MBA Entrance | IIFT | 20th October 2022
It has become important for everyone to have something extra and unique with their normal degree. It’s not only about something extra but also, additional skill set and education to work for today's multinational companies. Some opt for certification courses; some choose to apply for internships and others select to do an MBA. Doing a master's degree is not such an additional benefit but it also gives leverage for the student who later on applies in MNCs. And it does not stop at just choosing an MBA, students also have to decide what specialisation they want to do. Upon research, amongst the hundreds of options, the most trending one is International business or IB, which is now also known as MBA-IB. These days, with so many MBA options the youth is confused on which course and entrance examination are the best for them. Mostly the inclination is towards International Business because it has so many opportunities like, working at docks or for cargo multinationals, going abroad, customs and much more. And one of the best colleges to pursue an MBA in International Business is IIFT.
IIFT or The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade is a university set up by the Indian Government to increase employment for the country's foreign trade and has been autonomous since 2002. IIFT has had 2 campuses all over India, one is in Delhi having around 220 seats and the other is in Kolkata having 200 seats. Both campuses have almost the same fee structure and the entrance exam is only one for both of them. There is one more campus that had its inauguration ceremony in 2018, and has started functioning from 2022 - the Kakinada campus. IIFT is known for the courses that they provide like:
MBA in International Business (2 years)
Integrated Programme in Management
Executive Programs
MA (Economics)
Certificate Programmes
Doctoral Programmes
Off-Campus Programmes
Corporate Training
The IIFT 2023 is being held on 18th December 2022, for the MBA (IB) 2023-25 batch. The entrance exam has a duration of 2 hours and in order to apply, you need to apply online by visiting iift.nta.nic.in and pay the dedicated registration fee of Rs 2500 (for General category students) and Rs 1250 (for SC/ST/PwD/Other Gender category students). The best part about IIFT is that they also provide part-time (Weekend) MBA and Diploma programmes for the students who wish to work or pursue something more side-by-side. To apply at IIFT you would need:
A graduation degree of a minimum of 3 years from any recognized university from any background.
You must have 50% or above in your graduation and for SC/ST/PWD it is 45% or above.
There is no age limit to apply.
So, the aspirants need to clear only 1 criterion to apply in IIFT. To pursue MBA in IIFT one has to clear their selection process which is of 4 tiers, let's check it out:
The IIFT entrance exam is conducted by the National Test agency which is a computer-based test. It is a 2-hours consisting of 4 sections and a total of 110 MCQ questions. The 4 sections are:
Quantitative Aptitude
This section will have 25 questions and the time allotted to solve them would be 30-35 minutes. This section will have 75 marks in total. The questions will be in MCQ format and would be based on basic mathematics such as time and work, profit and loss, functions, probability, linear and quadratic equations, speed and distance, simple and compound interest, geometry, mensuration, number system.
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
This will have 35 questions and the time allotted to solve them would be 25-30 minutes. This section will have 105 marks in total. The entire section will have MCQ questions and based on Idioms and Phrases, Articles and Prepositions, Para Jumbles, Active and Passive voices, Synonyms, and Antonyms. For the reading comprehension part, the questions would be fact-based, tone-based, idea-based, or vocabulary-based.
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation
This section will have 30 questions and the time allotted will be 40-45 minutes. This section will be 90 marks. The questions would be in MCQ format and based on Linear arrangement, coding and decoding, blood relations, puzzles, clocks, and calendars and for data interpretation questions would be on bar graphs, line graphs, pie charts, and mixed graphs.
General Awareness
This section will have only 20 questions and the time allotted will be 8-10 minutes. This section will be 30 marks. As this is a General Awareness section, the MCQ questions will be based on current affairs of approximately 10-12 months, economic awareness, world records, logos and brands, countries and capitals, and books and authors.
The marking system of the IIFT exam for the year 2021 is different. The First 3 sections will give 3 marks for one correct answer and -1 for each wrong answer. Just for the last section of General awareness, it will give 1.5 marks for one correct answer and -0.5 for each wrong answer. The aspirant needs to remember that there is a sectional cut-off for every section so try not to take chances on negative marking.
However, IIFT is known for changing the exam pattern. In 2018, IIFT had six sections. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning were made into two separate sections and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension was also divided into two sections. Due to this a student had to achieve separate cutoffs for LR, DI, VA and RC. Hence, it’s always advisable to be well prepared with every section.
Written ability test
This is a 20 minutes test in which the shortlisted aspirants have to write an essay with not more than 250-300 words. The topic for an essay would be given on the spot and as this is an elimination round, aspirants need to be quick with writing as well as thoughts.
Group discussion
In this round, the shortlisted aspirants will be divided into different groups and would be given topics either on current affairs or basic knowledge. This round is specifically designed to test the ability of the aspirant to put forward his/her views and opinions in a communicable way and to listen to others and counter them respectfully on any point.
Personal Interview
This round is a one-on-one round, where the shortlisted applicant will have to go through an interview where he/she would be asked basic questions like introducing themselves, their hobbies, and pass time activities also, on current affairs. The main motive of this round is to analyse the aspirant's communication skills and confidence which is very important in later life.
Now that you are aware of the exam and question pattern with fee structure, you are all set to apply for IIFT. Believe it or not, IIFT not only has amazing campuses but also wonderful faculty and environment. Completing an MBA will also get you entitled to a number of perks and benefits in the future. You will remember your years of MBA for a lifetime for the finest experience that it provides for all students.
Now, I hope this explains you the whole of what IIFT is and how important it would be as an exam for you to start your professional journey as an MBA post-grad student!
