Sayeba
Sayeba Naushad
Assistant Manager
Updated on May 5, 2025 17:14 IST
Career Opportunities After NIFT. The NIFTs are among the top design institutes in the country; for instance, NIFT Delhi is the top-ranked fashion design college. Candidates who graduate from the NIFTs are highly sought-after by job providers. Note career options will to a large extent depends on the graduating institute, academic credentials, etc.

The NIFTs are among the top design institutes in the country; for instance, NIFT Delhi is the top-ranked fashion design college. Candidates who graduate from the NIFTs are therefore highly sought-after by job providers. In this article, we discuss career opportunities after NIFT.

If you are a student of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), especially one of the top-ranked institutes, you more or less have an assured career. Candidates who graduate from NIFT Delhi can expect to draw the highest salary of 11 LPA; the average salary of the institute stood at 5.5 lakhs. Likewise, the other NIFTs also offer handsome packages to graduates. These are salaries that a graduate can draw as a fresher. As the graduate gains experience, the base salary can go up very quickly.

Admission to the NIFTs is conducted through the NIFT entrance exam. The National Institute of Fashion Technology opens applications for NIFT around November.

Table of contents
  • NIFT Graduate Job Profiles
  • NIFT Graduates - Top Job Profiles and Responsibilities
  • NIFT Placements - Past Recruiters
  • NIFT Placement: Required Skill Set/ Functions

NIFT Graduate Job Profiles

Given in the table below are typical jobs and corresponding salaries.

NIFT Graduate Job Profiles

Experience (years)

NIFT Graduate Salary Per Year (INR)

Regional Sales Executive

0-1

1.8-3 lakh

Assistant Professor

0-12

8.73-15 lakh

Fashion Designer

0-4

2.72- 4.1 lakh

Visiting Faculty

7-16

8.98 -12.1 lakh

Lab Assistant

1-8

3.9-6.2 lakh

Fashion Design Faculty

0-8

3.37-6 lakh

Senior Designer

31-32

9.7 lakh

Interior Designer

1-4 

1.6 lakh

Product Designer Salary

-

4.5 - 5.8 lakh

Assistant Merchandiser

1-2

3-4.2 lakh

Assistant Planner

0-1

1-8 - 3 lakh

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Q:   What is the eligibility criteria for NIFT 2026?
A:

Candidates applying for B. Des course need to have passed 10+2 exam from a recognised institute and should be less than 24 years as of August 1, 2026. Relaxation of 5 years in the upper age limit applies for candidates belonging to SC, ST and PwD categories.

Q:   Can I apply for NIFT 2026 with late fees?
A:

Yes, the National Institute of Fashion Technology will allow candidates with late fees. The late fee application window will open once the deadline to fill out the NIFT 2026 application form with regular fee closes. The start and last date to fill out the NIFT 2026 application form with late fee will be notified by the institute before the regular application form closes or sometime thereabout. The late fee for NIFT 2026 will be INR 5,000. The late fee has to be paid in addition to the application fee, which is INR 3000 for open category candidates.

Q:   Can I fill out NIFT 2026 application form if I don't meet the eligibility criteria?
A:

No, you should not fill out NIFT 2026 application form if you do not meet the eligibility criteria because all documents and information provided by you in application form will be cross checked. And if any discrepancy is found, you can be disqualified at any stage of application process. 

NIFT Graduates - Top Job Profiles and Responsibilities 

The top job profiles and responsibilities for NIFT graduates are listed below.

1. Interior Designer 

The interior designer is one of the most sought-after job roles for design aspirants. An interior designer needs to be creative as the profession involves transforming indoor spaces into stunning areas brimming with creative ideas, images, and ergonomic elements.

  • An interior designer undertakes the project from inception to completion.
  • He or she will also be responsible for defining requirements for the project, deadlines, estimated cost, etc.
  • The interior designer must be able to understand the requirements of the client and come up with a plan that not only meets expectations but fulfills the creative juices.
  • The interior designer must also do project research, select materials, supervise the project, and work in tandem with designers, architects, and other stakeholders.

