What are the important topics of IIFT Quantitative Aptitude syllabus?

Quantitative Aptitude section of IIFT entrance exam comprises all the topics of Geometry, Algebra, Number System, Arithmetic, Mensuration, Trigonometry and Modern Math, etc. that include Percentages, Number System, Binomial Expansion, Arithmetic Progression, Simple Interest, Ratios, HCF & LCM, BODMAS, Median, Compound interest, Arithmetic Mean, Co-ordinate geometry, Standard Deviation, Vectors, Set Theory, Instalments/ payments, Permutation & Combination, Mode, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Probability, Clocks & Calendar, Time, Speed, Distance, Logarithm, Geometric Progression, Averages, In- equations Quadratic, Profit & Loss, Venn Diagram, Geometric Mean, Ratios & Proportions, Linear Equations, Algebra, Geometry, Work & Time, Harmonic Mean. Candidates must start preparation of IIFT Quantitative Aptitude section about 6-8 months in advance so as to be able to have enough time to complete the syllabus and practice sample questions. This section also requires practice of sample questions as mere theoretical understanding is not enough. The need for speed and accuracy is critical for IIFT exam so candidates must focus on gaining conceptual clarity of every topic and correct application for the theorems and formulae. Having a mentor or guide will be helpful so join a coaching institute or online study groups.

What are the important VARC topics of IIFT syllabus?

The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section of IIFT exam includes Vocabulary, Synonyms/Antonyms, Analogies, Spelling Mistakes, Idioms and Phrases, English Proficiency, Sentence Formation, One Word Substitution, Sentence Reconstruction, Sentence Improvement, Sentence Completion, Fill in the Blanks, Rearrangement of Words, Paragraph Formation, Paragraph Completion, Jumbled Paragraph, Reading Comprehension, English Grammar, Word Meaning, Preposition, Odd Word Out, Sentence Correction and Phrases. Candidates preparing for the IIFT entrance exam, must focus on these topics during preparation. The total number of questions in VARC section of IIFT is 35 and there is negative marking of -1. So, when you are preparing for it, keep your focus on RC passages, Antonym, Word Root, Match the Following, Idioms, Vocabulary and Noun/Adjective as these are the topics from which maximum questions are asked.

What are the important topics for DILR in IIFT syllabus?

The important topics of DILR syllabus for IIFT include Decision Making, Series, Data Structures, Blood Relations, Coding-Decoding, Alphabetical Series, Syllogisms, Verbal Logic, Visual & Critical Reasoning, Linear & Matrix Arrangements, Puzzles, Family Tree Problem, Statement & Conclusion, Cause & Effect, Input & Output, Partnership, Line Graph, Tables, Bar Graph and Pie Graphs. The IIFT DILR section has 30 questions in total. To prepare for these topics, candidates need to first learn the types of questions and their key elements. LR questions are mostly like a puzzle where you have to uncover a pattern and to complete the series. This requires a bit of analytical and a bit of logical deduction. Practice a good number of IIFT DILR questions of previous years as well as sample papers to master this section.

Can I skip a question in IIFT exam? Will my marks be deducted?

Yes, it is not mandatory to answer all the questions in the IIFT exam and no marks will be deducted for skipping questions. If you are not sure of the right answer to a particular question, skip it to avoid negative marking. Candidates should solve only those questions in the IIFT exam which they can solve accurately and minimum time. However, candidates must keep in mind that they need to meet a minimum cut off in every section so they should not skip too many questions. Meeting the sectional cut off will ensure that their overall IIFT score is high enough for selection in the personal interview and group discussion round of MBA admission.

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

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.

Are CAT books enough to cover IIFT syllabus?

The topics under Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension are the same for both CAT and IIFT. The latter, however has an extra subject – General Awareness (For General Awareness preparation, candidates need to devote only one month before the exam). Since to topics are same in both exams, the books recommended for IIFT are same as for CAT. Candidates can prepare for both exams simultaneously but the preparation strategy has to be exam-specific for both. Candidates need to practice sample questions and mock tests for IIFT. Solving CAT mock tests or sample question will not be helpful for IIFT as the type and difficulty level of questions are very different from CAT. The exam pattern and marking scheme of IIFT are also different from CAT. So, even though the CAT and IIFT syllabus are the same the preparation has to be different from each other.

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

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.

I am a working professional. How many hours should I devote daily for IIFT 2024 preparation?

Ideally, six to eight hours daily is what experts recommend for IIFT exam preparation, but since working professionals can’t devote that many hours, they should at least strive to devote four hours every day. They can study for longer hours on Saturday and Sunday. By striking a balance between weekdays and weekends, working professionals can crack the IIFT exam. It is just that they will have to study after work. They should start preparation much earlier as they will have less time to devote on daily basis. Ideally a working professional should start preparing for IIFT exam from March so that they have ample time to complete the syllabus and practice enough mock tests.

