The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced the addition of two new cities for the National Institute of Fashion Technology Entrance Examination (NIFTEE 2026). Vapi, located in Gujarat, and Daman, within the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, are now included in the list of available examination centers. This expansion brings the total number of NIFTEE 2026 exam cities nationwide to 102, up from the previous 100.
Prospective students must complete their online registration for NIFTEE 2026 on the official NTA website by January 6, 2026 . The entrance examination itself is scheduled for February 8, 2026 . It will be conducted across India in two formats: a computer-based test (CBT) and a pen-and-paper test (PBT).
NIFTEE 2026 Application Details
Candidates applying for Bachelor of Design (BDes) and Master of Design (MDes) programs through NIFTEE 2026 must adhere to specific deadlines and fee structures. The NTA has outlined dates for application submission, late fees, and form corrections.
Key Application Dates
- Regular Application Submission Deadline: January 6, 2026
- Late Application Submission Window: January 7-10, 2026
- Application Correction Facility Open: January 12-14, 2026
- NIFTEE 2026 Examination Date: February 8, 2026
Application Fees Structure
The NTA has specified a reduced single-paper application fee for NIFTEE 2026. Different fees apply based on the candidate’s category, with an additional charge for late submissions.
| Candidate Category | Regular Application Fee | Late Application Fee (in addition to regular fee) |
|---|---|---|
| Open, OBC-NCL, EWS | Rs 2,000 | Rs 5,000 |
| SC, ST, Persons with Disabilities (PwD) | Rs 500 | Rs 5,000 |
Applicants who miss the initial January 6 deadline can submit their forms during the late application window from January 7 to 10, 2026 . A penalty fee of Rs 5,000 will apply, in addition to the standard category-specific application fee.
Expanded Examination Centers
The decision to include Vapi and Daman as new NIFTEE 2026 exam centers was made following a direct request from the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). According to an official NTA notice, this expansion aims to provide greater accessibility and convenience for candidates residing in these regions.
Applicants who have already submitted their NIFT application forms are permitted to change their selected examination city. The application form correction facility will be available online from January 12 to 14, 2026 . During this period, candidates can update their preferences and opt for Vapi or Daman if suitable.
NIFTEE 2026 Examination Format
The NIFTEE 2026 entrance examination is a critical step for admissions into various design courses offered by NIFT. The exam will be conducted simultaneously across all 102 centers on February 8, 2026 . Candidates will have the option to take the test either via a computer-based format or using traditional pen-and-paper methods, depending on the specific test components and center facilities.
How to Apply for NIFTEE 2026
All interested candidates must apply online through the National Testing Agency’s dedicated NIFTEE portal. The application form and detailed information bulletin are available atexams.nta.nic.in/niftee. Applicants are advised to carefully review the eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and syllabus before commencing their application process.