NIFT 2026 Exam (UG/PG): Notification, Exam Dates, Registration, Syllabus, Question Paper & Preparation

The eligibility criteria may differ depending on the course opted by the candidate. For instance, candidates seeking admission to the B. Des course needs 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 candidates.

There are 19 NIFTs that will accept NIFT 2026 Scores for admission purposes. These institutes are known as participating colleges.

However, in addition to the participating colleges, there are other private colleges that will also consider NIFT 2026 scores for admission to their UG and PG design courses. The candidates are urged to go through the list of result-sharing institutes.

The NTA will not edit/ modify/ alter any information entered by the candidate under any circumstances. It will also not entertain requests for change in information. So, you must exercise utmost caution when filling up the form.

Request for corrections made by any candidates through Post/Fax/ WhatsApp/ Email/ by hand will not be entertained by NTA.

When filling out the NIFT 2026 application form, you will have to upload your photograph and signature. The accepted specifications for the documents are mentioned below. Photograph - Upload only a recent scanned passport size color photograph. The accepted file size should be no more than 100KB. The accepted format is jpeg only. Signature - The scanned signature should be in Blue/Black ink on white background. The accepted file size is 100KB (maximum). The file should be in jpeg format only.

The candidate will be given the option to edit the NIFT 2026 application form in the second week of January 2026.

Using the NIFT application edit option, the candidate will be able to edit or correct some of the information in the application form. Some of the details the candidate can edit include name, date of birth, category, state domicile, etc. However, the candidate is not allowed to edit the exam city. The schedule for the application correction will be notified by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) at its admission portal - niftadmissions.in.

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.

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFTs) will follow the following reservation criteria:

The candidate has to select their category of admission at the time of filling out the application form and attach supporting documents. The admission officials will verify all relevant documents at the time of counseling.

Note that if the candidate fails in the verification process, he or she will be considered for admission under the open category. 

The role of the NTA is confined to registration of candidates and the conduct of the NIFT 2026 exam. The finalization of NIFT 2026 answer keys after inviting challenges, processing and declaration of results and preparation of the list of qualified candidates will be done by NTA in collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology.

Note that the NIFT answer key will only be released for the GAT paper. No key will be released for the offline-based GAT paper.

In case there unfilled seats in the OBC (NCL), EWS and domicile (Open) and domicile (OBC NCL) category, these seats will be converted to open category after a minimum of two rounds of seat allocation. 

The candidate has to select their category at the time of filling out the NIFT application form. Also, the candidate must ensure that they have the requisite valid and verificable certificate for the category chosen.

If the candidate fails to submit proper documents, he or she will be considered under open category. Also

In the event of any ineligibility being detected by NIFT /NTA at any stage of the NIFT admission process, the candidature of the candidate will be cancelled. Further, legal action also may be initiated. NTA will not verify the information provided by the candidates during online registration and hence candidature will be purely provisional subject to the fulfillment of eligibility criteria.

The candidate must check all the details carefully after downloading the NIFT admit card 2026. This includes checking the spelling of your name, the date and timings of the exam, name and address of the allotted exam centre, etc. In case there are any discrepancies, like your name is wrongly spelled, you must contact exam officials immediately. NIFT officials in most cases also issues a helpline for students to tackle such cases. You can call NIFT officials at this number or email them to get things sorted. Given the sensitivity of the matter, it is important that you don't wait for until too late to get the admit card issue resolved.

The admit card of NIFT will carry the following information: The name, photography and signature of the candidate NIFT  roll number The name and address of the NIFT exam centre Exam timings, including exam date Exam centre code Reporting time Exam-day guidelines The candidate must carefully check the details mentioned in the admin card and ensure that they are correct and legible. If there are any discrepancies, the candidate must contact exam officials and get them rectified.

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 exam pattern for NIFT GAT varies from one course to another. The total number of questions asked in NIFT GAT is mentioned below: BDes: 100 questions, BFTech: 150 questions, MDes: 120 questions, MFTech: 150 questions, MFM: 150 questions. Note that the GAT or the General Ability Test will be conducted in a computer-based mode. Questions will be objective-type. The GAT paper for the B. Des and M.Des programs will be of 120 minutes. However, the GAT paper for the B.FTech, M.FTech, and MFM courses will be for 180 minutes.

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).

The NIFT CAT exam will be administered in an offline mode and will be a drawing-based exam. During the course of the exam, the candidate is not allowed to write any personal details and place identification marks. The CAT exam will evaluate the candidate on parameters like intuitive ability, power of observation in concept development, and design ability. To prepare for the CAT the candidate needs to work on geometrical shapes, product drawing, line quality, shading, human figures, principles of composition, etc. To improve ones figure drawing skills, one may stick drawing, before moving on to block drawing, and then evolving to add clothes and other items.

