IIFT 2026 Admissions: Mandatory to Appear for CAT 2025

While the CAT exam is in November 2025, the IIFT-specific application process is separate. The IIFT application is expected to open in the third week of October 2025 and close by the first week of December 2025. This is the main news hook for a September 9th article.

For management aspirants with their sights set on a career in international business, the path to the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) has been streamlined. The institute has officially confirmed that it will continue to base its MBA admission process on the CAT 2025 score. This means that aspirants no longer need to prepare for a separate IIFT entrance exam and must have a valid CAT 2025 score to be considered for shortlisting.

This change, which came into effect with the previous admission cycle, aims to simplify the application process for thousands of students who are already appearing for the CAT exam. The move aligns IIFT with a growing number of top business schools that use a common aptitude test for admissions.

The Road Ahead for IIFT 2026 Aspirants

While the IIFT entrance exam has been discontinued, the rest of the admission process remains similar to previous years, and is highly competitive. Here is a timeline of what to expect:

• CAT 2025 Exam: Candidates must appear for the CAT 2025 exam on November 30, 2025.
• IIFT Application: The official IIFT application window is expected to open in the third week of October 2025. It is mandatory to fill out this application and submit the required fee, even if you have already registered for CAT.
• Shortlisting: Based on the CAT 2025 score and certain parameters like academic and gender diversity, IIFT will release a shortlist for the next stage of the selection process.
• GD/PI Rounds: The Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds for the shortlisted candidates are expected to be held in February and March 2026.

Aspirant Checklist: What to Do Now

Given that a significant portion of your admission to IIFT now depends on your CAT score, aspirants are advised to double down on their CAT 2025 preparation. This includes a strategic approach to all three sections of the exam.

For comprehensive information on IIFT and other management entrance exams, follow Only Education News. You can find detailed guides on preparation strategies and a list of B-schools that accept CAT scores by visiting https://www.onlyeducation.in/exams-list/management.