IIFT Preparation 2024: How to Crack Quantitative Aptitude

Indian Institute of Foreign Trade Entrance Exam 2025 ( IIFT )

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Vipra
Vipra Shrivastava
Senior Manager - Content
Updated on Aug 1, 2023 15:51 IST

IIFT Quantitative Aptitude section is of high difficulty level as compared to rest of the sections. IIFT question paper 2024 will have 25 MCQs from Quantitative Aptitude topics. Check below a few tips for Quantitative Aptitude preparation of IIFT exam 2024.

IIFT preparation: QA

IIFT preparation tips for Quantitive Aptiude - Quantitative Aptitude (QA) forms one fourth of the IIFT question paper. This section of IIFT exam is similar to other MBA entrance exams but is often of high difficulty level. Although Quantitative Aptitude section has lower weightage than VARC and DILR, but it is critical for the overall high score. For preparation of Quantitative Aptitude section of IIFT 2024 exam, it is critical to know which topics dominate the question paper every year.

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In the past three years, the Quantitative Aptitude section of IIFT exam has been dominated by Arithmetic, Geometry, Mensuration and Algebra. The IIFT 2024 question paper is expected to be dominated by the same topics, thus candidates must not ignore these at any cost. However, they must also not neglect other topics of QA as there could be a surprise or two in the question paper. Read the article below to get insight of IIFT Quantitative Aptitude section and tips to prepare for the IIFT exam.

Q:   If I am preparing for CAT, do I need to prepare separately for IIFT?

A:
Hello, Most of your task is done for IIFT if you are preparing for CAT. Difficulty level for both the exams is at par. The only difference is the General Knowledge section which can be easily covered by Reading newspapers on a daily basis. Ensure to solve mock papers for IIFT to get a look and feel of how the pattern is, what the difficulty level of the exam is. Focus on your CAT preparation and IIFT preparation will follow. Remember, do not try to put your leg into both the paper as far as preparation is concerned. Just focus on your CAT preparation. Try to complete your syllabus well before time so that you have time to agile yourself to set for IIFT also. Hard work and smart work will definitely make your way for both of the entrance exams.

Q:   What is the difficulty level of IIFT exam?

A:

The difficulty level of IIFT exam is usually high, with tricky VARC and calculation intensive Quants. The IIFT 2023 question paper was also of moderate difficulty level. VARC was moderate to tough, so was the DILR section. The Quant section was tougher than VARC, DILR and GA.

The IIFT entrance exam is considered one of the high difficulty level MBA entrance exams in India. The syllabus and pattern are prescribed by the institute. It also sets the test paper. Considering IIFT is one of the top colleges for MBA in India, the only moderate to high level questions are selected to prepare the test.

Q:   Will the difficulty level of the IIFT question paper affect the cut offs?

A:

Yes, the difficulty level of the IIFT question paper may affect the admission cut offs.  If the difficulty level of the IIFT question paper is high, the admission cut off may be lower and if the question paper is easy the admission cut off may be high. The IIFT cut offs also depend upon overall scoring trend and pass percentage of the given year.

 The difficulty level of IIFT 2023 question paper was moderate to high, similar to IIFT 2022, thus the cut offs were in same range as previous years. 

IIFT Preparation for Quantitative Aptitude: Check Syllabus

Listed below in the table are all the Quantitative Aptitude topics of IIFT syllabus 2024 one must cover while preparing for the exam. Solving sample questions related to these topics is important as it will help the candidate in learning correct application of the concepts.

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IIFT Syllabus: Quantitative Aptitude

Percentages

Number System

Binomial Expansion

Arithmetic Progression

Simple interest

Ratios

HCF & LCM

BODMAS

Work & Time

Compound interest

Arithmetic Mean

Co-ordinate Geometry

Standard Deviation

Vectors

Set Theory

Instalments/ payments 

Permutation & Combination

Mode, Mean, Median

Trigonometry

Mensuration

Probability

Clocks

Time, Speed, Distance

Logarithm

Geometric Progression

Averages

In- equations Quadratic

Profit & Loss

Venn Diagram

Calendar

Geometry

Ratios & Proportions

Linear Equations Algebra

Also Read: IIFT Exam Pattern

Get Free PDF of Section Wise IIFT Exam Syllabus

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IIFT 2024 Preparation Tips for Quantitative Aptitude

A good strategy is all you need for IIFT 2024 preparation of Quantitative Aptitude section. It is all about Mathematics, so clarity of concepts and a lot of practice are the two essentials for cracking Quantitative Aptitude. Here are a few tips for candidates that can prove to be helpful in Quantitative Aptitude preparation.

