IIFT Cut-Off 2025: Complete Guide by Planet E

1. Introduction

At Planet E, we know that clarity fuels success. For every MBA aspirant, understanding cut-offs is a decisive first step in setting the right target. Among India’s premier B-schools, the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) holds a prestigious place, offering globally recognized programs in MBA (International Business) and MBA (Business Analytics).

Starting 2025, IIFT shifted from its independent exam to admitting through CAT scores, making it both aligned with IIMs and highly competitive. For 2025, aspirants must now crack the CAT exam with high percentiles to secure a call from IIFT campuses (Delhi, Kolkata, and Kakinada).

This blog by Planet E presents a comprehensive 2025 cut-off guide. We will explore category-wise and sectional cut-offs, campus-specific nuances, IPMAT cut-offs for the Integrated Program, and final selection weightages. To make it actionable, we’ll also share       Planet E’s strategy framework—how to not just clear the cut-off but also maximize your chances during GD-PI and beyond.

2. IIFT Cut-Off 2025: Category-Wise Trends

Every aspirant’s first question is—“What percentile do I need?” The IIFT cut-off is not uniform; it varies by category and sometimes by campus. Below is a simplified view of the expected cut-offs for IIFT 2025.

Table 1: IIFT 2025 Expected Overall Cut-Offs

Planet E Insight:

• General candidates should aim above 98 percentile to stay safe.

• For OBC/EWS, 90+ percentile is usually sufficient, though safer margins exist around 92+.

• SC/ST applicants often see cut-offs significantly lower, yet Planet E recommends overshooting by at least 5 percentile points to be comfortably shortlisted.

3. Campus-Wise Cut-Off Expectations

While cut-offs vary mainly by category, campus competitiveness also plays a role. The Delhi campus is traditionally the most sought-after, followed by Kolkata, while Kakinada, being newer, has slightly lower cut-offs.

Table 2: Campus-Wise Expected Cut-Off 2025 (General Category)

Planet E Insight:

• If your percentile is 97+, you can confidently target Delhi.

• Percentiles between 94–96 may fetch calls from Kolkata.

• Aspirants in the 90–93 range stand higher chances for Kakinada.

4. Sectional Cut-Offs

IIFT doesn’t just want high overall performers—it also ensures sectional balance. Even if you score high overall but underperform in one section, you risk missing the shortlist.

Table 3: Expected Sectional Cut-Offs (2025)

Planet E Tip: Always aim for 65%+ accuracy in each section. Avoid the mistake of being overly strong in one area while ignoring another—sectional balance is the silent deal-breaker.

5. IPMAT Cut-Offs (Integrated Program)

For Class 12th students applying to IIFT’s 5-year Integrated Program in Management (IPM) at Kakinada, the entrance is via IPMAT. The expected cut-offs differ from MBA.

Table 4: IIFT IPMAT 2025 Expected Cut-Off (By Category)

The IPM shortlisting additionally considers Class 10th and 12th performance plus gender diversity factors.

6. Final Selection Criteria Beyond Cut-Offs

Clearing the cut-off only gets you into the shortlist. Final admission to IIFT is based on a weighted evaluation of multiple parameters.

Table 5: IIFT MBA Selection Weightage 2025

Work Experience Weightage

• 0–12 months: 0

• 12–24 months: 2

• 24–36 months: 3 (highest)

• 36–48 months: 2

• 48–60 months: 1

• 60 months: 0

Planet E Insight:

• GD and PI together account for 43% weightage—so excelling here is as important as clearing CAT cut-offs.

• Non-engineering graduates and female candidates benefit from diversity points, giving them a slight edge in final conversion.

7. Planet E’s Strategy Blueprint

At Planet E, we believe strategy bridges the gap between data and success. Here’s how we recommend aspirants to structure their journey:

7.1 Setting the Right Targets

• General: 170+ raw marks in CAT (≈98+ %ile)

• OBC/EWS: 160+ raw marks (≈95 %ile)

• SC: 150+ raw marks

• ST: 140+ raw marks

7.2 Balancing Sectional Scores

7.3 GD-PI Preparation

• GD Topics: International trade, globalization, India’s export growth, digital commerce.

• PI Focus: Clarity of goals, knowledge of trade policies, personal achievements.

• Planete Practice: Mock GD-PIs with personalized feedback to polish articulation and confidence.

7.4 Diversity & Bonus Points

• Non-Engineering grads: Leverage the 3% academic diversity bonus.

• Women candidates: Use the 3% gender diversity advantage by emphasizing leadership potential.

• Work experience: If under 36 months, highlight qualitative achievements, not just tenure.

8. Quick Visual Summary

Table 6: Planet E’s IIFT 2025 Score Matrix

9. Conclusion

The road to IIFT is competitive, but with the right clarity and preparation, it is entirely achievable.

• General aspirants must target 98+ percentile in CAT with sectional balance.

• Reserved categories should aim to beat their expected cut-offs by a small margin to be comfortably shortlisted.

• GD-PI preparation is the real game-changer, carrying nearly half the final weightage.

• Diversity and work experience bonuses can tip the scales in your favor.

At Planet E, we don’t just help you chase scores—we help you convert opportunities into admissions. Our expert mentors, mock drills, and personalized strategies ensure that when the cut-offs are announced, you’re not just eligible—you’re ahead of the curve.

So, take your next step with confidence. With Planet E by your side, IIFT 2025 is not just a dream—it’s a destination.