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NIFT 2026 Entrance Exam Dates & Schedule (OUT NOW), Eligibility Criteria, Seats & Admission Process
December 11, 2025
Summary: NIFT released the official notification for 2026 NIFT entrance exam on December 8, 2025. The registrations also started from December 8, 2025 and the last date for online registration is 6th January 2026. Discover key insights into the NIFT 2026 exam, the gateway to India's top fashion institutes. Learn about NIFT entrance exam important dates, eligibility criteria, NIFT exam syllabus, and preparation tips for this pivotal design exam. Ready to embark on your fashion journey? Keep reading.
National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Delhi was ranked 11th in the world's best fashion institutes by CEO WORLD magazine in 2022. It is a tier 1, premier institute that excels in the education of fashion and related domains. The NIFT 2026 Exam is conducted to offer admission to UG and PG fashion design courses at autonomous NIFT campuses in India, including the Delhi campus.
With the official NIFT exam date for 2026 now announced, aspirants are advised to stay informed by tracking latest NIFT exam updates on the official NIFT website and prepare accordingly for the upcoming exam cycle.
This article will discuss several factors of the NIFT 2026 Entrance Exam, also provided in the table of content.
Important NIFT Exam Updates:
- The National Testing Agency has released the NIFT UG & PG Entrance Exam Date - 8th February 2026
- Last date for NIFT 2026 exam registration - 6th January 2026
- Last date with late fee (Rs. 5000/-) - 7th to 10th January 2026
- Results of NIFT 2026 exam (Phase 1) are expected around - March/April 2026
Table of Content
What is the NIFT Entrance Exam 2026?
The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) 2026 Exam is India’s most prestigious entrance test for admission into undergraduate and postgraduate design and fashion technology programmes offered across 18 NIFT campuses nationwide.
The National Institute of Fashion Technology conducts the NIFT 2026 entrance exam annually to provide admission to design programs for both UG and PG such as:
- B.Des (Bachelor of Design)
- B.F.Tech (Bachelor of Fashion Technology)
- M.Des (Master of Design)
- M.F.Tech (Master of Fashion Technology)
- M.F.M (Master of Fashion Management)
The exam evaluates a candidate’s creativity, analytical ability, visualization, and design aptitude through two stages:
1. Written Test
Creative Ability Test (CAT) for B.Des and M.Des: The exam duration is 3 hours. An important aspect of the test is the creative and innovative use of colour and illustration skills.
General Ability Test (GAT) for all UG & PG Programs: Exam Duration for the GAT written test will be 2 hours for B.Des & M.Des, and 3 hours for BF. Tech, MFM & M.F.Tech. GAT (General Ability Test) will test your quantitative, communicative, and analytical abilities apart from general knowledge and current events.
2. Situation Test or Personal Interview
Situation Test:
- You can only write a situation test if you score above the cut-off marks in the written exam.
- It's based on the given situation with the material provided, your skills for material handling and innovative ability are evaluated in this exam.
- In the NIFT situation test candidates will be asked to make a model.
- The model will be evaluated on space visualization, innovative and creative use of given material, composition of elements, colour scheme, construction skill, finesse of the model and overall presentation, etc.
- These parameters will be checked with the write up explaining the concept behind the model constructed.
Personal Interview:
Shortlisted candidates for Masters Programs after the written entrance examination are required to undergo a Personal Interview (PI). During the Personal Interview, a panel will evaluate candidates based on the various parameters listed below:
- Career orientation
- Aptness for the course
- Overall personal achievements in academics and co-curricular activities
- Communication
- General awareness, aptitude, creative and lateral thinking
Read more: How to Prepare for the NIFT Situation Test?
NIFT 2026 Exam - Important Dates
The National Institute of Fashion Technology is expected to release the official exam announcement for the NIFT 2026 exam tentatively around November-December 2025. Check out the table below to know all the important events related to the NIFT Exam 2026:
|
UG / PG Programmes - Regular & NLEA |
|
|
Event |
Tentative Date |
|
Online Registration Starts |
8 December 2025 |
|
Last Date to Apply |
6 January 2026 |
|
Application Correction Window |
12 - 14 January 2026 |
|
Admit Card Release |
Third week of January 2026 |
|
NIFT 2026 Exam (GAT + CAT) |
8 February 2026 |
|
GAT Answer Key Release |
February 2026 |
|
Result Declaration |
March - April 2026 |
|
Situation Test / Studio Test / Interview |
April - May 2026 |
|
Final Result Declaration |
May 2026 |
|
Seat Allocation & Counselling |
May - June 2026 |
Note: These dates are subject to any changes made by the institute in a given year.
