Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), New Delhi is a central government university established in 1963 under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. IIFT operates as an autonomous body and was granted Deemed University status by the UGC. It is the only institute in India exclusively focused on international business and trade education.
As per NIRF Management 2025, IIFT Delhi is ranked 17th among management institutes in India. As per Collegedunia Ranking 2026, IIFT Delhi is ranked #20 out of 350 MBA institutes in India.
The campus is located in the Qutab Institutional Area, New Delhi, spread over 6.5 acres. It houses two academic blocks, a library, and three residential blocks for students.
- MBA (International Business) (2 years): IIFT’s flagship, offered at four campuses: Delhi, Kolkata, Kakinada, and GIFT City
- MBA (Business Analytics) (2 years): offered at Delhi campus
- MA (Economics) (2 years): Delhi campus
- Executive PGDI (International Business): for working professionals
- Ph.D in Management and Economics
- Certificate and Diploma programmes in International Trade, Export-Import Management, and Trade Law
The total MBA IB fee is INR 32.47 Lakhs for the full 2-year programme (Delhi campus). MBA Business Analytics fees are INR 17.93 Lakhs. MA Economics fees are INR 4.07 Lakhs.
IIFT offers the New Scholarship Scheme (NSS), covering 20% of tuition fees for students with family income below INR 8 Lakhs per annum.
In the 2025 placement season, the highest domestic offer was INR 72 LPA. The highest international offer reached INR 1.23 Crore PA. MBA IB graduates averaged INR 31.30 LPA.
IIFT Delhi Admission Dates 2027
Admissions for the 2027-29 MBA batch at IIFT Delhi are anchored by CAT 2026, with the exam scheduled for November 29, 2026. Applications for MBA IB and MBA BA are expected to open from October 2026, following the prior cycle’s pattern. MA Economics runs on a separate IIFT entrance test calendar.
| Event | Date (2027-29 Cycle) |
|---|---|
| CAT 2026 Registration | August to September 2026 (Closed) |
| CAT 2026 Exam | November 29, 2026 |
| CAT 2026 Result | December 2026 (Tentative) |
| IIFT MBA IB and MBA BA Application Opens | October 2026 (Tentative) |
| IIFT MBA IB and MBA BA Application Closes | December 2026 (Tentative) |
| Stage 1 Shortlist (WAT/GD/PI Call) | February 2027 (Tentative) |
| WAT, GD/Extempore, and PI Rounds | February to April 2027 (Tentative) |
| Final Merit List | May 2027 (Tentative) |
| Programme Commencement | June to July 2027 (Tentative) |
The MA Economics entrance test follows a separate calendar. Applications for MA Economics 2027-29 are expected from April 2027, with the entrance test in June 2027. The Course-Wise Exam Accepted table is listed below.
| Programme | Exam Accepted | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| MBA (International Business) | CAT (GMAT for foreign nationals) | CAT-based shortlisting + WAT/GD/PI |
| MBA (Business Analytics) | CAT / GMAT | CAT-based shortlisting + WAT/GD/PI |
| MA (Economics) | IIFT Entrance Test | IIFT-conducted test + Interview |
| Executive PGDI (IB) | Work Experience + GD/PI | IIFT direct |
| Ph.D | UGC NET / GATE + Interview | IIFT direct |
IIFT Delhi Courses and Fees
IIFT Delhi offers full-time, executive, doctoral, and short-duration programmes centred on international business and trade. The flagship MBA IB is available across four IIFT campuses. The table below covers the major programme families with total fees.
| Course | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees (General) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA (International Business) | 2 years | Graduation 50% (45% SC/ST) + Valid CAT score | INR 32.47 Lakhs |
| MBA (Business Analytics) | 2 years | Graduation 50% + CAT / GMAT | INR 17.93 Lakhs |
| MA (Economics) | 2 years | Graduation in Economics / Statistics / Maths with 50% | INR 4.07 Lakhs |
| Executive PGDI (International Business) | 1 year | Graduation + minimum 3 years work experience | INR 5.60 Lakhs |
| Diploma in International Trade Management | Part-time | Graduation | INR 3.85 Lakhs |
| Ph.D (Management / Economics) | 3 to 5 years | Master’s degree + UGC NET / GATE | INR 5.70 to 7.40 Lakhs |
IIFT Delhi does not offer management quota seats for Indian candidates. All seats are filled strictly through merit. SC/ST/PwD candidates receive a 50% concession in tuition fees across all programmes.
IIFT Delhi Admission Process
IIFT Delhi’s admission process is entirely institute-managed. No central counselling body handles MBA seats. The two-stage process selects candidates based on CAT performance, aptitude, and personal interview.
MBA IB and MBA BA Admission
Eligibility requires a graduation degree with a minimum 50% aggregate (45% for SC/ST/PwD) from any recognised university. Final-year students may apply pending proof of degree at admission. Work experience is not mandatory.
- Stage 1: CAT 2026 score is used to generate a shortlist. Women candidates get a 2-mark relaxation in category-wise cutoffs. Non-engineering graduates may receive up to 5 bonus points.
