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IIFT Exam Pattern 2023: Marking Scheme, Section-wise Pattern, Duration, Syllabus, Preparation Tips

IIFT Exam Pattern 2023 has been provided in detail by NTA. No changes have been introduced in IIFT (Indian Institute of Foreign Trade) exam pattern.  IIFT 2023 Registration has ended and the admit card is going to be released on the official website soon. IIFT 2023 Exam is scheduled for December 18, 2022. Candidates aspiring to crack the entrance need to be aware of the syllabus and the exam pattern. IIFT Question Paper will comprise 110 questions divided into 4 sections, viz. LRDI, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and VARC. Check IIFT Syllabus

NTA will conduct IIFT 2023 in an online Computer Based Test(CBT) mode. Candidates must prepare for IIFT exam as per the updated IIFT test pattern to cover the entire syllabus and score above the minimum IIFT Cut Offs. Check IIFT Preparation Tips and Strategies

Indian nationals seeking admissions to MBA (International Business) courses must secure a qualifying score in IIFT exam. However, foreign candidates must submit their GMAT scores for admissions to the top B-schools in India. Check IIFT Participating Institutes.

IIFT test pattern has undergone a few necessary changes in previous years:

  • The marking scheme for GA section has changed. However, the marking pattern for other sections remains the same.
  • IIFT 2023 VARC section would consist of 4-5 Reading Comprehension passages followed by 14-16 questions. 
  • The number of sections has been reduced from 6 to 4 due to the clubbing of VA & RC and DI & LR sections.

Exam Pattern Highlights

IIFT 2023 Exam Pattern Highlights

Interested applicants must keep in mind the following vital highlights of IIFT 2023.

Particulars Details
Name of Exam Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT)
Exam Conducting Body National Testing Agency (NTA)
Frequency of Exam Once a year
Mode of Exam Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Exam Duration 2 hours
Number of Sections 4
Sectional Timing No Sectional Timing
Sectional Cutoff Yes
Number of Questions Can range from 110-130
Question Type MCQs
Total Marks 300
Marking Scheme
  • Every correct answer in VARC, QA, and DILR sections awards 3 marks
  • Every correct answer in GA section awards 1.5 marks.
  • For every wrong answer:
    • 1 mark is deducted for questions in VARC, QA, and DILR sections
    • 0.5 mark is deducted for questions in GA section

Section-wise Exam Pattern

Section-wise IIFT 2023 Exam Pattern

S.No IIFT Exam Sections No. of Questions (approx.)
1 Quantitative Ability 25
2 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension 35
3 Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning 30
4 General Awareness 20
- Total Questions 110

IIFT Exam Pattern 2023: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

VARC section of IIFT 2023 will test the basic English grammar and comprehension skills of the candidates. 

  • The VARC section of the exam would have 35 questions. Out of these, approximately 16 questions will be from Reading Comprehension and the rest 19 from the Verbal Ability sub-section.
  • This section would carry a total of 105 marks. 
  • The passages from Reading Comprehension usually come from diverse topics ranging from management to science & technology..
  • The verbal ability section includes questions related to vocabulary, para jumbles, sentence correction, and completion.

IIFT Exam Pattern 2023: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning sections have been clubbed as one section for IIFT 2023. The DILR section is designed to test the logical, analytical, and interpretation skills of the candidates. 

  • It is expected to consist of 30 questions. 
  • For every correct answer, three marks will be awarded. 
  • There will be a negative marking of 33% for every wrong answer.
  • The Logical Reasoning section will consist of questions related to Series and Analysis, Comparisons, and Deductions.
  • The Data Interpretation sub-section will include various data cases, which one must study thoroughly to answer the given questions.

IIFT Exam Pattern 2023: Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

QA section of IIFT exam is designed to test the basic numeracy and aptitude of the applicants.

