NIFT 2026 is the national entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, for admission to Undergraduate and Postgraduate design, technology, and management programmes across 20 National Institute of Fashion Technology campuses in India. The NIFT 2026 Stage 2 Final Result for both UG and PG programmes was declared on June 3, 2026, and counselling registration is expected to open in the last week of June 2026 at nift.admissions.nic.in. This year, 21,307 candidates registered for the exam, competing for 5,076 seats across B.Des, B.FTech, M.Des, M.FTech, and MFM programmes.
NIFT 2026 Latest Update: The NIFT 2026 Stage 2 Final Result (UG & PG) was declared on June 3, 2026 at exams.nta.ac.in/niftee. Candidates can now log in to check their All India Rank (AIR), Common Merit Rank (CMR), and category-wise rank. Counselling registration is the next step, expected to begin in the last week of June 2026 at nift.admissions.nic.in.
- Counselling Registration: NIFT 2026 counselling registration is expected to open in the last week of June 2026 at nift.admissions.nic.in. The registration fee is Rs. 9,300 (non-refundable). In 2025, NIFT counselling began in early July after the result.
- Round 1 Seat Allotment: Round 1 allotment is expected around the 3rd week of July 2026. You must fill and lock your campus and programme preferences on the counselling portal before the deadline to be considered in Round 1.
- Cutoff: NIFT 2026 campus-wise and category-wise closing ranks will be published after each counselling round at nift.admissions.nic.in. In 2025, NIFT Delhi Fashion Design closed at rank 86 (General) in Round 1, and Fashion Communication at rank 54.
- Spot Round: A spot round for remaining vacant seats across all 20 NIFT campuses is expected in the 2nd week of August 2026, conducted on a first-come, first-served basis for eligible candidates who did not receive a seat in earlier rounds.
What is NIFT 2026?
NIFT 2026 is the National Institute of Fashion Technology Entrance Exam, conducted by NTA (National Testing Agency) under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. The exam gives you admission to the four-year Bachelor of Design (B.Des), four-year Bachelor of Fashion Technology (B.FTech), and three postgraduate programmes — Master of Design (M.Des), Master of Fashion Management (MFM), and Master of Fashion Technology (M.FTech) — across 20 NIFT campuses nationwide.
NIFT is widely recognized as India’s premier institution for fashion and design education. A degree from any NIFT campus opens doors to careers in fashion design, textile design, retail management, fashion communication, and fashion technology. For 2026 admissions, NIFT added a new campus at Nava Raipur in Chhattisgarh, taking the total number of campuses to 20.
The NIFT exam has two stages. Stage 1 is the written test — it includes the General Ability Test (GAT) for all programmes and the Creative Ability Test (CAT) for B.Des and M.Des. Stage 2 is a Situation Test for B.Des candidates and a Group Discussion and Personal Interview for PG candidates. The final merit rank uses a weighted combination of Stage 1 and Stage 2 scores.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | National Institute of Fashion Technology Entrance Exam (NIFTEE) |
| Commonly Known As | NIFT Entrance Exam / NIFT 2026 |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Under Ministry | Ministry of Textiles, Government of India |
| Programmes Offered | B.Des, B.FTech, M.Des, MFM, M.FTech |
| Exam Mode (Stage 1) | GAT: CBT (online) | CAT: PBT (pen and paper, offline) |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Exam Stages | Stage 1 (Written Test) + Stage 2 (Situation Test / GD-PI) |
| Total Seats (2026) | 5,076 across all programmes and campuses |
| Total Campuses | 20 NIFT campuses across India |
| Candidates Registered (2026) | 21,307 |
| Exam Centres | 129 centres across 97 cities |
| Final Result Declared | June 3, 2026 |
| Official Website | exams.nta.ac.in/niftee |
| Admissions Portal | nift.admissions.nic.in |
NIFT 2026 Important Dates
The NIFT 2026 cycle is now in the post-result, pre-counselling phase. The final result was declared on June 3, 2026. The next key event is counselling registration, expected in the last week of June 2026. Upcoming events are listed first below, followed by all completed milestones in chronological order for reference.
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Counselling Registration Opens | Last week of June 2026 (expected) | Upcoming |
| Round 1 Seat Allotment | 3rd week of July 2026 (expected) | Upcoming |
| Round 2 Seat Allotment | Late July / Early August 2026 (expected) | Upcoming |
| Spot Round — Remaining Seats | 2nd week of August 2026 (expected) | Upcoming |
| Online Registration Opens | December 8, 2025 | (Over) |
| Last Date to Apply (without late fee) | January 16, 2026 | (Over) |
| Late Fee Application Window | January 17–19, 2026 | (Over) |
| City Intimation Slip Released | January 29, 2026 | (Over) |
| Stage 1 Admit Card Released | February 4, 2026 | (Over) |
| Stage 1 Exam — GAT + CAT | February 8, 2026 | (Over) |
| Recorded Answers (Responses) Released | February 17, 2026 | (Over) |
| Stage 1 Result Declared | March 20, 2026 | (Out) |
| Stage 2 — PG Interviews (New Delhi) | April 6–11, 2026 | (Over) |
| Stage 2 Admit Card Released | April 22, 2026 | (Over) |
| Stage 2 — UG Situation Test | April 26, 2026 | (Over) |
| Final Result — UG & PG | June 3, 2026 | (Out) |
Source: NTA NIFTEE Official Portal
Counselling dates are tentative based on 2025 patterns. Official dates will be confirmed on nift.admissions.nic.in after the formal counselling notification is released by NIFT.
