NTA released the Statistics for NIFT Entrance Exam 2026 along with the results. The statistics include the number of candidates in each stage, shift, programme, etc. It also released the data on the basis of gender. In this article, we will have a look at the number of students who registered and appeared for the NIFT Examination under different categories, gender and stages of the exam for NIFT UG and PG programmes.
NIFT Statistics
NTA conducted the NIFT Stage 1 Entrance Exam on February 08, 2026 for all the UG and PG programmes. NIFT UG Programmes included Bachelor of Design (B.Des.), Bachelor of Fashion Technology (B.F.Tech.), B.Des. (Artisans) and NIFT PG Programmes included Master of Design (M.Des.), Master of Fashion Management (M.F.M.), Master of Fashion Technology (M.F.Tech.) and Lateral Entry Programmes - B.Des. (NLEA), B.F.Tech. (NLEA) for NIFT Admissions. There were 129 centres located in 97 Cities. The exam was conducted in Hindi and English mediums in Computer-Based Test (CBT) / Paper-Based Test (PBT) mode.
A total of 21307 unique candidates registered for the NTA NIFTEE 2026 Stage 1 examination. The exam was conducted in shifts on the same day: NIFT GAT and NIFT CAT. Total registration received for NTA NIFT Stage 1 was 40247. Of these, 35596 appeared for the exam, marking an overall attendance of 88.44%.
- NIFT Stage 1 Statistics 2026
- Number of candidates for NIFT Stage 1 for UG and PG Programmes
- Category-wise Distribution: Stage 1
- Gender-wise Distribution: Stage 1
- NIFT Stage 2 Statistics for Personal Interview
- NIFT Stage 2 Statistics for Situation Test
NIFT Stage 1 Statistics 2026
Check out the NIFT Stage 1 registered and appeared statistics.
| Shift | Examination | Registered | Appeared |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shift 1 | General Ability Test (GAT) | 21,307 | 18,867 |
| Shift 2 | Creative Ability Test (CAT) | 18,940 | 16,729 |
| Grand Total | - | 40,247 | 35,596 |
Commonly asked questions
The allotment of seats will be based on:
- Choice opted at the time of counseling registration (academic programs + campuses)
- The category of the candidate
- Seat intake in the college opted for admission
- NIFT merit rank of the candidate.
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.
The NIFT Situation Test is a hands-on test that B. Des candidates need to appear in after qualifying the written exam. During the Situation Test the candidate has to make a model. Note that the material for making the model will be provided to the candidate inside the exam hall; no other material expect that provided to the candidate is allowed. So, candidates appearing in the Situation Test must not bring any additional materials for the Situation Test. The Situation Test will be evaluated on the spot. It is mandatory for the candidate to draft a write-up explaining the model.
Important or relevant information about the NIFT 2027 exam will be sent by NTA through e-mail on the registered e-mail address and/or through SMS on registered mobile number only. Also, the NTA will not be responsible for any non-communication/ miscommunication with a candidate in the email address or mobile number given by him/her other than his/her own.
Number of candidates for NIFT Stage 1 for UG and PG Programmes
The exam for NIFT Stage 1 was conducted in two shifts for NIFT GAT and NIFT CAT. 21307 candidates registered for GAT and 18,867 appeared. 18,940 registered for CAT and 16,729 appeared.
| Course | Shift 1 (GAT) Registered | Shift 1 (GAT) Appeared | Shift 2 (CAT) Registered | Shift 2 (CAT) Appeared |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Design (GAT) | 13,916 | 12,546 | 13,916 | 12,486 |
| Bachelor of Fashion Technology | 1,179 | 982 | NA | NA |
| Bachelor of Fashion Technology and Bachelor of Design (GAT) | 3,433 | 2,947 | 3,433 | 2,892 |
| Bachelor of Design (NLEA) | 61 | 48 | NA | NA |
| Bachelor of Fashion Technology (NLEA) | 15 | 14 | NA | NA |
| Master of Design (GAT) | 1,079 | 929 | 1,079 | 921 |
| Master of Fashion Management | 1,044 | 908 | NA | NA |
| Master of Fashion Management and Master of Design (GAT) | 512 | 442 | 512 | 430 |
| Master of Fashion Technology | 68 | 51 | NA | NA |
| Grand Total | 21,307 | 18,867 | 18,940 | 16,729 |
Category-wise Distribution: Stage 1
The number of candidates for Shift 1 and Shift 2 for NIFT CAT and NIFT GAT for different categories is given below.