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

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.

What is the syllabus for IIFT GK section?

The IIFT GK section has questions from Current Affairs and Static GK. There are 20 questions in this section and they are asked from a range of fields including Politics, Industry, Geography, Business, Society, International Affairs, Science, Economics, Banking, Awards & Awardees, Entertainment, Sports, History and Mythology. If you think about it, then the IIFT syllabus for GK is too vast, so to prepare for it, stick to GK year books and new journals. Keep yourself abreast with political news and awards. GK is the only subject that is memory based, so you need to keep studying it every day. But the year book and revise it every week. You can also dedicate an hour every day to GK in the last month of IIFT preparation. That will be enough to cover the GK syllabus.

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

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.

Are recommended books enough to cover IIFT syllabus?

No, you can’t rely only on the recommended books for IIFT syllabus coverage. You need to invest time in secondary readings and guidebooks to have a better understanding of chapters and topics. Along with books, notes and study material, you need to join online study groups where you can join video lectures for various topics of IIFT. These video lectures will help you in understanding the topics better with examples. Apart from that, to cover the IIFT syllabus, you need to practice sample papers and mock tests. These sample test papers and mocks will help you in improving your problem solving skills in limited time and help you gain knowledge of which formula to apply on which type of questions. There is no particular limit to practicing mock tests for IIFT preparation as it depends on each candidate's ability and grip on the topics. However, on an average the candidates must practice at least 25-30 IIFT mock tests and sample papers for preparation.

IIFT Syllabus 2025 MBA (IB): Check Latest IIFT Exam Syllabus for Quant, VARC, English

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Vipra ShrivastavaSenior Manager - Content

Updated on Jun 20, 2024 18:03 IST

IIFT exam syllabus is prescribed by the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Delhi and includes topics from Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Quantitative Aptitude (QA) and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR). IIFT is one of the few MBA entrance exams which also tests candidates on their General Knowledge. The topics included in IIFT entrance exam syllabus test the candidates' analytical, quantitative and English comprehension skills. These skills are the basic requirements for an MBA course.

Although IIFT Delhi does not release any document on IIFT syllabus, candidates prepare for the exam on basis of topics that appear in past years’ IIFT question papers. We have listed the topics which are included in exam syllabus. Candidates can check section-wise IIFT exam syllabus, best books and study material and exam preparation tips here, too.

Note: For admission to 2024 batch, IIFT did not conduct the entrance exam and selected students on the basis of CAT 2023 score. Whether IIFT will conduct the entrance test for 2025 admission, will be known by October 2025.

Q: Is the syllabus for IIFT similar to CAT?

Yes, the IIFT syllabus is similar to CAT syllabus. The topics included in English, Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation and Quantitative Aptitude section of IIFT exam are same as CAT. The topics included in these sections of IIFT are same as that of CAT. In VARC section, one has to study reading comprehension, verbal ability, vocabulary and grammar. In Quantitative Aptitude section of both exams, there are questions from Arithmetic, Mensuration, Geometry, Trigonometry, Algebra, Modern Math, etc. In Data Interpretation, one has to study Tables, Charts, Graphs and Venn Diagrams. The Logical Reasoning section of both exams has questions from Sequence, Number System, Coding-Decoding, Family Tree, Blood Relations, Series, etc.

However, IIFT aspirants have to study General Awareness too as it is one of the four sections of IIFT question paper. The General Awareness section is memory based and can be prepared in the last month before the IIFT exam. Candidates can prepare for both CAT and IIFT simultaneously. Read more: Is IIFT tougher than CAT exam?

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Q: What is the syllabus for the IIFT entrance exam?

There are four sections to the IIFT entrance exam syllabus. The following is the IIFT syllabus: 1. Quantitative Analysis: In the quantitative analysis section, advanced mathematics from Classes 9 and 10 are covered, including arithmetic, geometry, Algebra modern mathematics, and numbers. 2. Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation: The data interpretation questions on the IIFT exam are based on line graphs, bar graphs, charts, and tables. The main subjects to study for the logical Reasoning section include circular arrangements, linear arrangements, puzzles, scheduling, coding-decoding, etc. 3. General knowledge: The General Awareness section of the IIFT exam covers both static and current GK from a variety of topics, including economy, politics, the world, sports, agriculture, brands, history, trade, industry, brands, awards, and personalities. 4. VARC The VARC section includes topics like antonyms and synonyms, paraphrases, one-word substitution, odd words out, and reading comprehension. You can check the detailed syllabus at this Shiksha page: https://www.shiksha.com/mba/iift-exam-syllabus.

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Q: Is there any change in IIFT syllabus?

