NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technoloy)

NIFT 2026 (NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FASHION TECHNOLOGY)

The NIFT 2026 Entrance Exam is a national-level test conducted by the   for admission to its undergraduate and postgraduate design, technology, and management programs. The exam is structured in multiple stages to comprehensively assess a candidate’s creative aptitude, general ability, and practical skills relevant to the fashion and design industry.

The NIFT 2026 notification is expected to be officially released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in November 2025. This notification will announce the start of the application process for undergraduate and postgraduate design programs at NIFT campuses across India.

For B.Des and M.Des programs, the exam consists of two written tests: the General Ability Test (GAT) and the Creative Ability Test (CAT). The GAT, held in computer-based mode, evaluates quantitative, communication, English comprehension, analytical, and general knowledge skills. The CAT, conducted offline, measures creativity, design thinking, and innovative problem-solving through drawing and design-based questions. Candidates who clear the written exams are shortlisted for the Situation Test (B.Des) or Group Discussion/Personal Interview (PG courses), which assess hands-on skills, material handling, and communication abilities.

For B.F.Tech, M.F.Tech, and MFM programs, only the GAT is required, focusing on aptitude and management skills. The exam is held in both English and Hindi, with objective-type questions and a negative marking scheme for incorrect answers. The NIFT 2026 exam is designed to identify candidates with strong creative, analytical, and communication abilities essential for success in the fashion and design sector.

Applicants must read this complete article for detailed knowledge about NIFT exam 2026.

NIFT 2026 Exams Highlights

NIFT 2026 Exam Dates

The NIFT Entrance Exam is anticipated to be administered by NTA during the second week of February. Tentative schedule is given here for candidates-

NIFT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must first fulfill the eligibility requirements unique to their program in order to be considered for admission to any of the courses provided by the NIFTs. These requirements could have to do with age, passing a qualifying exam, grades, etc. The candidate's candidacy may be withdrawn if they don't match the requirements. View the comprehensive eligibility requirements for NIFT 2026 here.

Undergraduate Programs Overview

Bachelor of Design (B.Des): Must pass or appear for 10+2 examination from recognized board in Science, Commerce, Arts. Age limit: Maximum 24 years as of August 1, 2026.

Bachelor of Fashion Technology (B.F.Tech): Must pass or appear for 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Age limit: Same as B.Des, with 5 years relaxation for SC/ST/PwD candidates.

Postgraduate Programs

Master of Design (M.Des): Undergraduate degree in any discipline from a recognized university or institute. Age limit: No age limit for PG programs.

Master of Fashion Technology (M.F.Tech): B.F.Tech from NIFT, or B.E./B.Tech from any recognized institute/university.

Master of Fashion Management (MFM): Undergraduate degree in any discipline from a recognized university or institute. Age limit: No age limit.

Read More About Eligibility Criteria

NIFT 2026 Application Process

The NIFT 2026 application process is conducted entirely online and is open to candidates seeking admission to B.Des, M.Des, B.F.Tech, M.F.Tech, and MFM programs. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Steps of NIFT Application Process-

• Visit NIFT website and create a login ID using AADHAR number.
• Provide details like parent's name, email ID, and mobile number.
• Acknowledgement via registered email.
• Fill the Application Form with personal details, test center, academic qualifications, and course preferences.
• Upload recent passport-size color photograph, signature, and category or PwD certificates.
• Pay the application fee online via credit/debit card or net banking.
• Submit and print confirmation page for records.

Read More About Application Form

NIFT 2026 Admit Card

The NIFT 2026 admit card is a mandatory document for entry to the NIFT entrance exam for all programs (B.Des, M.Des, B.F.Tech, M.F.Tech, MFM). The admit card will be expected to available for download in the 3^rd week of January 2026 or Up To 10 days before the exam. Here are the key details:

Steps to download the NIFT Admit Card

• Visit the official NIFT admissions portal: nift.ac.in or exams.nta.ac.in/NIFT.
• Log in with your application number and date of birth.
• Click the link to download your admit card.
• Save and print the admit card for exam day use

NIFT 2026 Syllabus

The NIFT 2026 syllabus is divided into two main written exams—General Ability Test (GAT) and Creative Ability Test (CAT)—followed by a Situation Test for B.Des or a Group Discussion/Personal Interview for PG courses.

