NIFT 2026 Application Form to Be Released Soon for Upcoming Admissions
The most awaited news for fashion and design aspirants is here The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) 2026 application forms are expected to be released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) soon this November 2025. This article provides a comprehensive guide on the crucial application timeline, eligibility criteria for B.Des and M.Des programs, and the multi-stage selection process including the CAT and GAT tests. Get ready to secure your seat at India's premier design institute. Start your preparation now!
For every student dreaming of a career in the dynamic world of fashion, design, and technology, the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) entrance examination is the definitive gateway. As of November 20, 2025, the excitement is building as the National Testing Agency (NTA), the conducting body for NIFT, is expected to release the official notification and the application forms for the NIFT 2026 academic session anytime now.
This crucial announcement for admissions to the prestigious Bachelor of Design (B.Des), Master of Design (M.Des), and other programs across the 19 NIFT campuses nationwide signals the start of a competitive but rewarding journey. Aspirants are strongly advised to bookmark the official NIFT/NTA website and prepare to act swiftly, as the application window—though spanning a couple of months—requires meticulous attention to detail and document preparation.
The NIFT 2026 Application and Exam Timeline
Based on previous academic cycles and current projections, the entire NIFT admission process, from application release to the final result, follows a predictable and demanding timeline. Students must be vigilant to meet the deadlines, particularly for the main written exam, which is tentatively scheduled for the second week of February 2026.
- Application Form Release (Tentative):4th Week of November 2025
- The NTA will release the online application form on the official NIFT admission portal. Candidates must complete the registration and application submission online only.
- Last Date for Online Registration (Regular Fee): First Week of January 2026
- This is the critical deadline for submitting the application form with the standard fee (expected to be around ₹3,000 for General/OBC-NCL/EWS and ₹1,500 for SC/ST/PwD).
- Application Form Correction Window: Second Week of January 2026
- A short window will be provided to rectify any errors in the submitted form, excluding core details like name, contact information, and chosen course/category.
- Admit Card Release: First Week of February 2026 (Approximately a week before the exam).
- Written Entrance Exam (CAT & GAT):Second Week of February 2026
- The Creative Ability Test (CAT) and General Ability Test (GAT) will be conducted across multiple cities on the same day.
- Stage II Exams (Situation Test/PI/GD): May – June 2026
- Shortlisted candidates for B.Des will appear for the Situation Test, while PG aspirants will attend the Personal Interview (PI) or Group Discussion (GD) rounds.
Eligibility Essentials for UG and PG Programs
Before proceeding with the application, aspirants must ensure they meet the specific academic and age requirements for their chosen NIFT program. Discrepancies in eligibility can lead to the cancellation of candidature at any stage.
- B.Des (Bachelor of Design) & B.FTech (Bachelor of Fashion Technology) Eligibility:
- Educational Qualification: Must have passed the 10+2 examination or equivalent from a recognized board.
- Note for B.FTech: Candidates must have passed the 10+2 examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as mandatory subjects.
- Age Limit: The maximum age should be less than 24 years as of August 1, 2026.
- Relaxation: A 5-year relaxation in the upper age limit is applicable for candidates belonging to SC/ST/PwD categories.
- Educational Qualification: Must have passed the 10+2 examination or equivalent from a recognized board.
- M.Des (Master of Design) & MFM (Master of Fashion Management) Eligibility:
- Educational Qualification: Must possess an Undergraduate Degree in any discipline from a university recognized by law in India, OR an Undergraduate Diploma of minimum three years duration from NIFT/NID.
- Age Limit: No age limit applies for any of the postgraduate programs offered by NIFT.
- M.FTech (Master of Fashion Technology) Eligibility:
- Must hold a B.FTech degree from NIFT, OR a B.E./B.Tech degree from any university recognized by law in India.
The NIFT Selection Process: CAT, GAT, and Situation Test
The selection process for NIFT is rigorous and multi-staged, designed to assess both the creative and intellectual abilities of the applicant. The final merit list is prepared by assigning specific weightage to each stage of the examination, which varies by program.
- Stage I: The Written Tests (CAT & GAT)
- Creative Ability Test (CAT): This test is mandatory for B.Des and M.Des applicants. It assesses the candidate's intuition, observation skills, creative and innovative use of colour and illustration skills. For B.Des, it carries a heavy weightage of 50% in the final score.
- General Ability Test (GAT): Mandatory for all programs (UG and PG). It evaluates Quantitative Ability, Communication Ability, English Comprehension, Analytical Ability, and General Knowledge & Current Affairs. For B.Des, it carries a weightage of 30%, while for B.FTech, M.F.Tech, and MFM, it is the sole component for Stage I with 100% weightage.
- Stage II: Practical/Interview Rounds
- Situation Test (B.Des): Shortlisted B.Des candidates must appear for this hands-on test which carries 20% weightage. Candidates are given materials to create a 3D model based on a scenario, testing their material handling skills, spatial visualisation, and conceptualisation.
- Group Discussion (GD) & Personal Interview (PI) (M.Des, MFM, M.FTech): Postgraduate aspirants face a GD (for M.Des, MFM) followed by a PI round. The PI assesses the candidate's career orientation, communication skills, general awareness, and subject aptitude, carrying 30% weightage for M.Des, MFM, and M.FTech.
- Counselling and Final Merit:
- Final admission is granted based on the consolidated NIFT entrance exam merit rank, the chosen course and campus, and the availability of seats during the online counselling process in June-July 2026.
Conclusion
The imminent release of the NIFT 2026 application form is a call to action for all design aspirants. With the tentative date set for the fourth week of November 2025, there is no time to waste. Thoroughly review the eligibility criteria, gather all necessary documents, and intensify your preparation for both the rigorous CAT/GAT written examination and the subsequent practical/interview rounds. Your commitment and creative vision today will secure your future in India's premier fashion and design institutes.
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