IIFT Kakinada IPMAT 2026: Eligibility, Selection Process & IPMAT Cut-Off Explained

With the rapid rise of Integrated Programme in Management (IPM) after Class 12, aspirants are increasingly exploring new-generation premium institutes beyond traditional IIMs. One such fast-emerging option is IIFT Kakinada IPM 2026.

Backed by the prestigious Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) brand, the IPM program at IIFT Kakinada offers a 5-year integrated pathway into management, global trade, analytics, and business leadership.

This blog explains everything you need to know about IIFT Kakinada IPM 2026 — eligibility, admission process, IPMAT cut-off, fees, placements, and whether it is worth choosing.

1.What Is IIFT Kakinada IPM?

The 5-Year Integrated Programme in Management (IPM) at IIFT Kakinada is a fully residential, dual-degree management program designed for students right after Class 12. The curriculum blends business fundamentals with international trade, analytics, and leadership skills — aimed to build future managers, analysts, and global business leaders.

Graduates receive:

1.Bachelor of Business Administration (Business Analytics) after 3 years

2.Master of Business Administration (International Business) after 5 years

The degree awarded is from Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT).

2.About IIFT Kakinada IPM 2026

The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), now a Deemed-to-be University, launched its Kakinada campus to expand quality management education in India.

Key Highlights – IIFT Kakinada IPM 2026

Feature	Details
Institute	Indian Institute of Foreign Trade
Campus	Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh)
Program	Integrated Programme in Management (IPM)
Duration	5 Years (UG + PG)
Degree	BBA (Analytics/Trade Focus) + MBA
Entrance Exam	IPMAT (Indore)
Intake	Limited (Highly Competitive)
Medium	English

3.IIFT Kakinada IPM 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates aspiring to join the Integrated Programme in Management (IPM) at IIFT Kakinada in 2026 must satisfy the following eligibility requirements as prescribed by the institute.

1.Academic Qualification

To be eligible for IIFT Kakinada IPM 2026, candidates must:

• Have passed Class 12 (10+2) or an equivalent examination from a recognized board

• Be from any stream – Science, Commerce, or Arts

• Secure minimum aggregate marks as per category norms:

  • General / OBC / EWS: Minimum 60%

  • SC / ST / PwD: Minimum 55%

• Candidates appearing for Class 12 in 2026 are also eligible to apply (subject to meeting minimum marks at the time of admission)

2.Age Limit

The age criteria for IIFT Kakinada IPM 2026 is as follows:

• General / OBC / EWS: Not more than 20 years as on 31 July 2026

• SC / ST / PwD: 5 years age relaxation, i.e., up to 25 years

3.Additional Important Points

• Mathematics is NOT mandatory to apply for IIFT Kakinada IPMHowever, a background in Mathematics can be helpful due to the program’s focus on:

  • Quantitative techniques

  • Business analytics

  • Data interpretation & statistics

• There is no restriction on board or school type

• Gap years after Class 12 are allowed, provided age criteria is met

4.Eligibility Summary (Quick View)

Criteria	Requirement
Class 12 Stream	Any (Science / Commerce / Arts)
Minimum Marks	60% (Gen), 55% (SC/ST/PwD)
Age Limit	≤ 20 years (Gen), ≤ 25 years (Reserved)
Maths Requirement	Not mandatory
Class 12 Appearing	Eligible

This flexible eligibility makes IIFT Kakinada IPM 2026 a strong option for Arts and Commerce students who may not have studied advanced Mathematics but still aspire for a premium management education after Class 12.

4.Selection Process (Step-by-Step)

The selection process for IIFT Kakinada IPM 2026 is merit-based, transparent, and highly competitive, primarily relying on the IPMAT Indore score, followed by a Personal Interview (PI).

Below is the complete step-by-step admission process:

Step 1: Appear for IPMAT Indore 2026

All applicants must appear for the IPMAT (Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test) conducted by IIM Indore.

IPMAT Exam Sections:

• Quantitative Ability (MCQs)

• Quantitative Ability (Short Answer – SA)

• Verbal Ability (MCQs)

Strong performance across all three sections is essential, as sectional cut-offs are applied.

Step 2: IPMAT-Based Shortlisting

Candidates are shortlisted for the next stage based on:

• Overall IPMAT score

• Sectional cut-offs

• Category-wise reservation norms

Only candidates meeting the minimum qualifying cut-offs are invited for the interview round.

Step 3: Personal Interview (PI)

Shortlisted candidates are called for a Personal Interview (PI), which may be conducted online or offline, depending on official guidelines.

Key Focus Areas in PI:

• Communication skills & confidence

• Logical and analytical thinking

• General awareness & current affairs

• Academic background

• Clarity of goals and interest in management

The PI assesses the candidate’s overall personality and managerial potential, not just academic knowledge.

Step 4: Final Merit List & Admission Offer

The final merit list is prepared based on a composite score, which generally includes:

• IPMAT Indore Score (major weightage)

• Personal Interview performance

• Academic profile (Class 10 & 12 marks)

Candidates with higher composite scores receive final admission offers for IIFT Kakinada IPM 2026.

5.IIFT Kakinada IPM 2026 Cut-Off (Expected)

The IIFT Kakinada IPM 2026 cut-off will be determined based on multiple dynamic factors such as:

• Difficulty level of IPMAT Indore 2026

• Total number of applicants

• Category-wise seat intake

• Overall performance of candidates

Since IIFT Kakinada is a premium institute backed by the IIFT brand, its cut-offs are expected to be competitive but more attainable than top IIM IPM programs.

