IIFT 2026: Admissions via CAT – Dates, Eligibility, Syllabus, WAT–PI & Latest Updates
Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) shortlists candidates for MBA programs via CAT. Get the full guide: registration steps, CAT-aligned pattern & syllabus, WAT–PI, campuses, and resources.
📚 Explore IIFT 2026 Sections
📌 IIFT 2026 Highlights
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📅 Important Dates
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📢 IIFT 2026 Notification
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✅ Eligibility Criteria
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📝 Registration Process
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📊 Exam Pattern (CAT Route)
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📘 Syllabus
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🎯 Preparation Strategy
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🎟️ Admit Card
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📈 Exam Analysis
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🏁 Results & Shortlist
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🏫 Campuses
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IIFT 2026 Overview
IIFT offers flagship MBA programmes with a strong emphasis on International Business. Admissions to IIFT are via the CAT exam, followed by WAT–PI conducted by IIFT.
🆕 Latest Pointers
- Written Test: CAT (Nov 2025 expected)
- Shortlisting: IIFT based on CAT performance + criteria
- Next Rounds: WAT–PI (IIFT-conducted)
- Campuses: Delhi, Kolkata, Kakinada
📌 IIFT 2026 Highlights
Key details at a glance.
| 🏛️ Institute | Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) |
|---|---|
| 🌐 Official Website | https://iift.ac.in/ |
| 📝 Written Exam Used | CAT (Common Admission Test) |
| 🧩 Sections (CAT) | VARC • DILR • QA |
| ⏱️ CAT Duration | 120 minutes (2 hours) |
| 🧪 Post-CAT Rounds | WAT–PI conducted by IIFT |
| 🏫 Campuses | Delhi • Kolkata • Kakinada |
🏛️ Institute
IIFT
🌐 Website
iift.ac.in
📝 Written Exam
CAT
🧩 CAT Sections
VARC • DILR • QA
⏱️ CAT Duration
120 minutes
🧪 Next Rounds
WAT–PI by IIFT
🏫 Campuses
Delhi • Kolkata • Kakinada
📅 Important Dates For IIFT 2026
Exact dates are released on the CAT & IIFT portals. Typical windows below (indicative).
| Event | Timeline (Indicative) |
|---|---|
| CAT Registration Window | Aug–Sep 2025 |
| CAT Exam (for IIFT route) | Nov 2025 |
| CAT Result | Jan 2026 (early) |
| IIFT Shortlist (WAT–PI) | Post CAT Result |
| WAT–PI Rounds | Jan–Mar 2026 (typical) |
| Final Offers | Apr–May 2026 (typical) |
CAT Registration
Aug–Sep 2025
CAT Exam
Nov 2025
CAT Result
Jan 2026
IIFT Shortlist
After CAT Result
WAT–PI
Jan–Mar 2026
Final Offers
Apr–May 2026
📢 IIFT 2026 Notification – Summary
IIFT shortlists candidates through CAT. After CAT results, IIFT announces WAT–PI processes campus-wise. Keep checking both portals for updates.
📝 IIFT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
General eligibility for MBA programmes.
✅ Who can apply?
- Graduates from a recognized university (programme-wise criteria may vary).
- Final-year students can apply (subject to completion within timelines).
- No age limit; report work experience where asked.
🧾 Campus/Programme-specific criteria
Refer to IIFT campus programme pages for specific eligibility and shortlisting policies (e.g., MBA(IB), other offerings).
🖊️ Registration Process
You must register for CAT on the official website: iimcat.ac.in. Separately, monitor iift.ac.in for institute-specific steps and WAT–PI announcements.
📋 Step-by-Step
- Create a CAT account (valid email & mobile).
- Fill personal, academic & work details.
- Select your preferred test cities for CAT.
- Upload photo & signature per CAT specs.
- Pay CAT application fee.
- Check IIFT website for WAT–PI schedule & instructions.
📎 Upload Specs (Reference)
| 📄 Document | ✅ Dimensions (approx.) | 📐 Format/Size |
|---|---|---|
| Photograph | 45mm × 35mm | JPEG/JPG (≤100 KB) |
| Signature | ~35mm × 80mm | JPEG/JPG (≤100 KB) |
📝 Exam Pattern (IIFT via CAT)
Written test is CAT (computer-based, 120 minutes) with three sections—VARC, DILR, and QA. No separate IIFT written exam. Post-CAT rounds are WAT–PI by IIFT.
| Section | Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| VARC | Reading Comprehension, para-based questions, vocabulary/grammar (light) |
| DILR | Sets/caselets, logical games, arrangements, data modeling & inference |
| QA | Arithmetic, algebra, geometry/mensuration, modern math |
📐 Marking & Timing (CAT)
| Type | Correct | Incorrect |
|---|---|---|
| MCQs (most questions) | +3 | -1 |
| TITA (no options) | +3 | 0 |
| Total Test Time | — | 120 minutes |
🧭 Notes
- Sectional timing applies in CAT; manage selection & speed carefully.
- For IIFT WAT–PI, build IB awareness (trade, economy, policy).