Keep updated: NIFT Exam Updates 2026
NIFT 2026 Exam - Eligibility Criteria
Before filling out the NIFT exam application form, candidates must meet certain age, qualification, and category-based NIFT Eligibility Criteria prescribed by the institiute. Understanding the complete eligibility requirements for 2026 is crucial before filling out the online application form, as failing to meet even one condition can lead to disqualification at any stage of admission.
Below is the detailed and verified NIFT 2026 eligibility criteria for all undergraduate (B.Des, B.F.Tech) and postgraduate (M.Des, M.F.M, and M.F.Tech) programmes.
NIFT Eligibility Criteria 2026 for B.Des (Bachelor of Design)
Who can apply: Students from any stream (Science / Commerce / Arts / Humanities)
Educational Qualification:
- 10+2 pass from any recognized Central/State Board
- OR Senior Secondary Examination by NIOS (minimum 5 subjects)
- OR 3 or 4-year diploma recognized by AICTE or a State Board
- OR GCE (A-Level) / IB Diploma
Age Limit
- The upper age limit for NIFT 2026 B.Des admissions is 24 years as on 1st August 2026.
- Relaxation of 5 years is provided to candidates belonging to SC / ST / PwD categories.
Additional Eligibility Notes
- Candidates appearing in their Class 12 (10+2) final exam in 2026 are also eligible to apply, provided they can furnish proof of passing the exam at the time of admission.
- There is no minimum percentage requirement for NIFT 2026 eligibility in B.Des.
NIFT 2026 Exam Eligibility Criteria for B.F.Tech (Bachelor of Fashion Technology)
Who can apply: Mathematics compulsory.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have passed any one of the following:
- 10+2 from a recognized board with Mathematics as compulsory subject
- OR a 3-year or 4-year Engineering Diploma recognized by AICTE or a State Board of Technical Education.
Age Limit
- Maximum age limit: 24 years as on 1st August 2026.
- Relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST/PwD candidates.
Learn more: Salary of NIFT Fashion Designer
NIFT 2026 Eligibility Criteria for M.Des (Master of Design)
Who can apply: Graduates or diploma holders in design-related fields
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess any one of the following:
- Undergraduate Degree in any discipline from a recognized university/institute in India
- OR Undergraduate Diploma in Design (minimum 3 years) from NIFT or NID
Age Limit
- No age limit for NIFT M.Des 2026 applicants.
Example: A B.A. Fine Arts graduate or a 3-year NID diploma holder can apply for the NIFT M.Des entrance exam 2026.
NIFT 2026 Eligibility for M.F.M (Master of Fashion Management)
Who can apply: Students from any discipline interested in fashion management and merchandising.
Educational Qualification
- Undergraduate Degree in any discipline from a recognized university/institute,
- OR minimum 3-year Undergraduate Diploma from NIFT or NID.
Age Limit
- No upper age limit for M.F.M admission 2026.
Example: A BBA or B.Com graduate is eligible for the M.F.M course at NIFT.
Learn more: NIFT MFM Placements Report
NIFT 2026 Eligibility for M.F.Tech (Master of Fashion Technology)
Who can apply: Engineering or Fashion Technology graduates.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have:
- B.F.Tech degree from NIFT,
- OR B.E./B.Tech degree from any recognized institute/university in India.
- OR B.F.Tech. (04 years) from any Institute / University recognized by law in India.
Age Limit
- No age limit for M.F.Tech 2026 applicants.
Example: A B.Tech Mechanical Engineering student can apply for NIFT M.F.Tech 2026.
NIFT Eligibility Criteria for Students Appearing in 2026 Board Exams
- Students currently in Class 12 (2025–26 session) are eligible to apply for NIFT 2026.
- They must provide proof of passing the qualifying examination at the time of counselling/admission.
- For students who are granted provisional admission without declaring final result, will have to submit the qualifying degree/certificate proving his/her eligibility on or before 30th September, 2026 to the Campus Director where the admission has been provisionally granted.
- Failure to provide valid proof will lead to cancellation of candidature.
Know more: NIFT Interior Designing Course
NIFT 2026 Eligibility for Foreign Nationals, NRIs, SAARC, OCI & PIO Candidates
Admission Mode: Based on international test scores - not through NIFT entrance exam (at least 50% scores are required).
|
Course |
Required International Test Score |
|
B.Des & B.F.Tech |
SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) |
|
M.Des & M.F.M |
GRE (Graduate Record Examination) / GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) |
|
M.F.Tech |
GRE / GMAT |
NIFT 2026 Eligibility for PwD (Persons with Disabilities)
- A 5% horizontal reservation is available for PwD candidates.
- Disability must be 40% or more, certified by a government-approved medical board.
- Candidates are provided with extra time and special accommodations during the exam as per NTA guidelines.
