Indian Institute of Foreign Trade accepting CAT/XAT scores to publish the next admission steps this week

The countdown for management aspirants has entered its most critical phase. Following the conclusion of major entrance tests, the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) and other elite institutes accepting CAT and XAT scores are likely to publish their next admission steps by late December 2025. With the application window now closed, the focus shifts to shortlisting criteria and the subsequent selection rounds.

Expected Shortlisting Criteria and Cutoffs

As IIFT has transitioned to using CAT scores for its flagship MBA (International Business) and MBA (Business Analytics) programs, the competition remains fierce. While official notifications are expected this week, historical data and current trends suggest high benchmarks for the 2026-28 batch.

• Percentile Benchmarks: General category candidates should anticipate a cutoff between 97–99 percentile for MBA-IB, while MBA-BA may range slightly lower at 95+.
• Sectional Clearness: Unlike some private B-schools, IIFT traditionally enforces sectional cutoffs (expected around 55-65%) to ensure balanced academic proficiency.
• Composite Score Factors: Shortlisting is not solely dependent on test scores; weightage is also given to gender diversity, academic consistency, and professional work experience.

Navigating the Selection Process (GD-PI-WAT)

Once the shortlists are released, candidates must prepare for a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process. The second stage typically includes a Written Ability Test (WAT) or Essay Writing, followed by an Extempore and a Personal Interview (PI).

• Essay Writing/WAT: Candidates are usually given 20 minutes to write 250–300 words on topics ranging from global trade to social ethics.
• Personal Interview: The panel focuses on profile fit, international business awareness, and undergraduate subject knowledge.
• Weightage Breakdown: Post-CAT stages often account for nearly 40-45% of the final merit list, making performance in these rounds decisive.

Admission Timeline: Key Dates to Monitor

To help aspirants track their progress, the following table outlines the anticipated schedule for the upcoming weeks:

Final Preparation and Documentation

As the official portals prepare to go live with updates, candidates should organize their academic transcripts and category certificates. Ensuring that your professional profile is updated and your understanding of current global trade affairs is sharp will be vital for the interview stage.

Aspirants are strongly advised to monitor the official IIFT portal and registered email addresses daily to ensure no critical deadlines for document submission or interview slot booking are missed.

Conclusion

The final week of 2025 serves as a bridge between examination results and the beginning of the selection journey. By staying informed about the evolving criteria of IIFT and other XAT-accepting institutes like XLRI or MICA, you can strategically position yourself for success.

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