Here are tips for NIFT exam preparation. 

1. Check NIFT exam pattern and syllabus. 
2. Check the topics and plan accordingly
3. Ensure you follow only the updated syllabus.
4. Stay updated with trends, fashion shows, exhibitions, etc.
5. Make a timetable taking into account the difficulty level of each topic.
6. Solve sample papers and previous years' question papers.
7. Take mock tests.

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) may or may not conduct mock tests. So, the candidate can take mock tests conducted by elswhere. Typically, the more mock tests a candidate takes, you can prepare better. That being said, mock tests are usually taken closer to the exam. For instance, by taking mock tests, you learn management skills, along with improving problem-solving skills. Note that the candidate must solve sample papers and previous years NIFT question papers, along with taking mock tests, to effectively prepare for the exam.

For B. Des and M.Des course admissions, candidates need to appear for CAT and GAT. NIFT Syllabus for CAT is such that candidates need to attempt drawing questions in the paper. Some topics that candidates should practice while preparing for the exam are design theory, creative thinking, and writing, elements and principles of design, principles of composition, etc. For GAT. Candidates should study topics such as quantitative ability, English comprehension, logical reasoning, etc.

The fee structure for the design courses offered by the NIFTs is published in the information brochure. The NIFT fee structure includes components like tuition fees, library fees, exam fees, mediclaim, etc. Additional, the fee may also be divided into refundable and non-refundable types.

We can have a look at 2025 fee structure and understand the NIFT fee structure (Regular): 

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.

It is recommended that the candidate make NIFT sample papers a part of their exam preparation strategy from the very beginning. For one, it will help the candidate evaluate their progress, hone their problem solving skills, and get a taste of the types of questions that will be asked in the entrance exam. Since at the start, most of the NIFT syllabus will be untouched, the candidate may focus on the topic they are preparing at that moment. In addition to the sample papers, the candidate must also keep solving the problem Sets given at the end of the chapter or end of the book. It is also important that the candidate keeps a close tab on the exam pattern and syllabus when solving the sample papers.

There is no fixed number of sample papers that the candidate needs to solve for the NIFT exam. That being said, the candidate must solve as many sample papers as possible to improve their problem-solving and time-management skills. To get the most out of the sample papers, it is recommended that the candidate start solving sample papers as early as possible. For instance, the candidate may solve sample questions after completing a chapter. Along with solving the sample papers, it is also important for the candidate to analyze their performance. This exercise will help the candidate identify weak areas or pain points and fix them.

The National Institute of Design releases the official sample papers of NIFT on its admission portal. These sample papers are available for all the UG and PG courses offered by the NIFT participating institutes. To download the sample papers, the candidate simply needs to click on the sample paper they want to download. There is no need to create an applicant account or provide any other applicant details to download the sample papers. However, if the candidate wishes to download sample papers published by coaching institutes, he or she may be required to create an account. Further, the candidate in most cases have to pay a fee to use the sample papers.

The NIFT answer key objection window will close once the draft key is released. To submit objections, you have to:

1. Go to the NTA NIFT admission portal 

2. Click on the objection submission link

3. A log-in window will open

4. Log in using candidate credentials

1. Once you log in, you can access the objection form

2. Enter you roll number, date of birth, program, and question booklet series

3. Select the answer key you want to challengeSelect the Question number

4. Attach the supporting documents and describe your observation in concise and clear terms

5. Make the payment of INR 200 per objection (note, the fee is non-refundable)

Once you are done, submit the application.

Yes, the NTA will upload the carbon copy of the OMR answer sheet along with the answer key.

The candidate could download their OMR sheets by logging into the portal using their candidate log-in details. The carbon copy of the OMR answer sheet as the name indicates is a record of the candidates responses in the entrance exam. The OMR sheet can be used by the candidate in conjunction with the GAT answer key to check the status of the answers (correct or incorrect). Next the candidate can use the official marking scheme to calculate probable score.

NTA will release the FINAL answer key of NIFT 2026 in April 2026.

The final key will be released after considering complaints filed by candidates against the provisional key. Consequently, no further objections against the final key will be entertained. This means, the keys given in the final key will be considered to be the correct keys to all the questions asked in the NIFT exam.

The candidate can use the keys given in the final answer key to precisely calculate their expected scores.

The NIFTs currently offers the following specializations at the B.Des level - Fashion Design,  

Leather Design, Accessory Design, Textile Design, Knitwear Design, and Fashion Communication.

Admission to the above courses will be on the basis of NIFT 2025 scores. Currently, there are 18 participating institutes that offer a combined intake of 5,289 seats (including domestic and NRI/Foreign national seats). Note that NRI/Foreign national don’t need to appear in the NIFT entrance exam.

