Can unutilized input tax credit be allowed as refund to exporters

Yes. Section 54(3) of the CGST Act, 2017 provides for refund of any unutilised input tax credit of inputs and input services at the end of any tax period except where:
(i) the goods exported out of India are subjected to export duty; or
(ii) the exporter claims drawback of CGST or refund of IGST paid on such export.

(FAQ 5: HANDICRAFTS)