As of January 28, 2026, NIFT aspirants are in the final stages of preparation for the national-level entrance exam. With the registration and correction windows officially closed, the focus has shifted to mock tests and CAT sketching. The National Testing Agency (NTA) is expected to release the city intimation slips and admit cards in the first week of February. Candidates are advised to utilize this remaining week for intensive GAT revision and material handling practice for the Situation Test.

With the National Institute of Fashion Technology entrance exam scheduled for February 8, 2026, the intensity of student preparation has reached its peak. As of January 28, the registration process and the subsequent correction window (which closed on January 21) are now behind the aspirants. Thousands of students across the country are currently pivoting from administrative formalities to high-stakes academic revision. The NTA has confirmed that the examination will be conducted in 102 cities, and the current level of intensity in the coaching hubs of Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru suggests a highly competitive year for the 2026-27 academic session.

Strategic Focus on CAT and GAT

The NIFT entrance is a multi-dimensional challenge, requiring a balance between the Creative Ability Test (CAT) and the General Ability Test (GAT). Candidates are currently focusing on the following modules to refine their performance:

• Creative Ability Test (CAT): This paper-based test accounts for 50% of the weightage for B.Des and M.Des programs. Students are practicing time-bound sketching, focusing on human anatomy, perspective drawing, and innovative color theory.
• General Ability Test (GAT): Conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode, the GAT measures quantitative ability, communication skills, and analytical reasoning. Many students are prioritizing high-weightage modules such as English Comprehension and Current Affairs during this final week.
• Situation Test Prep: While primarily a Stage 2 concern, top-tier aspirants are already familiarizing themselves with material exploration to stay ahead of the curve.
• Mock Exam Cycles: Institutes are currently running "Marathon Mocks" to help students adapt to the four-hour total testing duration (two hours for GAT and three hours for CAT).

Key Dates and Admit Card Status

As the February 8 exam date approaches, the official NTA NIFT portal remains the primary source for technical updates.

• City Intimation Slip: The NTA is expected to release the city intimation slip by the end of this week, allowing candidates to plan their travel to one of the 102 designated test centers.
• Admit Card Release: The official hall tickets are slated for release in the first week of February 2026. This document is mandatory for entry into the exam hall alongside a valid government ID.
• Result Projections: Following the written tests, Stage 1 results are tentatively expected by the last week of March 2026.
• Final Evaluation: For postgraduate programs, personal interviews are scheduled for April and May, emphasizing the need for a balanced preparation throughout these different modules.

Last-Minute Revision Strategy

Education experts suggest that the intensity of study should not lead to burnout in the final seven days. Instead, a targeted approach is recommended for the 2026 intake.

• Previous Year Papers: Solving papers from 2021 to 2025 helps in understanding the evolving nature of design problems and the difficulty level of the GAT mathematics section.
• Time Management: The GAT requires solving nearly 100 questions in 120 minutes. Practicing speed-math and logical shortcuts is a key part of the current study modules.
• General Knowledge: Focusing on the 2025-2026 fashion industry awards, new textile policies in India, and global sustainable design trends can provide an edge in the General Awareness section.
• Mental Fortitude: Maintaining a positive mindset is as crucial as technical skill, as the CAT evaluation often looks for the "originality of thought" which can be hampered by excessive stress.

Conclusion

As of January 28, the road to a career in fashion design through NIFT 2026 has entered its most critical phase. The sheer intensity of the current preparation period reflects the prestige associated with India's premier fashion institution. With all modules of the written exam now being revised for the final time, students are standing at the threshold of their professional journey. Success in the February 8 test will require a blend of creative flair and analytical precision, ensuring that the 2026 batch represents the finest design talent in the country.