NIFT 2026 Eligibility Criteria Overview Table
|
Programme |
Educational Qualification |
Age Limit |
Stream Required |
|
B.Des |
10+2 from any recognized board |
24 years (5-year relaxation for SC/ST/PwD) |
Any stream |
|
B.F.Tech |
10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics OR Diploma in Engineering |
24 years (5-year relaxation for SC/ST/PwD) |
Science only |
|
M.Des |
UG Degree in any discipline OR 3-year UG Diploma from NIFT/NID |
No age limit |
Any |
|
M.F.M |
UG Degree in any discipline OR 3-year UG Diploma from NIFT/NID |
No age limit |
Any |
|
M.F.Tech |
B.F.Tech from NIFT OR B.E./B.Tech |
No age limit |
Science/Tech |
|
Foreign Nationals / OCI / NRI / PIO / SAARC |
Based on SAT / GRE / GMAT scores (minimum 50%) |
No age limit |
As applicable |
Check: Top NIFT Campuses in India
NIFT 2026 Application Form : How to Apply for NIFT Entrance Exam 2026?
You must complete the NIFT 2026 application form on or before the last date, which is 6th January 2026. To complete the NIFT online application form without errors, follow the steps below.
- Visit the official website, i.e. www.nift.ac.in and check the NIFT exam updates section.
- Register for NIFT exam 2026 on the official website before proceeding to fill out the application. After successful registration, your login credentials will be sent to the registered email address.
- Log in using the credentials to access and fill out the Application Form. Fill in all the mandatory fields with the correct information and keep track of the NIFT form date 2026 to submit your application on time.
- You will need to upload scanned copies of recent passport-size coloured photographs and signatures with a black-on-white background in JPG/JPEG format.
- After uploading the required documents, you can pay the application fee online via Credit/Debit Card.
Check the official notice the National Institute of Fashion Technology released for more information.
NIFT 2026 Application Fee
- Non-Refundable Fee for Open/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/Open-EWS Category: Rs.2000/- through payment gateway.
- Non-Refundable Fee for SC/ST/PWD Category : Rs. 500/- through payment gateway.
NIFT 2026 Admit Card
The NIFT 2026 admit card is a necessary document without which you cannot appear for the exam. You should keep in mind specific points regarding the NIFT Admit Card.
- The NIFT admit card is released as a PDF.
- You can download the Admit Card by visiting the link notifying about the NIFT exam updates on the official website.
- You must enter your application number and date of birth to download the NIFT exam admit card.
- If there is any discrepancy in the candidate's particulars or the photograph and signatures shown on the Admit Card and Confirmation Page, the candidate may immediately approach the concerned authority.
NIFT Entrance Exam Centres List 2026
You must select only one examination city that fits your choice during the application process. Once selected, you will not be able to change the examination centre opted for nor request a change in the examination the exam conducting body reserves the right to cancel NIFT examination centres in case of any discrepancy. Here's the list of NIFT 2025 exam centres. The centres may be same or change for NIFT 2026, depending upon the institute's discretion. Check for NIFT exam updates on the official website or watch this space for any further information.
NIFT 2026 Exam Pattern
The entrance exam checks your knowledge, aptitude, and skills for your chosen program. Per the NIFT Entrance Test Pattern, you must pass the written test, situation test, and group discussion/personal interview to be eligible for final selection.
The NIFT exam written test is divided into the
- Creative Ability Test (CAT)
- General Ability Test (GAT)
Here's the full overview of the NIFT Exam Pattern 2026
The NIFT 2026 Exam Pattern is designed to evaluate a student’s creativity, design aptitude, analytical skills, and problem-solving ability through written and practical assessments.
The exam structure varies for Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) programmes.
