NIFT 2026: Notification, Eligibility, Dates, Registration, Pattern, Syllabus, Preparation Tips

NIFT 2026 Notification will be released in November 2025. NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology) conducts a prestigious national-level entrance exam annually, enabling eligible candidates to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Design & Fashion Technology. With 16 campuses offering admission, NIFT plays a pivotal role in shaping careers in the field of fashion and design.

The NIFT 2026 exam consists of two parts: Written Exams, comprising the General Ability Test (GAT) and Creative Ability Test (CAT), and the Situation Test/Personal Interview, which is mandatory for B.Des candidates and PG candidates. The final score is determined by weighing the written exams and Situation Test/Personal Interview.

Scores obtained in NIFT are crucial for admission to various design courses offered by the 18 participating institutes, including B.Des, M.Des, B.F.Tech, M.F.Tech, and M.F.M. As a gateway to esteemed design education, NIFT’s rigorous examination process and comprehensive curriculum prepare students for dynamic careers in the fashion industry.

NIFT 2026 Highlights

The NIFT 2026 examination is a highly anticipated national-level entrance test conducted by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT).

Particular	Description
Exam Name	NIFT Entrance Exam
Conducting Body	The National Testing Agency (NTA)
Frequency of Exam	Once every year
Mode of Exam	The NIFT exam has two stages:
	Stage 1: Written exams – CAT & GAT
	Stage 2: Situation Test/ Personal Interview
Courses Offered	B.Des, M.Des, M.F.M, B.F.Tech, M.F.Tech
Application Fee	INR 3,000
Mode of Application	Online
Application Opening Date	Closed
Exam Date	1st week of February 2026
Participating NIFTs	18
Combined Seat Intake	5,289 seats
Admission Portals	nift.ac.in/admission
	exams.nta.ac.in/NIFT
	nift.ntaonline.in

NIFT 2026 Exam Dates

The NIFT 2026 exam dates mark crucial milestones for aspiring fashion designers and technologists seeking admission to prestigious programs offered by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT).

Events	Dates 2026 (Tentative)
Online Application form registration starts	1st week of December 2025
Last date to register	1st week of January 2026
Last date to submit the form with a Late fee of Rs. 5000/-	1st to 2nd week of January 2026
Application form correction window	2nd week of January 2026
Admit card	1st week of February 2026
NIFT Entrance Exam	2nd week of February 2026
Answer keys	3rd week of February 2026
Result declaration	February/ March 2026
Interview Round	April 2026
Registration for NRI/ Foreign National	2nd to 4th week of January 2026
Declaration of Final Results	Last week of April 2026
Counselling Begins	May/ June 2026

NIFT 2026 Application Form

The NIFT 2026 Application Form is now available online for aspiring candidates. Commencing from the 1st week of December 2025, candidates can access the application form on the official website of NIFT. The form requires details such as personal information, educational qualifications, and contact details to be filled out accurately. Applicants are reminded to adhere to the specified deadlines and ensure the correct submission of required documents.

• The NIFT 2026 Application Form will be released through online mode.
• The application form for NIFT 2026 was made available in 1st week of December 2025.
• Candidates are required to fill out the application form by providing details such as personal information, educational qualifications, and contact details.
• Scanned documents, including passport-size photographs and signatures, must be uploaded in the prescribed size and format.
• The last date to submit the application form is until the 1st week of January 2026.
• Applicants should ensure accuracy in filling out the form; however, in case of any mistakes, NIFT Correction will be available from the 2nd week of January 2026.
• Candidates are advised to take a printout of the application form for future reference.
• Application fees must be paid online as per the instructions provided.
• Candidates should review the filled details before final submission to avoid errors.
• Ensure all necessary documents are ready in the required format before starting the application process.

NIFT 2026 Application Fee

The NIFT 2026 application fee can be conveniently paid through online mode, offering applicants flexibility and ease in the payment process. Candidates have multiple options to pay the fee, including debit card, credit card, and net banking, ensuring convenience for all. It’s important to note that the registration fee is non-refundable once paid, underscoring the need for careful consideration before making the payment.

Category	Application Fee
Open-EWS category	Rs. 3000/-
SC/ ST/ PWD category	Rs. 1500/-

How to Fill NIFT 2026 Application Form?

