NIFT Exam Day Instructions 2026: Things to Carry, Things to Avoid and More!

Q: How much time do you need to prepare for NIFT 2026?

There are only about 7 months left for the NIFT 2026 exam. Although a year of preparation is generally recommended to have sufficient time to learn, improve, and revise effectively for NIFTEE. However, with a dedicated study schedule and adequate professional support, aspirants can still crack the NIFT exam in 7 months. You can consider investing in online/offline coaching as per your convenience for access to expert guidance, exam-focused study material, and regular mock tests.

Q: Is NIFT exam difficult?

Many students said that the NIFT CAT and GAT admission exams were of easy to moderate difficulty level. In comparison to past NIFT admission exams, the NIFT exam 2025 was rather easy. Overall, the NIFT Entrance Exam was well-timed, with the majority of candidates finishing on time.

Q: Is NIFT a government college?

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) is a self-contained fashion design and technology institute with headquarters in New Delhi, India.

Q: What documents should I carry to the NIFT 2026 exam centre?

You must carry your NIFT admit card (printed), a valid photo ID (Aadhar card, PAN card, Passport, etc.) and one or two passport-size photos. Without the admit card and id, entry to the exam will not be allowed.

Q: What time should I reach the exam centre on NIFT exam day?

It's best to reach the centre atleast 60-90 minutes before the reporting time mentioned on your admit card. You will not be allowed entry after the gates close.

Q: Are calculators or smartwatches allowed in exam hall?

No, electronic gadgets such as calculators, smartwatches, mobile phones, digital pens, Bluetooth devices, etc. are strictly not allowed in the exam hall.

Q: Is there any dress code for the NIFT 2026 exam?

While there's no official dress code, it's recommended that you wear comfortable and simple clothing and avoid excessive accessories.

Author : Vineeta Agrawal

July 31, 2025

Overview: Discover the rules, proctoring NIFT Exam Day Instructions, and minimum system requirements for a seamless test-taking process. Learn about the dos and don'ts to ace the NIFT entrance exam effectively.

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) entrance exam is a significant milestone for aspiring fashion designers and managers. It is conducted usually in February every year. Being well-prepared and familiar with the NIFT exam instructions is crucial to ensuring a smooth and successful exam experience.

This guide covers everything you need to know to navigate your exam day confidently.

NIFT Exam 2026: Expected Date and Timings

Before jumping to the important NIFT exam day instructions, here's the general duration of various NIFT Exam Phases:

CAT (Creative Ability Test): 3 hours

GAT (General Ability Test): 2 hours

Situation Test (For B.Des Only): 2 hours

Also 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.

The program-wise expected timings for the GAT and CAT paper are given below:

Program	Test	Test Timings
Bachelor of Design	GAT	9 am - 11 am
Bachelor of Design	CAT	2.30 pm - 5.30 pm
Bachelor of Fashion Technology	GAT	9 am - 12 noon
Bachelor of Fashion Technology & Bachelor of Design	GAT	9 am - 12 noon
Bachelor of Fashion Technology & Bachelor of Design	CAT	2.30 pm - 5.30 pm
Master of Design	GAT	9 am - 11 am
Master of Design	CAT	2.30 pm - 5.30 pm
Master of Fashion Technology	GAT	9 am - 12 noon
Master of Fashion Management	GAT	9 am - 12 noon

Free Resource: Complete NIFT 2026 Syllabus PDF FREE Download, that not only list out all the important topics that are most likely to be asked in the 2026 exam, but also gives you a workable study plan that you can follow along with school and other commitments.

Created by our in-house experts (NIFT Alumni) and referred by our past year NIFT toppers, this fail-proof strategy can help you crack the exam in one go.

NIFT Exam Day Instructions 2026

The NIFT GAT paper will be conducted in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode, whereas the CAT will be a Paper-Based Test (PBT).

The exam will be administered across 60 cities across India in a centre-based mode; the detailed list is mentioned in the Information Bulletin / Prospectus.