  • Break down the IIFT syllabus topics wise to  easy, moderate and difficult. In the beginning of your IIFT preparation, start with tough topics as you will have more time.
  • After completing a Quants topic, practice a few questions on the same day to assess how much you have understood it.
  • Do not study more than one Quanitative Aptitude topic at the same time. Complete one and then move to another one. Do not rush through the topics. Remember, mugging up theorems and formulae will not help unless you know how to apply them correctly in different types of problems.
  • If you are from non-Engineering/Commerce background appearing for IIFT, go step-by-step. Start with NCERT Mathematics books of Class 9 and 10 to brush up basics. 
  • Join online study groups on Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. for taking help from experts and mentors. You will find a lot of other students there with whom you can share notes and insights. Having a social group with common motive (cracking IIFT exam) will keep you motivated. 
  • Practice adequate number of IIFT mock tests to develop speed and accuracy in solving the questions. Practice mock tests and sample questions from different resources so that you are used to a variety of Quantitative Aptitude questions of IIFT exam.
  • Make notes of all theorems and formulae. Set aside one hour every alternate day to revise Quantitative Aptitude formulae.
  • IIFT has negative marking. Thus, during the exam, choose the questions very carefully. Attempt only those that you are confident about. Do not waste time and effort on tough questions.
  • Develop the skill of mental calculation. It will be very useful for quick calculation in the exam.
  • During the exam, use mental calculations and tables to solve the question rather than doing rough work on paper. This will save time. However, do it only if you've mastered mental calculation. 

IIFT Preparation 2024: Best Books for Quantitative Aptitude

IIFT Quantitative Aptitude topics are same as that of CAT thus for IIFT preparation, candidates can refer to the books recommended for CAT. These books are well equipped with detailed discussion of topics and practice questions.

Q:   Which section of IIFT exam has maximum weightage?

A:

The Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension section of IIFT entrance exam has the maximum weightage. There are 35 questions in this section and total marks is 105. Each question carries 3 marks for correct attempt and -1 for incorrect attempt. This section is usually of moderate difficulty level. The questions are asked from Reading Comprehension passages, Identify the Synonym, Identify Grammatically Correct/Incorrect Sentence, One Word Substitution, Jumbled Paragraphs, etc. The Reading Comprehension passages are simple and fact based so there's not much pressure on candidates to get the gist right. Verbal Ability and Grammar questions are usually easy and can be completed within minutes.

Q:   How many months are required to prepare for the IIFT exam?

A:

Ideally, a candidate must prepare for the IIFT exam for at least six to nine months. They must study for the exam diligently for six to eight hours every day and the daily plan should include studying a chapter, solving related sample questions and memorising formulae. The first few months should be spent in covering the IIFT syllabus. An important aspect of IIFT preparation is practicing sample questions that are based on the important topics of IIFT syllabus. After that candidates must spend about two months in solving practice questions and mock tests. In the last month before the exam, candidates must make time for revision of all the important chapters and have problem solving sessions to tie up the loose ends. In the last month, keep the focus on important topics from which maximum questions are asked.

Q:   How many questions should I attempt to get a decent score in IIFT?

A:

If the IIFT question paper has 110 questions, you should attempt 65-70 questions with 100 per cent accuracy for a decent score. Ideally, candidates must attempt to solve about 2/3rd of the total questions in each section to be able to meet the sectional as well as overall cut off.

Since, there is negative marking in the IIFT exam candidates must make sure that they don’t waste marks by choosing incorrect options. If they are not sure of the answer, they should skip the question instead of making a guess because there is no negative marking for skipping questions. Negative marking can severely hamper your overall score.

Q:   Which is the best book to cover IIFT Verbal Ability syllabus?

A:

The Pearson Guide to Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning by Nishant Sinha and Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by RS Aggarwal, are highly recommended for IIFT exam’s Verbal Ability preparation. Candidates must study from books which are recommended by experts and toppers only as this exam requires focused preparation and you can't afford to waste time.

The Verbal Ability section of IIFT includes Reading Comprehension. The Reading Comprehension passages of IIFT are long and tough so it is important that you have a good control over English comprehension and reading speed. For this, you need to start preparations early on by reading books, novels, magazines and newspapers. Target reading about 20 pages of a book every day. Do it for six months.

Q:   How is the infrastructure of IIFT Delhi?

A:

Indian Institute of Foreign Trade offers various facilities to postgraduate students. Currently, over 60 students are residing in the newly constructed hostel. IIFT has computer centres and offers various other facilities to the students. One of the major USPs of Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT Delhi) is its Foreign Trade library which is a knowledge bank for several resources in the field of WTO-related issues, Foreign Trade, Management, and others. IIFT's library has 84,000 volumes and subscribes to around 800 journals. There are 17,581 bound periodicals and 255 periodicals. 