- Stage 2: Shortlisted candidates attend WAT (Written Ability Test), GD or Extempore, and Personal Interview at one of four IIFT campuses.
- Final merit list accounts for CAT score (55 points), PI (20 points), GD or Extempore (10 points), Work Experience (5 points), and Academic Consistency (5 points).
- Campus preference is collected but allocation depends on merit list rank and seat availability.
The CAT cutoff for MBA IB at IIFT Delhi (General category) typically falls in the 98 to 99 percentile range. MBA BA cutoff is slightly lower, in the 96 to 97 percentile range for the General category.
MA Economics Admission
MA Economics admission uses a separate IIFT-conducted entrance test covering Economics, Mathematics, and Statistics. Candidates with a graduation degree in Economics, Statistics, or Mathematics (minimum 50%) are eligible. Shortlisted candidates attend a personal interview at IIFT Delhi.
Executive PGDI (IB) and Ph.D Admission
Executive PGDIB requires a minimum 3 years of work experience post-graduation. Selection is based on work profile, academic background, and a GD/PI round. Ph.D admissions require UGC NET or GATE qualification followed by a written test and interview conducted by IIFT.
IIFT Delhi Placements
IIFT Delhi records 100% placement in its MBA programmes. In the 2025 placement season, the highest domestic offer was INR 72 LPA. The highest international offer reached INR 1.23 Crore PA. Over 135 companies participated in final placements.
MBA IB graduates averaged INR 31.30 LPA in 2025, up from INR 27.3 LPA in 2024. MBA Business Analytics averaged INR 25.30 LPA. Sales and Marketing (34%), Finance (22%), and Operations (12%) attracted the highest number of offers.
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highest Domestic Package | INR 72 LPA | INR 75.6 LPA | INR 75.6 LPA |
| MBA IB Average Package | INR 31.30 LPA | INR 27.3 LPA | INR 29.1 LPA |
| Total Recruiters | 135 | 120 | 108 |
Top recruiters at IIFT Delhi include Accenture, Amazon, Deloitte, TATA, ITC, HSBC, Goldman Sachs, McKinsey, and Microsoft. The institute’s international business focus draws consistent hiring from companies with global operations, export-import divisions, and consulting arms.
IIFT Delhi Rankings
IIFT Delhi is ranked among the top 20 management institutes in India by NIRF and Collegedunia. Its specialisation in international business gives it a distinct positioning in India Today, IIRF, and other domain-specific rankings.
| Ranking Body | Category | 2025 / 2026 Rank | Previous Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIRF | Management | 17 | 15 (2024) |
| Collegedunia | MBA (India) | #20 out of 350, 2026 | #15 out of 372, 2025 |
| India Today | MBA | #7 out of 275, 2024 | #9 out of 272, 2023 |
| IIRF | MBA | #9 out of 100, 2026 | #11 out of 100, 2025 |
IIFT Delhi Scholarships
IIFT Delhi offers merit-cum-need scholarships and loan interest subsidy for students from lower-income households. The New Scholarship Scheme (NSS) is the primary institute-level programme.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| New Scholarship Scheme (NSS) | Family income below INR 8 Lakhs per annum, all full-time regular programmes | 20% of tuition fee, available to 10% of admitted students |
| Need-Based Interest Subsidy | Family income below INR 6 Lakhs per annum, educational loan from a scheduled bank | Interest subsidy on the principal loan amount during the study period |
| SC/ST/PwD Fee Concession | SC/ST/PwD category | 50% concession in tuition fee across all programmes |
IIFT Delhi Campus and Infrastructure
IIFT Delhi’s campus is located in the Qutab Institutional Area, South Delhi, spread over 6.5 acres. The campus houses two academic blocks, a central library with international trade journals and databases, computer labs, and seminar rooms.
Residential facilities include 3 hostels on campus with mess facilities, water purifiers, common rooms, and laundry services. Accommodation is available in single and triple occupancy configurations. The campus is accessible from major Delhi metro stations and is in proximity to several government ministries and trade bodies, supporting internship and networking opportunities.
IIFT Delhi vs FMS Delhi vs XLRI Jamshedpur
MBA aspirants scoring in the 97 to 99 percentile range in CAT often shortlist IIFT Delhi alongside FMS Delhi and XLRI Jamshedpur. All three are considered premium management institutes in India, though each has a distinct positioning and fee structure.
| Parameter | IIFT Delhi | FMS Delhi | XLRI Jamshedpur |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIRF Management Rank 2025 | 17 | Top 5 | 10 |
| Average Package (2025) | INR 31.30 LPA | INR 32.27 LPA | INR 31.08 LPA |
| Highest Package (2025) | INR 72 LPA (domestic) | INR 1.1 Crore | INR 1.10 Crore |
| Total MBA Fee | INR 32.47 Lakhs | INR 2 Lakhs | INR 32 to 37 Lakhs |
| Specialisation Focus | International Business | General Management | HR / General Management / BM |
| CAT Cutoff (General) | 98 to 99 percentile | 99+ percentile | 95 to 97 percentile |
IIFT Delhi leads in international business domain depth, with dedicated courses in trade law, export-import management, and global logistics unavailable at FMS or XLRI. FMS Delhi offers an exceptionally low fee owing to Delhi University subsidy, making it a strong value pick. XLRI Jamshedpur has a broader programme portfolio including HR and General Management.