NIFT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The NIFT 2026 eligibility criteria differ for each programme. Before you apply for future cycles, check the age limit and academic qualification requirements carefully. Here is a complete breakdown by programme.
B.Des — Bachelor of Design
- You must have passed 10+2 or an equivalent exam from any recognized Central or State Board.
- You can be from any stream — Science, Commerce, or Humanities. There is no stream restriction for B.Des.
- There is no minimum percentage requirement for the qualifying examination.
- Age limit: You must be 24 years or younger as of August 1 of the year of admission.
- Age relaxation: SC/ST/PwD candidates get 5 additional years, making the upper age limit 29 years for these categories.
B.FTech — Bachelor of Fashion Technology
- You must have passed 10+2 in the Science stream with Mathematics as a compulsory subject.
- Alternatively, a diploma in Engineering (3 years) from a recognized institution is also acceptable.
- Age limit: Same as B.Des — 24 years (29 years for SC/ST/PwD).
M.Des — Master of Design
- Any undergraduate degree from a recognized university is acceptable. No specific stream is required.
- Alternatively, a minimum 3-year UG Diploma from NIFT or NID is also accepted.
- No upper age limit for PG programmes.
MFM — Master of Fashion Management
- Any undergraduate degree (in any discipline) from a recognized university.
- No upper age limit.
M.FTech — Master of Fashion Technology
- You need a B.FTech or BE/B.Tech in Textiles, Textile Chemistry, Fibre Technology, or related engineering fields from a recognized institution.
- No upper age limit.
If you were appearing in your 12th board exam in 2026 and applied for B.Des or B.FTech, your admission is provisional until you submit the final Class 12 marksheet at the time of document verification during counselling.
NIFT 2026 Application Process and Fees
NIFT 2026 registration is now closed. Applications were open from December 8, 2025 to January 16, 2026. A late fee window was available from January 17–19, 2026. If you are planning for NIFT 2027, registration will follow a similar timeline — typically starting in the first or second week of December.
How to Apply for NIFT — Step by Step
- Go to exams.nta.ac.in/niftee and click on "New Candidate Registration."
- Enter your name, date of birth, and mobile number to create your login credentials.
- Fill the online application form with your personal, academic, and programme preference details.
- Upload scanned documents — photograph (passport size), signature, and relevant certificates in the specified format and file size.
- Pay the application fee online using a debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI.
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page for your records.
You should double-check all details before final submission. Changes after submission are allowed only during the official application correction window announced by NTA.
NIFT 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC-NCL / EWS | Rs. 2,000 |
| SC / ST / PwD | Rs. 500 |
| Late Fee Surcharge (additional) | Rs. 5,000 |
The application fee is non-refundable under any circumstances.
NIFT 2026 Registration Statistics
- Total candidates registered: 21,307
- Total test entries recorded: 35,596 (many candidates appeared for both GAT and CAT papers)
- Candidates appeared in Shift 1 (GAT): 18,867
- Candidates appeared in Shift 2 (CAT): 16,729
- Overall attendance rate: 88.44%
- Exam centres: 129 centres across 97 cities
Photo and Signature Guidelines
- Photograph: Recent passport-size, white background, clear face, JPEG format, size between 10 KB and 200 KB.
- Signature: Signed on white paper with black or blue ink, scanned, JPEG format, size between 4 KB and 30 KB.
NIFT 2026 Exam Pattern
The NIFT 2026 Stage 1 exam was conducted on February 8, 2026. It had two distinct tests — the GAT (General Ability Test) and the CAT (Creative Ability Test). The test you need to appear for depends on the programme you applied to. Stage 2 consisted of a Situation Test for B.Des candidates or a Group Discussion and Personal Interview for PG candidates.
Mode of Exam
- GAT: Computer-Based Test (CBT) — conducted online
- CAT: Paper-Based Test (PBT) — conducted offline with pen and paper
Programme-wise Test Requirements
| Programme | Stage 1 Tests | Stage 2 |
|---|---|---|
| B.Des (Bachelor of Design) | GAT + CAT | Situation Test |
| B.FTech (Bachelor of Fashion Technology) | GAT only | None — merit based on GAT score only |
| M.Des (Master of Design) | GAT + CAT | Personal Interview / GD |
| MFM (Master of Fashion Management) | GAT only | Group Discussion + Personal Interview |
| M.FTech (Master of Fashion Technology) | GAT only | Group Discussion + Personal Interview |
GAT — Test Structure and Duration
| Test | Duration | Total Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| GAT — for B.Des and M.Des candidates | 2 hours | 100 MCQ | 100 |
| GAT — for B.FTech candidates | 3 hours | 150 MCQ | 150 |
| CAT — for B.Des and M.Des candidates | 3 hours | Drawing and descriptive tasks | 100 |
GAT — Section-wise Topics
| Section | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Ability | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Data Interpretation (tables, graphs, charts) |
| Communication Ability and English Comprehension | Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, Sentence Correction |
| Analytical and Logical Ability | Logical Reasoning, Verbal and Non-verbal Reasoning, Number Series |
| General Knowledge and Current Affairs | Current events, fashion and textile industry, art, culture, national and international affairs |
| Case Study | Comprehension and short analytical response based on a given scenario |
Marking Scheme
- Correct answer: +1 mark
- Wrong answer: –0.25 marks (negative marking applies in GAT)
- Unattempted question: 0 marks
Negative marking applies in the GAT. Do not guess randomly — attempt only those questions you are reasonably confident about to protect your score.
