NIFT Result 2026 (OUT): Stage 1 Result Link ACTIVE, Download Scorecard for UG/PG, Topper List

The NTA released the NIFT 2026 answer key (FINAL) on March 23, 2026.

The final key was released after considering objections filed by the candidate. There is no provision to challenge the final answer key.

So, the keys included in the FINAL answer key of NIFT 2026 will be considered to the correct and official answers.

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 2026 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 2026 QP around the 3rd week of February 2026.

The NTA will release the recorded responses for the NIFT 2025 written exam before the declaration of results.

The recorded responses can be downloaded online from the NTA website - exams.nta.ac.in/NIFT. To download the recordedd responses, log in using your application number and date of birth.

The NTA will also release the NIFT 2025 question paper along with the recorded responses.

The recorded responses can be used by the candidate to calculate the number of correct attempts, and consequently the probable score. 

 

The National Institute of Technology (NIFT) releases answer keys only for the computer-based GAT test. No answer key are released for the offline-based CAT paper.

The answer key has to be downloaded online from the NIFT admission portal - niftadmissions. In.

Also, the keys are released separately for the B. Des, M.Des B.FTech M.FTech and MFM courses. The key will contain the official answers to questions asked in the entrance exam.

NIFT answer key is released for the GAT paper and the candidate is also given the option to file objections. Objections have to be filed online through the candidate portal. The candidate had to furnish proper proof supporting their claims.

If the challenge filed by the candidate is found to be correct and the answer key is incorrect, the admission committee will delete the key. Also, the correct key (s) are released in the final key. Note that the scores of the candidate will be calculated using the revised key only. The fee paid by the candidate will not be refunded.

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.

NTA/NIFT /Government of India can use the data provided by 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.

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.

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 National Institute of Fashion Technology will release category wise merit lists. These includes the Common Merit Rank (CMR), GEN EWS Rank List, OBC NCL Rank List, SC Rank List, ST Rank List, CMR PwD List, OBC NCL PwD Rank List, SC PwD Rank List, and ST PwD Rank list. The general category candidate will not be considered for admission under reserved category seats. However, candidates belonging to reserved categories will also be considered for admission under the CMR category. Note that the candidate had to select their category at the time of filling out the NIFT 2023 application form.

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 allotment of seats for NIFT 2026 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 2026 merit rank of the candidate.

NIFT 2026 seat allotment process will be conducted around May 2026. The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) will conduct counseling registration for NIFT 2026 soon after the declaration of final results.

Candidates who have qualified in NIFT 2026 can participate in the counseling process. The NIFT 2026 seat allotment for regular UG & PG courses will be announced in multiple rounds. Candidates who are allotted seats have to pay the seat-acceptance fee by the given deadline. 

One big concern students have regarding the delay in the NIFT exams is that the upcoming admission schedule could be cramped. If that had happened, the student would have had very limited time to prepare for the situation test/ personal interview. The other concern was if a student had failed to qualify in the written exams, he would also have limited time to plan his or her next course of action.