NIFT 2026 Entrance Exam Dates & Schedule, Eligibility Criteria, Seats & Admission Process

Summary: Discover key insights into the NIFT 2026 exam, the gateway to India's top fashion institutes. Learn about NIFT entrance exam dates, eligibility criteria, NIFT exam syllabus, and preparation tips for this pivotal design exam. Ready to embark on your fashion journey?

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. 

With the official NIFT exam date for 2026 yet to be 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 tables of contents.

Important NIFT Exam Updates:

• The National Testing Agency has released the NIFT UG results 2025 for phase 1 on April 24, 2025.
• NIFT exam UG phase 2 was conducted on 8 June 2025. The final result is now awaited. 
• The NTA released the NIFT PG result 2025 (M.Des, M.FTech, MFM) for phase 1 on 24 April. Candidates can view the results on the official website.
• NIFT exam PG phase 2 was conducted on 26 May 2025. The final NIFT result 2025 is now awaited. 
• The NIFT entrance exam for 2026 is expected to be held in second week of February 2026.

Download Free Study Material for NIFT Exam 2026 by Creative Edge

Table of Content

• NIFT Exam Dates 2026
• NIFT Eligibility Criteria 2026
• NIFT 2026 Registration
• Selection Process of NIFT 2026
• NIFT Exam Pattern 2026
• NIFT Syllabus 2026
• NIFT 2026 Preparation

What is the NIFT Entrance Exam 2026?

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:

• Bachelor of Design (B.Des)
• Master of Design (M.Des)
• Bachelor of Fashion Technology (B.F. Tech)
• Master of Fashion Technology (M.F.Tech)
• Master of Fashion Management (MFM)

Keep updated: NIFT Exam Updates 2026

NIFT 2026 Exam 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:

Events	NIFT 2026 Exam Date (Tentative)
Starting of Online Registration	November - December 2025
Last date of NIFT Online Registration	January 2026
The last date of registration with the late fee of Rs.5000	Up to 5 days after last date in January 2026
Correction Window for NIFT Application form	January 2nd Week, 2026
Availability of Admit card	Up to 10 days before the exam
NIFT Computer Based Test	February 2026
NIFT 2026 answer key	February 3rd Week, 2026
Last date to object NIFT Answer Key	2-3 days after the release of answer key
Announcement of NIFT Result for Written Exam	March - April 2026
NIFT Situation Test/GD/Personal Interview	April - May 2026
Last date for Online registration for NRI/Foreign Nationals	January 2026
Declaration of Final Result	May - June 2026
NIFT Counselling and Seat Allocation	June - July 2026

Note: These dates are tentative and subject to any changes made by the institute in a given year.

Download Free NIFT 8 Months Preparation Strategy PDF for 2026

NIFT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Before filling out the NIFT exam application form, checking whether you meet the NIFT Eligibility Criteria is vital. The NIFT entrance exam requirements for both UG and PG level programs are given below: 

Undergraduate Programs

1. Age Limit(B.Des & B.FTech)

The maximum age should be less than 24 years as of 1 August 2026. The upper age limit may be relaxed by 5 (five) years for candidates of Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe/ Person with Disability (PWD) categories. 

2. Academic Qualification for NIFT exam (UG) 

• Passed the Plus 2 level examination in the 10+2 pattern of examination from any recognized Central/State Board of Secondary Examination, such as Central Board of Secondary Education / State Board New Delhi / Council for Indian School of Certificate Examination, New Delhi, or qualified the NIFT Delhi entrance exam.
• Passed the Plus 2 level examination in the 10+2 pattern of examination from any recognized Central/State Board of Secondary Examination, such as Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi / Council for Indian School of Certificate Examination, New Delhi, with Physics and Mathematics, and successfully completed the NIFT Delhi admission process.
• A passing grade in the Senior Secondary School Examination conducted by the National Open School with a minimum of five subjects, including Physics and Mathematics.
• Any Public School/Board/University Examination in India or foreign countries recognized by the Association of Indian Universities as equivalent to a 10+2 system with Physics and Mathematics.
• General Certificate Education (GCE) Examination (London/Cambridge/Sri-Lanka) at the advanced (A) level with Physics and Mathematics / International Baccalaureate (IB).

Prepare with:  NIFT Online Coaching Classes 2025

Master's Programs (M.Des, M.F.M and M.FTech)

Candidates fulfilling the prescribed educational qualification criteria for the Master’s program can apply for the NIFT Entrance Exam.

1. Age Limit (M.Des, M.FTech, M.F.M)

There is no Age limit for applying for a Master's degree in NIFT.

2. Academic Qualification for NIFT exam (PG) 

• Undergraduate Degree in any discipline from any Institute / University recognized by law in India OR 
• Undergraduate Diploma of minimum three years duration from NIFT / NID.
• For MFM Program: Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a recognized Institute/University.
• For M. F. Tech Program: B. F. Tech. From NIFT, OR, B. E/B. Tech. from a recognized Institute/University.

Know more: NIFT Interior Designing Course

Download PYPs with Solutions for NIFT Exam by Creative Edge

NIFT 2026 Application Form

You must complete the NIFT 2026 application form on or before the last date (not out yet). 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 or offline via demand draft. 
• You must send the Demand Draft along with a printout of the filled-in Application Form duly completed in all respects (via Speed Post/Registered Post/Courier Service) to the following address before the NIFT 2026 exam application form last date.:

Project Manager,
All India Management Association Management House,
14, Institutional Area,
Lodhi Road, New Delhi – 110003

The demand draft should reach the address within the specified NIFT exam date 2026

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. 3000/
• Non - Refundable Fee for SC/ ST/ PWD Category: Rs. 1500/-

Check: Top NIFT Campuses in India

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.

