IIFT 2026 – Counselling

The IIFT 2026 counselling process is a critical step in the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade’s admission cycle for its MBA programs in International Business and Business Analytics. This phase follows the declaration of results, where shortlisted candidates based on CAT 2025 scores are invited to participate in the counselling rounds that assess their overall suitability for admission.

A Quick Glance of IIFT 2026 Counselling Process

The IIFT counselling might take place between February and March 2026. It will be conducted in multiple stages, all designed to evaluate a candidate’s communication skills, writing competency, and personal traits beyond the entrance test scores.

Key Components of the Counselling

• Group Discussion (GD) / Extempore
• Candidates are divided into small groups.
• They discuss a contemporary business or current affairs topic.
• The aim is to assess communication, teamwork, and leadership skills.
• Extempore rounds may assess spontaneous speaking ability and confidence.

Writing Skills Assessment (WAT)

• Candidates write short essays or answers on given topics.
• This evaluates clarity of thought, writing skills, business knowledge, and articulation.
• Topics usually relate to business, economy, or social issues.

Personal Interview (PI)

• Conducted either face-to-face or online depending on circumstances.
• Focuses on the candidate’s background, academic and professional achievements, career goals, and fitment with IIFT’s values.
• Personality traits, problem-solving approach, and motivation are scrutinized.

Counselling Process Details

• Invitations to counselling are generally sent via email or the official IIFT admission portal.
• Candidates must confirm attendance within stipulated timelines.
• Original documents and scorecard must be presented for verification.
• The process is usually centralized at IIFT campuses (Delhi, Kolkata), with some flexibility depending on the applicant's location.
• Final merit lists are prepared by combining CAT scores and performance in counselling rounds.

Document Verification at Counselling

Candidates need to carry the following documents for verification:

• CAT 2025 scorecard
• Graduation mark sheets and degree certificates
• Category certificate (if applicable)
• Photo ID proof (Aadhaar, passport, voter ID, etc.)
• Passport-size photographs
• Any other documents requested by IIFT

Final Admission Offer

After counselling, based on combined merit, candidates receive provisional admission offers. Selected candidates must confirm and complete admission formalities within the deadline, including fee payment.

Get Full Details IIFT 2026 preparation Tips

FAQs

Q1. Who is eligible for IIFT 2026 counselling?

Ans. Only candidates who clear the CAT 2025 cut-offs and meet IIFT’s eligibility criteria will be shortlisted for the counselling process. This includes meeting sectional and overall CAT score requirements as well as academic qualifications.

Q2. What is assessed during the IIFT counselling rounds?

Ans. The counselling includes Group Discussion, Writing Skills Assessment, and Personal Interview, which examine communication skills, writing ability, personality traits, and career aspirations beyond academic performance.

Q3. Is the IIFT counselling conducted in-person or online?

Ans. Traditionally, IIFT counselling is held on-campus at IIFT Delhi and Kolkata. However, depending on circumstances and guidelines, it may also be conducted virtually.

Q4. What happens if a candidate fails to attend the counselling?

Ans. Non-attendance without valid reasons or failure to comply with counselling requirements typically leads to disqualification from the admission process.

Q5. How is the final selection for IIFT admission made?

Ans. Final selection is based on a composite score derived from CAT scores and performance in counselling stages (GD, WAT, PI). The merit list is prepared accordingly, followed by formal admission offers.