IIFT 2023 Exam: 13 Things to Remember on Exam Day

Indian Institute of Foreign Trade Entrance Exam 2025 ( IIFT )

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Vipra
Vipra Shrivastava
Senior Manager - Content
Updated on Dec 5, 2022 15:35 IST

Cracking IIFT 2023 can be very easy if you know how to handle the test day. IIFT MBA 2023 exam is scheduled on December 18. Read 13 things to remember on IIFT 2023 exam day to be well prepared for the test.

IIFT exam prep

As the IIFT exam day approaches, you must get done with syllabus-wise revision and focus on tricks and shortcuts to minimise mistakes. Just a day before the exam, do not stress about topics which you could not prepare. Just revise all the concepts, formulae and theorems and take a good nap. Along with that, there are a few things that you need to remember for the IIFT 2023 exam day.

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The IIFT exam is held in a single session. Needless to say, the hard work that you have put in months before the exam will surely pay off, but keeping in mind a few dos and don’ts can help you ace the exam. Shiksha brings to you a list of things that you must remember on IIFT 2023 exam day.

Q:   What is the IIFT 2024 exam date?

A:

In 2023, the IIFT did not conduct the entrance exam. MBA admission was based on CAT 2023 score. Candidates had to apply for CAT 2023 before September 13, 2023, for admission to IIFT's MBA admission 2024.

Till 2024, the IIFT exam used to be conducted in the third week of December. IIFT is a computer based test mode exam wherein candidates have to solve 110 questions in 2 hours. The exam is held in one shift in about 60 plus cities across India. Sectional difficulty level of the IIFT entrance exam is usually as follows:

  • Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section – moderate questions
  • Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension section – difficult questions
  • Quantitative Aptitude – difficult questions
  • General Knowledge section – moderate questions

IIFT has negative and differential marking both so candidates need to handle the exam in such a way that they don’t lose marks for wrong selection of question.

Q:   When will IIFT 2024 exam be conducted?

A:

IIFT 2024 exam was not conducted. Admission to the IIFT MBA programmes for 2024-26 batch was done through CAT 2023 score. The announcement was made by IIFT in August that it will accept CAT score for admission and that aspirants should register for it. CAT 2023 exam was held on November 26, 2023.

IIFT admission forms were released in October 2023, which the aspirants had to fill to be eligible for selection and shortlisting for WAT-PT round of the MBA admission process.

Until 2022, the IIFT entrance exam was held nationwide in the month of December. It was conducted by the NTA.

Q:   Will IIFT conduct WAT-PI and GD online for 2024 admission as well?

A:

IIFT may conduct the WAT-PI and GD in online mode for 2024 admissions as in 2023, the institute gave option to candidates to appear for this round of shortlisting of candidates for MBA-International Business and MBA-Business Analytics admissions in person or online. Most of the candidates opted for the online mode thus, the institute conducted the personality assessment round online via video conferencing.

The IIFT WAT-PI and GD round was conducted online in 2020, 2021 and 2022 due to COVID-19 pandemic in which WAT and GD were replaced by Extempore. Before that, the selection round was conducted face to face every year.

IIFT 2023: Things to Remember on Exam Day

1. Don’t waste time on lengthy questions

In the IIFT 2023 exam, you might come across lengthy or tricky questions – do not struggle to solve them. Move to another question. Since IIFT is a speed-based test and you need to attempt maximum number of questions in a limited time duration, skipping a question that is taking more time than required is a wise decision.

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2. Don’t attempt a question you are doubtful about

Always keep in mind to answer only those questions which you are sure of solving with 100 per cent accuracy. There is negative marking in the IIFT exam for every incorrect answer. If you skip a question, you'll be marked zero on that, but if you solve a question incorrectly, one mark will be deducted (0.5 marks in GK section). Thus, it is extremely important to be sure of the questions you are attempting.

3. Keep a track of time

Once you start solving the IIFT question paper, you may lose track of time as there is no sectional time-limit in it. Do not make this mistake. Allot a dedicated time slot in your mind to every section so that you do not miss out on attempting questions. However, even though dividing the time section-wise is important, do not keep looking at the timer as it will only cause you anxiety. Remember that you have to address 110 questions in 120 minutes so a calm mind is a necessity. 

Q:   Who will conduct IIFT 2025 exam?

A:

The IIFT entrance exam will not be conducted this year, for admission to the batch of 2025-27. The selection of candidates will be be based on CAT 2024 scores. 

Till 2022, the National Testing Agency (NTA) used to conduct the entrance exam on behalf of the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) Delhi. The NTA had been conducting the IIFT entrance exam since 2019. The IIFT exam pattern, syllabus, fees, eligibility criteria and fees, etc. were determined by the institute. The NTA only conducted online registration and the exam and announced the IIFT result. The NTA was also the sole authority for accepting or rejecting candidature, allotment of test centres, managing arrangements at the exam centre, checking response sheets, examining answer keys and objections.

After the IIFT result announcement by the NTA, the institute would take over for admission and selection process which includes, release of cut offs, written assessment, extempore, personal interview. Now, the selection process will be conducted after CAT 2024 result announcement.

Q:   Is there any arrangement for depositing bags at the IIFT exam centre?

