As the NIFT 2026 written exam approaches on February 8, thousands of design aspirants are entering the final stage of their preparation.The National Testing Agency (NTA) is expected to release the city intimation slips and admit cards shortly on the official portal Candidates for B.Des and M.Des programs are balancing their focus between the Creative Ability Test (CAT) and the General Ability Test (GAT) to secure high merit ranks. Ensure you download your hall ticket and verify your exam center details well in advance of the Sunday morning session.

As of January 29, 2026, the countdown for the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) entrance examination has entered its final ten days. The National-Testing-Agency, which oversees the first stage of the selection process, has confirmed that the written tests will be held on February 8, 2026. Following the closure of the application correction window last week, the focus for over 50,000 candidates has shifted toward intensive revision and the download of essential exam documents. The National-Testing-Agency is expected to activate the download link for the city intimation slips by the end of this week, allowing students to finalize their travel arrangements to any of the 102 designated test cities.

Exam Structure and Component Weightage

The NIFT 2026 examination is uniquely structured to evaluate both technical aptitude and artistic flair through its two-part written format.

• General Ability Test (GAT): This is a computer-based test mandatory for all programs. For B.Des students, the GAT-paper consists of 100 objective questions covering English, quantitative ability, and current affairs.
• Creative Ability Test (CAT): Unlike the GAT, the CAT-paper is a paper-based drawing test that assesses a candidate’s intuition, design ability, and use of color.
• Weightage Distribution: For the flagship B.Des program, the CAT carries 50% weightage, while the GAT contributes 30% toward the final result calculation.

Final Week Preparation Strategies

Design aspirants are currently fine-tuning their skills to handle the time-sensitive nature of the February-exam.

• Mock Testing: Many students are focusing on solving previous years' GAT-paper sets to improve their speed in the 120-minute objective section.
• Sketching Practice: Since the CAT-paper requires out-of-the-box thinking, candidates are spending hours on memory drawing and perspective exercises to ensure they stand out to the evaluators.
• General Awareness: Staying updated with recent fashion industry trends and global social issues is crucial for the 25 GK questions included in the undergraduate entrance.

Logistics and Admit Card Updates

The official NIFT admission portal will serve as the primary source for hall tickets, which are a mandatory requirement for entry into the center.

• Admit Card Release: Hall tickets for the February-exam are tentatively scheduled for release on February 4, 2026.
• Reporting Protocols: Candidates must arrive at their centers by 8:30 AM for the morning GAT session, bringing a valid government ID along with their printed admit card.
• Stationery Requirements: While the GAT is digital, for the afternoon CAT session, students must carry their own pencils, dry colors (crayons/pencils), and basic geometric tools.

Conclusion

The upcoming NIFT 2026 written exam represents the primary hurdle for students aspiring to join India's most prestigious fashion campuses. With the National-Testing-Agency streamlining the logistics, candidates must now focus on balancing their performance across the technical GAT-paper and the imaginative CAT-paper. Success in this February-exam serves as the gateway to the Situation Test and Personal Interviews, which will ultimately decide the 2026 merit list. As the portal prepares for the admit card rollout, maintaining a disciplined revision schedule and creative consistency remains the most effective path toward securing a seat in the world of professional design.