The program-wise total seat intake for the B.Des programme is given below:

NIFT is not only one of the most competitive entrance exams in the country, with a large number of applicants, but it is also among the toughest. The syllabus for the NIFT exam is quite vast, and most of the questions can range from medium to difficult.

So, to prepare for an exam like NIFT, you need to have enough time in your hands.

If you are only beginning your NIFT 2025 now, you will have enough time to go through the entire syllabus. 

However, if 4 months is all you have, you need to pace your preparation accordingly. For instance, it will be foolhardy to try to complete the entire syllabus from the get go, because that you will put unnecessary pressure on yourself and things can only get complicated.

Instead, what you can do is make a list of high-scoring, easy-to-prepare topics. First master these topics as fast as you can. Make a study plan if you need to. Once you are done with these topics, you can move to the next category of topics, and continue this strategy until you complete the entire topic.

Also, if you are not able to complete a topic because you are finding it too difficult, don’t panic and waste time jostling with it for long. Leave it for the time being, and come back to tackle it later if you have time in your hands.

Do solve sample papers and previous years NIFT papers as much you can.

NTA doesn't allow any objection window against the final key. This means, the keys included in the final key are final and officially the correct answers to questions asked in the GAT exam.

The FINAL answer key of NIFT 2025 will be released tentatively in the last week of June 2026.

The candidate can use the answers given in the final key to calculate the number of correct attempts and consequently the probable score.

Note, the NTA will release the recorded responses and NIFT 2026QP around the 3rd week of February 2026.

The information provided by the candidate when filling out the NIFT 2026 application form are verified by NIFT officials before any candidate is considered for admission in the first week of June.

The verification of original documents is conducted online. 

Note that at the time of counseling registration, the candidate is required to upload documents. 

Also, if the certificates are in any other language than Hindi/ English, then a certified translation in Hindi/ English produced duly verified by the issuing institution/ gazetted officer. If the candidate fails to produce the translation, the candidate may be denied admission. 

PG candidates will be evaluated on the various parameters as listed below by a panel, in the Personal Interview:

1. Career orientation 

2. Aptness for the course 

3. Overall personal achievements in academics and co-curricular activities 

4. Communication 

5. General awareness, aptitude, creative and lateral thinking 

Candidates will be shortlisted for the PI based on their performance in the written exam - GAT (and CAT in case of M.Des program).

Please note that NIFT reserves the right to modify the entrance examination scheme. This includes non-conduct of any stage (s) due to unforeseen circumstances.

The NIFT exam includes two stages - The candidate first appears in the written exams, and if shortlisted has to next appear in a Situation Test/ Personal Interview (PI).

Note that the written exams for the B.Des and M.Des program includes the GAT and CAT, whereas for the other programs the written exam includes only the GAT.

The final score for the B. Des programme will be prepared by considering the performance of the candidate in CAT, GAT and the Situation Test. In case of the B.FTech programme, the merit list will be prepared based on GAT scores.

NIFT Final Result: Weightage

Programme	Test	Weightage
Bachelor of Design (BDes)	CAT	50%
	GAT	30%
	Situation Test	20%
Bachelor of Fashion Technology (BFTech)	GAT	100%
Master of Design (MDes)	CAT	40%
	GAT	30%
	GD/PI	30%
Master of Fashion Technology (MFTech)	GAT	70%
	GD/PI	30%
Master of Fashion Management (MFM)	GAT	70%
	GD/PI	30%

The, cut-off of NIFT for the various academic courses is not fixed. This is because the cut-off depends on variables like seat intake, the performance of applicants in the NIFT exam, total number of applications received for admission, etc. Now these variables may change from year to year. For instance, the number of candidates appearing in NIFT and qualifying the exam may be different across the years. And when that happens, the cut-off also changes. Typically, if the seat intake increases, the cut-off goes down and vice versa. Likewise, if the number of applicants increases, expect a higher cut-off.

NIFT Delhi is frequently ranked among the top design colleges in the country. So, the admission cut-off for the institute is pretty high, especially when compared to the lower ranked colleges. This is because being a higher ranked college, NIFT Delhi receives a higher number of applicants. Another factor is more number of higher ranked candidates want to get admission in the institute, which also pushes up the cut-off. On the other hand, lower ranked colleges are not a priority for the top ranked candidates; meaning a higher number of lower ranked candidates applies to these institutes. This keeps the cut-off low in these institutes.

The National Instituite of Fashion Technology will release the NIFT 2026 at the time of seat allotment and counseling.

The cut-offs will be available institute and category-wise for all the program at nift.admissions.nic.in.

The cut-offs will be prepared by considering factors like the seat intake, the merit rank of candidates, admission category, etc. Note that if the seat intake is increase the cut-off would likely go down and vice versa.

