NIFT 2026 Final Answer Key Expected Soon: Results to Follow in April

Following the closure of the objection window on February 19, the National Testing Agency is set to release the NIFT 2026 final answer key. Candidates can expect the final key and Stage 1 results to be published on the official NTA NIFT portal by the third week of April.

The wait for the NIFT 2026 final answer key is almost over for thousands of design aspirants across India. As of today, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has successfully concluded the objection process for the provisional answer key. The window for students to challenge any discrepancies in the General Ability Test (GAT) paper closed on February 19, 2026. Now, subject experts are reviewing the submitted challenges to prepare the definitive version of the key. Students should keep a close eye on the official NTA NIFT examination portal for the latest updates.

Review Process and Final Results

According to the official timeline, the final answer key is usually the last step before the results are announced. Unlike the provisional key, the final answer key cannot be challenged by any student. If an objection raised during the February 17–19 window is found to be correct, the NTA will update the answer for everyone. In some cases, if a question is found to be technically wrong, it may be "dropped," and marks will be adjusted for all candidates.

The Stage 1 result is expected to be declared in the third week of April 2026. This result will be calculated based strictly on the final answer key. Candidates can log in to the National Testing Agency website using their application number and date of birth to check their scores once the link is live.

What Happens After the Final Key?

Once the final key and Stage 1 result are out, shortlisted candidates will move to the next phase of the admission cycle. For Bachelor of Design (B.Des) students, this involves the "Situation Test," which usually takes place in April or May. This test evaluates the candidate's skills in handling materials and 3D modeling. For Master’s students, the next step is a Personal Interview.

It is important to remember that the answer key is only released for the GAT section. There is no answer key for the Creative Ability Test (CAT) because it is a drawing-based exam and is checked subjectively by examiners. Candidates can estimate their GAT scores using the NIFT 2026 marking scheme, where each correct answer gives +1 mark and each wrong answer deducts 0.25 marks.

Conclusion

As we move through the final days of February, students should start preparing for the Situation Test. Even if you are unsure of your exact rank, practicing with different materials like clay, wire, and paper will give you an edge. The NIFT 2026 admission process is a marathon, and staying updated with the NIFT admissions page is the best way to ensure you don't miss any deadlines.

The official timeline suggests that the next two months will be crucial. While the final answer key might take some time to appear, it serves as the foundation for the entire merit list. Every NIFT 2026 candidate is advised to maintain their admit card and login details safely, as these will be required multiple times during the upcoming counseling rounds in June.