The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) has announced the commencement of admissions for its upcoming MBA batch for 2026–28. The institute offers two distinct programs: the MBA (International Business) and the MBA (Business Analytics). This comprehensive guide provides all essential details including important dates, eligibility criteria, application procedures, fee structures, and selection process to assist prospective candidates in their application journey.
IIFT MBA Admissions 2026–28: An Overview
The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) is a premier business school in India, renowned for its specialization in international trade and business. For the academic session 2026–28, IIFT has opened its doors for aspiring students to apply for admission into its two flagship postgraduate programs—MBA (International Business) and MBA (Business Analytics). This period marks a critical opportunity for candidates seeking to enhance their careers in the global trade sector.
Important Dates for IIFT MBA Admissions 2026–28
Candidates should be mindful of the following schedule to ensure timely application submissions and preparation for the selection process.
| Event | Date/Time |
|---|---|
| Online Application Starts | 17 October 2025 |
| Last Date for Online Registration | 28 November 2025 (23:59 hrs) |
| Last Date for Payment (Registered Candidates) | 28 November 2025 (23:59 hrs) |
| CAT 2025 Exam Date | 30 November 2025 |
| List of Shortlisted Candidates Announced | Last Week of January 2026 |
| Group Discussion & Interviews | From March 2026 onwards |
| Final Result Announcement | Last Week of April 2026 |
| Programme Commencement | June 2026 |
Fee Structure for IIFT MBA Programs 2026–28
The fee details vary based on the category and program in which candidates apply. Here is a detailed fee structure:
| Category | Application Fee (MBA – IB) | Application Fee (MBA – BA) |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC-NCL / EWS | ₹3,000 | ₹2,000 |
| SC / ST / PwD / Transgender | ₹1,500 | ₹1,000 |
Eligibility Criteria for IIFT MBA Admissions 2026–28
Meeting the eligibility criteria is a crucial step in the application process. The minimum requirements are outlined below:
Educational Qualification
Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree of at least 3 years duration in any discipline from a recognized university.
Minimum Marks
- 50% for General, OBC-NCL, and EWS candidates.
- 45% for SC, ST, and PwD candidates.
Final-Year Students
Final-year undergraduate students are eligible to apply, provided they submit proof of graduation with the required marks by the stipulated deadline.
Standardized Test Scores
- CAT 2025 score is mandatory for domestic candidates.
- GMAT scores are acceptable for foreign and NRI candidates.
Selection Process for IIFT MBA Programs 2026–28
The admission process is primarily based on test scores followed by subsequent assessment stages.
Step 1: Shortlisting
Candidates are shortlisted based on their CAT 2025 performance and other institute-specific criteria.
Step 2: Final Selection
The shortlisted candidates are called for in-person assessment comprising:
- Group Discussion (GD)
- Written Ability Test (WAT)
- Personal Interview (PI)
The GD, WAT, and PI are held across multiple cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, and Mumbai.
Campus Locations and Program Offerings
MBA (International Business)
Offered at:
- Delhi
- Kolkata
- GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City)
- Kakinada
MBA (Business Analytics)
Offered exclusively at the Delhi campus.
How to Apply for IIFT MBA Admissions 2026–28
Interested candidates can follow these simple steps to complete their application process:
- Visit the official IIFT admissions portal at here.
- Click on the “IIFT MBA Admissions 2026” link.
- Register using your email ID and mobile number to generate login credentials.
- Fill out the online application form with accurate details.
- Upload scanned copies of your documents, including educational certificates, photograph, and signature.
- Pay the application fee via available online payment options.
- Download and retain a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.
Additional Resources
For further details and to stay updated with the latest announcements, candidates should regularly visit the official IIFT website. Also, a comprehensive PDF guide containing the complete admission brochure and detailed instructions can be accessed from the official site.
Conclusion
The IIFT MBA programs are highly competitive and prestigious, especially suited for graduates aspiring to excel in international trade, business strategy, and analytics. Early preparation, understanding the eligibility criteria, and timely applications increase the chances of admission. Prospective students should prepare thoroughly for the CAT 2025 exam and stay informed about all key dates and procedures outlined above to ensure a smooth application process.
Best wishes to all aspirants aiming for a rewarding career at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade!