The IIFT Exam has been officially discontinued from the 2024–25 academic session onward, marking a major shift in the admission process for the prestigious MBA program at IIFT. For the 2026 academic session, IIFT will accept scores of CAT 2025 as the primary basis for shortlisting candidates. As a result, aspirants now need to align their preparation with the CAT 2025 syllabus, which covers three core areas: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).
The traditional IIFT exam, which used to have a separate General Knowledge section and a different question pattern, is no longer relevant. Understanding the CAT syllabus is now crucial for candidates aiming to secure admission to IIFT’s MBA (IB) program.
IIFT Exam 2026 Syllabus
You can learn more about the changed IIFT Exam 2026 syllabus by visiting the CAT syllabus page as mentioned in the table below:
| Exam | Syllabus |
| IIFT Exam 2026 | CAT 2026 Syllabus |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ans: Since the IIFT entrance exam has been discontinued from the 2024–25 academic session, the IIFT 2026 admission process will be based on CAT 2025 scores. Therefore, the syllabus for IIFT 2026 is the same as that of the CAT exam. It includes Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Candidates must focus their preparation on these three sections.
Ans: The CAT syllabus differs from the previous IIFT syllabus mainly in the absence of the General Knowledge section and a greater emphasis on data interpretation and reading comprehension. CAT also features a more analytical and reasoning-oriented structure, with a focus on time management under pressure. Students familiar with the old IIFT exam pattern will need to adapt their preparation accordingly.
Ans: Key topics include Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Sentence Completion, Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number Systems, Data Interpretation, and Logical Reasoning. Candidates should also practice graph-based reasoning, puzzles, and caselets, which are common in CAT's DILR section. Strengthening both speed and accuracy across all sections is vital to meet IIFT’s shortlisting cut-offs.
Ans: No, IIFT will not release a separate syllabus since it now relies entirely on CAT 2025 for shortlisting candidates. Applicants must follow the official CAT syllabus and preparation materials issued by the IIMs. However, IIFT may release additional guidelines related to the WAT-GD-PI rounds, which follow the CAT-based shortlisting process.
Ans: To prepare effectively for IIFT 2026, you should follow a structured CAT 2025 preparation strategy. Focus on building strong fundamentals in Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning. Regular mock tests and previous CAT papers will help you improve time management and accuracy. Additionally, stay updated on IIFT’s admission process for guidance on WAT-GD-PI rounds post-CAT shortlisting.
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