📚 Syllabus (CAT-Aligned) + IB Emphasis
Prepare CAT syllabus thoroughly; add International Business awareness for IIFT WAT–PI.
📅 Study Planner
CAT focus daily (VARC/DILR/QA). Weekly full mocks + deep analysis. Parallelly maintain an IB/GK journal for IIFT WAT–PI.
🎯 How To Prepare For IIFT (via CAT)
Blend CAT excellence with IB awareness for WAT–PI. Keep decision-making crisp and data-driven in interviews.
🧠 Phase 1: Concepts & Micro-drills
- VARC reading habit, QA basics (daily), 1 DILR set/day.
- Start IB/GK notebook (trade, economy, logistics).
⏱️ Phase 2: Timed Sets & Section Mix
- Mini-mocks (40–60 min) mixing two sections.
- CAT-like interface practice; accuracy > attempts.
📊 Phase 3: Full Mocks + WAT–PI Prep
- Full length mocks under exam conditions; iterate slot strategy.
- Resume stories; IB-angled answers; mock interviews.
✨ Tip: For IIFT interviews, link your experiences to IB themes (markets, supply chains, trade policy).
📝 Mock Tests (CAT-Aligned) for IIFT Route
| Topic | Test 1 | Test 2 | Test 3 | Test 4 | Test 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VARC (CAT-aligned) | Click here | Click here | Click here | Click here | Click here |
| DILR (CAT-aligned) | Click here | Click here | Click here | Click here | Click here |
| QA (CAT-aligned) | Click here | Click here | Click here | Click here | Click here |
🎯 Section-wise Preparation & Books
- IIFT via CAT: Full Prep Roadmap
- VARC for CAT (IIFT route)
- DILR for CAT (IIFT route)
- QA for CAT (IIFT route)
- WAT–PI: IB-focused Answers & GK
📘 VARC – Suggested Resources
- Reading practice: The Hindu / Mint editorial
- Word Power Made Easy – Norman Lewis
- Wren & Martin – Grammar
- Past CAT RCs & Para-based sets
📘 DILR – Suggested Resources
- Previous CAT DILR sets (arrangements, games, grids)
- Caselets: tables/graphs with constraints
- Focus on data modeling & inference speed
📘 QA – Suggested Resources
- NCERT Maths (6–10) for basics
- Arun Sharma – Quantitative Aptitude
- Topic drills: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Modern Math
📘 WAT–PI & IB Awareness – Suggested Resources
- Business newspapers & trade policy updates
- Budget/Economic Survey summaries
- IIFT annual reports & programme pages
🏫 IIFT Campuses
IIFT Delhi (Main Campus)
Flagship campus; strong IB ecosystem and corporate connects.
IIFT Kolkata
Established campus with strong alumni base in IB roles.
IIFT Kakinada
Newer campus; growing industry interfaces and opportunities.
🎫 Admit Card & WAT–PI Call Letters
For the written test, download the CAT Admit Card from iimcat.ac.in. IIFT issues WAT–PI intimation on its portal/email post-CAT.
📥 CAT Admit Card: How To Download
- Login at the CAT website.
- Open “Admit Card” section.
- Download & print the PDF.
✅ Exam Day (CAT) – Carry
- Printed CAT Admit Card
- Valid Government Photo ID
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Other items as per CAT guidelines
❌ Do NOT Carry
- Electronic gadgets (phones, smartwatches, calculators, etc.)
- Notes/study material
- Bags/wallets (unless permitted)
📈 Exam Analysis (CAT → IIFT)
Post-CAT, use section-wise analysis to calibrate expected percentiles and understand the likely shortlist band for IIFT. Track VARC RC difficulty, DILR set types, and QA topic weight.
For WAT–PI, analyze current affairs with IB angles: trade deficits, FTAs, logistics, supply chains.
📊 Results & Shortlisting
CAT results typically release in January; IIFT shortlists WAT–PI thereafter. Final offers usually roll out by Apr–May.
📈 Scorecards
CAT scorecard shows section-wise & overall percentiles. IIFT publishes shortlist status and later final selection lists on its portal.
📝 After Shortlist: What Next?
- Prepare WAT on trade/economy topics with structured arguments.
- For PI, build IB-angled stories from academics/work/internships.
- Track campus-wise schedules & document checklists.
IIFT 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions
What Students Say About InsideIIM
“All thanks to your blogs and videos related to CAT/XAT/IIFT prep, which helped me a lot. InsideIIM kept me consistent and motivated. Ended up with 99+ overall and an IIFT call. Thanks a lot ❤️.”
“Watched tons of your YouTube content during exam season. Clear, motivating, and practical. Your strategy pieces genuinely moved my scores up.”
“InsideIIM doesn’t just chase cut-offs; it shows what B-schools actually want. It helped me sharpen my ‘Why MBA’ and interview stories.”
“Beyond study material, your mock analysis frameworks and interview prep checklists made the difference for me.”
🚀 Ready To Crack IIFT (via CAT)?
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📥 Start Free Prep NowGet in touch (IIFT)
Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT)
Delhi • Kolkata • Kakinada
iift.ac.in
Note: Admissions are merit-based. Always refer to official websites for the latest updates.