2. Fashion Designer

The fashion designer is probably the most popular job profile for design students. A fashion design is in the psyche of the citizens may be from the fashion shows that are conducted across the country. Bollywood celebrities have also done their bit to build a cult around fashion designers.

  • It is probably the most common job profile in the design industry.
  • The job role will require the professional to design costumes for various purposes, including marriage parties, special events, like film promotion, etc.
  • The professional must be a trendsetter and capable of introducing new fashion elements.

3. Fashion Consultant

A fashion consultant is also known as an image or fashion consultant. They are in the business of helping clients improve their image in the literal sense. So, the fashion consultant will guide the client on what dress they need to wear, the make-up, and even how he or she need to conduct themselves to look presentable.

  • Understand the personality of the client and what their requirements are
  • Provide customized fashion advice based on the inputs and requirements.
  • The consultant will therefore create the tailored suit, outfits, make-up, etc., for the client.
  • To help the client, the fashion consultant needs to be up to date with the current fashion trends.

4. Fashion Merchandiser

If you are a fashion merchandiser, you will probably be working in a retail store tasked and tasked with the role of determining the style and design of the garments. Being a fashion merchandiser, you must be up to date with current fashion trends, as otherwise, the store will not be able to sell its products and make a profit.

  • Keep track of the latest trends and buying patterns of customers.
  • Study how fashion trends change in key demographics.
  • Plan and execute store layout so that it looks trendy, modern, and appealing to customers.

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5. Fashion Stylist

The job role of a fashion designer entails designing images that typically appear in fashion magazines, music videos, etc.

  • The fashion stylist has to be conversant with the current fashion trends and customer behavior
  • He or she will be responsible for advising the client on how they need to look or make something look for visuals.
  • Plan, oversee, and source the various style elements.
  • Oversee shooting projects.

6. Fashion Coordinator

If you want to produce fashion shows, you need to become a fashion coordinator!

Other job roles of a fashion coordinator include merchandising, planning events, and researching fashion trends.

  • Devise design plans
  • Come out with innovative fashion concepts.
  • Attend fashion shows and runway events to catch up with new fashion ideas
  • Select garments, make-up items, and other accessories that can be used for promotional marketing.
  • Organize photoshoots, fashion shows, etc. 
  • Share inputs for marketing and advertising. 
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NIFT Placements - Past Recruiters

If you are a graduate of the NIFTs, chances are you will be picked by some of the biggest names in the fashion industry. Here is a sample of past recruiters.

NIFT Placements - Past Recruiters

121 COUTURE

A K STUDIO

6Y Collective

Achal Jewels Pvt Ltd

AMARNATH HARBANSLAL

Amore Magazine

Anamika Fashions and Exports Pvt. Ltd

Apparel Resources Pvt. Ltd

Aura Jewels

Blackberrys

Cactus Menswear Fashion Private Limited

EshaaAmiin

FAB WORLD

FabjewelsPvt Ltd

Gofab Lifestyleq

Ikya Human Capital Solutions (A Quess Company)

InkBlue Apparels Pvt.Ltd

Monte Carlo

Nandini West

Shahenaz Home Fashion Pvt. Ltd

Singsys

Tripoto

Zomato Media Private Limited

Zorya Fashions Pvt. Ltd (SuhaniPittie)

Q:   How can I apply for NIFT 2026 exam?
A:

The application form for NIFT is closed.

To fill out NIFT registration form

  • Go to NIFT admission portal and click on application link.
  • A registration form will open. Enter registration details like email ID, mobile number, and phone number
  • Upon registration, a unique candidate account will be created.
  • Fill in the rest of the form, including personal, academic, and contact details.
  • Documents candidate has to upload during registration include photograph and signature in JPEG format and size not exceeding 100 kb.
  • Pay application fee to complete application process.
Q:   Can I appear in Situation Test/PI if I don't qualify the NIFT written exams?
A:

The Situation Test/ Personal Interview (PI) are the 2nd stage of the NIFT 2026 entrance exam. Candidates were shortlisted for the Situation Test/ PI based on the NIFT 2026 written exam scores.

Note that if the candidate fails to qualify for the 2nd stage, he or she is not considered for admission to various design courses offered by the NIFTs.

