Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) PhD Economics Admission 2025

Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) invites application for PhD Economics Admission 2025.

Eligibility

For Indian Scholars – Ph.D. (Economics):

Candidates who have completed:

• 1-year/2-semester master degree programme in Economics after a 4-year/8- semester bachelor’s degree programme or a 2-year/4-semester master’s degree programme in Economics 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 with Economics major 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 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 in Economics. 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 are in the final year of the above-mentioned degree programme(s) 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. Programme 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.

For Overseas Scholars

• Overseas candidates who have a Master’s/M.Phil. degree in any discipline from a recognized university with at least 55% marks or a CGPA equivalent to B Plus in aggregate can apply only to IIFT’s full-time Ph.D. programme in Economics.
• Minimum knowledge of spoken and written English is essential.
• There is no scholarship, or residential / hostel facility available for overseas scholars in the Institute.

Age Limit

There is no age limit.

Admission Process

In accordance with the UGC guidelines, admission to the Ph.D. (Economics) Programme for the academic year 2025 will be based on UGC NET scores in Economics only. There shall be no separate entrance test.

Admission Criteria:

Candidates who have qualified UGC JRF in June 2023 and December 2023 are eligible to apply for the Ph.D. Programme.

Candidates who have qualified UGC NET or JRF in June 2024 and December 2024 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.

Selection Process

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

Application Process

Brochure for the Ph.D. Programme (Economics) 2025 can be downloaded from 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 letters of recommendation (in the format provided in the Application Form).
4. Example of scholarly research or professional writing (Preferable though not mandatory)
5. SC/ST/OBC (NCL)/PWD / Gen-EWS category candidates need to attach the requisite certificate.

• Last date of submission of application, letter of recommendation and statement of purpose: 27 June, 2025
• Declaration of results of the examination: Last week of June, 2025
• Personal Interview (offline): Third week of July, 2025
• Declaration of Final Results: Last week of July, 2025
• Commencement of the Programme: Mid-August, 2025

• Brochure
• Application
• IIFT Website