One of the thought coined by David Ricardo’s theory, trade is a force of poverty reduction but only in the case if it is accompanied by investment in education and building nation infrastructure. exchange of trade alone cannot uplift societies, it must be used with social investment. The Bedrock of global trade, that explains the importance of having comparative advantage, the best tool in economics.
About IIFT: India’s Gateway to Global Trade Leadership
The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) Established in 1963 by the government of India. It is a premier Institute dedicated to advanced learning, education, research and training in international trade and business. IIFT has a Legacy of more than 6 decades, immersed as a hub of global trade leaders and shaping India’s foreign trade policies.
The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry to contribute in the skill building for the external trade sector of India. The IIFT was granted “Deemed to be University” status in 2002. The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) has recognized IIFT as Grade ‘A’ Institution in 2005 as well as in 2015.
Historical Background
This Institute was founded keeping the vision to address India’s growing need for expertise in international trade after post independence. IIFT was granted as a deemed university status in 2002, that empowers it to design specialised curriculum and customise degree program related to foreign trade.
Over the past many years, IIFT Shine has been one of the National Universities which focuses on international business management and strategy and such visions are reflected in the main three activities conducted by IIFT categorised as research training and education.
The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade was granted the prestigious AACSB Accreditation on 17th November, 2021. With this the IIFT reaches to the top 900+ Business Schools across the world which have earned this accreditation.
Benjamin Franklin’s 18th-century defense of trade reminds us that open economies foster resilience and innovation, countering protectionist fears.
“No nation was ever ruined by trade.“
— Benjamin Franklin, Founding Father of the U.S.
IIFT Objectives & Activities
To provide professional education with modern management techniques that are relevant to International businesses.
To help the participants to understand the inter relationship between various modes and aspects of international businesses.
To increase the capability of business executive by analysing the foreign trade and economic issues
To conduct high quality research in the field of national and global trades.
Campus Infrastructure
IIFT has three campuses, Delhi and Kolkata campuses are more popular. Delhi campus is equipped with a simulation lab, Forex trading room and a library with over 1.5 lakhs resources. On the other hand Kolkata campus focuses on agro export and MSME trade through its eastern India route. IIFT also set up some incubation centre that supports the starter to export oriented sectors like handicraft and Tech business.
IIFT Campuses
IIFT Delhi Campus, IIFT Bhawan, B-21, Qutab Institutional Area, New Delhi -110016, Tel: +91-11-39147200, Fax: +91-11-26853956
IIFT Kolkata Campus, 1583 Madurdaha, Chowbagha Road, Ward No 108, Borough XII, Kolkata 700107, EPABX: 033- 35014500 Fax: 033-2443 2454
IIFT Kakinada Campus, JNTU Campus, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh 533003, Tel: 0884- 2944655 & 2944955
IIFT Library Facilities
IIFT having I one of the largest library features an exclusive WTO Resource Centre, the only one of its kind in India and in the developing countries with 1,07,641 resources, including:
- 79,716 book/CD volumes
- 17,796 bound periodicals
- 350 Indian and 12,284 international scholarly journals (print + online)
- 11 national/international magazines
- 19 newspapers
All the important resources are available in IIFT online platform, that gives the key references for industrial professionals, researchers and students
Having unique collections from FAO, IMF, OECD, UNCTAD, UNCTC, World Bank, and other global agencies.
IIFT Library facility provides access to major databases like NIC, CMIE, India Trades, and World Bank Indicators to their students, and provides access 24/7 Library-cum-Reading Room to their students.
Hostel Facilities
IIFT provides hostel facilities for fully residential MBA IB program with double or triple occupancy
Hostels are acute with Wi-Fi, CCTV, RO water purifier, geyser, water cooler, washing machine, refrigerator, micro oven and wheelchairs for differently abled persons.
IIFT has a hostel named as C9 hostel that is located 1 km far from IIFT main campus having 32 rooms with double Occupancy. C9 hostel has a separate mess, common room, TV, Nescafe kiosk and table tennis facility.
IIFT campus also has a new hostel with five floors with 70 rooms, double occupancy connected with an academic block.
In the old hostel there are 8 floors with 48 rooms, triple Occupancy, and gives a scenic view of Qutub Minar and Sanjay van. Having a mass with 100 seat capacity, computer facility and recreation room.
Additionally there is a rented boys hostel also available 1.5 km far from the main campus.
Academic Programs
Following are the diverse long term programs offered by IIFT, that fulfill the requirement of Aspiring International business executives.
- Two-year MBA (International Business) at New Delhi and Kolkata.
- Ph.D. (Management) Programme at Delhi and Kolkata.
