NIFT Acceptance Rate 2025 - Year-wise Trends and Seat-Acceptance Rates
National Institute of Fashion Technology Entrance Exam 2026 ( NIFT Entrance Exam )
If you are seeking admission to one of the top NIFTs, the acceptance rate should be at the back of your mind. So, here we bring you year-wise acceptance rates along with trends and key insights. Keep reading.
NIFT Acceptance Rate
NIFT Acceptance Rate 2025 - The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) is expected to release the acceptance rates for NIFT 2025 once the admission process concludes. The NIFT admission cycle starts around November-December and ends with NIFT counselling and seat allotment around June-July.
The NIFT seat acceptance rate of the NIFTs will include details like the number of registered, applied, and accepted candidates. The acceptance rate is the ratio of candidates accepted against the number of applicants. The higher the NIFT acceptance rate, the greater the chance of admission. In contrast, if the acceptance rate is low, it means the competition is higher and so there is a low chance of admission. The NIFT 2025 competition ratio is roughly 1 seat for every 4-5 candidates who qualify.
Explore colleges based on NIFT Entrance Exam
Want better recommendations?
There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.
- Chat with our counselor
- Get your personalised list of colleges & exams matching your preferences
Read here all you need to know about NIFT acceptance rates.
The candidate can find the exam analysis for NIFT over the last few years on this page. The NIFT exam analysis is available for both the CAT and GAT papers. The exam analysis for a specific year will cover the sectional and overall difficulty level of the paper, types of questions asked, and marking scheme. It will also cover the expected cut-off that candidates need to secure in their category to get shortlisted. The candidate by consulting the cut-off for previous years will learn about the emerging trends of the NIFT exam, like whether the difficulty level has increased or decreased, types of questions asked, etc.
The exam analysis of the GAT and CAT papers will be released after conclusion of the written exams.
We will have our representatives covering the exam from the NIFT 2025 exam center, who brings you live exam analysis. The NIFT exam analysis 2025 will covers various aspects like the difficulty level, types of questions asked, expected cut-off, etc.
The written exams for NIFT 2025 will comprise the CAT and GAT exams. The written exams are conducted in February 2025.
As per the exam analysis, the difficulty level of the NIFT 2024 question paper was easy to moderate. The CAT question paper, accoding to a majority of candiates, was also pretty easy.
Explore more Design exams with upcoming dates
1 Aug '25 - 30 Nov '25
30 Nov '25
11 Sep '25 - 1 Dec '25
1 Sep '25 - 7 Dec '25
1 Nov '25 - 19 Dec '25
1 Nov '25 - 31 Dec '25
15 Nov '25 - 31 Dec '25
1 Jan '26
2 Jan '26
1 Sep '25 - 15 Jan '26
- NIFT Acceptance Rate 2025
- Key Takeaways from NIFT Acceptance 2025 Rate Trends
- Year-wise NIFT Seat Acceptance Rate
- NIFT Admission Process 2025
- NIFT Seat Matrix 2025
- NIFT Fee Structure 2025
NIFT Acceptance Rate 2025
Check the table below for year-wise NIFT acceptance rate. Candidates are selected through NIFT entrance exam.
| Academic Session |
Registration |
Seats |
Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-2026 |
TBA |
TBA |
TBA |
| 2021-22 |
20242 |
3777 |
18.7% |
| 2020-21 |
26604 |
3810 |
14.3% |
| 2019-20 |
29195 |
3692 |
12.6% |
| 2018-19 |
31862 |
3305 |
10.4% |
| 2017-18 |
29000 |
3319 |
11.4% |
| 2016-17 |
26160 |
3279 |
12.5% |
| 2015-16 |
27537 |
3006 |
10.9% |
| 2014-15 |
26391 |
2742 |
10.4% |
| 2013-14 |
19436 |
2680 |
13.8% |
Key Takeaways from NIFT Acceptance 2025 Rate Trends
Here are a few takeaways from the NIFT 2025 acceptance rate that can be derived from the existing data.
- The acceptance rate was highest in the 2020-21 academic session. This can be mainly attributed to the smaller number of applicants.