Below is the detailed comparison of NIFT 2026 Exam Pattern for all programmes: (UG vs PG)
|
Components |
B.Des (Bachelor of Design) |
B.F.Tech (Bachelor of Fashion Technology) |
M.Des (Master of Design) |
M.F.M (Master of Fashion Management) |
M.F.Tech (Master of Fashion Technology) |
|
Test Conducting Body |
NTA (National Testing Agency) |
NTA (National Testing Agency) |
NTA (National Testing Agency) |
NTA (National Testing Agency) |
NTA (National Testing Agency) |
|
Mode of Examination |
GAT – Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
GAT – Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
GAT – CBT |
GAT – CBT |
GAT – CBT |
|
Medium of Paper |
English/Hindi |
English/Hindi |
English/Hindi |
English/Hindi |
English/Hindi |
|
Exam Duration |
2 hours for GAT & 3 hours for CAT |
3 hours |
2 hours for GAT and 3 hours for CAT |
3 hours |
3 hours |
|
Number of Stages |
Two (Written Test + Situation Test) |
One (Written Test only) |
Two (Written Test + Personal Interview) |
Two (Written Test + Personal Interview) |
Two (Written Test + Personal Interview) |
|
Type of Questions |
Objective (GAT) + Drawing/Descriptive (CAT) |
Objective (MCQ) |
Objective (GAT) + Drawing/Descriptive (CAT) |
Objective (MCQ) |
Objective (MCQ) |
|
Number of Questions |
100 Questions in GAT |
100 questions in GAT Section-A and 50 questions in GAT Section-B |
150 questions (section A + section B) |
120 questions (Section-A only) |
150 Questions in GAT |
|
Total Marks |
100 |
100 |
100 |
100 |
100 |
|
Sections in GAT |
Quantitative Ability, English Comprehension, Analytical Ability, GK, Communication, Case Study |
Quantitative Ability, English, Logical Reasoning, GK, Analytical Ability |
Quantitative, Analytical, English, GK |
Quantitative, Analytical, English, GK, Case Study |
Quantitative, Analytical, English, GK, Case Study |
|
CAT Focus Areas |
Creative Thinking, Visualization, Innovation, Design Sense, Drawing Skills |
Not Applicable |
Design Conceptualization, Creative Visualization, Problem Solving |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
|
Next Stage After Written Test |
Situation Test (Hands-on Model Making) |
Direct Admission based on GAT |
Personal Interview (PI) |
Personal Interview (PI) |
Personal Interview (PI) |
NIFT 2026 Exam Marking Scheme:
The objective type test will have negative marking, +1 for every right answer and -0.25 for every wrong answer.
Refer: General Knowledge (GK) Questions for NIFT 2026_(1)1754636837.webp)
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Key Highlights of NIFT 2026 Exam Pattern
For B.Des Aspirants:
- The Creative Ability Test (CAT) will assess visualization, innovation, and design development skills through drawing-based problems.
- The General Ability Test (GAT) will check analytical and logical reasoning, English communication, and current affairs.
- Shortlisted candidates from the written tests will appear for the Situation Test, where they’ll create 3D design models from provided materials.
For B.F.Tech Aspirants:
There is only one written test (GAT) that evaluates quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, communication, and management skills.
- No CAT or Situation Test is conducted for B.F.Tech admission.
For Postgraduate Courses (M.Des / M.F.M / M.F.Tech):
The written tests are followed by Personal Interviews (PI).
- M.Des candidates take both GAT and CAT, while M.F.M and M.F.Tech appear only for GAT followed by PI.
- Weightage is distributed according to each programme’s focus (creative, managerial, or technical).
NIFT Entrance Exam 2026 - Test Weightages
The weightage assigned to each test in the final merit list of the entrance examination will be as follows:
NID Exam Sectional Weightage – UG
|
B.Des |
B.F.Tech |
B. F.Tech candidates opting for B.Des |
|||
|
Exam |
Weightage |
Exam |
Weightage |
Exam |
Weightage |
|
GAT |
30 % |
GAT (Sec –A) |
30 % |
GAT (Sec –A) |
30 % |
|
CAT |
50 % |
GAT (Sec –B) |
70 % |
CAT |
50 % |
|
Situation Test |
20 % |
-- |
-- |
Situation Test |
20 % |
|
TOTAL |
100 % |
TOTAL |
100 % |
TOTAL |
100 % |
Check: Previous Year NIFT Situation Test Questions
NID Exam Sectional Weightage – PG
|
M.F.M |
M.Des |
M.F.M candidates opting for M.Des |
M.F.Tech. |
||||
|
Exam |
Weightage |
Exam |
Weightage |
Exam |
Weightage |
Exam |
Weightage |
|
GAT (Section-A & Section-B) |
70 % |
GAT (Section-A) |
30 % |
GAT (Section-A) |
30 % |
GAT |
70 % |
|
-- |
-- |
CAT |
40 % |
CAT |
40 % |
-- |
-- |
|
Personal Interview |
30 % |
Personal Interview |
30 % |
Personal Interview |
30 % |
Personal Interview |
30 % |
|
TOTAL |
100 % |
TOTAL |
100 % |
TOTAL |
100 % |
TOTAL |
100 % |
Know the difference: Difference Between CAT and GAT for NIFT
NIFT 2026 Exam Syllabus
What comes in the NIFT entrance exam 2026? It is essential to go through the NIFT Exam Syllabus before starting your preparation. The NIFT syllabus serves as the roadmap for aspirants looking to crack the entrance exam and secure admission to their desired program. Whether you're eyeing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in fashion design, fashion technology, fashion management, or any other specialized course, a thorough grasp of the syllabus is indispensable.