IIFT Delhi FAQs
Ques. What is the NIRF ranking of IIFT Delhi?
Ans. IIFT Delhi is ranked 17th in Management as per NIRF 2025, down from 15th in 2024. As per Collegedunia Ranking 2026, IIFT Delhi is ranked #20 out of 350 MBA institutes in India.
Ques. What is the MBA IB fee at IIFT Delhi?
Ans. The total MBA IB fee at IIFT Delhi for the 2-year programme is INR 32.47 Lakhs. SC/ST/PwD candidates receive a 50% concession in tuition fees. The New Scholarship Scheme (NSS) covers 20% of tuition for students with family income below INR 8 Lakhs.
Ques. What CAT percentile is needed for IIFT MBA IB?
Ans. The CAT cutoff for MBA IB (General category) at IIFT Delhi typically falls in the 98 to 99 percentile range. Women candidates get a 2-mark relaxation in shortlisting cutoffs. The final selection also includes WAT, GD/Extempore, and Personal Interview stages.
Ques. What is the placement average at IIFT Delhi?
Ans. IIFT Delhi MBA IB averaged INR 31.30 LPA in the 2025 placement season. The highest domestic offer was INR 72 LPA and the highest international offer reached INR 1.23 Crore PA. IIFT records 100% placement in its MBA programmes.
Ques. Is IIFT Delhi better than IIM Indore or IIM Kozhikode?
Ans. IIFT Delhi is ranked NIRF Management #17, while IIM Indore and IIM Kozhikode are generally ranked higher in Management by NIRF. However, IIFT Delhi has a unique advantage in international business, with placement in trade-focused and export-import sectors that IIMs do not match. The choice depends on whether the aspirant wants a general management degree or a specialisation in global trade.
Ques. Does IIFT Delhi offer hostel accommodation?
Ans. Yes. IIFT Delhi has 3 residential hostels on its 6.5-acre campus in Qutab Institutional Area, New Delhi. Facilities include mess, common rooms, laundry, and security. Both single and triple occupancy options are available.
Ques. When does IIFT MBA 2027 application open?
Ans. IIFT MBA IB and MBA BA applications for the 2027-29 batch are expected to open from October 2026. The qualifying examination, CAT 2026, is on November 29, 2026. The official notification will be published on iift.ac.in/admissions.
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At Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), Delhi the eligibility for the MBA (IB) program in 2026-28 batch requires a Bachelor’s degree with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD) from a recognised university. Admissions are now based on the CAT 2025 score, followed by short-listing, Writing Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD)/Extempore and Personal Interview (PI). The final merit list uses CAT score weightage, academic background, and diversity criteria
The last date to apply for the Ph.D. (Management) program at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) Delhi for the 2025 session was May 20, 2025. The application process included submitting an online application and a Statement of Purpose. Shortlisted candidates were announced on May 30, 2025, followed by personal interviews in the second week of June 2025. The final results were declared in the fourth week of June 2025, with the program commencing in the third week of July 2025.
You can apply for the 4-month Certificate Programme in Export-Import Management (On-Campus) at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), New Delhi, through the official IIFT admissions portal when the notification is released. The online application form and brochure are published on the IIFT website under Latest Updates/Certificate Programmes, and you must fill out and submit them before the deadline.
The official portal of IIFT Delhi is https://www.iift.ac.in/
Interested candidates will have to download the application form from the IIFT website. They will have to fill out the application form and submit the same along with the application fee of INR 2,500 (INR 1,250 for ST/ SC/ PwD candidates).
The application form should be sent with all the documents that include:
IIFT Delhi is famous for the following features mentioned below:
IIFT Delhi is considered as one of the Top Business Schools in India. This has been cleared by the below points:
Fees of BA
IIFT New Delhi does not offer BA course to the students.
PHD
To know more on the course, you can check out the page IIFT New Delhi PhD course.
IIFT 2024 registration and application submission is expected to take place from Sep '23 to Nov '23.
No, new admission is being taken in IIFT Delhi at present for an MBA. The admission dates are also not available.
Yes, you can apply for Master’s in economics if you have graduated in B.Com as your UG.
Yes, candidates with minimum 50% in bachelor’ are eligible to apply for MBA course at IIFT Delhi.
To apply for any course at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade Delhi you need to visit the official website of the institute. After the selection of the course, you are interested in click on the Application link. You need to fill up the application form and pay the required application fee. Last, you are required to submit the application form.
Yes, the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade provides need-based scholarships. The details of these scholarships are not mentioned by the institute. You can visit the official website of the institute or else, you can directly contact the admission department of the IIFT Delhi on this number to get the information: 011-39147200.
Indian Institute of Foreign Trade Delhi has not mentioned the exact record of the international recruiters. In general, the top recruiters of this institute are Accenture Strategy, EY, HCCB, Udaan, Cognizant, Infosys, Wipro, and many more.
For more information, refer to this link: IIFT Placements Report 2022