• Step 1: Visit the NIFT Website: Navigate to the official website of NIFT. You can find the link provided on the homepage or through a search engine. Ensure you access the correct website to avoid any discrepancies.
• Step 2: Click on “Click here to Apply”: Once on the NIFT homepage, locate and click on the “Click here to Apply” link. This link will redirect you to the application form page where you can begin the registration process.
• Step 3: Fill out the Application Form: Provide all the required details in the application form, including personal information, academic qualifications, and contact details. Double-check the accuracy of the information entered before proceeding to the next step.
• Step 4: Upload Scanned Photograph and Signature: Upload a scanned copy of your recent passport-size photograph, ensuring it does not exceed 200 KB. Similarly, upload your signature with a file size not exceeding 100 KB. Ensure both files are in jpg/jpeg/png format as specified.
• Step 5: Pay Application Fee: Proceed to pay the application fee through online mode using Credit card, Debit card, or Net banking. Follow the instructions provided on the payment gateway to complete the transaction securely.
• Step 6: Print Application Form: After successful submission, take a printout of the completed application form for your records and future reference. Retain the printout safely as it may be required during subsequent stages of the admission process.

NIFT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for NIFT 2026 outline the requirements candidates must meet to be considered for admission. These criteria encompass factors such as educational qualifications, age limit, and nationality. Understanding and meeting these criteria is essential for aspiring candidates to ensure their eligibility for the NIFT entrance exam.

For B.Des courses:

• Age Limit: The maximum age of candidates must be 24 years as of 1st August 2026. However, the upper age limit for SC/ ST/ PWD category candidates will be relaxed by up to 5 years.
• Qualification: Applicants must have passed the 12th class or equivalent from any recognized Central/ State Board of Secondary Education. Alternatively, candidates must have passed in the 12th examination recognized by the National Open School with a minimum of 5 subjects.
• Appearing: Candidates appearing in the qualifying exam in 2026 will also be eligible to apply for the exam.

For B.F Tech courses:

• Qualification: Candidates must have passed intermediate or equivalent from any recognized Central/ State Board of Secondary examination.
• Subject: In the qualifying exam, candidates must have passed with Physics and Mathematics as mandatory subjects.
• Age Criteria: The maximum age of applicants must be 24 years. However, there will be a relaxation of 5 years for reserved category candidates.

For M.Des/ M.FTech/ MFM courses:

• Qualification: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from any university/ institute recognized by law in India.
• Age Limit: There is no age limit for the candidates applying for M.Des/ M.FTech/ MFM courses.
• Appearing: Candidates appearing in the final year of 2026 will also be eligible to apply.

NIFT 2026 Exam Pattern

The NIFT 2026 exam pattern shows the structure and format of the examination, providing insights into the distribution of questions and the duration of the test. With its comprehensive layout, the exam pattern guides candidates in understanding the framework of the assessment process, aiding them in effective preparation strategies.

• Mode of Exam: The NIFT exam will be conducted in online mode, providing candidates with a computer-based testing (CBT) environment.
• Type of Questions: The question paper will comprise Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs), requiring candidates to select the correct answer from the given options.
• Medium: The examination will be available in both English and Hindi languages, offering flexibility to candidates in choosing their preferred language of instruction.
• Total Questions: For the B.Des exam, there will be a total of 100 questions, while the M.Des exam will consist of 120 questions, covering various aspects of design and fashion.
• Duration: Candidates will be allotted 2 hours to complete the examination, providing sufficient time to answer all the questions within the stipulated timeframe.
• Sections: The paper will be divided into 5 sections, each focusing on specific aspects relevant to the field of design, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the syllabus.

Subject-wise marks for NIFT 2026 for B.Des & M.Des courses:

Sections	B.Des	M.Des
Communication Ability	25	30
English Comprehension	25	30
Quantitative Ability	20	20
Analytical Ability	15	25
General Knowledge and Current Affairs	15	15
Total	100	120

NIFT 2026 Syllabus

The NIFT syllabus for the entrance exam has a wide range of topics crucial for candidates’ preparation. It includes two main components: the Creative Ability Test (CAT) and the General Ability Test (GAT), providing a comprehensive evaluation of candidates’ skills and aptitude in various aspects of design and general knowledge.

Sub Test	Description
Quantitative Ability	Designed to test questions on Addition, Multiplication, Division, Percentages, Fractions, Rate of Interest, Proportion and Distance, Work and Task, and Distance.
Communication Ability and English Comprehension	Aimed to test language abilities such as synonyms, antonyms, plural, singular, words with corresponding, idioms and phrases, correct spellings, etc.
Analytical Ability and Logical Ability	Tests candidates’ capacity for inference and logic to evaluate the candidate’s ability to identify the problem and apply reasoning in solving the core issues of the problem.
General Knowledge and Current Affairs	Designed to test candidates’ general knowledge and awareness of current affairs.

