The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) is preparing to release its 2026 entrance exam notification and application forms. The exam is expected to be conducted in the second week of February 2026 for undergraduate and postgraduate design programs. Candidates can apply for various design and fashion technology courses through the official websites nift.ac.in/admission and exams.nta.ac.in/NIFT.
NIFT 2026 Entrance Exam: Key Programs and Eligibility
NIFT offers multiple design and fashion programs for the academic year 2026. Undergraduate programs include Bachelor of Design (B.Des) with specializations in Accessory Design, Fashion Design, Fashion Communication, Fashion Interiors, Knitwear Design, Leather Design, and Textile Design. There's also a Bachelor of Fashion Technology (B.F.Tech) in Apparel Production. Postgraduate programs include Master of Design (M.Des), Master of Fashion Management (M.F.M), and Master of Fashion Technology (M.F.Tech). For B.Des, candidates must be under 24 years old as of August 1st, 2026, with relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST/PwD categories. Interestingly, mathematics is not mandatory for most programs, except for B.F.Tech.
Application Process and Important Dates for NIFT 2026
The NIFT 2026 application process will be entirely online. Candidates must first register using their Aadhaar number and provide personal details. The application form will require uploading documents like Class 10 and 12 certificates, photographs, and signatures. The application fee is expected to be around INR 3,000 for general categories and INR 1,500 for SC/ST/PwD candidates. The registration window is anticipated to open soon, with the application correction window likely to be in the second week of January 2026. Candidates should prepare necessary documents and stay updated through the official NIFT websites.
NIFT Entrance Exam Structure and Evaluation Pattern
The NIFT entrance exam is conducted in two stages. Stage 1 involves written examinations comprising two key tests: the General Ability Test (GAT) and the Creative Ability Test (CAT). The GAT is mandatory for all courses and will be a computer-based test with multiple-choice questions covering quantitative analysis, logical reasoning, verbal ability, and general awareness. The CAT is specifically for B.Des and M.Des candidates, testing their creative and design abilities. The examination weightage varies by program: B.Des candidates will be evaluated with CAT (50%), GAT (30%), and Situation Test (20%).
Important Websites and Exam Portals for NIFT 2026
Candidates must keep track of two primary websites for NIFT 2026 updates and applications: nift.ac.in/admission and exams.nta.ac.in/NIFT. These portals will host the official notification, information bulletin, application forms, and important announcements. The National Testing Agency (NTA) will manage the entire examination process. Candidates should regularly check these websites for updates about registration dates, exam schedules, admit card release, and other critical information related to the NIFT 2026 entrance examination.
NIFT Exam Centers and City Allocation Process
NIFT will provide exam centers across multiple cities in India. The specific exam city for each candidate will be allocated and communicated through the NIFT 2026 city intimation slip. Candidates should note that they cannot change their chosen exam center after allocation. The computer-based GAT will be conducted simultaneously across these centers. When filling out the application form, students will be required to select their preferred exam city, which will be confirmed based on availability and administrative considerations.
Documents Required for NIFT 2026 Application
Candidates must prepare self-attested copies of several documents for the NIFT 2026 application. Essential documents include Class 10 certificate (for date of birth verification), Class 12 marksheet/certificate, and additional documents based on the specific program. For graduates applying to postgraduate programs, bachelor's and master's marksheets and degrees are required. Candidates from reserved categories should also have their SC, ST, OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), or EWS certificates ready. Additional documents like UGC-NET, CEED, or CSIR (JRF) scorecards may be needed for specific programs.
NIFT 2026 Exam Pattern and Additional Selection Stages
After the written examination, NIFT conducts additional selection stages. For undergraduate programs like B.Des, candidates will undergo a Situation Test which assesses practical design skills. Postgraduate programs like M.Des involve a Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) stage. The total evaluation considers multiple components: for instance, M.Des candidates are assessed on CAT (40%), GAT (30%), and GD/PI (30%). This comprehensive approach ensures that candidates are evaluated not just on theoretical knowledge, but also on creative potential, communication skills, and design thinking.
NIFT Colleges and Campus Locations Across India
NIFT has an extensive network of campuses spread across India, providing students with diverse learning environments. Some prominent NIFT campuses include locations in New Delhi, Chennai, Gandhinagar, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Raebareli, Bhopal, Kannur, Shillong, Patna, Kangra, Bhubaneswar, Jodhpur, Srinagar, Panchkula, Daman, and Varanasi. Each campus offers unique opportunities and specializations in design and fashion technology. The total seat intake across all NIFT campuses is approximately 5,289, making it a significant platform for aspiring designers and fashion professionals.
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