  • The Quantitative Analysis section of the exam will consist of 25 questions.
  • This section would carry a total of 75 marks.
  • The Quantitative Aptitude section will comprise rudimentary mathematical topics like Permutation and Combination, Probability, Geometry, Mensuration, and Number Systems.

IIFT Exam Pattern 2023: General Awareness (GK)

This section of IIFT 2023 exam will carry the least weightage. However, it is equally important to clear the exam. This section will test the common knowledge of the candidates. 

  • The General Awareness section of the exam would consist of 20 questions.
  • This section would carry a total of 30 marks.
  • The cut-off for this section usually remains in the range of 1.5-3 marks. 

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IIFT Marking Scheme

IIFT 2023 Marking Scheme

There will be approximately 110 questions in IIFT 2023. All the questions will be MCQ-based.

  • Every correct answer in VARC, QA, and DILR sections would fetch you 3 marks.
  • Every correct answer in the GA section would fetch you 1.5 marks.
  • Every wrong answer in any section will lead to deduction of ⅓ mark of the total marks allotted to each question.

Find below the detailed marking scheme for IIFT 2023.

Name of the Section Number of Questions Marks per question Total Marks Negative Marks
Quantitative Ability 25 3 75 - 1
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension 35 3 105 - 1
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning 30 3 90 - 1
General Awareness 20 1.5 30 - 0.5
Total 110 - 300 -

IIFT Syllabus

IIFT 2023 Syllabus

There is no definite syllabus for IIFT 2023. However, an attempt has been made to consolidate the following topics after thorough research of the previous year's IIFT question papers. The below-mentioned topics cover almost the entire IIFT 2023 Syllabus.

Section Important Topics
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
  • Sentence Correction
  • Synonyms and Antonyms
  • Idioms and Proverbs
  • Para jumbles
  • Articles
  • Speech
  • Voices
  • RC passage can be from any field of study:
    • Arts
    • Literature
    • Science
    • Technology
    • Market
    • Business
    • History
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
  • Tables
  • Line Graphs
  • Bar Graphs
  • Pie Chart
  • Mixed Graphs
  • Linear Arrangement
  • Table Formation
  • Circular Arrangement
  • Blood Relations
  • Puzzles
  • Clocks
  • Calendars
Quantitative Aptitude
  • Number System
  • Geometry
  • Permutation and Combination
  • Time and Work
  • Areas and Volumes
  • Percentage
  • Allegations and Mixture
  • Time, Speed, and Distance
  • Relations and Functions
  • Commercial Maths
  • Arithmetic
  • Algebra
  • Sequences and Series
General Awareness(GK)
  • Eminent Personalities
  • Capital
  • Wildlife sanctuaries
  • Current Affairs
  • Fictional Characters
  • Books and Authors
  • Business and Economy
  • Brand Logos
  • Currencies
  • Bureaucrats

IIFT Recommended Books

IIFT 2023 Recommended Books

It is extremely important to follow some good reference books for acing IIFT 2023 exam. Candidates must refer to the below-mentioned books to cover the entire IIFT 2023 Syllabus:

Section Name of the Book Author/Publisher
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) The Pearson Guide to Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning Nishant Sinha
Word Power Made Easy Norman Lewis
Verbal and non-verbal Reasoning R.S Aggarwal
Data Interpretation Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT and other MBA exams Nishit K Sinha
Data Interpretation for The CAT Arun Sharma
Logical Reasoning Verbal and non-verbal Reasoning R.S Aggarwal
How to prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT Arun Sharma
Quantitative Aptitude Quantitative Aptitude  R.S Aggarwal
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations  Abhijit Guha
The Pearson Guide to Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation Nishit Sinha

Check Best Books for IIFT Preparation


IIFT Preparation Tips

IIFT 2023 Preparation Tips

To score well in IIFT 2023 exam, candidates will have to be fast and accurate while answering questions. Therefore, candidates need to be clear about concepts and should have enough practice to excel in the exam. Candidates should take note of the IIFT 2023 preparation tips mentioned below to excel in the exam:

