The National Testing Agency (NTA) has opened registrations for the National Institute of Fashion Technology Entrance Examination (NIFTEE 2026). The entrance exam is scheduled for February 8, 2026 . Candidates can apply for various programs, including undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG), lateral entry (NLEA), artisan, and PhD courses at NIFT.
The NIFTEE 2026 examination will be conducted in a hybrid mode. This format allows candidates to choose between a computer-based test (CBT) and a pen-and-paper test (PBT). The NTA will administer the exam across an expanded network of test centers.
Expanded Test City Network
The NTA significantly increased the number of cities hosting the NIFT 2026 examination. The exam will now take place in 100 cities across India. This marks an expansion from the previous 82 test cities, offering wider access for applicants.
Key Application Dates
The NIFT application form 2026 is available online. Prospective candidates must visit the official NTA website atexams.nta.nic.in/niftee/to register. The registration window closes on January 6, 2026 .
Applicants who miss the initial deadline can still submit their forms during a late registration period. This window opens on January 7, 2026 , and closes on January 10, 2026 . A late fee applies to all applications submitted during this grace period.
The late application fee is Rs 5,000 . This amount is charged in addition to the standard application fee. Candidates must complete their applications and fee payments within the specified dates to be eligible for NIFTEE 2026.
Revised Application Fees
The National Testing Agency has reduced the application fees for candidates appearing for single papers in NIFTEE 2026. The new fee structure benefits specific candidate categories. Previously, the registration fee was Rs 3,000 for the general category and Rs 1,500 for reserved categories.
The revised fees apply to applicants for single papers in BDes, BFTech, MFM, MDes, MFTech, or PhD programs. This adjustment makes the entrance examination more accessible to a broader range of students. The fee reduction aims to support candidates from diverse economic backgrounds.
A detailed breakdown of the application fee changes is provided below:
| Category (Single Paper) | New Fee (NIFTEE 2026) | Previous Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Open, OBC-NCL, Open-EWS | Rs 2,000 | Rs 3,000 |
| SC, ST, PwD | Rs 500 | Rs 1,500 |
Examination Details
The NIFT 2026 exam on February 8 will assess candidates for admission to various specialized programs. These include core design disciplines, technology, management, and research. The examination structure evaluates aptitude and design capabilities relevant to the fashion industry.
Further details regarding admit cards, exam patterns, and syllabus will be released by the NTA. Candidates should regularly check the official NTA NIFTEE website for all updates. Adherence to deadlines and guidelines is crucial for all applicants.