- In the academic year 2020-21, only 20242 applied for admission against 3777 seats filled.
- The acceptance rates in 2018-19 and 2014-15 were the closest. Both sessions recorded an acceptance rate of 10.4%
- Looking at the trends, there is no clear indication that the acceptance rate is going up or down.
- The acceptance rate curve has alternated between an increase and a decrease in the acceptance rate.
- The acceptance rate depends on various factors, like available seat intake and the total applicants. If any of these factors change, the acceptance rate will also change.
Year-wise NIFT Seat Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate is a parameter that shows how competitive an exam is. Now, the acceptance rate of the NIFTs is on average around 15%. This means one seat is allocated per seven applicants.
NIFT Acceptance Rate 2021
The NIFT acceptance rate for the academic session 2021 was 18%. It represented the highest acceptance rates by the NIFTs. A total of 20,242 candidates registered for admission in the session, out of which 3777 candidates got admission. Admission categories included regular, State Domicile, and NRI candidates.
NIFT 2021 Acceptance Rate
| Category |
Seats |
Total seats filled |
|---|---|---|
| Regular |
3901 |
3427 |
| State Domicile Seats |
334 |
161 |
| NRI seats |
458 |
189 |
| Total |
4693 |
3777 |
Candidates seeking admission to the B. Des and M.Des course also need to take the Creative Ability Test CAT written exam, in addition to the GAT. The CAT exam will be conducted in an offline, pen-pencil mode. CAT will be a drawing-based exam of 3 hours duration. The CAT will evaluate various skills of the candidate including Intuition skill, power of observation, innovation in the development of a concept as well as design ability. Further, it will examine the creative as well as innovative use of color and illustration skills of aspirants. It is mandatory for B. Des and M.Des candidates to appear in the CAT paper, or else they will not be invited for the Situation Test.
The participating institutes of NIFTs offer a 4-year B.FTech programme. Admission to the programme is based on GAT scores.
- The NIFT GAT question paper for the programme will be approximately 180 minutes and will be bilingual.
- Candidates will have the option to take the exam either in English or Hindi.
- The question type will be multiple-choice.
- The question paper will have a total of 150 questions.
- Questions will be asked from the following FIVE sections - Communication Ability and Comprehension, Case Study, Quantitative Ability, Analytical & Logical Ability, and GK and Current Affairs. The mode of NIFT exam for the GAT paper will be a computer-based test (or CBT).
NIFT Lateral Entry Admission (NLEA) provides an opportunity to candidates who have completed their Diploma in relevant or related fields of Design & Technology for direct admission to the third semester of UG programmes of NIFT.
Eligible candidates have to appear in the NIFT 2026 entrance exam to get lateral admission. Admission under lateral entry scheme will be strictly on merit of NIFT 2026 exam, which will include written examination, studio test/ technology aptitude test, and a personal interview.
Candidates selected through lateral entry will join the regular UG students of NIFT in their second year.
The seat intake under this scheme will be displayed on the website prior to seat allocation.
NIFT Acceptance Rate 2020
A total of 26,604 candidates applied for admission to various design courses at the NIFTs in the academic year 2020. Of these, 3810 candidates got admission.
Refer to the table below for more information.
| Category |
Seats |
Total seats filled |
|---|---|---|
| Regular |
3442 |
3160 |
| State Domicile Seats |
313 |
152 |
| NRI seats |
444 |
191 |
| Total |
4517 |
3810 |
NIFT Admission Process 2025
- The NIFTs currently offer B.Des, B.F.Tech, M.Des, M.F.M, and M.F.Tech courses.
- Admission to these courses will be through the NIFT 2025 entrance exam.
- The NIFT Stage 1 exam includes the written exams - CAT and GAT.
- NIFT 2025 exam pattern: The GAT will be conducted online, whereas CAT will be an offline exam.
- Candidates who get shortlisted must appear in a NIFT Situation Test / Personal Interview.
- The NTA FINAL merit list of NIFT 2025 will be prepared by giving weightage to the written exams and NIFT Situation Test and NIFT Personal Interview.