Final Merit Weightage — Programme Wise
| Programme | GAT Weightage | CAT Weightage | Stage 2 Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Des | 30% | 50% | 20% (Situation Test) |
| B.FTech | 100% | — | — |
| M.Des | 30% | 40% | 30% (Personal Interview / GD) |
| MFM | 70% | — | 30% (GD + PI) |
| M.FTech | 70% | — | 30% (GD + PI) |
For B.Des, the CAT carries the highest single weightage at 50%. This means your creative and drawing ability matters more than any other component for B.Des admission. For B.FTech, only the GAT score decides your rank — Stage 2 is not applicable.
NIFT 2026 Syllabus
The NIFT 2026 syllabus covers two tests — GAT and CAT. The GAT tests academic knowledge, reasoning, and general awareness in an MCQ format. The CAT is a creative drawing test with no fixed prescribed syllabus — it evaluates imagination and design thinking. Here is what each test covers.
GAT Syllabus
- Quantitative Ability: Percentages, ratios, averages, time and speed, profit and loss, basic algebra, geometry, coordinate geometry, data interpretation using tables and bar charts
- Communication Ability and English: Vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, fill-in-the-blanks), sentence correction, reading comprehension passages, grammar (tenses, articles, prepositions)
- Analytical and Logical Ability: Series completion (number and letter series), coding-decoding, blood relations, direction sense, syllogisms, analogies, logical sequences, visual puzzles
- General Knowledge and Current Affairs: National and international events (last 12 months), fashion and textile industry trends, Indian art and handicrafts, culture and heritage, sports, science and technology basics, important government schemes
- Case Study: A passage or real-life scenario is given. You must read it carefully and answer questions or write a brief analytical response. This section tests structured thinking and common sense more than domain knowledge.
CAT Syllabus (Creative Ability Test)
The CAT is a paper-based test with no fixed prescribed syllabus. Your performance is evaluated on these creative parameters:
- Imagination and originality of ideas
- Observation, visualization, and spatial ability
- Sense of colour, form, proportion, and scale
- Design vocabulary and fundamentals
- 2D drawing and 3D visualization skills
- Ability to convert abstract themes into visual expressions
- Craft skill and overall presentation
Practice sketching, colouring, and creative composition regularly. Working with previous year NIFT CAT papers helps you understand the type and style of tasks you will encounter.
NIFT 2026 Stage 2: Situation Test and Personal Interview
Stage 2 of NIFT 2026 is complete. The PG Personal Interviews were held in New Delhi from April 6–11, 2026, and the UG Situation Test was conducted on April 26, 2026. Here is what these tests involved and how they contributed to the final merit score.
Situation Test — For B.Des Candidates
The Situation Test is a hands-on, offline exam. You are given a set of physical materials — such as cloth, wire, paper, foam, and similar items — and asked to create a 3D product or model using those materials within a fixed time. The test evaluates:
- Your ability to handle and transform different materials creatively
- Space and form composition skills
- Innovative and lateral thinking
- Aesthetic sense and craftsmanship
- Presentation — how clearly you can display and explain your final model
The Situation Test carries 20% weightage in the final B.Des merit rank. The remaining 80% comes from CAT (50%) and GAT (30%). Even one position on the Situation Test score can shift your final rank meaningfully.
Personal Interview — For PG Candidates (M.Des, MFM, M.FTech)
PG candidates attended a Group Discussion (GD) followed by a Personal Interview (PI) at NIFT Delhi. The panel evaluated candidates on:
- Career orientation and clarity about why they chose the specific programme
- Academic background and relevant work or design experience
- Communication skills — how clearly you can express your thoughts
- General awareness, current affairs, and knowledge of the fashion or textile industry
- Creative thinking and ability to respond to design-related prompts
The GD-PI carries 30% weightage for M.Des, MFM, and M.FTech programmes.
Stage 2 Qualification Criteria
- Only candidates who qualified Stage 1 (written test) were called for Stage 2.
- The Stage 1 shortlist was based on merit in GAT and CAT as per the respective programme requirements.
- No change of date or centre was permitted for Stage 2 — candidates had to appear from their assigned slot.
NIFT 2026 Result and Scorecard
The NIFT 2026 Stage 2 Final Result for both UG and PG programmes was declared on June 3, 2026 by NTA at exams.nta.ac.in/niftee. This final result combines Stage 1 scores (GAT and CAT) with Stage 2 scores (Situation Test or GD-PI) according to the programme-wise weightage. Your All India Rank (AIR) and Common Merit Rank (CMR) are now available on the candidate portal.