Ahmedabad	Dehradun	Kannur	Raipur
Bengaluru	Delhi	Kolkata	Ranchi
Bhopal	Guwahati	Lucknow	Surat
Bhubaneshwar	Hyderabad	Madurai	Udaipur
Chandigarh	Jaipur	Mumbai	Vadodara
Chennai	Jammu	Nagpur	Visakhapatnam
Cochin	Jodhpur	Patna	Shillong
Coimbatore	Kangra	Pune	Srinagar

Download Sample Papers with Solutions for NIFT Exam 2026

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. 

Written Test

The NIFT exam written test is divided into the

• Creative Ability Test (CAT)
• General Ability Test (GAT)

Know the difference: Difference Between CAT and GAT for NIFT

Creative Ability Test (CAT) for B.Des and M.Des

This test is administered for both UG and PG Design Programs to judge the intuitive ability, power of observation in concept development and design ability of the candidate.

An important aspect of the test is the creative and innovative use of colour and illustration skills. The exam duration is 3 hours.

Refer: NIFT CAT Questions with Solutions

General Ability Test (GAT)

In the GAT (General Ability Test), the exam conducting body will test your quantitative, communicative, and analytical abilities apart from general knowledge and current events.

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.

Refer: NIFT Previous Year Question Papers PDF

Situation Test

• You can only write a situation test if you score above the cut-off marks in the Written exam. 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.

Note: As the medium of instruction at NIFT is English, all write-ups must be submitted in English. Write-ups in any other language will not be awarded any marks.

Read more: How to Prepare for the NIFT Situation Test?

Group Discussion/ 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

Free Demo Videos to Boost Your NIFT 2026 Preparation by CreativeEdge

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, as it will help you know the crucial topics from the exam point of view.

Understanding the NIFT Syllabus 2026

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, Group Discussion, 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.

Download Sample Papers for NIFT Exam 2026 Preparation by Creative Edge

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

NIFT Entrance Exam 2026 Preparation Tips

• 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.
• If you plan to take your exam in the 9-12 slot, you should practice solving papers simultaneously to train your mind to be super active during that period.
• 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.
• Analyze your exam preparation level by attempting full-length NIFT mock tests. 

Learn more: How To Prepare For NIFT Entrance Exam 2026

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 2026 entrance exam preparation course	Prashant Kumar

Download PYPs with Answers for NIFT Exam Preparation 2026

NIFT Exam Analysis

You can check the 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.

Here's the NIFT entrance exam analysis for 2025 given below - 

• The NIFT Exam Analysis shows that CAT and GAT exams were relatively easy. 
• The exam was based on colour theory, making it easier for students to be more creative.
• We will update you with the questions and answers as soon as the exam is over.
• Knowing each subject's exam analysis will help you focus on the essential topics better.

Refer: General Knowledge (GK) Questions for NIFT 2026

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.

Check: NIFT Cut off 2023 PDF

NIFT Admission Process

To participate in the NIFT exam counselling process, you must register through the official website and enter the campus where you choose for the counselling session.

• You must download the call letter online for the GD and PI Interview rounds by entering your application number, date of birth, and roll number.
• Document verification will also be done during counselling.
• Though the institute does not charge a fee for the preliminary round of counselling, you must pay INR 5000 for each subsequent round of counselling.

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%

Attempt Free Mock Tests to Boost Your NIFT 2026 Preparations

Know more: NIFT Hyderabad Admission 2025

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

NIFT has a total Seat Intake of 4837 for UG and PG programs for the 2025 academic year. We can expect a similar intake for NIFT admissions in 2026 as well. The exact number is notified every year by the institute under the NIFT exam updates on the official website.

Check out the campus-wise seat intake for NIFT:

NIFT Campus	Open, SC, ST, OBC(NCL), PwD (Open, SC, ST, OBC (NCL)	State Domicile
Bengaluru	304	0
Bhopal	238	49
Chennai	304	0
Daman	68	14
Gandhinagar	266	0
Hyderabad	266	0
Kannur	238	49
Kolkata	304	0
Mumbai	304	0
New Delhi	376	0
Patna	204	42
Panchkula	204	42
Raebareli	228	0
Shillong	170	35
Kangra	238	49
Jodhpur	204	42
Bhubaneswar	204	42
Varanasi	102	21
Srinagar	170	60
Total	4392	445
Grand Total	4392 + 445 = 4839

Learn which NIFT Campus is better for making a well-informed decision.

Best Online Coaching to Score 100% for NIFT Exam 2026 by Creative Edge

NIFT Entrance Exam 2026: Participating Colleges

A total of 18 colleges will accept the NIFT exam score. Here is the list of NIFT Colleges accepting the NIFT Exam 2025.

• NIFT Bengaluru
• NIFT Bhopal
• NIFT Chennai
• NIFT Daman
• NIFT Gandhinagar
• NIFT Hyderabad  
• NIFT Kannur   
• NIFT Kolkata   
• NIFT Mumbai
• NIFT New Delhi
• NIFT Patna     
• NIFT Panchkula
• NIFT Raebareli
• NIFT Shillong
• NIFT Kangra
• NIFT Jodhpur
• NIFT Bhubaneswar
• 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.