NIFT 2026 Final Answer Key Awaited; Students Anticipate Minor Revisions

Thousands of design aspirants are waiting for the National Testing Agency to release the NIFT 2026 final answer key following the February 19 objection deadline.

The tension among fashion and design aspirants is growing as the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) entrance cycle moves toward its next big milestone. Today, February 24, marks five days since the National Testing Agency (NTA) closed the objection window for the provisional answer key. Students who appeared for the General Ability Test (GAT) on February 8 are now eagerly waiting for the final version of the solutions. Experts suggest that a few minor revisions might be made to the key based on the valid challenges submitted by students regarding specific logical reasoning and general knowledge questions.

According to the latest updates on the Official NTA NIFTEE Portal, the final answer key will serve as the permanent document for calculating Stage 1 scores. Unlike the first draft, this version cannot be challenged by any candidate. The results for the written exam, which includes both the GAT and the Creative Ability Test (CAT), are expected to be announced in the third or fourth week of April. Only those who score above the cutoff in this round will be invited for the NIFT Selection Process part two, which involves practical tests.

1. Post-Exam Timeline and Final Key Expectations

The period between the exam and the results is crucial for students to understand their standing and prepare for the next steps.

• Objection Review: Subject experts are currently reviewing every challenge submitted between February 17 and February 19.
• Final Key Release: The final answer key for the GAT paper is expected to be uploaded by the end of February or early March.
• No CAT Key: Students should remember that the Creative Ability Test (CAT) is a subjective drawing exam, so no answer key is provided for that section.
• Score Calculation: Once the final key is out, you can calculate your exact GAT marks by adding 1 mark for every correct answer and subtracting 0.25 for every wrong one.
• Official Notification: For the latest announcements, candidates should keep an eye on the NIFT Admission Page to ensure they do not miss the result link.

2. Moving Toward the Situation Test and Interviews

The NIFT Selection Process does not end with a high score in the written exam; the second stage is where material handling skills are tested.

• B.Des Path: Candidates for the Bachelor of Design must clear the Situation Test, where they build 3D models using materials like wire, cotton, and cardboard.
• Weightage System: For B.Des, the CAT carries 50%, GAT carries 30%, and the Situation Test holds the final 20% of the total merit weightage.
• Master’s Candidates: Those applying for M.Des or MFM will need to prepare for a Personal Interview instead of a model-making test.
• Center Allotment: Stage 2 tests are usually held at various NIFT campuses across India, and students must book their slots once the results are out.
• Prep Material: You can find previous years' situation test themes on the NIFT Official Website to practice your model-making skills at home.

3. Final Result and e-Counselling Phase

After the Stage 2 evaluations are complete, the final merit list will decide who gets a seat in the 18 NIFT campuses.

• Final Declaration: The consolidated results, combining Stage 1 and Stage 2 scores, are tentatively scheduled for the last week of June 2026.
• Medical Fitness: Shortlisted students must keep their medical fitness certificates ready, as these are mandatory during the document verification phase.
• Online Counselling: The e-counselling process will begin in July, where students will pick their preferred campus, such as NIFT Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore.
• Reservation Norms: Seats will be allocated based on the rank, category, and availability of the specific design discipline chosen by the student.
• Admission Confirmation: Once a seat is allotted, the candidate must pay the semester fee online to confirm their admission for the 2026-27 session.

Conclusion

As we wait for the final answer key, students should not lose their momentum. While the GAT scores provide a baseline, the NIFT Selection Process is famous for its practical second stage. If your estimated scores from the provisional key were high, now is the perfect time to start practicing with different materials to improve your craft. The National Institute of Fashion Technology remains the most prestigious destination for design in India, and the competition remains fierce. Stay updated with the official portal, keep your login credentials ready, and focus on your creative skills for the upcoming Situation Test.

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