IIFT (Indian Institute of Foreign Trade Exam) – Complete Exam Preparation Guide
Introduction to 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 (IB) program at IIFT Delhi, Kolkata, and Kakinada campuses. The exam is known for its focus on international trade and business and is one of the most prestigious MBA entrance exams in India.
Why Take the IIFT Exam?
- Admission to the renowned MBA-IB program at IIFT, which is among the top-ranked B-schools in India.
- Focus on international trade, business policies, and global markets, providing a unique specialization.
- High placement opportunities with leading global corporations, consulting firms, and trade organizations.
- Moderate to high difficulty level, making it a good alternative to exams like CAT and XAT.
IIFT Exam Details
- Exam Conducting Body: National Testing Agency (NTA)
- Exam Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Frequency: Conducted once a year
- Exam Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes)
- Total Sections: 4
- Quantitative Analysis (QA)
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- General Awareness (GA)
- Question Type: Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Marking Scheme: +3 for a correct answer, -1 for an incorrect answer (varies by section)
- Medium: English
IIFT Exam Important Dates
The IIFT exam is conducted annually, usually in December. The general timeline includes:
- Notification Release: Few months before the exam
- Registration Period: Opens several months before the exam date
- Admit Card Release: Available before the exam date
- Exam Date: Conducted in December
- Result Announcement: A few weeks after the exam
IIFT Exam Eligibility Criteria
- Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates).
- Final Year Students: Eligible to apply with a provisional certificate.
- No Age Limit: No upper age restriction for IIFT aspirants.
- Foreign Nationals/NRI Candidates: Can apply through GMAT scores.
IIFT Exam Pattern
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Analysis (QA) | 25 | 3 | 75 |
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 35 | 3 | 105 |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 30 | 3 | 90 |
| General Awareness (GA) | 20 | 1.5 | 30 |
| Total | 110 | Varies | 300 |
IIFT Exam Syllabus
1. Quantitative Analysis (QA)
- Number System and Arithmetic
- Algebra (Linear & Quadratic Equations)
- Geometry, Mensuration, and Trigonometry
- Time, Speed & Distance
- Probability, Permutations & Combinations
- Data Sufficiency
2. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Reading Comprehension (RC) Passages
- Vocabulary-based Questions (Synonyms & Antonyms)
- Para Jumbles and Sentence Completion
- Grammar and Error Spotting
- Analogies and Cloze Test
3. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Tables, Bar Graphs, and Pie Charts
- Logical Deductions and Seating Arrangement
- Coding-Decoding and Blood Relations
- Cause & Effect and Statement-Assumption
- Series and Clocks & Calendars
4. General Awareness (GA)
- Current Affairs (National and International)
- Business and Economic News
- Static GK (History, Geography, Science, Politics, etc.)
- Important International Organizations (WTO, IMF, World Bank, etc.)
- Trade Policies, Agreements, and Foreign Exchange Market Trends
How to Prepare for IIFT?
1. Understand the Syllabus & Exam Pattern
- Go through the syllabus thoroughly and prioritize high-weightage topics.
- Focus on the General Awareness (GA) section, which is unique to IIFT.
2. Create a Study Plan
- Allocate time to all four sections and focus on time management.
- Practice speed-based problem solving, as the exam has a high number of questions in a limited time.
3. Refer to the Best Study Materials
- Books:
- How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude by Arun Sharma
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension by Nishit Sinha
- Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation by R.S. Aggarwal
- General Knowledge 2023 by Arihant Experts
- Previous Year IIFT Papers & Mock Tests
4. Practice Mock Tests & Previous Papers
- Attempt at least 10-15 full-length mock tests before the actual exam.
- Focus on improving accuracy and speed.
5. Improve General Awareness (GA) Skills
- Read newspapers, business magazines, and editorials daily.
- Keep track of international trade, business policies, and economic trends.
- Follow global organizations like WTO, IMF, and World Bank.
Last-Minute Preparation Tips
- Revise all concepts and formulas regularly.
- Attempt easy questions first to maximize accuracy.
- Stay calm, focused, and manage stress effectively.
- Avoid learning new topics in the last few days before the exam.
Post-IIFT Admission Process
- Results Announcement: A few weeks after the exam.
- Shortlisting: Based on IIFT scores and academic records.
- Group Discussion (GD), Written Ability Test (WAT), and Personal Interview (PI): Conducted by IIFT.
- Final Selection: Based on IIFT score, GD/WAT-PI performance, academic history, and work experience.
Top IIFT Campuses Accepting IIFT Scores
- IIFT Delhi (Main Campus)
- IIFT Kolkata (Eastern India Campus)
- IIFT Kakinada (Newly established Campus)
Conclusion
Cracking the IIFT exam requires fast problem-solving, efficient time management, and strong general awareness. With a focus on international business and trade policies, the IIFT MBA-IB program is a gateway to high-profile careers in global business management. Start your preparation early, stay confident, and aim for success!
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