A:

There is no arrangement for depositing bags and valuables at the IIFT exam centre. Thus, candidates must not carry anything else than IIFT admit card, photo ID, pen, face mask, hand-sanitizer and drinking water bottle. In case, they are carrying a bag or such item, they will have to make arrangement themselves of keeping it safe. Information related to items to carry and not carry will be mentioned in every candidate's admit card. They should read all the exam related instructions and guidelines printed on the IIFT admit card one or two days before the IIFT exam. 

Q:   Can I carry a calculator to the IIFT exam hall?

A:

No, candidates are not allowed to carry any electronic gadget to the IIFT exam centre. This is to prevent cheating or any kind of malpractice by any candidate. For the assistance of candidates an onscreen calculator will be present on the computer screen and pen and paper for rough work will be provided inside the exam hall. Candidates can use the rough sheet and pen for calculation and leave them at the test lab before exiting. However, the best practice is to use mental calculation for saving time as IIFT is a time bound test and you have to attempt about 100 questions in 2.5 hours.

Q:   What is the reporting time at IIFT exam?

A:

Reporting time for IIFT exam is mentioned on each candidate's admit card. Until last year, the IIFT exam was held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. And the reporting time for candidates was 8:00 AM. The reporting time is two hours before the commencement of exam because the test centre staff has to conduct candidate identification and document verification. The exam centre gates will close half and hour before commencement of exam. Candidates reaching the exam centre after the gates have been closed will not be allowed entry under any circumstances.

Q:   Will there be non-MCQs too in IIFT 2024 exam?

A:

Yes, there could be some e non-MCQs in IIFT exam, most likely in the Quantitative Aptitude section. However, the number of non-MCQs will be lesser than MCQs. The candidates will have to type in the answer with the help of computer keyboard. For doing calculation and rough work, candidates will be given rough sheet that will have to be submitted at the end of the test. The non-MCQs are usually of low difficulty level and have simple calculations. So, candidates will not face a lot of difficulty in solving the non-MCQs. Solving all the questions is not mandatory so one can skip the non-MCQ questions too if they find it difficult.

4. Do not panic

Maintaining your cool is very important while taking the IIFT exam as a calm mind will be more productive. You might find the questions too difficult and lengthy or tricky. This is the time to maintain your composure. Also, if you feel that you are unable to complete the questions in the time limit decided by you, do not fret; you can always catch up on your speed and finish solving all the questions as there is no sectional time-limit in IIFT exam. Panicking will only increase anxiety and you might mark the wrong option despite knowing the correct answer.

5. Read each question completely before attempting it

Before marking an answer make sure you read the question carefully. It has been observed that many students read only half the question and jump to the options provided as answer. Most of the times the answer options are extremely close and if you haven't read the question properly you'll not be able to see the subtlety. Making silly mistakes is a big NO. 

6. Read the RC passages carefully before answering

A common mistake that the candidates make is to try to figure out the answer before reading the entire Reading Comprehension passage. If you do this, you might choose the wrong option as most of the options are closely related. First read the passage carefully, understand it, and only then read the answer options. After making your answer selection, re-read the passage to confirm that you have chosen the correct option.

7. Calculate beforehand the number of questions you aim to attempt

To score well in IIFT exam, you need to decide beforehand that what type of and how many questions you should attempt. To get a good percentile in IIFT entrance exam, it is important to meet sectional cut-off so you must know how many questions to answer. Make sure you do not attempt less than the required number of questions.

8. Stick to the strategy you have planned for the exam

While attempting IIFT 2023 exam, stick to the strategy you had already planned – this will give you a sense of familiarity, and you will not feel any difference between the exam and the mock tests that you would have practiced. 

9. Reach the IIFT exam centre before reporting time

Reach your exam centre before reporting time so that you complete the identification process well before time. You may not be allowed to take the exam if you reach late.

Also read: IIFT 2023: COVID-19 guidelines for exam day

10. Carry your IIFT admit card

You will not be able to appear for IIFT 2023 exam if you do not carry a colour print out of your admit card. with a photo affixed on it. Aspirants must make sure that they carry two printouts of their IIFT 2023 admit cards to their respective exam centres.

11. Carry a valid ID proof

Along with the IIFT admit card, candidates must also carry one ID proof (original copy) issued by the Government of India or any other competent authority. Candidates can carry any one of the following ID proofs:

  • Passport
  • Driving license
  • Voter ID
  • PAN card
  • Aadhar card
  • College I-card

12. Stationary items

IIFT exam 2023 will be conducted in online mode so you don't need to carry any stationary item. Paper sheets will be given to candidates in the exam hall for rough work. You may carry a pen for signing the attendance sheet and rough work, though.

13. Do not carry any expensive personal item

Candidates are not allowed to carry their bags inside the IIFT exam hall. There will be no provision of lockers to keep the belongings safe at the exam centre, either. So, do not carry bag or valuable items, but in case you have to, make arrangement to keep it safe nearby the exam centre.

Read more:

IIFT Exam Mock Test will help you to get an idea about the type of questions asked, the exam pattern and marking scheme. After taking the test, you can immediately check your score. You can also download the Question Paper along with answers and their explanations for Free. Click below to start the free online test now.

Free IIFT Exam Mock Test
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Vipra Shrivastava
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Vipra is a massive Breaking Bad fan. When not watching crime drama series, she spends time in updating the list of places she wants to visit and people she wants to meet, but she is happiest in the company of dogs. ... Read Full Bio

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