  • Allot time to each section and try to follow this as it will help you to attempt maximum questions accurately.
  • Extra time should be devoted to review questions that one is not sure about.
  • The Reading Comprehension section is an area where candidates can score well. However, candidates should not attempt questions that they are unsure about.
  • Candidates often assume that the data interpretation section in IIFT exam is tough. For this reason, it is best to attempt 2 out of the 4 questions if candidates are not confident about getting the correct answers. 
  • Candidates should take mock tests at least once a week. It will help boost confidence, increase speed and accuracy for answering well in IIFT exam. 

Downlaod IIFT Previous Year Question Papers


IIFT VS CAT

IIFT vs. CAT- A Comparative Analysis

Find below the comparative analysis of the top two exams for MBA entrance.

Particulars IIFT CAT
Mode of Exam Computer-Based Computer-Based
Number of Questions 110 (approx) 76
Duration of Exam 2 hours 3 hours
Type of Questions MCQs MCQs and Subjective
Marking Scheme
  • Every correct answer in VARC, QA, and DILR sections carries three marks.
  • Every correct answer in the GK section carries 1.5 marks.
  • Every wrong answer in any section will deduct ⅓ mark from the total.
  • Every correct answer carries three marks.
  • No negative marking for subjective questions
  • Every wrong answer in any section will deduct one mark from the total.
Sectional Time Limit No Sectional Time 60 minutes
Sections 4 3

Frequently Asked Questions

IIFT Exam Pattern 2023 FAQs

Ques. What would be the application fee for IIFT 2023?

Ans. The IIFT 2023 Application fee for candidates belonging to the general and OBC categories will be INR 2,500. However, the candidates belonging to the reserved categories will be required to pay INR 1,000.

Ques. Which colleges accept IIFT scores?

Ans. The top colleges that accept the scores of IIFT are mentioned below:

  • Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Delhi NCR.
  • IPS Business School, Jaipur
  • Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Kolkata.
  • IFIM Business School, Bangalore.
  • Adarsh Institute of Management and Information Technology, Karnataka 

Ques. What would be the eligibility criteria for IIFT 2023?

Ans. The candidates need to possess a bachelor’s degree in the relevant discipline with a minimum score of 50% in aggregate. However, the students belonging to the reserved categories would need 45% aggregate marks.

Ques. Would IIFT 2023 be more difficult than the previous year?

Ans. IIFT 2023 won’t be any more difficult than the previous year. It will all depend upon the practice of the candidates. The candidates are advised to practice as many preceding year questions as possible to boost self-confidence.

Ques. Is there any age bar for the candidates who wish to apply for IIFT 2023?

Ans. There is no age bar for the students appearing for IIFT 2023. Any student can take the exam. However, the candidate must fulfill the eligibility criteria. 

Ques. When should I start preparing for IIFT 2023?

Ans. Do not think IIFT 2023 is far away. It does not matter if you are in your second year or first year. You must start preparing for IIFT 2023 immediately. The more time you have for practice, the better scores you will receive in your first attempt. 

Ques. Am I supposed to answer questions in any specific order?

Ans. No, one can answer the questions in any order they find suitable. However, one must keep in mind that one will lose time in navigation. Hence, the students should attempt the questions as they appear on the screen.

Ques. How many time slots would be there in IIFT 2023?

Ans. IIFT 2023 will be conducted in only a one-time slot throughout India. Only the candidates who would reach in time and who carry necessary documents will be allowed to enter the examination hall.

Ques. What would be the selection criteria for IIFT 2023?

Ans. Find below the selection criteria for IIFT 2023.

  • The candidates will be shortlisted based on the scores received in the entrance exam.
  • The selected candidates would be required to submit an essay on the given topic.
  • The final selection of the candidates would be made based on the performance in the Group Discussion and Personal Interview round.

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.

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