How to Check NIFT 2026 Result and Download Scorecard
- Visit exams.nta.ac.in/niftee.
- Click on the "NIFT 2026 Final Result / Scorecard Download" link on the homepage.
- Log in with your Application ID and Password (or Date of Birth if prompted).
- Your result, composite score, All India Rank, and Common Merit Rank will appear on screen.
- Download and print the scorecard — you need it for counselling registration and campus document verification.
Download and save a printed copy of your NIFT 2026 scorecard immediately. It is a mandatory document during counselling registration and physical verification at the allotted campus.
What the NIFT 2026 Scorecard Contains
- Candidate’s name, roll number, and application ID
- Score in GAT (Stage 1)
- Score in CAT (Stage 1, for B.Des and M.Des)
- Score in Stage 2 — Situation Test or GD-PI
- Final composite score and All India Rank (AIR)
- Common Merit Rank (CMR) used for counselling seat allotment
- Category-wise rank (SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwD as applicable)
NIFT 2026 Merit Calculation — Programme Wise
Your CMR used in counselling is calculated from the weighted composite score shown below:
| Programme | CAT Weightage | GAT Weightage | Stage 2 Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Des | 50% | 30% | 20% (Situation Test) |
| B.FTech | Not Applicable | 100% | Not Applicable |
| M.Des | 40% | 30% | 30% (Interview / GD) |
| M.FTech | Not Applicable | 70% | 30% (GD / Interview) |
| MFM | Not Applicable | 70% | 30% (GD / Interview) |
NIFT 2026 Cutoff: Expected Campus-wise Closing Ranks
NIFT does not announce a fixed cutoff score. Instead, admission is based on your All India Merit Rank, and the closing rank for each programme, campus, and category serves as the effective cutoff. The NIFT 2026 actual cutoffs will be declared during counselling rounds in July–August 2026 at nift.admissions.nic.in. For now, you can use 2025 data as a reference.
NIFT 2025 Cutoff — Round 1 Closing Ranks (Open / General Category)
| Campus | Programme | Opening Rank (2025) | Closing Rank (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIFT Delhi | B.Des — Fashion Communication | 2 | 54 |
| NIFT Delhi | B.Des — Fashion Design | 8 | 86 |
| NIFT Delhi | B.FTech — Apparel Production | 2 | 41 |
| NIFT Mumbai | B.Des — Fashion Communication | 3 | 79 |
| NIFT Mumbai | B.Des — Fashion Design | 16 | 141 |
| NIFT Mumbai | B.FTech — Apparel Production | 5 | 93 |
| NIFT Bengaluru | B.Des — Fashion Design | 35 | 232 |
| NIFT Chennai | B.Des — Fashion Design | 90 | 471 |
| NIFT Hyderabad | B.Des — Fashion Design | 229 | 370 |
| NIFT Kolkata | B.Des — Fashion Design | 226 | 669 |
| NIFT Gandhinagar | B.Des — Fashion Design | 200 | 450 |
| NIFT Bhopal | B.Des — Fashion Design | 516 | 1,671 |
Source: NIFT Admissions Portal
Expected NIFT 2026 Cutoff Ranges (General / Open Category)
| Campus Group | Expected Closing Rank Range (2026) |
|---|---|
| NIFT Delhi | Under 100 |
| NIFT Mumbai | 100–200 |
| NIFT Bengaluru | 130–260 |
| NIFT Hyderabad / Chennai / Kolkata | 300–700 |
| NIFT Gandhinagar / Panchkula / Patna | 400–950 |
| NIFT Jodhpur / Bhubaneswar / Kannur / Others | 600–1,800+ |
A lower rank (closer to 1) means better performance. The cutoff varies each year based on exam difficulty, total applicants, and available seats. Candidates with a rank below 100 have a strong chance at NIFT Delhi or Mumbai for most B.Des specializations.
The 2025 cutoff data above is for reference only. The official NIFT 2026 cutoffs will be published on nift.admissions.nic.in after each counselling round. Do not make final decisions based solely on previous year data.
NIFT 2026 Marks vs Rank
Understanding the NIFT marks vs rank relationship helps you estimate which campuses and programmes are within reach. Your final composite score — calculated by combining GAT, CAT, and Stage 2 scores with the respective weightages — determines your All India Merit Rank.
B.Des Marks vs Rank (Approximate — Based on Past Year Trends)
| Composite Score (out of 100) | Approximate Rank Range | Likely Admission Chances |
|---|---|---|
| Above 85 | 1–100 | NIFT Delhi, Mumbai — top programmes |
| 75–85 | 100–400 | NIFT Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai |
| 65–75 | 400–800 | NIFT Hyderabad, Kolkata, Gandhinagar |
| 55–65 | 800–1,500 | NIFT Patna, Jodhpur, Panchkula, Bhopal |
| Below 55 | 1,500 and above | Smaller NIFT campuses or later counselling rounds |
B.FTech GAT Score vs Rank (Approximate)
| GAT Score (out of 150) | Approximate Rank Range |
|---|---|
| Above 120 | 1–50 |
| 100–120 | 50–200 |
| 80–100 | 200–600 |
| 60–80 | 600–1,200 |
| Below 60 | 1,200 and above |
- For B.Des, the CAT score carries 50% weightage. A high CAT score can significantly boost your rank even with an average GAT score
- Even if you are ranked around 2,000–3,000 in B.Des, you may still get admission at a smaller NIFT campus in later counselling rounds. The spot round often has vacant seats at newer campuses
- For PG programmes, your Stage 2 (interview) marks carry 30% of the final score — strong interview performance can bridge a gap in written test scores
Note: These are indicative figures based on previous year trends. Actual 2026 marks vs rank data becomes confirmed only after the counselling closing ranks are published.
