Indian Institute of Foreign Trade to Open Off-Campus Centre at GIFT City, Gujarat

In a significant move to strengthen India’s trade education ecosystem, the Ministry of Education has approved the establishment of an off-campus centre of the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), New Delhi, at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), Gandhinagar. This strategic decision supports the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and aims to foster multidisciplinary learning and capacity building in the field of international trade.

Why in News?

On 6th May 2025, the Ministry of Education granted approval for IIFT to open an off-campus centre at GIFT City, Gujarat. This marks a major step in decentralising premier trade education and aligns with the NEP 2020’s focus on innovation, globalisation, and multidisciplinary growth in higher education institutions.

Key Highlights

• The new campus will be located on the 16th and 17th floors of GIFT Tower 2.
• Will offer MBA (International Business) and short-term training programmes in international trade.
• Approval granted under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956 after IIFT met conditions in the Letter of Intent (January 2025).
• Part of the UGC (Institutions Deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2023.
• The centre aligns with NEP 2020’s goals to enhance multidisciplinary education and global competitiveness.
• Backed by Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal, who hailed the move as a boost to India’s global trade ambitions.

Objectives of the GIFT City Centre

• To expand access to high-quality trade and business education.
• To build a talent pool skilled in international business and export management.
• To support research in international trade, fostering innovation and policy insights.
• To complement India’s vision of becoming a global export powerhouse.

Background of IIFT

• Established in 1963 under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
• Became a Deemed to be University in 2002.
• Holds A+ grade from NAAC and is AACSB accredited – putting it among elite global business schools.
• Known for its MBA (International Business) and executive programs.

Static Facts

• GIFT City is India’s first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).
• NEP 2020 aims to promote flexible, interdisciplinary, and globally competitive education models.