General Ability Test (GAT) Syllabus

• Quantitative Ability
• Addition, Multiplication, Division
• Fractions, Percentages
• Rate of Interest, Work and Task
• Ratio and Proportion, Distance
• Communication Ability & English Comprehension
• Synonyms, Antonyms, Vocabulary
• One-word Substitutes, Idioms & Phrases
• Grammar, Correct Spellings
• Passage Comprehension
• Analytical Ability & Logical Ability
• Inference and Logic
• Problem Identification and Reasoning
• Creative and Lateral Thinking
• General Knowledge & Current Affairs
• National and International Events
• Fashion and Design Industry Updates
• Case Study (for B.F.Tech, M.F.Tech, MFM)
• Managerial and industry-based problem-solving

Creative Ability Test (CAT) Syllabus

• Design Theory
• Colour Terminology
• Inspiration & Design Development
• Drawing and Illustration Skills
• Observation, Imagination, and Creativity
• Ability to Express Concepts Visually
• Use of Innovative Materials and Techniques

Situation Test (B.Des only)

• Material Handling and Model Making
• Creative Problem-Solving in 3D
• Ability to Work with Given Materials
• Visual and Written Explanation of Concepts

Read More About Syllabus

NIFT 2026 Exam Pattern

The applicants will have to go through the entire exam pattern.  It informs the candidates about the format of the test.  Candidates would also benefit from knowing the marking guidelines used for the admission exam.  The GAT, CAT, GD, and PI interview rounds will be conducted by the authority.  The B.Des and M.Des programs will be subject to a general ability test (GAT).

To assess the candidate's capacity for intuition, design, and observation in concept development, a creative ability exam (CAT) will be administered.  This test's original and imaginative use of color and art skills is one of its key components.

General Ability Test (GAT)

NIFT 2026 Scholarship

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) offers robust scholarship schemes for 2026 to promote access for meritorious and economically underprivileged students.

Main Scholarship Schemes

1. 1. SARTHAK Financial Assistance Scheme

• Need-based scholarship for regular UG and PG students (not available to NRI/NRI-sponsored category).
• Tuition fee waiver based on parental income.

2. Means-cum-Merit Financial Assistance

• Offers up to 75% tuition fee waiver for UG and up to 50% for PG students, based on income and academic performance.

3. 3. UDAAN – Scholarship for Foreign Studies

• Aimed at financially disadvantaged regular NIFT students (UG/PG) seeking short-term study abroad.
• Provides financial assistance for tuition, travel, and living, amount based on destination country. Not open to NRI/NRI-sponsored students.

NIFT 2026 Result

The NIFT 2026 result for the written exams (GAT and CAT) is expected to be announced in March or April 2026. Candidates who qualify in the written exams will be shortlisted for the next stage—Situation Test (for B.Des) or GD/PI (for PG programs)—which will be conducted in April–May 2026. The final result, which considers performance in both the written exams and the Situation Test/GD-PI, will be declared in the last week of June 2026. The results will be available online on the official NIFT portals: nift.ac.in and exams.nta.ac.in/NIFT

Steps to check NIFT 2026 Result

• Visit the official NIFT result portal.
• Log in using your application number and date of birth.
• Download and save your scorecard for future reference

NIFT 2026 Counselling

The NIFT 2026 counselling process is the final step for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate programs at the National Institute of Fashion Technology. It is conducted online and includes multiple rounds to ensure all seats are filled across NIFT’s 17 campuses.

Key Dates (Tentative)

• Counselling Registration Start: June 2026
• Rounds of Counselling: Three main rounds, followed by a spot round if seats remain vacant
• Final Seat Allotment & Result: May/June 2026.

Counseling Process Overview

• Eligibility: Only candidates meeting NIFT cut-off and listed in final merit list after exam stages are eligible.
• Online Registration: Fill in personal, academic, and contact details and upload required documents.
• Choice Filling: Candidates must select preferred NIFT campuses and programs online before seat allotment.
• Seat Allotment: Seats are allotted based on merit rank, category, and choices filled.
• Document Verification & Fee Payment: Shortlisted candidates must upload scanned documents for verification.
• Reporting to Campus: Candidates must report to their allotted campus for further admission formalities.