Key Components of the NIFT Syllabus 2026
The NIFT syllabus comprises essential components vital for aspiring fashion designers, technologists, and managers. The Creative Ability Test (CAT) evaluates innate creativity, observational skills, and artistic flair through tasks like sketching and rendering, crucial for conceptualization in the fashion industry. Comprising quantitative aptitude, communication skills, and general awareness, the General Ability Test (GAT) assesses candidates' overall aptitude and critical thinking. Additionally, the Studio Test and Personal Interview further evaluate practical skills, teamwork, and personal suitability for the chosen program.
NIFT GAT Syllabus 2026: Section-wise topics
| GAT Topics | Description |
| Quantitative Ability | This section's purpose is to gauge your aptitude for mathematics. |
| Questions include addition, multiplication, division, fractions, percentages, interest rate, work and task, ratio and proportion, and distance. | |
| Communication Ability and English Comprehension | This section is designed to evaluate your proficiency in everyday English communication. |
| It includes questions on idioms and phrases, singular and plural forms of words, words with corresponding meanings, synonyms and antonyms, correct spelling, understanding a situation from a passage, and more. | |
| Analytical Ability and Logical Ability | This sub-test is intended to assess your ability to infer and apply logic from given information and evaluate the candidate's ability to detect the given problem and use reasoning to solve the core issues of the concern. |
| Creative and lateral thinking concepts and practice will be helpful for your preparation. | |
| General Knowledge and Current Affairs | This section will assess your general knowledge and knowledge of current events. |
| Case Study | This section is based on a scenario in the workplace, and it aids in determining your leadership ability. |
Refer: NIFT CAT Questions with Solutions
NIFT CAT 2026 Syllabus: Important Topics
Only B.Des and M.Des candidates are required to take the Creative Ability Test (CAT). The following are the important CAT topics:
| NIFT Syllabus 2026: Important Topics | ||
| Drawing Fundamentals | Design Theory | Principles of composition |
| Natural & Geometrical Form | Innovation in Design | Principles of Composition |
| Creative thinking & writing | Optical Illusion | Understanding Light & Shade |
| Visual Logic | Form & Function | Colour, Pattern & Texture |
| Theme Development | Drawing Fundamentals | Picture Analysis |
| Memory Drawing | Inspiration & Creativity | Mood, Theme & Colour Inter-relationship |
| Colour Psychology & Optical Illusions | Elements & Principles of Design | Imagination & Doodling |
| Use of Measurements, Scale & proportions | Optical Illusion | Expression & Emotion |
| Developing Themes & Colour Associations | Usage of Colour in Compositions | Story Pictures |
| 3D Visualization | Presentation Techniques | Design Awareness |
Refer: NIFT Drawing Questions with solutions
Essential Guidelines for NIFT Entrance Exam 2026
Here are some guidelines that aspirants should follow while writing the NIFT 2026 entrance exam.
- The General Ability Test (GAT) will be conducted as Computer Based Test (CBT).
- The Creative Ability Test (CAT) will be conducted as Paper Based Test (PBT)
- Entry to the Examination Centre will be allowed with Admit Card only.
- Mobiles and other technical gadgets will not be allowed inside the Examination Centre.
- Candidates with mobile or other technical gadgets will be asked to leave the examination centre and be disqualified.
- Candidates should reach the NIFT exam centre at least 30 minutes before the commencement of the examination.
- The Studio Test will be held at the allotted NIFT Campuses.
- Candidates who try to disclose their identity by writing personal details or placing any identification mark on the answer sheet will be ‘DISQUALIFIED’, and the result of these candidates will not be declared.
- The decision of NIFT on such cases will be final, and there will be no appeal.
Learn more: NIFT Exam Day Instructions 2026
How to Prepare for NIFT Entrance Exam 2026 : (For GAT + CAT + Situation Test)
1. Understand the Complete NIFT 2026 Exam Pattern
Start your preparation by thoroughly reviewing the NIFT 2026 exam pattern.
B.Des aspirants must focus on both CAT (creative drawing) and GAT (aptitude + reasoning).
- B.F.Tech, M.F.Tech & M.F.M aspirants need to master GAT only.
- M.Des aspirants must prepare for both GAT + CAT, followed by a personal interview.
Knowing the weightage of each section helps you prioritize. For instance, CAT holds 50% weightage for B.Des.
2. Strengthen Your Visualization and Creativity (for CAT)
The Creative Ability Test (CAT) assesses your design thinking, imagination, and ability to communicate visually.
- Practice product redesign, poster-making, and scene composition every day.
- Avoid over-detailing. Focus on clarity, proportion, and originality.
- Use everyday problems for inspiration, e.g., “Redesign a water bottle for kids.”
