NIFT 2026 Answer Key and Result Updates Expected in Coming Weeks
The National Testing Agency (NTA) is set to release the NIFT 2026 provisional answer key for the General Ability Test (GAT) following the nationwide entrance exam held on February 8. Aspirants can expect the objection window to open shortly on the official exams.nta.nic.in/niftee portal. This critical update precedes the Stage 1 result announcement, which will shortlist candidates for the upcoming Situation Test and Personal Interviews in the 2026-27 design admission cycle.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has entered the post-examination processing phase for the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Entrance Examination 2026. Following the successful conduct of the written tests on February 8, 2026, the focus has shifted toward the release of the provisional answer keys and candidate response sheets. As of today, February 16, the NTA is expected to activate the download link for the General Ability Test (GAT) answer key on the official NIFTEE portal within the next 48 to 72 hours. This administrative milestone is a prerequisite for the transparency of the 2026-27 admission cycle, allowing thousands of design aspirants to verify their performance before the final results are synthesized.
Answer Key Objection Process and Timeline
The release of the provisional answer key will be accompanied by an objection window, typically lasting two to three days. During this period, candidates who identify discrepancies in the provided answers can challenge them by paying a non-refundable fee of ₹200 per question. According to the official NIFT prospectus, the Creative Ability Test (CAT) papers, being subjective and drawing-based, do not have a published answer key. The evaluation of these papers is conducted by a panel of experts using standardized rubrics. Once the GAT objection window closes, the NTA will process the feedback to release the final answer key, which serves as the basis for the Stage 1 written result.
- Provisional Answer Key Release: Expected by February 18, 2026.
- Objection Window: Tentatively February 18 – February 21, 2026.
- Final Answer Key Declaration: Mid-March 2026.
- Stage 1 Result Announcement: Fourth week of April 2026.
- Stage 2 (Situation Test/PI): June 2026.
| Exam Component | Total Questions | Mode of Evaluation | Answer Key Status |
| General Ability Test (GAT) | 100 | Computer-Based (CBT) | Provisional Link Awaited |
| Creative Ability Test (CAT) | 3 | Offline (Paper-based) | Not Applicable |
| Total Weightage (B.Des) | 100% (Stage 1) | Merit-Based | - |
Stage 1 Result and Preparation for Situation Test
The Stage 1 results, comprising scores from both the GAT and CAT, are anticipated in late April. Shortlisted candidates for the Bachelor of Design (B.Des) program will then be required to appear for the Situation Test, while Master's degree applicants (M.Des/M.F.M) will undergo Personal Interviews. The NIFT admission guidelines emphasize that the Stage 1 written test acts as a primary filter, and only those qualifying above the cut-off rank will be invited for the second stage of practical evaluation. These upcoming sessions are designed to test the material handling skills and creative thinking ability of the students in a live environment at assigned NIFT centers.
- B.Des Path: Written Exam (80%) + Situation Test (20%).
- B.F.Tech Path: Written Exam (100% GAT).
- Admit Cards for Stage 2: To be issued separately in late May 2026.
- Merit List Validity: Only for the 2026-27 academic session.
Conclusion
As the mid-February window progresses, the NIFT 2026 cycle remains strictly on schedule. The upcoming release of the GAT answer key represents a vital step toward the final merit list, ensuring that every candidate’s score is computed with absolute precision. Aspirants are advised to keep their login credentials, including their application number and date of birth, ready for the NTA result portal. Following the declaration of the Stage 1 result, the focus will shift entirely to the localized Situation Tests, which remain the final hurdle before the centralized e-counseling process begins in July. For a clear understanding of what to expect during the next practical phase, students should review the historical Situation Test Guidelines to better prepare their creative portfolios.
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