Here are the not to miss NIFT exam day instructions -

Always double check the name and address of the NIFT exam centre allotted to you. It should be clearly mentioned on your admit card.
Candidates are advised to reach the test centres on or before the reporting time.
Entry into the exam centre shall be stopped 30 minutes before the NIFT entrance exam 2026 starts.
NTA will not be responsible for any delayed arrival of the candidate in reaching the NIFT 2026 centre for any reason.
Upon arrival at the exam centre, an identity check will be performed to ensure no unauthorised candidates appear for the test.
The candidate must sign and paste the photograph on the attendance sheet at the appropriate place
Aspirants should check everything to carry at NIFT exam beforehand to avoid any problems on the exam day.
Aspirants can only do rough work on the rough sheet provided at the centre in the examination room/hall.
Any candidate found doing unfair means will be disqualified from the NIFT admission process.

Note:

After checking the NIFT admit card, the invigilator will tear off and keep Part A while giving the applicant Part B.
Students must safeguard the Pan B section for the written tests and the ensuing admissions procedures.
In front of the invigilator, the applicant must sign at the specific place indicated on the admit card.

Know More: NIFT Eligibility Criteria

NIFT Exam Day Instructions 2026: Things to Carry at the Exam Centre

Admit card along with Self Declaration (Undertaking) downloaded through the NTA Website (a clear printout on A4 size paper) duly filled in
A simple transparent Ballpoint Pen / Pencil / Erasers 'Ruler (In a transparent pouch).
One of the key NIFT exam day instructions that most students may not be aware about is that candidates are also required to carry their own colouring & drawing materials for the CAT part of the exam.
A physical NIFT CAT question paper booklet with space for responses will be provided at the Centre.
An additional photograph (the same as uploaded on the NIFT application form) will be pasted on the attendance sheet in the examination Room/Hall.
Any one of the authorized photo IDs (must be original. valid. and non-expired).
PwD certificate and UDID issued by the authorized medical officer if claiming the relaxation under the PwD category
Personal transparent water bottle
Sugar tablets/fruits (like banana/apple/orange) if the candidate is diabetic.

Check Out: NIFT Exam Preparation

NIFT Exam Day Instructions: Acceptable Photo ID Cards for NIFT 2026

Original, valid ID proofs are absolutely necessary to sit in the exam. The following documents will be accepted as ID proof in their original form.

College Identity Card with photograph	PAN card
Driving License	Voter ID
Passport	Aadhaar Card (With photograph)
E-Aadhaar with photograph	Ration Card with photograph
Bank Passbook with Photograph	-

This is one of the most important NIFT exam day instructions that should not be ignored. Failing to provide verifiable identity documents or providing false documents may result in disqualification from the exam.

Check: NIFT Cut Off Expected

NIFT Exam Day Instructions: Barred Items for NIFT 2026

Instruments	Handbag	Purse
Any paper, textual material (printed or written material)	Eatables (loose or packed)	Mobile Phone
Earphone	Microphone	Pager
Calculator	Docu Pen	Slide Rules
Log Tables	Camera,	Tape Recorder
Electronic watches with calculator	Any metallic item or electronic gadgets/devices	-

Dos and Don'ts Leading Up to the NIFT Exam 2026

Here are some general dos and don’ts for the NIFT exam.

In these last few days leading up to the NIFT exam, you must do frequent revisions of the topics
With the revision, solve a few NIFT sample papers. Also, go through previous years’ question papers to understand the question paper structure, marking scheme, weightage, and other useful inputs.
You might be tempted to start a new topic, thinking you can ensure some additional marks. But the point is it is too late in the day to start a new topic. Because it will only eat into revision time.
Also, as the topic will be new, you won’t be able to master it so fast, which will only add to the stress.
With D-day approaching, it is normal to feel anxious. However, you can manage this by staying present and focusing on the job.
To stay calm and composed, you should start sleeping and eating well. Avoid eating a heavy dinner at night, and stay hydrated.
Ensure the NIFT 2024 admit card, ID card, and stationery items are ready.
Always go through any official NIFT exam day instructions/guidelines posted on the official NIFT website around the exam dates. So that you keep in loop with any important announcements or notifications from the institute in time.

Key Takeaways

Being well-versed with the NIFT exam instructions is crucial for a stress-free and successful examination experience.
Every detail counts, from arriving early and carrying the necessary documents to adhering to the rules inside the examination hall.

By following these guidelines meticulously, you can focus entirely on showcasing your talent and acing the exam.

Check Out: NIFT Mock Test.