NIFT 2026 Preparation Tips 

To crack the NIFT 2026 exam, follow the tips mentioned below:

  Understand NIFT Entrance Exam Structure

• Creative Ability Test (CAT): Tests drawing, design, innovation, visual sense, and creative skills.
• General Ability Test (GAT): Covers quantitative ability, communication ability, English comprehension, analytical ability, and general knowledge/current affairs.
• Situation Test/Interview: Assesses material handling and real-world design execution for selected candidates.

Building an Effective Study Plan

• Start early: Begin preparation at least 6 months before the exam.
• Making a Time table: Allocate 2–3 hours daily for focused NIFT preparations, increasing study hours on weekends.
• Divide Topics: Prioritize high-weightage and personal weak areas in both CAT and GAT.

Use Quality Study Material

• Practice, practice, practice: Solve previous years’ NIFT question papers, take mock tests, practice drawing skills, and work on 3D model-making.

Time Management

• Use timers, prioritize tasks, and reassess scheduling and progress regularly.

Strengthen Core Areas

• Stay updated on current events, fashion industry trends, and art and design history.
• Work on reasoning, logic puzzles, and data interpretation questions.

Strategic Revision

• Revise from summarized notes, focus on mistakes, and avoid learning new topics close to the exam.

Exam-Day Preparation

• Sleep well, eat healthy, prepare necessary items, and stay positive.

Read More About Preparation Tips

NIFT 2026 General Instructions

These instructions are critical to ensure smooth conduct of the exam and avoid disqualification. Candidates should carefully read all guidelines provided on the official NIFT admit card and website before exam day.

• Candidates must bring the printed admit card with all three pages (including exam center details and self-declaration) along with a valid and original photo ID (such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, voter ID, driving license, etc.) to the exam center. Photocopies or expired ID proof are not accepted.
• Two passport-sized photographs, identical to the ones uploaded in the application form, should be carried for pasting on attendance sheets.
• Biometric data (such as thumb impressions) will be captured at the exam center.
• Candidates should arrive at the exam center well before the reporting time. Entry will close 30 minutes prior to the start of the exam.
• Electronic gadgets, mobile phones, calculators, smartwatches, or any metallic/electronic items are strictly prohibited inside the exam hall. Carrying these may lead to disqualification.
• The exam consists of two main tests: the Creative Ability Test (CAT), done offline, and the General Ability Test (GAT), which is computer-based. Time limits and questions vary by program.
• There is a negative marking of 25% for wrong answers in the GAT section, but CAT has no negative marking.
• Candidates must follow instructions given by invigilators and not indulge in cheating or any malpractice, which leads to disqualification and possibly criminal proceedings.
• Required stationery (pens, pencils, erasers) should be brought by the candidate.
• The admit card includes important instructions and a declaration form for non-Aadhaar candidates, which must be completed and submitted at the exam center.

NIFT 2026 FAQs

Ques. 1 When will NIFT 2026 applications open and how do I apply?

Ans. The application process is expected to begin in November-December 2025 and will close in January 2026. Apply online through the official NIFT website by registering with Aadhaar verification, filling the form, uploading documents (photograph, signature), and paying the application fee online

Ques.2 What is the NIFT 2026 exam pattern?

Ans. For B.Des/M.Des: Two written tests—Creative Ability Test (CAT) (offline, 3 hours) and General Ability Test (GAT) (online, 2 hours). Shortlisted candidates take a Situation Test (B.Des) or GD/PI (masters).

For B.F.Tech/ M.F.Tech/ MFM: Only GAT (online, 2-3 hours). The tests assess creativity, design aptitude, quantitative, analytical, and communication skills, plus general awareness.

Ques.3 How are NIFT 2026 results and admissions managed?

Ans. Results for written tests are declared in March–April 2026. Shortlisted candidates are called for the next stage (Situation Test/PI) in April–May 2026. Final merit lists and seat allocations are announced by June 2026, followed by counselling.

Ques.4 Can candidates in the final year of qualifying exams are eligible to apply for NEET 2026?

Ans. Yes, candidates appearing in their qualifying exams (10+2 for UG, final-year degree for PG) may apply, but must provide proof of passing by the admissions deadline.

Ques.5 How are NIFT 2026 results and admissions managed?

Ans. Results for written tests are declared in March–April 2026. Shortlisted candidates are called for the next stage (Situation Test/PI) in April–May 2026. Final merit lists and seat allocations are announced by June 2026, followed by counselling.