Exam
Conducting Body	National Testing Agency (NTA)
Exam Level	National
Mode of Exam	Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Frequency	Once a year
Languages	English
Application Fee	INR 2500 (General) / INR 1250 (Reserved)
Duration	2 hours
Sections	4-5 (QA, VARC, LRDI, GK, sometimes ECT*)
Total Marks	300
Negative Marking	Yes (-1/3 for incorrect answers)

• *ECT: Essay Writing, Case Study, or similar task may be conducted in GD/PI rounds.

---

Eligibility Criteria

1. Educational Qualification:
   • A bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PWD candidates).
   • Final-year undergraduate students can also apply.
2. Age Limit:
   • There is no age limit for the IIFT exam.
3. Foreign Nationals/NRIs:
   • Can apply through GMAT scores.

---

Exam Pattern

The IIFT Exam pattern includes multiple sections that evaluate various skills. The distribution of questions and marks may vary slightly each year.

Section	Number of Questions	Marks per Question	Total Marks
Quantitative Analysis (QA)	20-25	3	60-75
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)	35-40	3	105-120
Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (LRDI)	30-35	3	90-105
General Knowledge (GK)	15-20	1.5	22.5-30
Total	100-120	–	300

• Note: The marking scheme includes differential marking for each section.

---

Application Process

1. Registration:
   • Visit the official NTA IIFT website (iift.nta.nic.in).
   • Create an account using your email ID and phone number.
2. Fill Application Form:
   • Provide personal, academic, and category details.
   • Upload the required documents.
3. Pay Application Fee:
   • Pay via net banking, credit/debit card, or UPI.
4. Submit the Form:
   • Ensure all details are correct before final submission.

---

Syllabus Overview

Section	Topics Covered
Quantitative Analysis	Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Data Interpretation
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension	Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles
Logical Reasoning	Puzzles, Arrangements, Blood Relations, Coding-Decoding
Data Interpretation	Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, Line Graphs, Tables
General Knowledge	Current Affairs, International Trade, Geography, Economics

---

Preparation Tips

1. Understand the Exam Structure: Study the marking scheme and section-wise weightage.
2. Practice Regularly: Solve mock tests and previous year’s papers to improve speed and accuracy.
3. Focus on GK: Stay updated with current affairs, especially related to international trade.
4. Time Management: Learn to prioritize sections during the exam.
5. Work on Weak Areas: Identify and improve your weak areas through focused practice.

---

Important Dates for IIFT 2024 (Tentative)

Event	Date
Notification Release	September 2023
Registration Begins	September 2023
Admit Card Release	November 2023
Exam Date	December 2023
Result Declaration	January 2024

---

Fee Structure for Top MBA Colleges via IIFT

Campus Name	Average Fee (INR)	Average Placement Package (INR)
IIFT Delhi	21-22 Lakhs	24-27 Lakhs
IIFT Kolkata	21-22 Lakhs	20-22 Lakhs
IIFT Kakinada	15-16 Lakhs	14-16 Lakhs

---

IIFT vs. CAT: A Quick Comparison

Feature	IIFT	CAT
Conducting Body	NTA	IIMs
Mode of Exam	Computer-Based	Computer-Based
Frequency	Once a Year	Once a Year
Application Fee	INR 2500	INR 2400 (General Category)
Sections	5 (Including GK)	3 (QA, DILR, VARC)
Difficulty Level	High	High

---

Conclusion

The IIFT exam is a challenging yet rewarding opportunity for candidates aspiring to specialize in international business. Its unique focus on global trade and economics sets it apart from other management entrance exams. With thorough preparation and a strategic approach, you can excel in the IIFT exam and secure a spot in one of the premier business schools in India.