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.

Important Dates

The counselling process consists of three main rounds, followed by a spot round for any remaining vacant seats. Below is the official schedule as provided by the National Institute of Fashion Technology:

NIFT 2026 Counselling Process Overview

• Online Registration & Fee Payment: Eligible candidates must register on the official NIFT counselling portal (admissions.nic.in) using their entrance exam credentials. A non-refundable registration fee (typically INR 9,300 for main rounds) must be paid to participate.
• Document Upload & Verification: Candidates are required to upload scanned copies of their 10th and 12th mark sheets, graduation certificates (for PG), category certificates, and other relevant documents. These are verified by NIFT officials.
• Choice Filling & Locking: Candidates must select and prioritize their preferred NIFT campuses and programs. It is strongly recommended to list as many preferences as possible to maximize admission chances. Once locked, these choices cannot be modified.
• Seat Allotment: Seats are allotted based on the candidate's CMR, category/reservation status, state domicile eligibility, and their ordered preferences.
• Willingness Submission & Fee Payment: Upon allotment, candidates must choose a willingness option (e.g., Freeze, Float, or Slide) and pay the seat acceptance fee within the stipulated deadline to confirm their admission. Failure to pay by the deadline results in the cancellation of the allotted seat and potential disqualification from further rounds.
• Physical Reporting: After final allotment, candidates must report in person to their allotted NIFT campus with original documents as per the official schedule.

 Important Distinction: Main Counselling Vs Spot Round

• Main Counselling (Rounds 1–3): A fully online process allowing for seat upgrades across rounds.
• Spot Round: Conducted after the main rounds to fill remaining vacant seats. Unlike the main counselling, this requires a separate registration fee (typically INR 5,000) and mandatory physical reporting at a designated venue.

 Key Milestones for Upcoming/Current Rounds:

• Round 3: The choice filling and modifications for this round were open from July 11 to July 13, 2026. The seat allotment for Round 3 is scheduled for July 15, 2026, with the deadline for willingness submission and admission fee payment set for July 17, 2026 (12:00 midnight).
• Spot Round: Registration and participation fee payment for the spot round will be open from July 19 to July 22, 2026. Seat allotment for this final round is scheduled for July 24, 2026, and successful candidates must report physically to their allotted campus on July 29, 2026.

Click Here For NIFT 2026 Application Form

NIFT 2026 Counselling FAQs

Q1: Who is eligible to participate in NIFT 2026 counselling?

Ans: Candidates who have qualified for the NIFT 2026 entrance exam (GAT/CAT/Situation Test/PI, as applicable) and hold a valid Common Merit Rank (CMR) are eligible.

Q2: Is the NIFT counselling process fully online?

Ans: The main counselling rounds (1–3) are fully online, including registration, choice filling, and fee payment. However, the Spot Round requires mandatory physical reporting, and all admitted candidates must eventually report physically to their allotted campus.

Q3: What happens if I miss the seat acceptance fee deadline?

Ans: Missing the fee payment deadline is treated as a voluntary withdrawal from the process. The allotted seat will be cancelled, and you may be disqualified from participating in subsequent counselling rounds.

Q4: Can I change my campus preferences after locking them?

Ans: No, once you have locked your choices in the counselling portal, you cannot edit, add, or delete any preferences.

Q5: How is the "State Domicile" status determined?

Ans: The state code of eligibility for domicile purposes is determined by the location (State/UT) where the candidate passed their Class 12 (or equivalent) examination.