- Ph.D. (Economics) Programme at Delhi and Kolkata.
- Two-year MA (Economics – Specialization in Trade and Finance) at New Delhi and Kolkata.
- Two years & six months MBA (International Business) Weekend at New Delhi and Kolkata.
- Executive Post Graduate Diploma in International Business at New Delhi and Kolkata.
- Executive Post Graduate Diploma in International Business (Hybrid) at Delhi.
- Executive Post Graduate Diploma in International Business (On-campus) at Delhi.
- Two Years MBA in International Business In collaboration with the Institute of Finance Management.
- Post Graduate Certificate Programme in International Business and Finance (Hybrid).
- Certificate Programme in Export Import Management.
IIFT offers multiple flagship programs to fulfil the demand of Global Business
1. Flagship MBA (International Business):
Its flagship program in MBA for international businesses is popular globally, it’s a 2 year full time program focusing on trade Analytics, supply chain management and global marketing. The admission for this course will be through IIFT entrance exam, upon testing aptitude in quantitative analysis, English and general awareness. One of the most unique features of this Institute is that it includes foreign language training like French Spanish Chinese and some International immersion programs.
2. Executive MBA:
The executive MBA program is specifically designed for working professionals, in such a way that they attend the online classes or modules on weekends.
3. Certificate Programs:
IIFT also offers certificate programs that are categorised as short term courses, in the area like export management and trade Analytics
4. PhD in International Business:
This Institute focuses on providing cutting edge research in trade policy, economic and global strategy. it offers doctorate course in international business.
Research and Consultancy
IIFT drives policy and make an industrial impact through its research and consultancy
IIFT established a think tank that advises the Indian government on WTO negotiation and trade disputes known as Centre for WTO studies.
It works with Central Board of indirect taxes and customs (CBIC) for the cross border trade through, Customs & Trade Facilitation Research
IIFT partners with UNCTAD, World Bank, and industry bodies like FICCI to publish trade analytics reports under its various industry collaboration projects.
Global Partnerships
IIFT fosters international exposure through:
Student Exchange Programs: Tie-ups with universities in France, Germany, South Korea, and Australia.
Dual Degrees: Collaborations with schools like ESCP Europe and Fordham University (USA).
Global Internships: Opportunities in multinational firms like Deloitte, KPMG, and Amazon.
Trade is not about goods. Trade is about information. Goods sit in warehouses until information moves them
César Hidalgo, MIT Professor
Hidalgo reframes trade as a flow of knowledge and data, emphasizing how supply chains and markets rely on communication systems, not just physical exchange.
Rankings & Recognition
As per the NIRF 2023 report IIFT got 25th rank among India’s premier management institutes. IIFT featured Among top 20 for international trade programs as per the report published by QS global MBA ranking 2024. It also got AACSB accuration in 2023 that highlights its Global academic standards (published in The Hindu, Business Standard & Education Times).
IIFT moves up twelve places to 15th in NIRF ranking, The ranking under the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) was released by the HRD ministry on August 12.
The commerce ministry’s Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) has moved up twelve places up to 15th rank under the management category in the NIRF ranking 2024.
The ranking under the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) was released by the HRD ministry on August 12 (published in The Hindu).
In the last year’s ranking, IIFT was at 27th spot as against 24th in 2022 (published in Business Standard).
It was 25th in 2021, 26th in 2020 and 31st in 2019. The institute was ranked at 23rd rank in 2018, 30th in 2017 and 81st in 2016 (published in Education Times).
NIRF was launched in 2015 to rank higher educational institutions in the country based on objective criteria to promote competitive excellence in such institutions.
Global Alumni Network
IIFT offers strong international focus in all courses, that includes mandatory foreign language courses included. 1,460 hours of coursework, including presentations, quizzes, and assignments, making it one of the most intensive curriculums in India. Also give foreign Industry Exposure, Guest faculty from the industry. Mandatory seaport visit for real-world trade experience. Live business cases and projects with companies. On-campus workshops by corporate partners. Having a global collaboration with 27+ universities and B-schools worldwide, makes it easy for students and faculty with some exchange programs for getting international exposure.
Its Global aluminium network includes Union Minister Piyush Goyal, Marico Chairman Harsh Mariwala, and Flipkart CEO Kalyan Krishnamurthy. Also, IIFT set up its aluminium Association known as IIFTAA, that has active membership, offers placement support and organises global networking events frequently.
Placements & Industry Connect
IIFT Summer Placements for MBA (IB) 2023-25 Batch
- Placement Stats (2023): Average package: ₹25.6 LPA (highest: ₹58 LPA).
- Top recruiters: Microsoft, Tata International, ITC, and HSBC.
