NIFT 2026: Application Form Released, Exam Dates Out, Eligibility & Short Syllabus 

The NIFT 2026 Entrance Exam is one of the most prestigious national-level examinations for students aspiring to build a career in fashion, design, technology, and management. The application process for NIFT 2026 has officially begun from 8 December 2025, and the exam date has also been announced.

The examination is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the National Institute of Fashion Technology. Through this entrance exam, admissions are offered to various UG and PG programmes across multiple NIFT campuses in India. This article covers everything you need to know about NIFT 2026, including application dates, exam schedule, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, fees, and counselling process.

NIFT 2026 Key Details

Exam Name	NIFT 2026
Full Form	National Institute of Fashion Technology Entrance Exam
Exam Level	National Level
Conducting Authority	National Testing Agency (NTA)
Courses Offered	B.Des, B.F.Tech, M.Des, MFM, MFT
Application Mode	Online
Exam Mode	CBT (GAT) & PBT (CAT)
Official Website	nift.ac.in

NIFT 2026 Official Exam Dates

The NIFT 2026 exam schedule has been officially released. Candidates must keep track of all important events to ensure they do not miss deadlines.

Online Application Starts	8 December 2025
Last Date to Apply	6 January 2026
Late Fee Application Window	7 – 10 January 2026
Application Correction Window	12 – 14 January 2026
Admit Card Release	1st Week of February 2026
NIFT Entrance Exam Date	8 February 2026
Answer Key Release	3rd Week of February 2026
Result Declaration	4th Week of March 2026
Interview / Situation Test	April 2026
Final Result Declaration	4th Week of April 2026
Counselling Begins	May / June 2026

NIFT 2026 Application Form

The NIFT 2026 application form is available online only. Candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria before applying.

• Registration started from 8 December 2025
• Application mode is online only
• Candidates must enter their correct personal, academic, and contact details
• Upload a scanned photograph and signature in the prescribed format
• The application fee is non-refundable
• Take a printout of the submitted form for future reference

NIFT 2026 Application Fee

Category	Programme	Fee
Open / OBC-NCL / EWS	Single Programme	Rs. 2000
SC / ST / PwD	Single Programme	Rs. 500
Open / OBC-NCL / EWS	Two Programmes	Rs. 3000
SC / ST / PwD	Two Programmes	Rs. 750

Payment can be made via debit card, credit card, or net banking.

NIFT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

For B.Des & B.F.Tech Programmes

• Age Limit: Maximum 24 years as on 1 August 2026
  (5-year relaxation for reserved categories)
• Qualification: Passed 10+2 or equivalent from a recognised board
• B.F.Tech Requirement: Mathematics must be a compulsory subject
• Appearing Candidates: Eligible to apply

For M.Des, MFM & M.F.Tech Programmes

• Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university
• Final-year students are also eligible

NIFT 2026 Exam Pattern

The NIFT entrance exam consists of GAT (General Ability Test) and CAT (Creative Ability Test) depending on the course.

• GAT: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
• CAT: Pen & Paper Based Test (PBT)
• Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Language: English & Hindi
• Negative Marking: 25% deduction for each wrong answer

Section-wise Marks Distribution (B.Des / M.Des)

Section	B.Des	M.Des
Communication Ability	40	50
Quantitative Ability	20	20
Analytical & Logical Ability	15	25
GK & Current Affairs	25	25
Total	100	120

NIFT 2026 Syllabus: Major Topics

The syllabus is designed to assess a candidate’s creative, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

• Quantitative Ability: Ratios, percentages, profit & loss, speed & distance
• Communication Ability: Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, idioms
• Analytical & Logical Reasoning: Puzzles, patterns, inference
• General Knowledge: Fashion industry, current affairs, general awareness
• Creative Ability (CAT): Drawing, design thinking, visualisation

NIFT 2026 Preparation Tips

• Start preparation early to avoid pressure
• Practice drawing and sketching daily
• Solve previous years’ question papers
• Focus on design fundamentals
• Stay updated with fashion and design trends

NIFT 2026 Exam Centres

NIFT exam centres are located across major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Udaipur, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Raipur, Varanasi, Gurugram, Dehradun, Coimbatore, Madurai, Nagpur, Jammu, and more.

NIFT 2026 Admit Card

The NIFT 2026 admit card will be released in the first week of February 2026. Candidates can download it using their application number and date of birth. It will include the exam centre, date, timing, and important instructions.

NIFT 2026 Result & Cut Off

• Result Declaration: Fourth week of March 2026
• Merit list prepared based on GAT, CAT & Situation Test
• Cut-off depends on difficulty level, number of candidates, seats, and past trends

NIFT 2026 Counselling & Reservation Criteria

Category	Reservation
SC	15%
ST	7.5%
OBC-NCL	27%
GEN-EWS	10%
PwD	5%

Counselling will be conducted online in multiple rounds starting May/June 2026.

The NIFT 2026 Entrance Exam is a golden opportunity for students aspiring to build a successful career in fashion, design, and technology. With the application form released and exam dates announced, candidates should begin their preparation without delay. Stay updated with official notifications and prepare strategically to secure admission into your desired NIFT campus.

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