NIFT 2026 Preparation Tips

Preparing for NIFT 2026 requires strategic planning and dedication to excel in the entrance exam. Here are some effective preparation tips to help candidates ace the test:

1. Understand the Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern, including the number of sections, types of questions, and marking scheme.
2. Time Management: Develop a study schedule that allocates sufficient time to cover all sections of the exam, ensuring balanced preparation.
3. Focus on Strengths and Weaknesses: Identify your strengths and weaknesses in different sections and allocate more time to improve weaker areas.
4. Practice Previous Years’ Papers: Solve previous years’ question papers and sample papers to understand the exam pattern, question types, and time management.
5. Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests to assess your preparation level, identify areas of improvement, and get accustomed to the exam environment.
6. Improve Drawing and Sketching Skills: For B.Des aspirants, practice drawing and sketching regularly to enhance creativity and visualization skills.
7. Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Keep yourself updated with current affairs, fashion trends, and developments in the design industry.
8. Stay Calm and Confident: Maintain a positive attitude, stay focused, and manage exam stress effectively to perform your best on the exam day.

NIFT 2026 Admit Card

The admit card for NIFT 2026 will be released in 2nd week of February 2026, accessible through online mode. To download the admit card, candidates are required to enter their registration number and password on the official website. This document is crucial as it contains essential details including the exam date, time, and venue. 

It serves as an official authorization for candidates to appear in the examination. On the day of the exam, candidates must carry their admit card along with a valid ID proof, as entry to the examination hall will not be permitted without these documents. Therefore, candidates are advised to download and carry their admit cards diligently to avoid any inconvenience during the examination.

NIFT 2026 Answer Key

The NIFT 2026 Answer Key will be released in PDF format through online mode, encompassing various sets and subjects. Candidates have the opportunity to submit objections against the answer key until 3rd week of February 2026.

This crucial resource aids candidates in estimating their scores by comparing their responses with the correct answers provided in the key. By utilizing the answer key, candidates can gauge their performance and predict their scores before the official result declaration, allowing them to plan accordingly for further steps in the admission process.

NIFT 2026 Result

The NIFT Result for the year 2026 is scheduled to be declared by the authority in March 2026, and it will be accessible through online mode. Candidates can check their results by providing details such as roll number, date of birth, etc.

Based on candidates’ performance in the entrance exam, a merit list will be prepared for admission purposes. Admission offers will be granted to candidates according to their rankings in the merit list. It is essential for candidates to keep a copy of their results safe until the completion of the admission procedure.

NIFT 2026 Counselling

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) will initiate its counselling process in May/June 2026. During counselling, applicants will need to provide details regarding their preferred course specialization and college. Seat allotment will be determined based on factors such as the candidate’s category, rank, and order of preference.

Counselling sessions will be conducted for candidates who have been shortlisted from the Group Discussion and Personal Interview rounds. Applicants must bring along all necessary documents for verification purposes during the counselling session.

Documents Required for Verification:

• 10th and 12th Marksheet/Certificate: Candidates need to provide their 10th and 12th mark sheets and certificates as proof of completing their secondary and higher secondary education.
• Transfer Certificate: A transfer certificate from the last attended school or institution may be required as proof of previous education.
• Medical Certificate: Candidates may need to submit a medical certificate certifying their physical fitness for pursuing the desired course.
• Category Certificate: Applicants belonging to reserved categories such as SC, ST, OBC, or EWS may need to provide a valid category certificate as proof of their category status.
• Aadhar Card: Aadhar card serves as a valid identification document and is often required for the application process.
• Date of Birth Certificate: A certificate verifying the candidate’s date of birth may be necessary for age verification.
• Provisional Call Letter: Candidates may receive a provisional call letter indicating their eligibility to appear for the entrance exam or other selection rounds. This letter should be submitted during the admission process.

NIFT 2026 Participating Institutes

NIFT 2026 will include several prestigious institutes across the country. These participating institutes offer diverse programs in the field of fashion and design.

S.No.	Institute
1.	Lovely Professional University Jalandhar, Phagwara
2.	NIFT Bhopal
3.	NIFT Bhubaneswar
4.	World University of Design, Sonipat
5.	NIFT Chennai
6.	NIFT Kangra
7.	ISDI School of Design and Innovation, Mumbai
8.	Riidl Academy, Mumbai
9.	NIFT Kannur
10.	NIFT Jodhpur

NIFT 2026 FAQ’s