Unlike CAT, the IIFT and XAT exams include a dedicated General Knowledge (GK) section. For many aspirants, this section feels unpredictable, but with the right preparation, it can become a high ROI area.

Why GK Matters in IIFT & XAT

• IIFT: GK has 20-25 questions, often with differential marking (0.5-1 mark per Q). A strong GK score helps in clearing the overall cutoff.

• XAT: GK has ~25 questions, not counted in percentile but considered in later stages (GD/PI shortlisting). A decent GK score boosts your profile strength.

What to Read for GK

🔹 Static GK

(Important for IIFT, moderately for XAT)

• Geography (capitals, currencies, rivers, mountains)

• History (important events, freedom struggle, international organizations)

• Economy basics (GDP, inflation, trade organizations - WTO, IMF, World Bank)

• Business GK (logos, taglines, headquarters, M&A, CEOs)

• Science & Awards (Nobel, Booker, Bharat Ratna, Oscars)

🔹 Current Affairs GK

(Crucial for both IIFT & XAT)

• International trade & economy (tariffs, trade deals, India’s exports/imports)

• Business & corporate news (mergers, acquisitions, leadership changes)

• Govt. schemes, budget highlights, policy updates

• International affairs (G20, UN, BRICS, global summits)

• Sports events & winners

• Environmental issues, global reports, rankings

Sources to Study GK

• Daily:

• Newspapers: Economic Times, Business Standard, Hindu

• GK apps (Inshorts, GKToday, AffairsCloud)

• Monthly:

• Current Affairs PDFs from coaching sites

• Magazines like Pratiyogita Darpan (optional)
  
  

• Static GK:

• Manorama Yearbook, Lucent GK (for basics)

• Business GK:

• MBAUniverse / InsideIIM GK capsules for OMETs
  
  

Strategy to Prepare GK for OMETs

1. Daily 30 mins: Read news + note important events.

2. Weekly revision: Revise notes, focus on trade & business updates.

3. Mock practice: Solve GK sections from past IIFT/XAT papers.

4. Selective depth: Don’t study everything  focus on business, trade, and economy more.

GK in IIFT & XAT doesn’t require months of mugging. A daily news habit + monthly revision is enough to crack it. Remember: in IIFT, GK helps clear cutoffs, and in XAT, it strengthens your GD/PI profile. Treat it as a smart preparation area, not a burden.