The cut-offs are available for the following titles:

• Opening and Closing Rank Details for NIFT UG Counselling 2026
• Opening and Closing Rank Details for NIFT UG (Lateral Entry) Counselling 2026
• Opening and Closing Rank Details for NIFT PG Counselling 2026

To download the cut-offs, visit: https://nift.admissions.nic.in/or-cr/

NTA/NIFT /Government of India can use the data provided by the candidate for internal purpose(s) including training, research and development, analysis and other permissible purpose(s). However, this information will not be shared with any third party or private agency for any other use.

The NIFT 2024 application form will open shortly. When filling out the form, the candidate will have to upload the following documents.

• Self-attested certificates of qualifying examination, i.e.10+2/degree (marks sheet and certificate)

• In case the candidate has appeared for qualifying exam/compartment (of final year/semester) and the result is due, the date sheet /admit card for examination has to be uploaded.

• Birth certificate (Secondary School Mark Sheet & Certificate) (Original and Photocopy).

• SC, ST, OBC-NCL, PwD certificate that is issued in the name of candidate.

• Certificate of Medical Fitness to be signed by a Registered Medical Practitioner in the prescribed format.

• Self declaration for seeking provisional admission only in case, the result of qualifying examination is yet to be declared.

 

Additionally, the candidate will also have to upload an undertaking regarding anti-ragging and refund of fees. 

The exam timings for the NIFT 2026 exam is given in the table below:

Program	Test	Test Timings (Tentative)
Bachelor of Design	GAT	9 am - 11 am
	CAT	2.30 pm - 5.30 pm
Bachelor of Fashion Technology	GAT	9 am - 12 noon
Bachelor of Fashion Technology & Bachelor of Design	GAT	9 am - 12 noon
	CAT	2.30 pm - 5.30 pm
Master of Design	GAT	9 am - 11 am
	CAT	2.30 pm - 5.30 pm
Master of Fashion Technology	GAT	9 am - 12 noon
Master of Fashion Management	GAT	9 am - 12 noon
Bachelor of Design (Lateral Entry)	GAT	9 am - 11 am
Bachelor of Fashion Technology (Lateral Entry)	GAT	9 am - 12 noon

Please note that entry to the NIFT 2025 exam centre will be closed 30 minutes before the commencement of the exam. 

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.

The candidate will have the option to select NIFT 2026 exam centres at the time of filling out the application form.

The NIFT exam will be conducted across 82 cities in India. Note that each exam city may have one or more than one exam centre. So, the candidate will only be able to select an exam city, but not an exam centre. The exam centre will be allocated by the admission committee after considering factors like the address of the candidate, number of test centres in the city selected by the candidate, seat intake etc. The details of the exam centre allocated to the candidate will be mentioned in the admit card.

The candidate can select a maximum of THREE exam cities; the entries must be in the order of pririty.

 

The NIFT exam is among the competitive and is also considered among the toughest. So, it is recommended that the candidate starts their exam preparation early. NIFT exam has various components like written exam and Situation Test /Personal Interview. Candidates seeking admission to the B. Des and M.Des courses need to prepare for both the CAT and GAT. The CAT is a drawing-based exam. Now unless the candidate is already well-versed, the exam will be very difficult. So, start early. The same goes for the GAT.

The written tests for the NIFT 2026 exam will be held in the second week of February 2026 (tentative). The detailed schedule will also be released soon by NTA. The written tests comprise a General Ability Test (GAT) and a Creative Ability Test (CAT). GAT is mandatory for all candidates, but CAT is only required for BDes and MDes candidates. 

The GAT test is considered in a computer-based mode, whereas the CAT is offline based. Note that scores of the written exams will be used to shortlist candidates for a Situation Test/ Personal Interview.

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.

Important or relevant information about the NIFT 2026 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. 

The GAT paper for all the B.Des and M.Des courses will be conducted from 9 am - 11 am (tentatively). Meanwhile, the GAT written exam for B.F.Tech, M.F.Tech, and M.F.M. courses are expected to be conducted from 9 am - 12 noon.

Candidates needed to report to the NIFT 2026 exam centre at least an hour in advance.

Note that the CAT paper for the B. Des and M.Des courses will be held from 2.30 pm - 5.30 pm.

The purpose of reporting early is to complete admission formalities, including registration, frisking, verifying the identity of the candidate, etc. Note that the exam timings and reporting time for the NIFT exam will be mentioned in the admit card.

On the day of the NIFT exam, the candidate must bring the following items with them: NIFT 2026 admit card, A valid photo id proof, HB Pencil, Eraser, Sharpener, Dry Colours Note that if the candidate arrives at the exam centre without the admit card and photo id proof, he or she will not be allowed to take the NIFT 2026 exam. However, the following items are not allowed inside the exam venue: Water bottle, Papers, Notes, Books, Calculator Electronic gadgets Mobile phone Bag Handbag Correction marker/ white fluid.