IIFT 2025 Admission Notice Delayed; NTA Expected to Announce Schedule by August 10

The official admission notice for IIFT 2025 has been delayed, but the NTA is expected to release the application schedule by August 10. Learn about the new CAT-based admission process and what to do next.

Aspirants for the prestigious Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) are experiencing a period of uncertainty as the official admission notification for the 2025-27 MBA batch has been delayed. While the admission process for IIFT's MBA (International Business) and MBA (Business Analytics) is based on the CAT score, the official notification from the National Testing Agency (NTA), the body now responsible for the IIFT exam, is yet to be released. According to sources, an official announcement detailing the application schedule is anticipated by August 10, 2025.

The delay has caused anxiety among prospective students who are also simultaneously applying for other B-school exams, including the ongoing CAT 2025 registration. The NTA's role as the new conducting body for the IIFT admission process has led to a shift in the timeline compared to previous years, where IIFT itself managed its admission cycle.

Key Aspects for the IIFT 2025 Admission Cycle

This year marks a major change in the IIFT admission process. While in the past, candidates had to appear for a separate IIFT entrance exam, admissions for the 2025-27 batch will be based on the CAT 2024 score. This means candidates must have a valid CAT 2024 score to be eligible to apply for IIFT's full-time MBA programs. The NTA is now responsible for handling the registration process for the IIFT application itself, including the collection of fees and the issuance of application forms, which were expected to be released in early August.

What the Delay Means for Aspirants

1. Waiting for the Official Link: The primary impact of this delay is that aspirants cannot yet fill out the IIFT-specific application form. This form is mandatory even if a candidate has already appeared for and has a valid CAT 2024 score.
2. Uncertainty on Key Dates: The delay in the notification means that the exact dates for the application window, shortlisting for Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds, and the final merit list release are also pushed back. Candidates must stay vigilant and check both the official IIFT website (iift.ac.in) and the NTA's website for updates.
3. No Changes in Eligibility: Despite the change in the exam and the conducting body, the core eligibility criteria for the MBA programs remain the same. Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for reserved categories).

What to Expect When the Notice is Released

Once the NTA releases the official admission notice and the application link, aspirants should be ready to act quickly. The application window is likely to be open for a limited period, and the process will involve the following:

• Online Registration: Creating an account on the NTA's IIFT admission portal.
• Filling the Application Form: Providing personal, academic, and professional details, including the CAT 2024 score and registration number.
• Payment of Application Fee: A non-refundable fee must be paid online to complete the application.

This delay, while frustrating, is not expected to significantly alter the overall admission timeline. The GD/PI rounds are typically held in February-March, with classes commencing in the first week of July. Aspirants are advised to continue their preparations for the GD/PI rounds and to have all their documents ready for the application process once the official notification is live.