New Delhi: The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) secured the first position in the Times B-School Ranking 2026, reaffirming its standing as a premier institution for management education in international trade, officials said.
Following the announcement, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal congratulated the institute on the achievement. He said the top ranking reflected IIFT’s sustained efforts to empower students with skills, vision and critical capabilities. According to him, the institute continued to shape future leaders while strengthening India’s position in global commerce.
Meanwhile, IIFT operates as an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It runs campuses at Delhi, Kolkata, Kakinada and GIFT City. Through this structure, officials said the institute combined global orientation with policy relevance and strong industry engagement.
Expressing satisfaction over the ranking, Commerce Secretary and Chancellor of IIFT Shri Rajesh Agrawal highlighted the institute’s steady progress. He said its growth reflected a strong academic foundation and a consistent commitment to excellence. Moreover, he noted that IIFT supported India’s ambition to emerge as a global trade powerhouse. Consequently, the institute contributed to the vision of Viksit Bharat by developing globally competent management professionals aligned with national trade and economic priorities.
IIFT ranking 2026 underscores global trade leadership focus
Additionally, Vice Chancellor Prof. Rakesh Mohan Joshi thanked Shri Piyush Goyal and Shri Rajesh Agrawal for their continued guidance and support. He said the institute remained committed to excellence in international business education. Going forward, he added that IIFT would strengthen academic rigour, policy relevance, industry engagement and international outreach. At the same time, the institute planned to integrate contemporary global realities into teaching, research and operations.
Earlier established in 1963, the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade is a Deemed-to-be University under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. In addition, the institute offers flagship MBA programmes, executive education and doctoral research in international trade and business. Officials said these programmes contributed directly to India’s growth in global commerce and trade policy.
Beyond its domestic presence, IIFT is preparing to commence its first offshore campus in Dubai. As a result, officials said the move would expand the institute’s international footprint and deepen global engagement.
