The National Testing Agency (NTA) will close the application window for the National Institute of Fashion Technology Entrance Examination (NIFTEE 2026) with an included late fee tomorrow, January 19 . Prospective students must submit their NIFT 2026 application form through the official website atexams.nta.nic.in/niftee.
The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) is a premier institution in India for fashion, design, and technology education. NIFTEE 2026 serves as the entrance examination for admission to a range of academic programs. These include undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG), lateral entry (NLEA), artisan, and PhD courses.
NIFT 2026 Application Fees with Late Charge
All application submissions made by the deadline of January 19 will incur a late fee of Rs 5,000. This late fee is added to the standard application charges. The total payable amount varies by candidate category and the specific program group applied for. Refer to the table below for the consolidated fee structure, which includes both the regular and late fees:
| Candidate Category | Application Fee (Standard Programs) | Application Fee (BDes, BFTech, MDes, MFM Programs) |
|---|---|---|
| General, Gen-EWS, OBC (NCL) | Rs 7,000 (Rs 2,000 regular + Rs 5,000 late) | Rs 8,000 (Rs 3,000 regular + Rs 5,000 late) |
| SC, ST | Rs 5,500 (Rs 500 regular + Rs 5,000 late) | Rs 5,750 (Rs 750 regular + Rs 5,000 late) |
NIFT 2026 Examination Schedule and Mode
The NIFT 2026 entrance examination is scheduled to take place on February 8 . The NTA will conduct the examination in a hybrid mode. This format typically combines both computer-based and paper-based testing components. The exam will be administered across 102 designated test cities nationwide, providing wide access for applicants from various regions.
Application Correction Window Opens Soon
Following the closure of the application submission window, the NTA will facilitate a period for form corrections. Candidates who have already submitted their applications will have the opportunity to edit their forms. The NIFT application correction window will open on January 20 and close on January 21 . Applicants must utilize this two-day period to rectify any errors in their submitted details.
Understanding the NIFT 2026 Exam Pattern: GAT and CAT
The NIFT 2026 entrance examination evaluates candidates through two primary tests: the General Ability Test (GAT) and the Creative Ability Test (CAT). Each section is designed to assess different critical skills essential for success in fashion and design education.
General Ability Test (GAT) Structure and Scoring
The GAT assesses a candidate’s general aptitude and analytical capabilities. This test comprises four distinct sections, collectively totaling 100 marks. The Communication Ability and English Comprehension section carries 40 marks, designed to evaluate language proficiency and verbal understanding. The Quantitative Ability section is allotted 20 marks, focusing on numerical and mathematical problem-solving skills. Analytical and Logical Ability accounts for 15 marks, measuring critical thinking and reasoning. Lastly, Current Affairs and General Knowledge contributes 25 marks, assessing awareness of contemporary events and broader factual knowledge. Each section contributes to the overall GAT score.
Creative Ability Test (CAT) Assessment Criteria
The Creative Ability Test (CAT) specifically evaluates a candidate’s creative potential and artistic acumen. This section assesses multiple skills vital for design-oriented disciplines. It tests a candidate’s fundamental design sense and their capacity for generating innovative ideas. Observation skills are also a key component, alongside creativity in the effective use of colors. Drawing ability forms another core element of the CAT evaluation. Candidates are required to express their answers graphically, showcasing their visual communication proficiency. The assessment of these submissions focuses heavily on the overall presentation quality, including clarity, aesthetics, originality, and the innovative nature of the design solutions presented.