Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) PhD Management Admission 2026

Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) invites application for PhD Management Admission 2026.

Eligibility

• A 1-year/2-semester master’s degree programme after a 4-year/8-semester bachelor’s degree programme or a 2-year/ 4- semester master’s degree programme after a 3-year bachelor’s degree programme or qualifications declared equivalent to the master’s degree by the corresponding statutory regulatory body, with at least 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade in a point scale wherever grading system is followed or
• Equivalent qualification from a foreign educational institution. The courses must be as per the Equivalence Granted by AIU to the Institute / University during that duration.
• A relaxation of 5% marks or its equivalent grade may be allowed for those belonging to SC/ ST/ OBC (non-creamy layer)/ Differently-Abled, Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and other categories of candidates as per the decision of the Commission from time to time.
• Provided that a candidate seeking admission after a 4-year/8-semester bachelor’s degree programme should have a minimum of 75% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade on a point scale wherever the grading system is followed. A relaxation of 5% marks or its equivalent grade may be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/ Differently-Abled, Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and other categories of candidates as per the decision of the Commission from time to time.
• Candidates who have completed the M.Phil. programme with at least 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade in a point scale wherever grading system is followed or equivalent qualification from a foreign educational institution accredited by an assessment and accreditation agency which is approved, recognized, or authorized by an authority, established or incorporated under a law in its home country or any other statutory authority in that country to assess, accredit or assure quality and standards of educational institutions, shall be eligible for admission to the Ph. D. programme. A relaxation of 5% marks or its equivalent grade may be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non- creamy layer)/ Differently-abled, Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and other categories of candidates as per the decision of the Commission from time to time.
• Diploma courses that are considered equivalent to a Master’s Degree (e.g., PGDIM from I IMs) with 55% marks or CGPA equivalent to B Plus, recognized by AICTE/UGC would be considered. In such cases, candidates would be required to produce the necessary certificate(s) from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). The period of diploma courses must be as per the Equivalence Granted by AIU to the Institute/ University during that duration.
• Candidates who are in the final year of the above mentioned degree programme are also eligible to apply. However, if selected, their admission will be on a provisional basis. Admission of such candidates who joins the Ph.D. Program on a provisional basis but fails to obtain minimum percentage in the as defined above is liable to be cancelled forthwith. Such candidates should immediately inform the Institution of the declaration of her / his results. Admission of candidates who do not inform the Institute of such situation will automatically stand cancelled on 15th December 2025. No request for extension of time for re- evaluation, etc. will be entertained.
• If the candidate is employed and applying for Part-Time Ph.D., he/she has to submit the “No Objection Certificate” from his/her employer clearly stating that:
  • The candidate is permitted to pursue studies on a part-time basis.
  • His/her official duties permit him/her to devote sufficient time for research.
  • If required, he/she will be relieved from the duty to complete the course work.

Age Limit: There is no age limit.

Admission Process

In accordance with the UGC guidelines, admission to the Ph.D. (Management) Programme will be based on UGC NET scores only. There shall be no separate entrance test.

Admission Criteria

• Candidates who qualified UGC JRF in June 2024 onwards are eligible to apply for the Ph.D. Programme are eligible to apply under the following three categories:
  • Category 1: Eligible for (i) admission to the Ph.D. with JRF and (ii) appointment as Assistant Professor.
  • Category 2: Eligible for (i) admission to the Ph.D. without JRF and (ii) appointment as Assistant Professor.
  • Category 3: Eligible for admission to Ph.D. Programme only and not for the award of JRF or appointment as Assistant Professor.
• The following subject/course codes, as prescribed by the National Testing Agency (NTA), will be considered for the Ph.D. Admission
  • 4-Psychology
  • 8-Commerce
  • 17-Management (including Business Admn. Mgt./Marketing/ Marketing Mgt./ Industrial Relations and Personnel Mgt./ Personnel Mgt./Financial Mgt./Co-operative Management)
  • 55-Labour Welfare/Personnel Management/ Industrial Relations/ Labour and Social Welfare/Human Resource Management
  • 93-Tourism Administration and Management

Selection Process

• Shortlisting of candidates for interviews will be based on the number of available Ph.D. seats.
• JRF Qualified applicants will be called directly for interview.
• The weightage for the selection process will be:
  • 70% based on UGC NET scores
  • 30% based on performance in the interview.

Application Process

Application Form and Brochure for the Ph.D. Programme (Management) is available on the website www.iift.ac.in.

Candidates applying for both Full-Time and Part-Time Ph.D. Programme need to fill in the Application Form online and submit the same along with the application fee.

Important Enclosures with Application Form

1. Copy of “Statement of Purpose” for the proposed Ph.D. Programme should be as per the template (4-5 pages).
2. Self-Attested copies of certificates & mark sheets of qualifying degrees and other certificates (from SSC level).
3. One passport-size color photograph (to be uploaded at the time of filling out the Application Form).
4. Two letters of recommendation (in the format provided in the Application Form).
5. At least one example of scholarly research or professional writing (Desirable).
6. SC/ST/OBC (NCL)/PWD / Gen-EWS category candidates need to attach the requisite certificate.

Template for Statement of Purpose (SoP)

The SoP should have:

• Motivation for pursuing the Ph.D.
• Broad area of Research (mentioning objectives, scope, sector, etc.)
• Review of Literature
• Expertise / experience obtained till date
• Anticipated sources of data (mentioning sample, methodology, variables)

• Last date for submission of online Application and Statement of Purpose: 30 April, 2026
• Announcement of Shortlisted Candidates for Interview: Third week of May 2026
• Personal Interviews: First week of June 2026
• Declaration of Final Results: Third week of June 2026
• Commencement of the Ph.D. Programme: Second week of July 2026

• Brochure
• Application
• IIFT Website