- All candidates who meet NIFT 2025 cut-off will get admission.
NIFT Seat Matrix 2025
The participating colleges of NIFT 2025 have a combined intake of 3,289 seats. The program- and category-wise seat intake is given in the tables below. Currently, there are 19 NIFT 2025 participating colleges.
The Seat intake of NIFT 2025 are:
| Bachelor Programs - Bachelor of Design (B.Des) |
TOTAL |
TOTAL |
TOTAL |
G. TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open, SC, ST, OBC(NCL), GEN-EWS, PwD (Open, SC, ST, OBC (NCL) |
State Domicile |
NRI/Foreign National |
G. Total |
|
| Fashion Design (FD) |
610 |
68 |
64 |
742 |
| Leather Design (LD) |
152 |
0 |
20 |
172 |
| Accessory Design (AD) |
542 |
54 |
58 |
654 |
| Textile Design (TD) |
606 |
75 |
62 |
743 |
| Knitwear Design (KD) |
296 |
14 |
36 |
346 |
| Fashion Communication (FC) |
610 |
68 |
64 |
742 |
| Total |
2816 |
279 |
304 |
3,399 |
The NIFT 2025 Seat Matrix of B.F.Tech are:
| Bachelor Program - Bachelor of Fashion Technology (B.F.Tech.) |
TOTAL |
TOTAL |
TOTAL |
G. TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open, SC, ST, OBC(NCL), GEN-EWS, PwD (Open, SC, ST, OBC (NCL) |
State Domicile |
NRI/Foreign National |
G. Total |
|
| Apparel Production (AP) |
542 |
49 |
61 |
652 |
The NIFT 2025 Seat Matrix of B.F.Tech are:
| Master Programs |
TOTAL |
TOTAL |
TOTAL |
G. TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open, SC, ST, OBC(NCL), GEN-EWS, PwD (Open, SC, ST, OBC (NCL) |
State Domicile |
NRI/Foreign National |
G. Total |
|
| Master of Design (M.Des.) |
254 |
21 |
29 |
304 |
| Master of Fashion Management (M.F.M) |
644 |
75 |
67 |
786 |
| Master of Fashion Technology (M.F.Tech.) |
136 |
0 |
12 |
148 |
| Total |
1034 |
96 |
108 |
1238 |
NIFT Fee Structure 2025
If you plan to get admission to one of the NIFTs, it is logical that you have a fair idea about the NIFT 2025 fee structure for various design courses.
NIFT Fee Structure B.Des and B.F.Tech courses
| Academic Fee Semester Wise For Non-NRI Category (In INR) (For UG Courses) |
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year |
2023-24 |
2024-25 |
2025-26 |
2026-27 |
||||
| Semeste |
Semester 1 |
Semester 2 |
Semester 3 |
Semester 4 |
Semester 5 |
Semester 6 |
Semester 7 |
Semester 8 |
| Tuition Fee (Non-Refundable) |
143000 |
143000 |
150000 |
150000 |
158000 |
158000 |
166000 |
166000 |
| Library Fee (Non-Refundable Per Year Payment) |
9500 |
0 |
10000 |
0 |
10500 |
0 |
11000 |
0 |
| Mediclaim & Student Development Fee (Non-Refundable Per Year Payment) |
4700 |
0 |
4900 |
0 |
5100 |
0 |
5400 |
0 |
| Exam Fee (Per Year) |
4700 |
0 |
4900 |
0 |
5100 |
0 |
5400 |
0 |
| Total |
161900 |
143000 |
169800 |
150000 |
178700 |
158000 |
187800 |
166000 |
| One Time Payments |
||||||||
| Security Deposit (Refundable) |
12000 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Alumni Association Membership Fee (Non-Refundable) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5900 |
0 |
| Registration Fee (One Time) |
9300 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Total |
21300 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5600 |
0 |
| Total |
183200 |
143000 |
169800 |
150000 |
178700 |
158000 |
193700 |
166000 |
News & Updates
Explore Other Exams
11 Sep '25 - 1 Dec '25 | NID DAT 2026 Registration Date |
2 Dec '25 - 4 Dec '25 | NID DAT 2026 Application Corre... |
2 Jan '26 | UCEED 2026 Issue of Admit Card... |
18 Jan '26 | UCEED 2026 Exam DATE |
Nov '25 | UID DAT 2026 Application |
11 Jan '26 | UID DAT 2026 exam date |
8 Sep '25 - 13 Jan '26 | Pearl Academy Application Form... |