No, there is no change in IIFT syllabus for the 2024 exam. The exam will have the same pattern and subjects as per the IIFT 2024 exam, i.e. Verbal Ability, Quantitative Ability, Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation. Candidates can start their exam preparation from March onwards to be able to cover the entire syllabus for the exam.

The Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension section of IIFT exam has maximum weightage. It carries 35 questions and 105 marks. There is negative marking of -1 in this section. This section has a Reading Comprehension passages which are tough and time taking. So, it is very critical to choose only those questions which you can answer correctly. Quantitative Aptitude has 25 questions, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning has 30 questions and General Awareness section has 20 questions.

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Q: Who prescribes the IIFT exam syllabus?

IIFT exam syllabus is prescribed by the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Delhi. It includes all the topics from Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability and General Awareness. Candidates can check the important topics of IIFT syllabus above on this page.

The VARC section of IIFT exam includes Reading Comprehension passages, Identify the Synonym, Identify Grammatically Correct/Incorrect Sentence, One Word Substitution, Jumbled Paragraphs, etc.

The LRDI section of IIFT exam includes Line Graph & Bar, Bar Graph & Line, Table, Pie Chart & Table, Circular Arrangement, Tournaments, Scheduling, Linear Arrangement, Coding and Puzzle

The important topics of Quantitative Aptitude section of IIFT exam include Arithmetic, Geometry, Algebra, Modern Mathematics, Numbers

The General Awareness questions are asked from Current Affairs and Static GK

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Table of Contents

IIFT Syllabus 2025: Important Topics
IIFT Exam Pattern 2025: Overview
IIFT Syllabus 2025: Best Books for Exam Preparation
IIFT Exam Preparation 2025
FAQs Related to IIFT Syllabus 2025

IIFT Syllabus 2025: Important Topics

Check the table below for section-wise important topics of IIFT exam syllabus. The questions paper of IIFT exam is mostly dominated by these topics:

IIFT Exam Sections	IIFT Syllabus
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension	Reading Comprehension (4 passages) Identify the Synonym Identify Grammatically Correct/Incorrect Sentence One Word Substitution Jumbled Paragraphs
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning	Line Graph + Bar Bar Graph + Line Table Pie Chart + Table Circular Arrangement Tournaments Scheduling Linear Arrangement Coding Puzzle
Quantitative Aptitude	Arithmetic Geometry Algebra Modern Mathematics Numbers
General Awareness	Current Affairs Static GK

What is the IIFT Syllabus for Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension?

Given below are the important topics of IIFT syllabus to study for preparation of Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension section of IIFT entrance exam:

IIFT Syllabus: VARC
Vocabulary	Synonyms	Antonyms
Analogies	Spelling Mistakes	Idioms and Phrases
English Proficiency	Sentence Formation	One Word Substitution
Sentence Reconstruction	Sentence Improvement	Sentence Completion
Fill in the Blanks	Rearrangement of Words	Paragraph Formation
Paragraph Completion	Jumbled Paragraph	Reading Comprehension
Grammar	Word Meaning	Preposition
Odd Word Out	Sentence Correction	Phrases

VARC Syllabus for IIFT Exam: Key Points

Type of questions: MCQs
Total number of questions: 35
Marking Scheme: +3 mark for each correct answer
Negative marking: -1 for each wrong attempt

What is the IIFT Syllabus for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning?

Given below are the important topics to study for preparation of Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section of IIFT exam syllabus:

IIFT Syllabus: DILR
Decision Making	Series	Data Structures
Blood Relations	Coding-Decoding	Alphabetical Series
Syllogisms	Verbal Logic	Visual & Critical Reasoning
Linear & Matrix Arrangements	Puzzles	Family Tree Problem
Statement & Conclusion	Cause & Effect	Input & Output
Partnership	Line Graph	Tables
Bar Graph	Pie Graphs

DILR Syllabus of IIFT 2025: Key Points

Type of questions: MCQs
Total number of questions: 30
Marking Scheme: +3 mark for each correct answer
Negative Marking: -1 mark for each wrong answer

What is the IIFT Syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude?

Given below are the important topics of IIFT syllabus to study for preparation of Quantitative Aptitude section of IIFT entrance exam:

IIFT Syllabus: Quantitative Aptitude
Percentages	Number System	Binomial Expansion
Arithmetic Progression	Simple Interest	Ratios
HCF & LCM	BODMAS	Median
Compound interest	Arithmetic Mean	Co-ordinate geometry
Standard Deviation	Vectors	Set Theory
Instalments/ payments	Permutation & Combination	Mode
Trigonometry	Mensuration	Probability
Clocks	Time, Speed, Distance	Logarithm
Geometric Progression	Averages	In- equations Quadratic
Profit & Loss	Venn Diagram	Calendar
Geometric Mean	Ratios & Proportions	Linear Equations Algebra
Geometry	Work & Time	Harmonic Mean

Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus of IIFT 2025: Key Points

Type of questions: MCQs
Total number of questions: 25
Marking Scheme: +3 mark for each correct answer
Negative Marking: -1 mark for each wrong answer

What is the IIFT Syllabus for General Awareness?