| Category | Shift 1 (GAT) Registered | Shift 1 (GAT) Appeared | Shift 2 (CAT) Registered | Shift 2 (CAT) Appeared |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OBC-NCL (As Per Central List) | 5,248 | 4,850 | 4,601 | 4,246 |
| Open | 12,046 | 10,632 | 10,813 | 9,538 |
| Open-EWS | 884 | 834 | 799 | 752 |
| Scheduled Caste | 2,134 | 1,779 | 1,858 | 1,532 |
| Scheduled Tribes | 995 | 772 | 869 | 661 |
| Grand Total | 21,307 | 18,867 | 18,940 | 16,729 |
Commonly asked questions
NIFT Stage 2 will have Situation Test and Personal Interview.
| Programme | Stage 2 Components |
|---|---|
| B.Des (Bachelor of Design) | Situation Test – Model-making, material handling, creativity, innovation |
| B.Des (NLEA) | Studio Test + Personal Interview |
| B.Des (Artisans) | Artisan Skill Test + Personal Interview |
| B.F.Tech (NLEA) | Technical Ability Test (OMR-based) + Personal Interview |
| PG Programmes (M.Des, M.F.M., M.F.Tech) | Personal Interview |
NIFT situation test will test candidate on Colour scheme, Space visualization, Construction skill, Finesse of the model, Composition of elements, Overall presentation, Innovative and creative use of given material, etc. Situation Test will be evaluated on the spot.
Model made by candidate will not be kept for future reference. Candidate must make sure that their model is unique and stands out from the crowd. After making model, candidate must write about the model- write-up explaining the model.
The reporting time for NIFT entrance exam will be mentioned on the admit card issued to candidates.
Programmes | Test | Examination Time |
|---|---|---|
Bachelor of Design | GAT | 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon |
CAT | 03:00 PM to 06:00 PM | |
Bachelor of Design (NLEA) | GAT | 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon |
Bachelor of Fashion Technology | GAT | 10:00 AM to 01:00 PM |
Bachelor of Fashion Technology (NLEA) | GAT | 10:00 AM to 01:00 PM |
Bachelor of Fashion Technology and Bachelor of Design | GAT | 10:00 AM to 01:00 PM |
CAT | 03:00 PM to 06:00 PM | |
Master of Design | GAT | 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon |
CAT | 03:00 PM to 06:00 PM | |
Master of Fashion Management | GAT | 10:00 AM to 01:00 PM |
Master of Fashion Management and Master of Design | GAT | 10:00 AM to 01:00 PM |
CAT | 03:00 PM to 06:00 PM | |
Master of Fashion Technology | GAT | 10:00 AM to 01:00 PM |
NIFT 2027 Situation Test will be tentatively conducted on April 26, 2027.
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Gender-wise Distribution: Stage 1
The number of candidates for Shift 1 and Shift 2 for NIFT CAT and NIFT GAT for each gender is given below. There were more female candidates can male in the NIFT Stage 1.
| Gender | Shift 1 (GAT) Registered | Shift 1 (GAT) Appeared | Shift 2 (CAT) Registered | Shift 2 (CAT) Appeared |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FEMALE | 17,612 | 15,643 | 15,752 | 13,967 |
| MALE | 3,695 | 3,224 | 3,188 | 2,762 |
| Grand Total | 21,307 | 18,867 | 18,940 | 16,729 |
NIFT Stage 2 Statistics for Personal Interview
NIFT Stage 2 exam was conducted in April for the shortlisted candidates. Interview was conducted for NIFT PG and Situation test was conducted for NIFT UG. Personal Interviews for NIFT PG Programmes (M.Des., M.F.M., M.F.Tech.) were conducted in New Delhi from April 06, 2026 to April 11, 2026.
| Programme | Registered | Appeared |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Design (M.DES.) | 680 | 553 |
| Master of Fashion Management (M.F.M.) | 608 | 759 |
| Master of Fashion Technology (M.F.Tech.) | 51 | 36 |
| M.Des. & M.F.M. both | 442 | 355 |
| Grand Total | 2081 | 1703 |
Commonly asked questions
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.
There is no dress code for the NTA NIFT Situation Test. But it is advisable to dress up neatly and smartly. Students should avoid chunky jewellery and flashy logos for the exam.
The allotment of seats for NIFT will be based on the following parameters:
- Choice opted at the time of counseling registration (academic programs + campuses)
- The category of the candidate
- Seat intake in the college opted for admission
- NIFT merit rank of the candidate.
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NIFT Stage 2 Statistics for Situation Test
Check out the statistics for NIFT Stage 2 Situation test.
| Programme | Registered | Appeared |
|---|---|---|
| B.Des (Artisans) | 53 | 34 |
| B.Des (NLEA) | 48 | 27 |
| B.F. Tech (NLEA) | 14 | 7 |
| B.F. Tech & B. Des. (Both) | 2,064 | 1,717 |
| Bachelor of Design (B.Des) | 9,886 | 8,647 |
| Grand Total | 12,065 | 10,432 |
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