The only exception is B.F.Tech program, where the merit list for admission will be prepared solely on the basis of GAT scores.

In the case of other courses, the merit list will be prepared by giving weightage to the written exams and Situation Test/ PI.

Q:   Will my candidature for NIFT 2026 be cancelled if I select the wrong admission category?
A:

The candidate has to select their admission category at the time of filling out the NIFT 2026 application form. The candidate must make sure that they have the requisite valid and verificable certificate supporting their category.

Note that the category selected by a candidate at the time of submitting the application form will be considered as final.

If a candidate selects a reserved category i.e. SC/ST/OBC (NCL)/EWS/PWD but fails to submitted a valid Category Certificate, he or she will be considered for open category seats provided any benefit of relaxed age or income or cut offs has not been availed by the candidate at any stage of the Admission Process. If any benefit has been availed, the candidate’s application will be rejected. 

Also, if a reserve category candidate is considered for open category, then he/she will have to pay the difference in amount of application fee as applicable for open category.

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NIFT Placement: Required Skill Set/ Functions

Candidates seeking a good job after graduation from NIFT should focus on the following skill set/ functions.

NIFT Placement: Types of Skill Set/ Functions

Advertising

Fashion Photography

Sampling

Buying

Graphic Design

Sourcing

Business Analytics

Innovation

Space Design

CAD / CAM

Inventory Control

Space Management

Category Management

Marketing

Store Management

Costume Design

Merchandising

Styling

Craft Cluster

Warehouse Management

Supply Chain Management

Customer Relations

New Product Development

Teaching

Design Research

Production & Operations

User Research

E-Commerce

Public Relations

Visual Merchandising

Event Management

Quality

Warehouse Management

Fashion Design

Research & Development

Fashion Journalism

Fashion Illustration

Retail

Sales Management

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About the Author
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Sayeba Naushad
Assistant Manager

Sayeba Naushad is a commerce postgraduate from Banaras Hindu University. She has over five years of experience in content writing and editing. She has a nose for current events in design field. At Shiksha.com, she s

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Answered Yesterday

The material kit of NIFT Situation Test 2026 can include the following:

  • Corrugated sheets: 2
  • Cardboard: 1
  • OHP Sheets: 1
  • Translucents Sheet: 1
  • Coloured sheets: 4
  • Ice cream sticks: 8-10
  • Toothpicks: 6-7
  • All pinks
  • Jute Thread: 2m
  • Needle
  • Balloon
  • Clay: 2 colors
  • Chopsticks: 2
  • Quilling strips
  • Paper plate: 2
  • Bubble wrap: 1
  • M

...Read more

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

Some of the important topics for NIFT Situation Test are:

  • Momentoes
  • Badges
  • product Design
  • Set Design
  • Book Cover/Diaries
  • Window Display: For Shoes, Clothes, etc.
  • Accessories
  • Character Design

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 days ago

NIFT Situation Test is a hands on test. It evaluates a candidate skills for material handling and innovative ability with a given set of materials. Candidates are required to make a 3D model.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 days ago

No, there is no negative marking in NIFT Situation Test. Negative marking is only there in NIFT GAT part in stage 1.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 days ago

NIFT exam is among the most competitive and the toughest. So, it is recommended that candidate start their exam preparation in advance, around 1 year before.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 days ago

After completing NIFT 3D model in Situation Test, candidates are required to write a brief explanation of model. This is known as Write Up. It should be clear, concise and structured. It should explain process, inspiration, theme and materials.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 days ago

Technical Ability Test (TAT) and Personal Interview will be conducted for NIFT Stage 2 examination of B.F.Tech. (NLEA). The format of the exam will be in paper-based (OMR) format. 

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 days ago

NIFT Situation Test will be of 2 hours. In this time, candidates have to draw the given 3D model and write about it. 

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 days ago

There is no dress code for the NTA NIFT 2026 Situation Test. But it is advisable to dress up neatly and smartly. Students should avoid chunky jewellry flashy logos for the exam.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 days ago

After NIFT Situation Test, NIFT prepares a final merit list based on the weighted average of GAT, CAT, and Situation Test and Interview scores. Qualified candidates are then invited for counselling.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10