IIFT exam is not very different from CAT or XAT. However, the approach to the IIFT question paper has to be different. Check here key last minute tips for IIFT 2023.
2. No Sectional Time-Limit
When there is no sectional time-limit in an exam, there are high chances of candidates getting stuck in one section longer than required. So, a candidate needs a pre-decided exam strategy to attempt the entire IIFT question paper in such a way that they are able to focus equally well on every section. Keep in mind that you need to attempt a good number of questions in all the sections to meet sectional cut-offs which will, in turn, improve the overall score.
3. Negative Marking
While attempting the IIFT 2023 question paper, remember the negative marking pattern. Do not make random guesses. Stick to your pre-decided exam strategy and select answers to questions accordingly. If you have even a slightest doubt on your answer, leave it and move to next question. Also read: IIFT 2023 exam strategy
Explore popular MBA colleges for you
Based on ,MBA
4. Wrong Questions
Like mentioned above, the IIFT exam has negative marking so it is important to choose the right questions to solve. While 1 mark per incorrect attempt is deducted in Quantitative Ability, VARC and DILR, in the General Awareness section, 0.5 marks are deducted for every wrong attempt. So, don't do guess work or take a chance with any question in IIFT 2023. Choose the questions from the topics you are comfortable and confident about. Read each question well to decide whether it is from your strength areas or not and that you can solve it accurately or not.
IIFT 2024 exam was not conducted. Admission to the IIFT MBA programmes for 2024-26 batch was done through CAT 2023 score. The announcement was made by IIFT in August that it will accept CAT score for admission and that aspirants should register for it. CAT 2023 exam was held on November 26, 2023.
IIFT admission forms were released in October 2023, which the aspirants had to fill to be eligible for selection and shortlisting for WAT-PT round of the MBA admission process.
Until 2022, the IIFT entrance exam was held nationwide in the month of December. It was conducted by the NTA.
IIFT may conduct the WAT-PI and GD in online mode for 2024 admissions as in 2023, the institute gave option to candidates to appear for this round of shortlisting of candidates for MBA-International Business and MBA-Business Analytics admissions in person or online. Most of the candidates opted for the online mode thus, the institute conducted the personality assessment round online via video conferencing.
The IIFT WAT-PI and GD round was conducted online in 2020, 2021 and 2022 due to COVID-19 pandemic in which WAT and GD were replaced by Extempore. Before that, the selection round was conducted face to face every year.
5. Difficulty Levels & Mystery Cut-offs
It is important to take some time in reading the questions to figure out the difficulty level. Accordingly, one should make suitable number of attempts. Also remember, that IIFT doesn’t have consistent cut offs. They change every year. Sometimes the sectional cut offs are taken into consideration for admission whereas at other times just the overall cut off is considered. So, performing well in each section of IIFT 2023 exam is important.
6. Relax
And finally, relax! Do not fret over any new topic in these final moments of the exam. Stay cool and enjoy your exam. Remember that a cool mind performs better than a stressed mind.
Read more:
The IIFT entrance exam will not be conducted this year, for admission to the batch of 2025-27. The selection of candidates will be be based on CAT 2024 scores.
Till 2022, the National Testing Agency (NTA) used to conduct the entrance exam on behalf of the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) Delhi. The NTA had been conducting the IIFT entrance exam since 2019. The IIFT exam pattern, syllabus, fees, eligibility criteria and fees, etc. were determined by the institute. The NTA only conducted online registration and the exam and announced the IIFT result. The NTA was also the sole authority for accepting or rejecting candidature, allotment of test centres, managing arrangements at the exam centre, checking response sheets, examining answer keys and objections.
After the IIFT result announcement by the NTA, the institute would take over for admission and selection process which includes, release of cut offs, written assessment, extempore, personal interview. Now, the selection process will be conducted after CAT 2024 result announcement.
There is no arrangement for depositing bags and valuables at the IIFT exam centre. Thus, candidates must not carry anything else than IIFT admit card, photo ID, pen, face mask, hand-sanitizer and drinking water bottle. In case, they are carrying a bag or such item, they will have to make arrangement themselves of keeping it safe. Information related to items to carry and not carry will be mentioned in every candidate's admit card. They should read all the exam related instructions and guidelines printed on the IIFT admit card one or two days before the IIFT exam.
No, candidates are not allowed to carry any electronic gadget to the IIFT exam centre. This is to prevent cheating or any kind of malpractice by any candidate. For the assistance of candidates an onscreen calculator will be present on the computer screen and pen and paper for rough work will be provided inside the exam hall. Candidates can use the rough sheet and pen for calculation and leave them at the test lab before exiting. However, the best practice is to use mental calculation for saving time as IIFT is a time bound test and you have to attempt about 100 questions in 2.5 hours.
- Check IIFT cut offs for admission
- IIFT COVID-19 guidelines for exam day
- Is IIFT exam tougher than CAT?
- IIFT 2023: Last week preparation tips and exam day strategy
- IIFT exam: Five tips for last week exam strategy
- Five things to keep in mind for IIFT 2023
- IIFT 2023 exam: 13 things to remember on exam day
IIFT Exam Mock Test will help you to get an idea about the type of questions asked, the exam pattern and marking scheme. After taking the test, you can immediately check your score. You can also download the Question Paper along with answers and their explanations for Free. Click below to start the free online test now.
Free IIFT Exam Mock Test
News & Updates
Explore Other Exams
1 Aug '25 - 20 Nov '25 | SNAP 2025 Registration Process |
28 Nov '25 - 6 Dec '25 | SNAP 2025 admit card session 1... |
10 Jul '25 - 5 Dec '25 | XAT 2026 Exam registration |
20 Dec '25 | XAT 2026 admit card download s... |
Dec '25 | MAH MBA CET 2026 registration ... |
2 Sep '25 - 4 Sep '25 | MAH MBA CAP 2025: Reporting to... |
28 Oct '25 - 16 Dec '25 | NMAT 2025 Admit Card Issuance |
1 Aug '25 - 16 Dec '25 | NMAT 2025 Rescheduling Window |
1 Jul '25 - 19 Dec '25 | IBSAT 2025 Registration |
5 Nov '25 - 27 Dec '25 | IBSAT Slot Booking 2025 |
Mar '25 | IRMASAT 2025 Final Result Anno... |
Feb '25 | IRMASAT Personal Interviews |
30 Sep '25 - 20 Nov '25 | MICAT (I) Registrations |
25 Nov '25 - 29 Jan '26 | MICAT (II) registration proces... |
Jan '26 | Publication of TANCET notifica... |
Jan '26 | TANCET registration window |
12 Nov '25 | CAT 2025 admit card download |
30 Nov '25 | CAT 2025 exam |
17 Oct '25 - 18 Nov '25 | CMAT 2026 registration and app... |
In 2023, the IIFT did not conduct the entrance exam. MBA admission was based on CAT 2023 score. Candidates had to apply for CAT 2023 before September 13, 2023, for admission to IIFT's MBA admission 2024.
Till 2024, the IIFT exam used to be conducted in the third week of December. IIFT is a computer based test mode exam wherein candidates have to solve 110 questions in 2 hours. The exam is held in one shift in about 60 plus cities across India. Sectional difficulty level of the IIFT entrance exam is usually as follows:
IIFT has negative and differential marking both so candidates need to handle the exam in such a way that they don’t lose marks for wrong selection of question.