NIFT 2026 Written Exam Preparations Continue Ahead of February Test
National Testing Agency (NTA) is finalizing arrangements for the NIFT 2026 written exam scheduled for February 8. Candidates are entering the final stage of preparation for the GAT and CAT sections. This report details the upcoming admit card release, examination timings, and the opening of the application correction window today.

National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially confirmed that the written entrance examination for the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) will take place on February 8, 2026. This national-level test serves as the primary gateway for admission into 19 prestigious campuses across India. With the registration phase now concluded, the focus has shifted toward the final preparation phase for thousands of aspiring designers.
- Correction Window: The NTA has activated the application correction window today, January 20, allowing candidates to rectify specific details in their forms until tomorrow, January 21.
- Dual Testing Mode: The written exam will consist of two parts: the General Ability Test (GAT), conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT), and the Creative Ability Test (CAT), which remains a Paper-Based Test (PBT).
- Admit Card Timeline: Candidates can expect their official hall tickets to be released in the first week of February on the NTA NIFT portal.
- City Intimation: Before the admit cards are issued, a city intimation slip will be provided to help students plan their travel to the 102 designated examination cities.
Structural Breakdown of the February Examination
The written stages are designed to evaluate both the analytical and artistic prowess of the candidates. For those in the final weeks of preparation, understanding the time distribution and sectional weightage is essential for a successful performance on February 8.
- GAT Overview: The General Ability Test is mandatory for all programs and covers quantitative ability, communication skills, and general knowledge. It typically lasts 120 minutes for B.Des and M.Des aspirants.
- CAT Overview: The Creative Ability Test evaluates intuition and design innovation; this three-hour examination requires students to demonstrate their sketching and conceptualization skills on paper.
- Shift Timings: For B.Des candidates, the GAT is scheduled for the morning shift (10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon), while the CAT will follow in the afternoon (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM).
NIFT 2026 Written Exam Key Milestones
| Event Description | Scheduled Date | Time / Status |
| Application Correction Window | January 20 – 21, 2026 | Active Today |
| Advance City Intimation Slip | Last week of January 2026 | Upcoming |
| Admit Card Release | First week of February 2026 | Upcoming |
| NIFT Written Exam Date | February 8, 2026 | Scheduled |
| Result Declaration (Written) | Late March 2026 | Tentative |
Conclusion
The 2026 NIFT admission cycle has reached its most intensive stage as students balance their creative portfolios with rigorous academic study. Today's opening of the correction window marks the final administrative opportunity for candidates to ensure their profiles are accurate before the examination logistics are finalized. As the preparation period narrows to the final eighteen days, the emphasis remains on mastering the Computer-Based Test interface and refining sketching speed for the paper-based rounds. The successful conclusion of this February hurdle will pave the way for the Situation Test and Personal Interviews scheduled for the spring.
