CAT 2026: Single Gateway to 21 IIMs & Top B-Schools
Conducted nationwide on Sunday, November 29, 2026 across 3 testing slots. 66 questions, 120 minutes with 40-minute sectional locks. Mandatory gateway for admissions into 21 IIMs, FMS Delhi, SPJIMR, and MDI Gurgaon.
The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) stopped conducting its own entrance test from the 2024 admission cycle and now shortlists candidates for its flagship MBA (International Business) on the basis of CAT scores, followed by further selection rounds.
Advisory Note
Official Portal
Official website: https://www.iift.ac.in
IIFT at a Glance
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | IIFT MBA (IB) Admission 2027 – via CAT |
| Conducting body | Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (admission through CAT) |
| Level | Institute |
| Mode | Through CAT (IIM-conducted CBT) |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Exam date | Via CAT 2026 |
| Registration | IIFT applications after CAT (check iift.ac.in) |
| Official website | https://www.iift.ac.in |
IIFT Important Dates
| Event | Date / Timeline | Status |
|---|---|---|
| CAT 2026 (required score) | As announced by the IIMs | See CAT page |
| IIFT MBA (IB) applications | After CAT registration — check iift.ac.in | Not announced |
| Shortlist & WAT/GD/PI | Early 2027 (expected) | Not announced |
| Reference: 2026–28 cycle | Applications opened 17 October 2025 (CAT 2025 based) | Completed |
Dates last checked by CollegeDarbar on 16 October 2026. Always confirm on the official website before applying.
IIFT Eligibility Criteria
- Bachelor's degree of at least three years in any discipline with minimum 50% aggregate (45% for SC/ST/PwD), as in recent cycles.
- Final-year students can apply provisionally.
- A valid CAT score for the relevant year is mandatory.
IIFT Exam Pattern
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 | CAT score (VARC, DILR, QA) used for shortlisting along with other parameters |
| Stage 2 | Written Ability Test / Group Discussion / Extempore / Personal Interview as notified |
| Final merit | CAT score, academics, work experience and Stage 2 performance |
IIFT publishes the exact weightage in its admission notice each year.
IIFT Syllabus
- Prepare for CAT: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude.
- For later rounds: international trade, economy and current affairs.
How to Apply for IIFT
IIFT Application Fee
IIFT notifies its separate application fee in the admission notice.
Colleges Accepting IIFT
IIFT Preparation Tips
- Treat CAT as your IIFT exam; your CAT percentile decides the shortlist.
- Do not miss IIFT's separate application — registering for CAT alone is not enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Official Sources
- [Indian Institute of Foreign Trade – official website](https://www.iift.ac.in)
- [CAT – official website](https://iimcat.ac.in)