- Sector-wise Distribution: 40% in consulting/analytics, 30% in e-commerce, 20% in banking.
- As per IIFT summer placement records for MBA (IB) 2023-25 Batch, Following are their stipend highlights.
Stipend Highlights:
- Average stipend: ₹2.67 Lakhs
- Median stipend: ₹2.50 Lakhs
- Highest stipend: ₹4.50 Lakhs
- 50+ offers above ₹4.00 Lakhs
Top Hiring Domains:
Sales & Marketing (35%): Companies like Asian Paints, ITC, Titan, and Samsung led the hiring.
Finance (21%): Recruiters included Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase & Co, and HDFC Bank.
Strategy & Consulting (10%): Firms like Accenture Strategy, Deloitte, and EY made key hires.
General Management (14%): Leadership roles offered by Tata Group, JSW, Reliance, and RPG.
Trade & Operations (11%): Recruiters included Amazon, Flipkart, Tata Steel, and TVS Motors.
IT/Analytics & Product Management (9%): Companies like Microsoft, Flipkart, and Wipro participated.
InShort Summary
IIFT remains a pillar of India’s Global trade education, helps India to build an ecosystem that plans with global demand and economic exchange. It deals with cross-cultural competence, policy research, analytics and a watch on real time global markets, which inspire the aspiring trade professionals. For those who are reading this article or want to pursue their career in international business or trade diplomacy, IIFT offers this opportunity to engage with the complexity in the globalised economy.
Lin dismantles the myth of trade as a rivalry, advocating for win-win partnerships in development and technology transfer.
“Foreign trade isn’t a zero-sum game. When one country grows, it doesn’t have to come at another’s expense.”
FAQ’s
What is the IIFT Entrance Exam pattern?
Sections: Quantitative Analysis, Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, General Awareness, Reading Comprehension, and English Grammar. Duration: 2 hours. Total Questions: ~110 (varies yearly). Key Tip: General Awareness (trade, economics, current affairs) is a unique and high-weightage section. Unlike CAT, IIFT’s exam emphasizes trade-related GK, requiring focused preparation.
How does the IIFT selection process work?
Stage 1: Clear the IIFT entrance exam (cutoff typically 40-50 percentile for General category). Stage 2: Shortlisted candidates undergo Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI). Final Selection: Based on entrance score (65%), GD-PI (25%), and academic/work profile (10%). GD topics often focus on global trade, economics, or current affairs—align preparation accordingly.
Is work experience mandatory for IIFT?
No, work experience is not mandatory. But: 30–40% of the batch typically has 1–3 years of experience, which adds diversity to classroom discussions. Freshers can compensate with strong academic records or extracurricular achievements during GD-PI.
What makes IIFT’s MBA (International Business) unique?
Curriculum: Focus on global trade, EXIM policies, forex, and supply chain analytics. Foreign Language Training: Mandatory French/Spanish/Chinese modules. Global Exposure: Exchange programs with ESCP Europe, Fordham University, and internships in Dubai/Shanghai. Ideal for careers in international marketing, trade analytics, or export-import management.
What are the placement statistics at IIFT?
As per (2023 data): Average Package: ₹25.6 LPA. Highest Package: ₹58 LPA. Top Recruiters: Microsoft, HSBC, Deloitte, ITC, Amazon, and Tata International. Sectors: Consulting (40%), E-commerce (30%), Banking (20%). Strong placements in global roles, especially for students specializing in trade analytics.
Does IIFT have hostel facilities?
Yes: Delhi and Kolkata campuses offer on-campus hostels (single/double occupancy). Kakinada Campus: Hostel facilities are under development (as of 2023). Hostel life is integral for networking and participating in trade conclaves like Trade Winds.
How does IIFT compare to other MBA colleges like IIMs?
Niche Focus: IIFT specializes in international trade, unlike IIMs’ general management focus. Global Opportunities: More internships/placements in cross-border roles (e.g., EXIM, global consulting). Lower Batch Size: ~250 students across campuses vs. 400+ at top IIMs, ensuring personalized attention. Choose IIFT if you’re passionate about global business, not just domestic corporate roles.
What are the key preparation strategies for the IIFT exam?
GK Focus: Read trade journals (The Economist, Business Standard), WTO updates, and EXIM policies. Speed & Accuracy: Practice DI/LR sets with tight time limits (1–1.5 mins per question). Mock Tests: Solve past IIFT papers (pattern differs from CAT/XAT). IIFT’s paper is more speed-intensive and trade-centric than other MBA entrance exams.
Whom should I contact (IIFT side) in case of any need?
You can write to us at iiftmba-ib@nta.ac.in or call NTA Help Desk at: 011 4075 9000. Candidates are advised to be in touch with the NTA website www.nta.ac.in, https://iift.nta.nic.in for latest updates.