17 Jan '26 - 19 Jan '26 | Pearl Academy Admit Card 2026 ... |
Nov '25 | AIEED 2026 Application START D... |
20 Dec '25 | AIEED 2026 Exam Date |
30 May '25 | Cycle 2: Semester 1 Fee Paymen... |
17 May '25 | Cycle 2: Acceptance Deadline |
1 Aug '25 - 30 Nov '25 | SEED 2026 Online registration ... |
5 Jan '26 | SEED 2026 Admit Card (B.Des) |
Jul '25 | PESSAT DAT 2025 Application Cl... |
Jan '25 | PESSAT DAT 2025 Exam START Dat... |
11 May '25 | FDDI AIST 2025 Exam date |
8 May '25 | FDDI AIST Admit Card (for stud... |
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 months ago
The fee for M.Des programme offered at NIFT is around INR 8 Lakhs.
| Fee Components | Fee Amount (2 Years) (2025) |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | 5.86 Lakhs |
| Hostel Fees* | 2.21 Lakhs |
| One-time payment* | 27,200 |
| Total fees | 8.35 Lakhs |
* Hostel fee is calculated on the basis of 1st year. Actual amount may vary. The fees might include components other than hostel fees. Meal Plan is not included in the mentioned fee.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
The fee of the B.Des programme at NIFT is around INR 14 lakhs.
| Semester | NIFT Fees 2024 (INR) | NIFT Fees 2025 (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | 1,83,200 | 1,91,700 |
| Semester 2 | 1,43,000 | 1,50,000 |
| Semester 3 | 1,69,800 | 1,78,700 |
| Semester 4 | 1,50,000 | 1,58,000 |
| Semester 5 | 1,78,700 | 1,87,800 |
| Semester 6 | 1,58,000 | 1,66,000 |
| Semester 7 | 1,93,700 | 2,03,200 |
| Semester 8 | 1,66,000 | 1,74,000 |
| Total (4 Years) | 13,42,400 | 14,09,400 |
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), New Delhi, is the best based on the India Today ranking (2025).
NIFT Delhi is considered the best NIFT campus in India because of the following:
It consistently ranks No. 1 among all NIFTs (India Today Ranking: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022 and 2021)
It has
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
The NIFT entrance exam is considered moderately difficult. The level of difficulty of the exam depends on a student's strengths and preparation. Since seats are limited and competition is high, even average questions feel tougher due to the pressure.
B.Des exam tests creativity, design aptitude, obse
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
The educational qualification for NIFT admissions varies from course to course:
| Programme | Educational Qualification Required |
|---|---|
| B.Des (Bachelor of Design) | Passed 10+2 (Class 12) in any stream (Science, Commerce, Arts, Humanities) from a recognised board |
| B.FTech (Bachelor of Fashion Technology) | Passed 10+2 (Class 12) in any stream, but Mathematics as a subject in 10+2 is compulsory |
| M.Des (Master of Design) | Undergraduate degree in any discipline from a recognised university |
| M.FTech (Master of Fashion Technology) | B.FTech from NIFT or B.E./B.Tech from a recognised university |
| MFM (Master of Fashion Management) | Undergraduate degree in any discipline from a recognised university |
S
Contributor-Level 10
The exam analysis for NIFT 2026 written exam will be available soon after completion of CAT and GAT written exams. It will consist difficulty level, types of questions asked, marking scheme, and expected cut off. Also, the analysis will highlight any technical issues during NIFT. With analysis, candidates will be able to assess their performance and check what went right and what went wrong. Future aspirants also can go through the NIFT exam analysis to learn about the exam.