NIFT 2026 Counselling and Admission
NIFT 2026 counselling will be conducted entirely online through the NIFT admissions portal. There will be 3 regular rounds of counselling followed by a spot round for unfilled seats. With the final result declared on June 3, 2026, counselling registration is now the most important upcoming step. You must register on nift.admissions.nic.in, pay the counselling fee, fill your campus and course preferences, and await seat allotment.
NIFT 2026 Counselling: Expected Schedule
| Event | Expected Date (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| Counselling Registration Opens | Last week of June 2026 |
| Document Upload Window | Last week of June 2026 |
| Choice Filling and Locking | Last week of June / Early July 2026 |
| Round 1 Seat Allotment | 3rd week of July 2026 |
| Round 2 Registration and Allotment | Late July / Early August 2026 |
| Round 3 Seat Allotment | Mid-August 2026 |
| Spot Round — Remaining Vacant Seats | 2nd week of August 2026 |
Counselling dates are tentative and will be officially confirmed on nift.admissions.nic.in after the formal notification is released by NIFT. Always check the official portal for the latest schedule.
NIFT 2026 Counselling: Step-by-Step Process
- Register on the counselling portal: Visit nift.admissions.nic.in after the notification is released. Register using your NIFT 2026 Application ID and credentials. Pay the counselling registration fee of Rs. 9,300 (non-refundable, online payment only).
- Upload documents: Upload scanned copies of all required certificates — Class 10 and 12 marksheets, NIFT 2026 scorecard, identity proof, and category certificate (if applicable).
- Fill and lock choices: Select your preferred campus and programme combinations in order of priority. You can choose across all 20 campuses. Lock your choices before the deadline — preferences cannot be changed after locking.
- Seat allotment: Based on your CMR, category, and stated preferences, you receive an allotment letter. The process runs in multiple rounds.
- Accept seat and pay admission fee: Accept the allotted seat within the deadline and pay the admission fee to confirm. Failing to pay forfeits the seat.
- Report to campus: Report to the allotted NIFT campus with original documents for physical verification to complete admission.
Seat Distribution for NIFT 2026 Counselling
- Total seats available: 5,076 across all programmes and 20 campuses
- All-India seats: 4,596 (open to candidates from all states and UTs)
- State Domicile seats: 480 (reserved for candidates from specific states)
- B.Des seats: 3,423 | B.FTech seats: 591 | PG seats: 1,062
Documents Required at the Time of Reporting
- NIFT 2026 Scorecard and Admit Card (printed copies)
- Class 10 marksheet and passing certificate
- Class 12 marksheet and passing certificate (or provisional certificate)
- Category certificate — SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, or PwD (if applicable)
- Date of Birth proof (Aadhaar card or birth certificate)
- Passport-size photographs (at least 6 copies)
- Valid government-issued photo ID
Source: nift.ac.in
NIFT 2026 Top Campuses: Programmes and Seats
NIFT has 20 campuses across India for the 2026 admission cycle. NIFT Delhi is consistently the most sought-after campus and has the lowest (most competitive) closing ranks in every counselling round. Here is an overview of all 20 NIFT campuses.
