The National Testing Agency (NTA) is set to commence online registration for National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) 2026 admissions. Aspiring students for undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) design programs must apply through the official NIFT website, nift.ac.in.
Alongside the opening of applications, the NTA will also publish the precise NIFT 2026 exam dates and detailed schedule. For reference, the NIFT 2025 entrance exam was conducted on February 9 across 82 test cities nationwide. This historical timing suggests a similar schedule for the upcoming 2026 examination cycle.
NIFT 2026 Application Process and Fees
The entire application process for NIFT 2026 will be conducted exclusively online. General category candidates are required to pay an application fee of Rs 3,000 . A reduced fee of Rs 1,500 applies to candidates from Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories, and all female applicants.
Eligibility for NIFT Admissions 2026
Candidates must meet specific criteria to be eligible for NIFT 2026. Applicants should have successfully passed their Class 12 examination or be enrolled and appearing for their upcoming board examinations in 2026. For undergraduate programs, a maximum age limit of 24 years is enforced, calculated as of August 1 of the admission year. There is no upper age limit for postgraduate programs.
NIFT Academic Programs
NIFT offers a diverse range of programs for qualified candidates across its campuses. These include:
- Bachelor of Design (BDes)
- Bachelor of Fashion Technology (BFTech)
- Master of Design (MDes)
- Master of Fashion Management (MFM)
- Master of Fashion Technology (MFTech)
NIFT 2026 Entrance Exam Structure
The NIFT 2026 entrance examination evaluates candidates through a two-stage process. This includes the General Ability Test (GAT) and the Creative Ability Test (CAT).
General Ability Test (GAT) Breakdown
The GAT is designed to assess general aptitude and knowledge. It consists of multiple-choice questions distributed across several sections:
| Section Name | Total Questions |
|---|---|
| Communication Ability and English Comprehension | 40 |
| Quantitative Ability | 20 |
| Analytical and Logical Ability | 15 |
| Current Affairs and General Knowledge | 25 |
| Total Questions | 100 |
Creative Ability Test (CAT) Details
The CAT focuses on evaluating a candidate’s core design skills. This test assesses design intuition, conceptual clarity, observational abilities, and the creative use of colors. Candidates are required to produce illustrative responses, which are then evaluated for their presentation, originality, and overall artistic merit.
NIFT Campus-wise Seat Distribution 2026
NIFT campuses across India offer a specific number of seats for their various undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Key seat allocations for some prominent campuses are:
- NIFT Delhi: 376 seats
- NIFT Bengaluru: 304 seats
- NIFT Kannur: 287 seats
- NIFT Hyderabad: 266 seats
- NIFT Patna: 244 seats
Applicants are advised to visit the official NIFT website regularly for the latest updates on registration deadlines, examination procedures, and comprehensive admission information.