The National Testing Agency (NTA) is set to release the NIFT 2026 admit card in the first week of February. Check the official Stage 1 exam schedule for February 8, city intimation slip updates, and mandatory instructions for CAT and GAT for all B.Des and M.Des aspirants.

With the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) 2026 registration window officially closed, thousands of design aspirants are now entering a week of high anticipation. The National Testing Agency (NTA), which serves as the conducting body for the entrance test, is expected to release the official city intimation slip and admit card shortly. As of today, January 31, 2026, the schedule for the Stage 1 written examination remains fixed for February 8, 2026. Candidates across the country are finalizing their preparation for the General Ability Test (GAT) and the Creative Ability Test (CAT), which together form the gateway to India’s premier fashion campuses.

Admit Card Release Timeline and Download Steps

The NTA typically releases the hall ticket approximately one week prior to the examination date. Following this trend, the NIFT 2026 admit card is expected to be available for download on the official portal by February 4. This document is a mandatory requirement for entry into the testing center and contains vital information such as the candidate's roll number and specific venue details.

• Digital Access: Candidates must log in to the official NTANIFT website using their application number and date of birth to download the admit card.
• City Intimation: Before the hall ticket is issued, the NTA releases a city intimation slip to help students plan their travel to one of the 102 designated test cities.
• Discrepancy Check: Upon downloading the admit card, candidates are advised to verify their photograph, signature, and category details to ensure no administrative errors exist.
• No Offline Delivery: The university has clarified that no physical copies of the admit card will be sent via post; the process remains entirely digital.

Detailed Exam Schedule for February 8, 2026

The NIFT 2026 entrance cycle follows a rigorous one-day schedule featuring different testing modes for various programs. For the 2026 session, the GAT will be conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT), while the CAT remains a Paper-Based Test (PBT) to evaluate the sketching and creative skills of the aspirants.

The NTA has implemented these split timings to allow for proper sanitation and transition between the computer labs and the drawing halls. It is essential for candidates to check their specific reporting time mentioned on the admit card to avoid disqualification due to late entry.

Mandatory Exam Day Guidelines

To ensure a smooth testing experience, the NIFT administration has issued a comprehensive schedule of do’s and don’ts for the February 8 examination. Security personnel at the 102 NTA centers will be conducting strict biometric verification for every candidate prior to the start of the session.

• Identity Proof: Along with the printed admit card, candidates must carry a valid government-issued photo ID, such as an Aadhaar Card or Passport.
• Prohibited Items: Mobile phones, digital watches, and any electronic gadgets are strictly banned inside the examination hall.
• Stationery: For the CAT (Paper-Based Test), candidates must bring their own sketching materials, including pencils, erasers, and dry colors as per the guidelines.
• Reporting Time: The gates typically close 30 minutes before the commencement of the GAT session; students are encouraged to reach the venue early.

Conclusion

The upcoming release of the NIFT 2026 admit card marks the final administrative step before the Stage 1 written test. As the NTA prepares the final schedule for over 100 cities, candidates should focus on revising their portfolios and general knowledge. With the exam date of February 8 approaching rapidly, staying updated through the official portal is the best way to ensure a hassle-free admission journey. Once the written rounds conclude, the focus will shift toward the Situation Test and Personal Interviews scheduled for late spring.