The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) is preparing to release its 2026 entrance exam notification very soon. Candidates aspiring to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate design programs should stay alert and prepare their documents. The exam is expected to be conducted in the second week of February 2026, with online applications likely to open in late November or early December 2025.
NIFT 2026 Exam: Programs and Eligibility Details
NIFT offers multiple design and technology programs for students. The 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. Additionally, candidates can apply for Bachelor of Fashion Technology (B.F.Tech) in Apparel Production. Postgraduate options include Master of Design (M.Des), Master of Fashion Management (M.F.M), and Master of Fashion Technology (M.F.Tech). For undergraduate B.Des programs, candidates must be under 24 years old as of August 1st, with age relaxations available for SC/ST/PwD categories. Most programs do not require mathematics as a mandatory subject, except for B.F.Tech, which mandates mathematics in Class 12.
Application Process and Important Dates for NIFT 2026
The NIFT 2026 application process will be entirely online through nift.ac.in/admission. Candidates must first register using their Aadhaar number and create an applicant account. The application form requires personal, academic, and contact details, along with document uploads like photographs and signatures. The expected application fee is around INR 3,000 for general categories and INR 1,500 for SC/ST/PwD categories. Candidates should prepare self-attested copies of essential documents including Class X and XII certificates, marksheets, and relevant degree certificates. The application window is expected to open in late November 2025, with the exam likely scheduled in the second week of February 2026.
NIFT 2026 Exam Pattern and Selection Process
The NIFT entrance exam follows a two-stage selection process. Stage 1 includes written examinations comprising the General Ability Test (GAT) and 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 programs, testing candidates' creative and design abilities. Stage 2 involves a Situation Test for undergraduate design programs and a personal interview for postgraduate courses. The weightage varies: for B.Des, it's 50% CAT, 30% GAT, and 20% Situation Test; for M.Des, it's 40% CAT, 30% GAT, and 30% Group Discussion/Personal Interview.
Documents Required for NIFT 2026 Application
Candidates must have several documents ready for the NIFT 2026 application. The essential self-attested documents include Class X certificate (for date of birth), Class XII marksheet/certificate, Bachelor's marksheet and degree, and Master's marksheet and degree (if applicable). Additional documents might include scorecard for UGC-NET, CEED, CSIR (JRF), or equivalent exams. Candidates from reserved categories should also have their SC, ST, OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), or Economically Weaker Section (EWS) certificates. It's crucial to ensure all documents are current and match the details provided in the application form.
NIFT Admission Portals and Official Websites
Candidates should bookmark two primary websites for NIFT 2026 updates: nift.ac.in/admission and exams.nta.ac.in/NIFT. These portals will host the official notification, application form, information bulletin, and important updates. The National Testing Agency (NTA) will manage the examination process. Candidates are advised to regularly check these websites for the latest information, and to create an account as soon as the registration window opens. The websites will provide detailed guidelines, exam pattern, syllabus, and step-by-step instructions for application and admission.
Exam Centers and Admit Card Details
The NIFT 2026 entrance exam will be conducted across multiple cities in India. The specific exam center will be allocated during the application process and communicated through the city intimation slip. Candidates can expect the admit cards to be released in the first week of February 2026. To download the admit card, candidates will need their application number and date of birth. The admit card will contain crucial information like exam date, time, center address, and important instructions. Candidates must carefully read all guidelines and carry the admit card along with a valid photo ID to the examination center.
Situation Test and Personal Interview Process
The Situation Test is a critical component of the NIFT selection process, especially for undergraduate design programs. Candidates will be evaluated on their creativity, innovation, material handling skills, concept development, and overall presentation. For postgraduate programs like M.Des, M.F.M, and M.F.Tech, a personal interview will be conducted as part of Stage 2. The interview assesses the candidate's communication skills, design understanding, and potential for the chosen program. Candidates should prepare a portfolio showcasing their creative work and be ready to discuss their design inspirations and career goals.
NIFT 2026 Application Correction and Important Guidelines
After submitting the online application, candidates will have a window to edit or correct their information. This window is expected to open in the second week of January 2026. It's crucial to note that the NTA will not entertain any manual requests for corrections via post, email, or other means. Candidates must exercise extreme caution while filling out the application form. The application fee is non-refundable and must be paid online using net banking, credit, or debit cards. Late fee applications, if allowed, might incur an additional INR 5,000. Candidates should thoroughly review all details before final submission to avoid complications during the admission process.
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