Expected IPMAT Cut-Off 2026 (General Category)

Section	Expected Cut-Off Level
Quantitative Ability (MCQ + SA)	Moderate
Verbal Ability	Moderate
Overall IPMAT Score	200–220+

Candidates should aim to clear all sectional cut-offs, as failing any one section can lead to disqualification.

Category-Wise Expected Overall Cut-Off

Category	Expected IPMAT Score
General	200–220
OBC	180–195
SC	150–165
ST	140–155

Cut-Off Insight (Expert Analysis)

• The IIFT Kakinada IPM 2026 cut-off is expected to be:

  • Lower than IIM Indore & IIM Rohtak

  • Higher than most new or private IPM colleges

• This positions IIFT Kakinada as a high-value option for students who narrowly miss top IIM IPM cut-offs but still seek a reputed institute.

6.Fees Structure (Expected)

The fee structure for IIFT Kakinada IPM 2026 is expected to be on par with other premium IPM programs in India.

Fee Breakdown

Component	Approximate Fees
Total Program Fee (5 Years)	₹28–32 Lakhs
Hostel & Mess Charges	Included / As per institute norms
Scholarships	Available (Government + Institute-based)

Scholarship & Financial Support

• Merit-based scholarships for top-performing students

• Government scholarships for SC/ST/OBC/EWS candidates

• Education loans available through nationalized banks

Financial assistance ensures that deserving students are not restricted by cost barriers.

Final Take on Cut-Off & Fees

If you are targeting IIFT Kakinada IPM 2026, a 200+ IPMAT score is a safe benchmark for General category candidates. Considering the IIFT brand value, future placement potential, and structured curriculum, the fee structure offers a reasonable ROI for long-term management careers.

7.Placements & Career Opportunities

Since the IIFT Kakinada IPM program is relatively new, dedicated placement data for IPM graduates is still in the early stages of evolution. However, strong confidence comes from the stellar placement track record of IIFT’s flagship MBA programs, especially at its Delhi and Kolkata campuses.

The IPM students who complete all 5 years eventually become part of the IIFT MBA placement ecosystem, which is widely respected across India and internationally.

IIFT Placement Highlights (Overall – MBA Programs)

Based on recent official trends from IIFT’s flagship programs:

• Average CTC: ₹25+ LPA

• Highest CTC: ₹75+ LPA

• Median CTC: Among the top business schools in India

These numbers place IIFT firmly in the top tier of Indian management institutes, especially in international business, consulting, and strategy roles.

Top Recruiters at IIFT

Graduates from IIFT programs are regularly hired by leading global and Indian organizations, including:

• Deloitte

• EY

• PwC

• Accenture

• Amazon

• ITC

• Global banks, consulting firms, and MNCs

Recruiter presence reflects IIFT’s strong industry credibility, especially in trade, analytics, and consulting domains.

Career Roles After IIFT Kakinada IPM

After completing the 5-year IPM (BBA + MBA), students can pursue diverse high-growth roles such as:

• Management & Strategy Consulting

• International Trade & Global Business

• Business Analytics & Data Strategy

• Corporate Strategy & Operations

• Finance & Investment Roles

• Product Management

• Marketing & Brand Management

The curriculum’s emphasis on economics, analytics, and global trade gives IIFT graduates a distinct edge in international-facing roles.

Reality Check for Aspirants

• IPM-specific placement reports for IIFT Kakinada will mature as batches graduate

• Initial outcomes may differ slightly from flagship campuses

• Long-term prospects remain strong due to the IIFT brand and MBA integration

Students opting for IIFT Kakinada IPM should view it as a long-term investment, with the biggest payoff after completing the full 5-year program.

FAQs

Q1. Is IIFT Kakinada IPM as good as IIM IPM programs?

IIFT Kakinada IPM may not yet match IIM Indore IPM, which is the oldest and most established program. However, it is comparable to newer IIM IPM programs in terms of curriculum quality, academic rigor, and long-term placement potential. The IIFT brand, especially in international business and analytics, gives it strong credibility.

Q2. Does IIFT Kakinada accept IPMAT Indore scores for IPM 2026?

Yes. Admission to IIFT Kakinada IPM 2026 is strictly based on IPMAT Indore scores. Candidates must appear for IPMAT conducted by IIM Indore and meet the institute’s cut-off criteria.

Q3. Is Mathematics compulsory for IIFT Kakinada IPM 2026?

No, Mathematics is not compulsory to apply for IIFT Kakinada IPM 2026. However, basic quantitative and analytical skills are essential, as the program includes subjects like statistics, data analysis, and quantitative techniques.

Q4. Can non-Commerce or Arts students apply for IIFT Kakinada IPM?

Yes. Students from Science, Commerce, and Arts backgrounds are all eligible, provided they meet the academic and age criteria.

Q5. Does IIFT Kakinada IPM have assured placements?

While IPM-specific placement data is still evolving, students who complete the full 5-year IPM (BBA + MBA) are expected to participate in the IIFT MBA placement process, which has a strong national and international track record.

Conclusion:

The IIFT Kakinada IPM 2026 emerges as a promising and well-structured management program for students aiming to enter the world of business and leadership right after Class 12. Backed by the prestigious IIFT brand, the program offers a unique blend of management fundamentals, international trade, analytics, and global business exposure—areas where IIFT has long-standing expertise.

While it may not yet rival IIM Indore IPM in legacy or historical placement data, IIFT Kakinada IPM stands on par with newer IIM IPM programs in terms of curriculum depth, academic rigor, and long-term career potential. Its IPMAT-based admission process, competitive yet achievable cut-offs, and integrated BBA + MBA structure make it an attractive option for serious IPMAT aspirants.