Tip: Study works of top NIFT alumni and analyze their portfolios for creative inspiration.
3. Build Conceptual Understanding for Quantitative and Analytical Reasoning (for GAT)
The GAT paper includes questions on Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, and General Knowledge.
- Revise simple and compound interest, ratio-proportion, speed-distance, averages, and basic geometry.
- Practice 10 reasoning questions daily from topics like series, coding-decoding, mirror images, analogies, and data interpretation.
Tip: Keep formula sheets handy for last-minute reference.
4. Stay Updated with Design GK, Current Affairs and Fashion Industry Trends
The GK section in GAT frequently includes questions on:
- Recent fashion events, textile innovations, and designers.
- Brand taglines, logos, and awards.
- Books & Authors, Famous monuments, Basic scientific awareness
- Important national/international events.
- Color Theory
Read design magazines like Vogue India or Elle Decor and visit fashion portals weekly.
5. Practice Mock Tests & Time Management
- Attempt at least 3 full-length mock tests per week.
- Simulate the actual exam conditions (3 hours continuous).
- After each mock, spend time analyzing your mistakes and revising weak areas.
Aim for 85% accuracy in GAT and clear, conceptually strong answers in CAT.
6. Refine Situation Test Practice (for B.Des Aspirants)
Once you clear the written stage, the Situation Test becomes the game-changer.
- Practice model-making using paper, clay, wire, and thermocol.
- Improve time management, spend no more than 15 minutes on planning and 90 minutes on model creation.
- Write clear concept notes explaining design thought and functionality.
7. Prioritize Revision in the Last Month
- Dedicate the last 30 days entirely to mock practice, creativity drills, and quick-recall topics.
- Avoid starting new topics during the final 10 days.
- Focus on improving presentation and clarity of ideas.
Learn more: How To Prepare For NIFT Entrance Exam 2026
Section-Wise NIFT 2026 Last 30 Days Study Plan
This 30-day NIFT study plan is designed for aspirants targeting the B.Des programme, covering both GAT and CAT sections effectively.
|
Week |
Focus Area |
Key Tasks & Practice Goals |
Expected Outcome |
|
Week 1 |
GAT Fundamentals + Basic Creativity |
- Revise Quantitative Aptitude (Averages, Percentages, SI/CI) |
Develop conceptual clarity and drawing flow |
|
Week 2 |
Analytical Reasoning + Design Thinking |
- Practice Logical Reasoning (Series, Blood Relation, Coding-Decoding) |
Improved analytical speed and visualization |
|
Week 3 |
Time-Bound Practice + Mock Analysis |
- Attempt 2 full-length GAT mocks |
Real exam endurance & time management |
|
Week 4 |
Final Revision + Creativity Boost |
- Focus on weak areas in GAT |
High readiness for both GAT & CA |
Bonus Tips for the Final Week (Days 25-30)
Spend 1 hour revising formula sheets and logical reasoning patterns.
- Solve at least one previous year’s NIFT paper daily.
- Create a practical study plan for the NIFT exam by giving more time to topics that you find difficult and keeping a buffer so that you can complete some pending revisions.
- The important thing is not to waste time on questions that seem complicated. Finish all the sections you are good at and dedicate more time to the difficult ones.
- For CAT, use simple materials (like pencils, sketch pens, markers). Avoid over-dependence on colors.
- Practising previous year's question papers during the last couple of months before the exam will help you know the difficulty level of the paper and the type of questions asked in the exam.
- Sleep early, eat light, and manage exam stress. Clarity matters more than complexity.
How These Preparation Tips Help Crack NIFT 2026 Exam
The NIFT 2026 exam doesn’t reward rote learning; it rewards clarity, originality, and consistency.
These preparation tips will help you:
- Strengthen speed and accuracy in GAT (aptitude-based questions).
- Improve creative visualization and ideation in CAT.
- Reduce silly mistakes through regular timed practice.
- Develop exam endurance and confidence.
With just 30 days of structured study and focused practice, aspirants can significantly improve their overall NIFT 2026 exam score and secure top ranks for admission into the most coveted NIFT campuses across India.
NIFT 2026 Entrance Exam Preparation Books
Preparing from the right books will help enhance your preparation levels for the upcoming exam.
You may go for basic books listed below for the NIFT exam.
| Name of the Book | Name of the Author |
| NIFT Original Past Year Papers with Solutions | CreativEdge |
| NIFT Entrance Exam Sample Papers | CreativEdge |
NIFT Exam Analysis 2026 - [Expected]
You can check the NIFT exam analysis to understand the difficulty level of the paper, the type of questions asked in the exam, the number of questions from each topic, and more details.