There's no specific preparation plan for IIFT GK. One needs to regularly follow news, events, occurrences and General Awareness questions. Questions can be asked from the following:

IIFT Syllabus: GK
Politics	Industry	Geography
Business	Society	International Affairs
Science	Economics	Banking
Awards & Awardees	Entertainment	Sports
History	Mythology

General Awareness Syllabus: Key Points

Type of questions: MCQs
Total number of questions: 20
Marking Scheme: +1 mark for each correct answer
Negative Marking: -0.5 mark for each wrong answer

Explore subject-wise topics asked in IIFT

Select your preferred subject

Quant

VARC

DILR

IIFT Exam Pattern 2025: Overview

The IIFT question paper 2025 will have 110 MCQs from English Comprehension, General Knowledge & Awareness, Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Analysis. There will be differential marking for every section. Check sectional weightage and marking scheme of IIFT exam in the table below:

IIFT Syllabus	Number of Questions	Marks per Question	Negative Marking
Quantitative Aptitude	25	3	-1
VARC	35	3	-1
DILR	30	3	-1
General Knowledge	20	1.5	-0.5
Total	110	--

Also Read: IIFT exam pattern 2025

IIFT Syllabus 2025: Best Books for Exam Preparation

English section of IIFT exam is similar to CAT. Given below is the table indicating list of books to cover the English syllabus of IIFT exam:

IIFT Book for Preparation	Author/ Publisher
The Pearson Guide to Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning	Nishant Sinha
Word Power Made Easy	Norman Lewis
High School English Grammar & Composition	Wren & Martin
30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary	Wilfred Funk and Norman Lewis
Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning	RS Aggarwal

Best Books for IIFT Exam: Logical Reasoning

Preparation for Logical Reasoning is mainly based on practice. Given below is the table indicating list of books to cover Logical Reasoning syllabus of IIFT exam:

IIFT Book for Preparation	Author/ Publisher
How to Prepare For Logical Reasoning For CAT	Arun Sharma
Verbal Ability And Logical Reasoning For The CAT	Nishit K. Sinha
Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning	R. S. Aggarwal

Best Books for IIFT Exam: Data Interpretation

Given below is the table indicating list of books to cover Data Interpretation syllabus of IIFT exam:

IIFT Book for Preparation	Author/ Publisher
Data Interpretation for The CAT	Arun Sharma
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT & other MBA exams	Nishit K Sinha
Data interpretation and Logical Reasoning for CAT	Pearson

Best Books for IIFT Exam: Quantitative Aptitude

Given below is the table indicating list of books to cover Quantitative Aptitude syllabus of IIFT exam:

IIFT Book for Preparation	Author/ Publisher
How to prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT	Arun Sharma
Quantum CAT	Sarvesh K Verma
The Pearson Guide To Quantitative Aptitude And Data Interpretation	Nishit Sinha
Quantitative Aptitude	R.S. Aggarwal
Quantitative Aptitude For Competitive Examinations	Abhijit Guha

Best Study Material for General Knowledge

Manorama Year Book
India Year Book
Newspapers like The Hindu, Indian Express, Financial Express, Economic Times
Magazines like Business Today, Business India, Outlook, Business World, Forbes

How to Prepare for VARC

How to Prepare for DILR

How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude

IIFT Exam Preparation 2025

Start your IIFT exam preparation with the section you find toughest and end with the easiest. Don’t leave a topic incomplete to come back to it later. You may not remember all that you studied about it at the later stage, which will result in you studying it all over again.

Read some IIFT exam preparation articles listed below:

IIFT Preparation Tips and Strategies
IIFT Preparation Tips: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension	IIFT Preparation Tips: How to Crack Quantitative Aptitude
How to Prepare for IIFT Exam in Six Months	Best Books for IIFT Preparation
How Difficult is IIFT Exam as Compared to CAT?	How to Prepare for IIFT Exam in 3 Months
Last Month IIFT Exam Preparation Strategy	IIFT preparation: Five Tips for Last Week Exam Strategy
IIFT Preparation Tips to crack DI and Reasoning	Time Management is The Key: IIFT 2018 Topper Harrshit M Kansal

Check IIFT Cut offs and predict calls from IIFT Delhi, IIFT Kolkata and IIFT Kakinada. Check Fees, Placement Reviews, Admission, Shortlist Criteria and Eligibility of all IIFT campuses by clicking the link below:

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