NIFT 2026: All Campuses at a Glance
| # | Campus | City / State | Key Programmes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NIFT Delhi | New Delhi | B.Des (6 specializations), B.FTech, M.Des, MFM, M.FTech |
| 2 | NIFT Mumbai | Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra | B.Des (5 specializations), B.FTech, M.Des, MFM |
| 3 | NIFT Bengaluru | Karnataka | B.Des (5 specializations), B.FTech, M.Des, MFM |
| 4 | NIFT Chennai | Tamil Nadu | B.Des (6 specializations), B.FTech, MFM |
| 5 | NIFT Kolkata | West Bengal | B.Des (6 specializations), B.FTech, MFM |
| 6 | NIFT Hyderabad | Telangana | B.Des (4 specializations), B.FTech, M.Des, MFM |
| 7 | NIFT Gandhinagar | Gujarat | B.Des (4 specializations), B.FTech, MFM |
| 8 | NIFT Patna | Bihar | B.Des (3 specializations), B.FTech, MFM |
| 9 | NIFT Kannur | Kerala | B.Des (3 specializations), B.FTech, MFM |
| 10 | NIFT Panchkula | Haryana | B.Des (3 specializations), B.FTech, MFM |
| 11 | NIFT Bhopal | Madhya Pradesh | B.Des (3 specializations), B.FTech, MFM |
| 12 | NIFT Jodhpur | Rajasthan | B.Des (4 specializations), B.FTech, MFM |
| 13 | NIFT Rae Bareli | Uttar Pradesh | B.Des (3 specializations), B.FTech, MFM |
| 14 | NIFT Varanasi | Uttar Pradesh | B.Des (3 specializations), MFM |
| 15 | NIFT Bhubaneswar | Odisha | B.Des (3 specializations), B.FTech, MFM |
| 16 | NIFT Kangra | Himachal Pradesh | B.Des (3 specializations), MFM |
| 17 | NIFT Shillong | Meghalaya | B.Des (4 specializations), MFM |
| 18 | NIFT Srinagar | Jammu & Kashmir | B.Des (4 specializations), MFM |
| 19 | NIFT Daman | Daman | B.Des (3 specializations), MFM |
| 20 | NIFT Nava Raipur | Chhattisgarh (new campus — 2026) | B.Des — 102 regular + 21 domicile seats |
B.Des Specializations Available at NIFT
The B.Des programme is offered in six design specializations. Not all specializations are available at every campus:
- Fashion Design — the most popular and most competitive specialization; available at all major NIFT campuses
- Fashion Communication — the most competitive specialization overall, available at Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and others
- Textile Design — available at select campuses including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru
- Accessory Design — available at Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and a few others
- Knitwear Design — available at select campuses
- Leather Design — available at Delhi and a few major campuses
NIFT 2026 total seat summary: 3,423 B.Des seats | 591 B.FTech seats | 1,062 PG seats | 5,076 grand total
How to Prepare for NIFT Entrance Exam
NIFT Stage 1 is now complete for the 2026 admission cycle. If you are preparing for NIFT 2027, here are the most effective strategies for both the GAT and the CAT. Many candidates underestimate the CAT — which carries 50% of the final B.Des merit — and that is the most common reason for a lower rank despite strong GAT performance.
Preparing for the GAT
- Quantitative Ability: Revise Class 9–10 Mathematics — percentages, ratios, averages, geometry, and data interpretation. Practice 15–20 problems daily. Speed matters because the GAT is time-pressured.
- English: Read a quality English newspaper daily. Practice grammar exercises and work on vocabulary through word lists. Timed reading comprehension practice significantly improves your score on comprehension sections.
- Logical Reasoning: Practice a mix of verbal and non-verbal reasoning. Target 15–20 questions per day. Work on series completion, analogies, and direction sense problems.
- General Knowledge and Current Affairs: Follow current events for at least 6 months before the exam. Focus especially on fashion industry news, Indian textile heritage, national and international events, art and culture, and important sports and science milestones.
- Case Study: Practice analytical reading — read a short passage and write a brief structured response within 8–10 minutes. The goal is organizing thoughts quickly and clearly.
Preparing for the CAT
- Practice drawing and sketching every day — at least 1 hour. Work on still life, human figure drawing, and perspective to build a strong foundation
- Develop your sense of colour — study colour theory, shading, shadow, and composition exercises using pencils, watercolours, or markers
- Study fashion illustrations, textile patterns, and design references to build your visual vocabulary
- Practice converting an abstract theme or concept into a 2D visual. The CAT often asks you to develop a design or illustration from a given prompt
- Solve previous years’ NIFT CAT papers to understand typical task formats and time requirements. Many coaching institutes provide these papers
Preparing for the Situation Test (Stage 2 — B.Des)
- Practice making 3D structures using everyday materials — paper, cardboard, cloth, wire, foam, and similar items
- Try different craft techniques: origami, weaving, folding, cutting, and assembling into a cohesive object or display
- Focus on presentation — your model should look neat, purposeful, and creative, with a clear concept behind it
- Work on time management — the Situation Test is strictly time-bound and you must complete the task from start to finish within the given period
For B.Des, the CAT (50% weightage) is the single most important component of your final score. Many candidates score well in GAT but lose their rank due to weak CAT performance. Prioritize CAT practice in your preparation schedule.
FAQs about NIFT 2026
Ques. Has the NIFT 2026 final result been declared?
Ans. Yes. The NIFT 2026 Stage 2 Final Result for both UG and PG programmes was declared on June 3, 2026 by NTA. Candidates can log in at exams.nta.ac.in/niftee to check their All India Rank (AIR), Common Merit Rank (CMR), and category-wise rank, and to download the final scorecard.
Ques. When will NIFT 2026 counselling start?
Ans. NIFT 2026 counselling registration is expected to begin in the last week of June 2026 at nift.admissions.nic.in. The official dates will be announced by NIFT after the formal counselling notification. In 2025, counselling began in early July. There will be 3 regular rounds plus a spot round for remaining seats.
Ques. What is the NIFT 2026 counselling registration fee?
Ans. The NIFT 2026 counselling registration fee is Rs. 9,300, paid online at nift.admissions.nic.in. This fee is non-refundable regardless of whether you get a seat or not. You must pay this fee to participate in choice filling and seat allotment.
Ques. What is the expected cutoff for NIFT Delhi Fashion Design 2026?
Ans. The official NIFT 2026 closing rank for Delhi Fashion Design will be published only after counselling rounds are completed. For reference, the Round 1 closing rank for NIFT Delhi Fashion Design was rank 86 (General category) in 2025. Fashion Communication at NIFT Delhi is even more competitive, with a 2025 closing rank of 54 for General. The 2026 cutoff is expected to be in a similar range.