  • How to prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma
  • Quantum CAT by Sarvesh K Verma
  • The Pearson Guide To Quantitative Aptitude And Data Interpretation by Nishit Sinha
  • Quantitative Aptitude by RS Aggarwal
  • Quantitative Aptitude For Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha

Also Read:

Let’s have a look at the topic-wise split of Quantitative Aptitude section of IIFT exam in the past three years to know the important topics and their weightage.

IIFT Question Paper 2023: Quantitative Aptitude

In IIFT 2023, the Quantitative Aptitude section was tough and lengthy. There were a total of 25 questions dominated by Arithmetic and Algebra. 

IIFT Quantitative Aptitude Topic/ Area

No. of Questions

Number System

2

Algebra

5

Arithmetic

8

Geometry and Mensuration

4

Modern Math

4

Trigonometry

2

Total

25

Also Read: IIFT 2023 analysis

IIFT Question Paper 2022: Quantitative Aptitude

The Quantitative Aptitude section of IIFT 2022 question paper was tough and lengthy. Out of 25 questions, eight were from Geometry and Probability. Check the sectional break up of Quantitative Aptitude section of IIFT 2022. 

IIFT Quantitative Aptitude Topics

Number of Questions

Geometry

4

Probability

4

Log

2

Profit-Loss-Discount

2

Ratio

2

Time & Work

1

Time & Distance

1

Quadratic

1

Height & Distance

1

Series

1

Average

1

P&C

1

Set Theory

1

Co-ordinate

1

Number System

1

Total 

25

Also Read: IIFT 2022 Exam Analysis

IIFT Question Paper 2021: Quantitative Aptitude

In the IIFT 2021 exam, this section had a total of 25 questions, and the difficulty level was moderate. Maximum questions were from Arithmetic section. Take a look at topic-wise break-up of Quantitative Aptitude section of IIFT exam. 

IIFT Quantitative Aptitude Topics

Number of Questions

Difficulty Level

Arithmetic

11

Easy

Geometry

5

Moderate

Algebra

4

Moderate

Modern Mathematics

4

Easy to Moderate

Numbers

1

Moderate

Total

25

Moderate

Also Read: IIFT 2021 Exam Analysis

IIFT Question Paper 2020: Quantitative Aptitude

The Quantitative Aptitude section of IIFT 2020 was lengthy. About 10 questions with 80 percent accuracy was possible in 25 minutes. In 35 minutes, 12-13 questions with 80 percent accuracy was possible. Take a look at topic-wise break-up of QA section of IIFT exam.

IIFT Quantitative Aptitude Topics

Number of Questions

Level of Difficulty

Arithmetic

13

Moderate

Algebra

2

Easy

Number System

1

Easy

Geometry

6

Moderate - Difficult

Modern Math

3

Moderate - Difficult

Total

25

Moderate

Also Read: IIFT 2020 Exam Analysis

IIFT Question Paper 2019: Quantitative Aptitude

The Quantitative Aptitude section of IIFT exam 2019 was difficult as there were very less direct questions. The section was dominated by Arithmetic, Geometry and Mensuration. Questions on Percentage were easy but lengthy. Take a look at topic-wise break-up of Quantitative Aptitude section of IIFT exam.

IIFT Quantitative Aptitude Topics

Number of Questions

Level of Difficulty

Function, Algebra & Equations

2

Difficult

P&C Probability

2

Difficult

Time & Work

2

Difficult

Geometry Mensuration

8

Difficult

Percentage

4

Easy

Sets & Venn diagram

1

Easy

Average

1

Difficult

Clocks

1

Easy

Time, Speed & Distance

2

Moderate - Difficult

Interest

2

Moderate - Difficult

Total

25

Difficult

Also Read: IIFT 2019 Exam Analysis

IIFT Question Paper 2018: Quantitative Aptitude

The Quantitative Aptitude section of IIFT exam 2018 was of moderate difficulty. The section having 20 questions in total was dominated by Geometry Mensuration and Algebra. Take a look at topic-wise break-up of Quantitative Aptitude section of IIFT exam.

IIFT Quantitative Aptitude Topics

Number of Questions

Level of Difficulty

Function, Algebra & Equations

4

Moderate

P&C Probability

2

Moderate - Difficult

Time & Work

2

Moderate - Difficult

Geometry Mensuration

7

Moderate - Difficult

Percentage

2

Moderate - Difficult

Sets

1

Moderate

Logs

2

Moderate

Total

20

Moderate - Difficult

Also Read: IIFT 2018 Exam Analysis

IIFT Questions for Practice

Quantitative Aptitude Questions with Answers for Practice DILR Questions with Answers for Practice VARC Questions with Answers for Practice

Read More:

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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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