NIFT 2026 Exam: Notification, Date, Eligibility, Syllabus, Preparation

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) is one of India’s premier fashion and design institutes. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in design, management, and technology. Graduating from NIFT opens doors to careers in fashion design, textile design, fashion communication, accessory design, and fashion management. NIFT 2026 is a gateway for creative students who wish to pursue a career in fashion, combining innovation with industry-ready skills.

Key Dates and Schedule for NIFT

Note: Dates are tentative. Candidates should check the official website regularly for updates.

Eligibility Criteria For NIFT Entrance Exam

• Educational Qualification:

  • For Undergraduate Programs (B.Des/B.F.Tech): Candidates must have passed 10 2 (or equivalent) examination.

  • For Postgraduate Programs (M.Des/M.F.M): Candidates must have a relevant undergraduate degree in design, arts, management, or technology.

• Age Limit:

  • No strict upper age limit for NIFT 2026, but candidates should check specific program criteria.

• Nationality:

  • Indian Nationals, NRI, and Foreign Nationals are eligible, but application processes may differ slightly.
    
    

Application Process for NIFT Entrance Exam

1. Registration: Create an account on the official NIFT website.

2. Filling the Form: Enter personal, academic, and contact details carefully.

3. Uploading Documents: Upload scanned photographs, signature, and required certificates.

4. Payment of Fee: Pay the application fee online via debit/credit card or net banking.

5. Confirmation: Submit the application form and take a printout for reference.

Application Fee (Tentative):

• General / OBC: ₹3000

• SC / ST / PwD: ₹1500
  
  

Exam Pattern for NIFT Entrance Exam

NIFT 2026 has two main stages: Written Test and Situation Test / Interview, depending on the program applied for.

• B.Des / M.Des:

  • Creative Ability Test (CAT): Measures creativity, visualization skills, and innovation.

  • General Ability Test (GAT): Covers quantitative ability, communication, analytical ability, and general knowledge.

  • Situation Test: Evaluates practical skills and material handling for design programs.

• B.F.Tech / M.F.M:

  • GAT only: For analytical, logical, and managerial aptitude.

• Mode: Offline / Online (as per official notification)

• Duration: CAT – 2 hours, GAT – 2 hours, Situation Test – 2 hours

• Marking Scheme: Objective subjective questions; detailed marking is provided in the official notification.

Syllabus for NIFT Entrance Exam

Creative Ability Test (CAT)

• Visualization of concepts and ideas

• Creativity and innovation in design

• Design sensitivity and color sense

• Sketching and rendering

General Ability Test (GAT)

• Quantitative Ability: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry

• Communication Ability: English grammar, comprehension, vocabulary

• Analytical Ability: Data interpretation, problem-solving

• General Knowledge and Current Affairs: Fashion, culture, social awareness

Situation Test (For B.Des / M.Des)

• Material handling and construction tasks

• 3D problem solving

• Creativity in real-life scenarios

Preparation Tips and Strategy for NIFT

• Time Management: Divide time between CAT, GAT, and Situation Test preparation.

• Study Plan: Daily practice of sketching, reading, and analytical problems.

• Recommended Books and Resources:

  • NIFT previous year papers

  • Design and creativity books (e.g., Design Drawing by Francis D.K. Ching)

  • Online mock tests

• Mock Tests: Regular practice of CAT and GAT papers improves speed and accuracy.

Focus on building a strong portfolio for design courses; it greatly influences final selection.

Admit Card for NIFT Entrance Exam

• Download: Available online on the NIFT official website.

• Details Mentioned: Candidate’s name, roll number, exam center, and schedule.

• Exam Day Instructions:

  • Carry a printed admit card and valid photo ID

  • Reporting time at the exam center

  • No electronic devices allowed

Result and Selection Process

• Result Declaration: Available on the official website in April 2026 (tentative).

• Selection Process:

  • For B.Des / M.Des: CAT GAT Situation Test / Interview

  • For B.F.Tech / M.F.M: GAT scores only

• Counselling and Admission: Candidates called for counseling based on merit list. Document verification is mandatory.