Ques. What is the eligibility for NIFT 2026 B.Des?
Ans. For NIFT B.Des, you must have passed Class 12 (10+2) from a recognized Central or State Board with at least 5 subjects. No specific stream is required — Science, Commerce, and Arts students are equally eligible. Your age must be below 24 years as of August 1 of the admission year; SC, ST, and PwD candidates get a 5-year relaxation, making the upper limit 29 years.
Ques. How many total seats are there in NIFT 2026?
Ans. NIFT 2026 has a total of 5,076 seats across all programmes and 20 campuses. This includes 3,423 B.Des seats, 591 B.FTech seats, and 1,062 PG seats (M.Des, M.FTech, and MFM combined). Of the total, 4,596 are All-India seats and 480 are state domicile seats.
Ques. What is a good score in NIFT 2026 to get into top campuses?
Ans. For B.Des, a weighted composite score above 75 out of 100 (combining GAT, CAT, and Situation Test) typically places you in the top 100–400 ranks. This is competitive for most B.Des specializations at NIFT Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. A score above 85 puts you in the top 100. For Fashion Communication at NIFT Delhi, competition is the highest — even a rank of 54 was the 2025 Round 1 closing rank for General category.
Ques. How is NIFT 2026 merit calculated for B.Des?
Ans. For B.Des, the final merit score is: CAT score (50%) + GAT score (30%) + Situation Test score (20%). Your All India Rank and Common Merit Rank are based on this weighted composite. The CAT carries the highest single weight, so strong creative performance has the biggest positive impact on your rank. For B.FTech, only the GAT score (100%) is used — no CAT or Stage 2 is involved.
Ques. What is the NIFT 2026 exam pattern?
Ans. NIFT 2026 has two stages. Stage 1 includes the GAT (100–150 MCQs, computer-based, with negative marking of –0.25) and the CAT (offline drawing test, 3 hours, for B.Des and M.Des only). Stage 2 is a Situation Test for B.Des candidates and a Personal Interview / Group Discussion for PG candidates. B.FTech candidates appear only for Stage 1 GAT — no CAT or Stage 2 is required.
Ques. Is there negative marking in NIFT 2026?
Ans. Yes, the NIFT GAT has negative marking. You get +1 for each correct answer and lose 0.25 marks for each wrong answer. There is no negative marking for unattempted questions. The CAT is a drawing-based test — negative marking does not apply to it.
Ques. How many NIFT campuses are there in India in 2026?
Ans. There are 20 NIFT campuses in India for the 2026 admission cycle. The list includes New Delhi, Navi Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Gandhinagar, Patna, Kannur, Panchkula, Bhopal, Jodhpur, Rae Bareli, Varanasi, Bhubaneswar, Kangra, Shillong, Srinagar, Daman, and the newly added NIFT Nava Raipur in Chhattisgarh. All campuses offer B.Des; PG programmes are available at select campuses.
Ques. Can Arts or Commerce students apply for NIFT B.Des?
Ans. Yes. NIFT B.Des is open to students from all streams — Science, Commerce, and Humanities/Arts. There is no stream restriction for B.Des. Any student who has passed 10+2 from a recognized board and meets the age requirement can apply. Only B.FTech requires Science with Mathematics at the 10+2 level.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on official NIFT 2026 notifications and data available as of June 6, 2026. Counselling dates and cutoff ranges listed as "expected" or "tentative" are based on 2025 patterns and are subject to official confirmation by NTA and NIFT. Candidates are advised to refer to the official portals — exams.nta.ac.in/niftee and nift.admissions.nic.in — for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Indicative cutoff and marks-vs-rank data are based on prior year trends and are not guaranteed for 2026.
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There are no official online courses provided by NTA or NIFT based on NIFTEE itself. NIFTEE (the National Institute of Fashion Technology Entrance Examination) is an entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency for admission to NIFT programmes (UG, PG, PhD), but official online preparatory courses by the exam body are not offered.
Yes, you can download the question papers from Collegedunia. You can check here for the NIFT Question Papers, Download NIFT, Official Question Papers with Solution PDF
You can check here for the NIFT 2025 Question Papers, Download NIFT 2025 Official Question Papers with Solution PDF
The candidates must follow the instructions carefully before applying for NIFT 2026. The procedure to apply for the application form of NIFT is given below:
Step 1: The aspirants need to visit the official website of the National Institute of Fashion Technology, i.e., https://www.nift.ac.in.
Step 2: The next step is to look for the Prospectus under “Admission” on the home page of NIFT.
Step 3: The NIFT application portal registration page will open up on the new screen. If you are a new user in the NIFT 2026 entrance examination, click on the "new application portal" and complete the registration process for the NIFT 2026 examination.
Step 4: The next step is to keep the login id and password for registration on NIFT and keep it saved for further login.
Step 5: The candidate needs to fill in the remaining information, such as Education Qualification, Category, etc to complete the form fill-up of the NIFT entrance examination.