What is the evaluation methodology?
Responses will be processed based on the answer keys verified and finalised. If any anomaly or discrepancy is found during key verification, NTA shall address them in the following manner: If all options are found to be correct ? Full marks to be awarded to all students, who have attempted the question. If a question for any reason is found to be wrong or none of the options in the questions is correct, the benefit of marks will be given to only those candidates who attempted the question.
On examining of the representations by the subject experts, if it is found that more than one option is correct, then marks will be awarded to all those candidates who have attempted any one of the correct options.
Will I get an opportunity to view my responses, the questions and the answers? Will I get an opportunity to challenge the answers, in case I feel that the answer to any question is incorrect, in my opinion?
After exam, experts shall verify the answer keys for the question paper administered. NTA will display the Questions, recorded responses and Provisional Answer Keys on the NTA website, on a date communicated to candidates through NTA website and public notice/press release in advance. Candidates, who are not satisfied with the answer key, may challenge by filling online application form and paying a non-refundable fee of Rs.200/-per question, through the given window. Applications received by hand or by fax or email will not be considered.
Experts check the challenges received, and if needed key is revised. The result will be compiled on the basis of final answer keys. No grievance with regard to answer key(s) after declaration of result will be entertained. The NTA?s decision on the challenges shall be final and no further communication will be entertained. Candidates are advised to remain in touch with the NTA website www.nta.ac.in or iiftmba-ib@nta.ac.in for the exact dates and other updates.
Will there be negative marking for wrong answers?
Yes. There would be negative marking for wrong answers to the tune of one third of the marks allocated to a question..
Is calculator allowed for the IIFT MBA programme?
No
Can I change my exam city after receiving admit card?
No, you will not be allowed to change your exam city once admit card has been issued. While applying candidates have to select any four cities of their choice. The efforts will be made to allot city of examination to the candidates in order of the choice opted by them in their application form. Please select your preferred choices carefully.
However, NTA reserves the right to change the city based on the feasibility. The Examination City Centre, once opted, shall not be changed.
Whom can I contact in case my admit card has some issue, or I am not able to download my admit card?
Send an email at iiftmba-ib@nta.ac.in or call NTA Help Desk at 011 4075 9000.
How do I get my admit card?
The admit card will be uploaded on NTA website https://iift.nta.nic.in as per the schedule communicated through the website. Candidates need to check the admit card carefully for all particulars e.g Roll No. Name, Medium, Date of Birth, Gender, Examination Centre Name, City, Category, etc
I am a NRI/Foreign National. Do I have to apply for appearing in the exam?
The admission of candidates under this category is on the basis of GMAT score and personal interview. They need not appear in the entrance exam, unless they are present in India, at the time of the IIFT entrance exam.
A separate on-line window for NRIs/Foreign nationals only will be opened from 15.01.2022 to 15.03.2022, for submission of their application. NRIs/Foreign nationals may submit their applications and pay the fee on-line during that period. They are advised to be in touch with the website of NTA/IIFT for the dates of opening of the portal for submission of their application forms.
There was an elective subject in my qualifying exam. Should I include the marks obtained in that paper also in the total marks in the form?
Yes. You are required to include the marks obtained by you in all the papers of the qualifying exam.
Those obtained in my initial attempt or in my subsequent attempt?
Marks in the subsequent attempt may be indicted. I have been working part- time, at my college days.
Can I indicate part time experience in my Employment details on the IIFT application form?
Only experience attained post qualifying educational qualification is reckoned. Part-time experience is not taken into account.
Does opting for any one of the campuses, mean that I’ll not be considered for other campuses? Or Is there any relevance of this in admission procedure?
A candidate is given a seat in his preferred campus provided he has the rank and also seat is available in that campus. In case he doesn?t meet this stipulation, he is offered seat in the other campus again subject to rank and availability of seats.
How can I pay the fee?
You can pay the fee online at https://iift.nta.nic.in using debit/credit cards/internet banking/UPI/Paytm.
What are the details that I can correct through the Correction Window?
You can change any of the details that had earlier been filled in the exam form through the Correction Window at https://iift.nta.nic.in. You can also upload the correct document/s through the correction window, in case there was an error in the documents you had earlier uploaded. No correction can be carried out either through email or fax or letter. Please read the Information Bulletin and check the NTA website for updates.
Can I withdraw my application, once submitted?
No
How do I apply?
You can apply online only at https://iift.nta.nic.in. Physical applications will not be entertained.
What is the medium of the question paper?
English only
What is the mode of conducting the test?
The test will be conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT). The test comprises Multiple Choice questions