Based on past trends and pattern consistency, experts expect the NIFT 2026 question paper to maintain a balanced mix of analytical, creative, and aptitude-based questions, testing candidates’ speed, accuracy, and design awareness.
The B.Des written test (GAT + CAT) is expected to be of moderate overall difficulty, with GAT focusing on logical and analytical ability and CAT assessing creativity and visualization.
Expected NIFT 2026 Exam Analysis (B.Des) - Section-Wise Overview:
|
Section |
Expected Difficulty Level (2026) |
Expected Key Focus Areas |
Expert Remarks |
|
Communication Ability & English Comprehension |
Easy to Moderate |
Synonyms-Antonyms, Reading Comprehension, Idioms, Sentence Correction |
Expect 30-40 questions emphasizing vocabulary and context-based comprehension. Regular reading practice will be crucial. |
|
Quantitative Ability |
Moderate |
Ratio & Proportion, Time-Speed-Distance, Averages, Percentage, SI/CI, Basic Geometry |
About 20 questions; conceptual clarity and quick calculations will help score high. |
|
Analytical & Logical Ability |
Moderate to Slightly Difficult |
Series, Coding-Decoding, Data Interpretation, Blood Relations, Mirror Images |
Around 15-20 questions; visual reasoning and logic puzzles expected to be tricky. |
|
General Knowledge & Current Affairs |
Moderate |
Fashion industry updates, awards, international events, brands & logos |
Around 25 questions on GK & surrent affairs. Static GK to carry more weight; last 6 months’ current affairs must be covered. |
|
Creative Ability Test (CAT) |
Moderate to Difficult |
Visual imagination, composition, object redesign, creative storytelling |
Focus on originality and design thinking rather than detailed drawing. |
Overall Expected Difficulty: Moderate, with emphasis on creative thinking and analytical problem-solving.
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NIFT 2026 Results
The National Institute of Technology will release the results on its official website. The NIFT entrance exam results will be released as a merit list.
The NIFT Result will be released separately for B.Des and M.Des courses.
You can download the result from the NIFT official website by following the steps given below:
- Step 1: Visit the official website
- Step 2: Click on the tab 'Result'
- Step 3: Enter details as demanded on-screen
- Step 4: The result will be displayed on the screen
- Step 5: Download the result and take a printout for future reference
Previous Year's NIFT Cut-Off
The cut-off marks are the minimum qualifying marks you need to secure to be selected for the exam. NIFT Cut Off is the closing rank set by participating institutes, which will vary across campuses.
- NIFT cut-off 2025 will be released after the result is declared.
- There are 19 NIFT campuses in India, and they will release an opening and closing rank for various NIFT courses.
NIFT Admission Process
To participate in the NIFT exam counselling process, you must register through the official website for it.
|
Step |
Description |
|
#1 - Application |
Fill the online form at https://exams.nta.nic.in/niftee from 8 Dec 2025 - 6 Jan 2026 |
|
#2 - Admit Card |
Download online from the NIFT portal in January 2026 |
|
#3 - Entrance Exam |
GAT (CBT) and CAT (PBT) on 8 February 2026 |
|
#4 - Result Declaration |
March - April 2026 |
|
#5 - Situation Test / Interview |
April - May 2026 |
|
#6 - Final Merit List |
Based on weighted scores |
|
#7 - Seat Allotment |
Conducted via online counselling portal between May and June 2026 |
Know more: NIFT Admission Process
NIFT 2026 Selection Process
The selection process varies for each program. Check out the table below to learn about the selection process for each program and the weightage assigned to each test in the final merit list.
| Program | Selection Process | Test | Weightage |
| B. Des | Comprises a written examination comprising of a CAT and GAT, followed by a situation test to be undertaken by shortlisted students | CAT | 50% |
| GAT | 30% | ||
| Situation Test | 20% | ||
| M. Des | Comprises a written examination comprising of CAT and GAT followed by Group Discussion and Personal Interview (GD/PI) for shortlisted students | CAT | 40% |
| GAT | 30% | ||
| GD/PI | 30% | ||
| B. F. Tech | Comprises of GAT Written Examination only. | GAT | 100% |
| M. F. Tech and MFM | Comprises of Written test comprising of GAT followed by Group Discussion and Personal Interview (GD/PI) for shortlisted students | GAT | 70% |
| GD/PI | 30% |
Documents Required at the Time of NIFT 2025/2026 Counselling
The following documents are required at the time of the NIFT Counselling process:
For UG applicants, 12th Class Marksheet & Certificate. For PG applicants, Previous Degrees' Marksheets & Certificates (including final semester/year if applicable).
- In case the candidate has appeared for qualifying exam/ compartment candidates can upload their admit card for qualifying exam (including compartmental) and proof of completing previous years.