Step 6: After that, the candidate is required to identify themselves by uploading their scanned photograph, signature, and other required documents within the given size and pixel to upload in the NIFT Registration, which are mentioned above.
Step 7: The next step is for payment and completing the registration process of NIFT 2026.
The capital of India is New Delhi, which serves as the seat of the central government. Located in the northern part of the country, it hosts the President’s residence, Parliament House, and the Supreme Court. New Delhi is a political, cultural, and historical hub, reflecting India’s rich heritage.
The NIFT entrance exam benefits students aspiring for careers in fashion design, technology, and management. It enables admission to B.Des, B.FTech, M.Des, M.FTech, and MFM programs. Clearing NIFT offers access to reputed institutes, industry exposure, internships, placements, and strong career opportunities in the fashion and lifestyle sector.
The NIFT entrance exam includes questions testing creativity, aptitude, and analytical ability. The GAT section covers quantitative ability, logical reasoning, English comprehension, general knowledge, and current affairs. The CAT focuses on design ability, visualization, creativity, color sense, and innovation. For some programs, a Situation Test or Interview also evaluates problem-solving, material handling, communication skills, and overall suitability for design education.
You can check here for the NIFT 2025 Question Papers, Download NIFT 2025 Official Question Papers with Solution PDF
You can check here for the List of Fashion Design Degree Colleges in Bangalore Based on the 2025 Ranking
You can check here for the NIFT 2025 Question Papers Download NIFT 2025 Official Question Papers with Solution PDF. The exam assesses candidates on their creativity, analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, and knowledge of design trends. The NIFT 2025 Entrance Exam has a total of 120 marks and a duration of 2 hours for GAT, and 150 marks with 3 hours duration for CAT.
Yes, you can get admission to NIFT Mumbai for 2025–26 if you meet eligibility and qualify for the NIFT Entrance Exam (NIFTEE). The online application for NIFT 2026 opened on 8 Dec 2025 and closes on 6 Jan 2026. The entrance exam is scheduled for 8 Feb 2026. After the results, shortlisted candidates attend situation tests and interviews before final seat allotment. Apply through the official NTA/NIFT portal before the deadline
NIFT entrance exam dates 2026 have been released by the NTA. NTA conducts the NIFT on behalf of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) for admission to UG, PG, and PhD programs at NIFT. The NIFT exam will be conducted on 08 February 2026 (Sunday). The Online registration process has already begun. The NIFTEE online registration started on 8th December, 2025, and the last date to register has been extended till 13th January 2026.
Aspirants will have to pay the NIFT application late fee of INR 5000 if submitted after the NIFT application 2026 last date. The submission ofthe Application Form with a late fee is from 14 January 2026 to 16 January 2026. NIFT 2026 will be conducted for admission to courses like B.Des, BF Tech, BF Tech and BDes, MFM, MFM and MDes, MF Tech, and PhD.
How to get admission to the BDes course?
To get admission to the B.Des course, students need to appear for and clear entrance exams like the NIFT Entrance Exam, NID Entrance Exam, CEED, UCEED or any other university entrance exam, followed by Situation Test, Group Discussion and Personal Interview. The eligibilty criteria for B.Des is minimum 50% in the Senior Secondary Examination.
The admission process for the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Gandhinagar involves several steps:
For the undergraduate program, candidates must have passed 10+2 or equivalent exam from a recognized board or 3 or 4-year Diploma recognized by AICTE or a State Board of Technical Education. For the postgraduate program, candidates must have an undergraduate degree from any Institute/University recognized by law in India.
Yes, the NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology) entrance exam is also applicable for Animation Design. The NIFT exam is designed to test the students’ creative as well as general abilities. This makes it different from many other exams that solely depend on a child’s ability to retain information.
However, it’s important to note that the specific courses offered can vary between different NIFT campuses. Therefore, I would recommend checking the specific course offerings at the NIFT campus you are interested in for the most accurate information.
Candidates may also have to submit a portfolio of their work or appear for a studio test or an interview as part of the admission process.
The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Entrance Exam 2024 was conducted on Monday, February 5, 2024. The exam timings for the General Ability Test (GAT) and Creative Ability Test (CAT) were from 9 to 11 am and 2:30 to 5:30 pm respectively. The Stage II exam was scheduled for April 13, 2024.
As for the academic calendar, the session for the academic year 2023-2024 started in July 2023 and will end in June 2024. For the specific start dates of the semesters and other academic activities, it’s best to check the official NIFT website or contact the NIFT administration directly. Please note that the dates can vary slightly based on the course and campus.
Yes, the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) entrance exam does require a +2 qualification. As per the NIFT eligibility criteria, candidates who have passed class 12 or equivalent from any recognized Central/State Board of Secondary Examination are eligible to apply for the NIFT entrance exam. Candidates appearing for the 10+2 exam or equivalent in the year of the entrance exam are also eligible to apply. Please note that the specific eligibility criteria can vary slightly based on the course and program.
The entire tuition fee for the Fashion Design B. Des. programme at NIFT Delhi is INR 12.34 Lakh.
On February 2, 2024, via nift.ac.in, the National Testing Agency (NTA) published the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) 2024 admit card. Candidates must enter their application number and birthdate in order to download the admit card.