NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technoloy)

NIFT 2026

Notification | Exam Dates | Application Form | Eligibility | Exam Pattern | Syllabus | Admit Cards | Results | Counselling

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.

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 Notification

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.

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

Bachelor of Design (B.Des)

• Educational Qualification: Must have passed or be appearing for the 10+2 examination from any recognized board (CBSE, ICSE, State Board, or equivalent) in any stream (Science, Commerce, Arts).
• Age Limit: Maximum age is 24 years as of August 1, 2026. There is a relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST/PwD candidates.

Bachelor of Fashion Technology (B.F.Tech)

• Educational Qualification: Must have passed or be appearing for 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from a recognized board.
• Age Limit: Same as B.Des: maximum 24 years as of August 1, 2026, with relaxation for reserved categories

Postgraduate Programs

Master of Design (M.Des)

• Educational Qualification: Undergraduate degree in any discipline from a recognized university or institute, OR Undergraduate diploma of minimum three years duration from NIFT or NID.
• Age Limit: No age limit for PG programs

Master of Fashion Technology (M.F.Tech)

• Educational Qualification: F.Tech from NIFT, OR B.E./B.Tech from any recognized institute/university.
• Age Limit: No age limit.

Master of Fashion Management (MFM)

• Educational Qualification: Undergraduate degree in any discipline from a recognized university or institute, OR Undergraduate diploma of minimum three years duration from NIFT or NID.
• Age Limit: No age limit

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:

1. Registration

• Visit the official NIFT website: nift.ac.in.

• Click on the application link and enter your AADHAR number to create a login ID.
• Provide your parent’s name, email ID, and mobile number.
• After submission, you’ll receive an acknowledgment on your registered email. These details cannot be changed later.
1. Fill the Application Form
• Log in with your credentials.
• Enter personal details (name, gender, nationality, domicile, address, etc.).
• Select your preferred test center (city).
• Provide academic qualifications and course preferences.
• Fill in other required information as prompted.
2. Upload Documents
• Upload a recent passport-size color photograph (jpeg, max 100KB).
• Upload your signature (blue/black ink on white background, jpeg, max 100KB).
• Upload category or PwD certificates if applicable.
• Ensure all documents are clear and in the specified format.
3. Pay the Application Fee
• Pay the fee online via credit/debit card or net banking.

• General/OBC (Non-Creamy)/GEN-EWS: INR 3,000
• SC/ST/PwD: INR 1,500

    5.Submit and Print Confirmation

• Review all details before final submission.
• Submit the application and save/print the confirmation page for your records.

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

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.

Marking scheme for B.Des and M.Des Programs

Marking scheme for MFM and M.F.Tech Programs

Exam Mode: The CAT exam will be administered offline (PBT), whereas the GAT exam will be administered online (CBT).

Duration: The B.Des/M.Des course will last two hours, and the other courses will last three hours.

Number of Questions- The total number of questions will be 150 for other courses, 120 for M. Des., and 100 for B. Des.

Question Types: Multiple-choice questions will be asked in NIFT 2026.

Medium: The question paper will be bilingual, meaning it will be in both Hindi and English.

Marking:  Students will receive one mark for each right response, and 25% of their points will be subtracted for each wrong response.

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 Cut-Off

The NIFT 2026 cut-off refers to the minimum marks or rank required to secure admission to various undergraduate and postgraduate programs across NIFT campuses. The cut-off varies by program, category, and campus, and is influenced by factors such as the number of applicants, exam difficulty, and seat availability.

Expected Cut-Off Range (Indicative)

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 for Counselling

• Only candidates who meet the NIFT cut-off and are listed in the final merit list after all exam stages (written, situation test/GD-PI) are eligible to participate.

Online Registration

• Register for counselling on the official NIFT counselling portal during the specified window.
• Fill in personal, academic, and contact details, and upload required documents.

Choice Filling

• Candidates must select and prioritize their preferred NIFT campuses and programs online before seat allotment.

Seat Allotment

• Seats are allotted based on merit rank, category, and choices filled.
• The allotment result is published online; candidates must check their status on the portal.

Document Verification & Fee Payment

• Shortlisted candidates must upload scanned copies of required documents for verification.
• Pay the seat acceptance fee to confirm admission. Failure to do so within the deadline will forfeit the allotted seat.

Reporting to Campus

• After final allotment and document verification, candidates must report to their allotted campus as per the schedule for further admission formalities.