- Proof of date of birth (Secondary school marksheet & certificate) (Original and photocopy).
- Valid certificate of SC/ST/OBC - Non-Creamy Layer/PWD/Open - EWS category claimed in candidate’s name.
- For State Domicile seats the status of domicile will be decided by the address of your 12th school. Kashmiri Migrants with valid certificate can claim Kashmir domicile, but only choose either Kashmir or the state from which they passed 12th.
- Certificate of Medical Fitness to be signed by a Registered Medical Practitioner in the prescribed format in original.
- An undertaking for seeking provisional admission only in case, the result of qualifying examination is yet to be declared.
- An undertaking on Anti-Ragging.
- An undertaking regarding refund of fee.
- The requisite fee has to be paid online once an offer of allotment is made during the seat allocation process through payment gateway. Candidate’s provisional admission will be confirmed only if requisite fee payment is verified.
Know more: NIFT Fee Structure 2025 UG and PG
NIFT Entrance Exam 2026 - Seats Intake
As per the official NIFT 2026 Admission Guidelines, there are approximately 5,076 seats available across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, including B.Des, B.F.Tech, M.Des, M.F.M, and M.F.Tech. Out of these, NIFT seats for general category in 2026 is around 2000+.
For B.Des admissions, the majority of seats are distributed among specializations like Fashion Design, Textile Design, Fashion Communication, Accessory Design, Leather Design, Knitwear Design, and Fashion Interior Design.
Each NIFT campus has a specific seat matrix, including category-wise reservation (GEN, GEN-EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST, and PwD), as well as supernumerary seats for NRI and State Domicile candidates.
With the increasing competition each year, understanding the NIFT 2026 seat distribution and reservation structure becomes crucial for aspirants. Knowing how many seats are available in NIFT 2026 helps candidates estimate the level of competition, plan their preferred campus choices, and set realistic targets for the NIFT 2026 counselling and seat allotment rounds.
Total Regular Seats: approximately 5076
- NRI Seats: 3-5 per course per campus
- Domicile Category Seats: 7-12 per campus
- Top Campuses: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Gandhinagar, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Pune
- Around 376 seats in NIFT Delhi, 304 seats in NIFT Mumbai and 304 seats in NIFT Bengaluru across all UG & PG programs.
RESERVATION OF SEATS:
The seats reserved for SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/GEN-EWS/ Person With Disability (PwD) in each programme are as under
|
SC |
15 % |
|
ST |
7.5 % |
|
OBC (NON-CREAMY LAYER) |
27 % |
|
GEN-EWS |
10 % |
|
Person with Disability (PwD)* |
5 % |
Read More: Campus-wise NIFT 2026 Seat Matrix
NIFT Entrance Exam 2026: Participating Colleges
A total of 20 colleges will accept the NIFT exam score. Here is the list of NIFT Colleges accepting the NIFT Exam 2025.
- NIFT Bengaluru
- NIFT Bhopal
- NIFT Bhubaneswar
- NIFT Chennai
- NIFT Daman
- NIFT Gandhinagar
- NIFT Hyderabad
- NIFT Jodhpur
- NIFT Kangra
- NIFT Kannur
- NIFT Kolkata
- NIFT Mumbai
- NIFT Nava Raipur
- NIFT New Delhi
- NIFT Panchkula
- NIFT Patna
- NIFT Raebareli
- NIFT Shillong
- NIFT Srinagar
- NIFT Varanasi
Read Also: NIFT Career Opportunities 2025
Key Takeaways
The NIFT Exam for Fashion Design is challenging and comprehensive, requiring extensive preparation to score highly. However, with the right approach and hard work, good scores in this exam are achievable.
- Acing the NIFT entrance exam unlocks doors to prestigious undergraduate and postgraduate design programs at NIFT campuses across India.
- The exam consists of the Creative Ability Test (CAT) assessing design aptitude and the General Ability Test (GAT) evaluating foundational knowledge.
- Sharpen your observation, sketching, and creative thinking skills for the CAT, focusing on areas like color theory, composition, and design thinking.
- Brush up on your English, logical reasoning, and general knowledge using guidebooks and practice papers to ensure a well-rounded performance.
- Regularly solve past years' papers and take mock tests to build speed, accuracy, and identify your strengths and weaknesses.
- Develop a design portfolio that reflects your interests and showcases your creative potential. NIFT looks for raw talent, so hone your unique design voice.
Preparing for NIFT 2026? We can help you with exact strategic roadmap, study material and crucial feedback required to ace this exam.
Join CreativEdge, India’s leading NIFT online coaching and get expert guidance on all NIFT 2026 subjects. 
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Vineeta Agrawal
Communications Executive
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