NIFT 2026 Final Answer Key Expected in Late February; NTA to Declare Stage 1 Results by Third Week of April
Published 21 Feb 20263 min read416 Views
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially concluded the objection process for the NIFT 2026 Provisional Answer Key as of February 19. Following the February 8 exam, thousands of candidates utilized the three-day window to challenge potential discrepancies in the General Ability Test (GAT) keys. The NTA is now in the process of reviewing these challenges with subject matter experts. A Final Answer Key, which cannot be challenged further, is expected to be released by late February 2026. This key will serve as the absolute basis for calculating the Stage 1 results.
To receive an alert as soon as the final PDF is uploaded to exams.nta.ac.in/niftee, follow Only Education News.
Countdown to NIFT Stage 1 Results
While the final answer key is imminent, the comprehensive results (including CAT scores) will take a few more weeks to process.
| Event | Status / Date |
|---|---|
| Provisional Answer Key Release | February 17, 2026 (Completed) |
| Objection Window Closed | February 19, 2026 (Closed) |
| Final Answer Key Release | Late February 2026 (Expected) |
| NIFT Stage 1 Result (GAT + CAT) | April 2026 (Tentative) |
| Situation Test / Personal Interview | April – May 2026 |
What’s Next After the Final Key?
The final key only applies to the GAT (objective section). For B.Des and M.Des aspirants, the Creative Ability Test (CAT) is still a "black box" as it is evaluated subjectively by a panel of designers.
- Score Calculation: Once the final key is out, use your response sheet to calculate your definitive GAT score ($Marks = Correct - 0.25 \times Incorrect$).
- Stage 2 Preparation: Only those who clear the Stage 1 cutoff will be invited for the Situation Test (B.Des) or Personal Interviews (M.Des/MFM/BFTech).
- Situation Test focus: Start practicing with materials like cardboard, wire, clay, and translucent sheets to build 3D models based on specific themes.
Eligibility & Cut-offs
NIFT 2026 has seen a steady increase in applicants across its 20 campuses. Historically, a percentile of 95+ is required for top-tier campuses like NIFT Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru. Candidates are reminded that final rankings are determined by a weighted combination of Stage 1 and Stage 2 scores.
For a detailed analysis of the expected GAT cut-offs for each stream based on the February 8 paper difficulty, follow Only Education News.