NIFT Entrance Exam 2026 Conducted Today Across Test Centres Nationwide

The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducted the NIFT Entrance Exam 2026 today, February 8, for thousands of design aspirants nationwide. This national-level entrance serves as the primary screening for undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at the National Institute of Fashion Technology. Candidates appeared for the GAT and CAT components across 100 cities, marking the first major hurdle for the 2026-27 academic session.

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), in coordination with the National Testing Agency, has successfully conducted the Stage 1 Entrance Examination today, February 8, 2026. This high-stakes exam is the gateway for students seeking admission into various Bachelor's and Master's programs in Design, Management, and Technology. the final logistical preparations were completed, with the actual testing sessions concluding today across 60 centers nationwide. The 2026 examination followed a hybrid model where the General Ability Test (GAT) was administered as a Computer-Based Test (CBT), and the Creative Ability Test (CAT) remained a Paper-Based Test (PBT) to evaluate the sketching and visualization skills of the candidates.

Exam Structure and Shift Timings

The entrance test was meticulously divided into morning and afternoon shifts to ensure smooth conduct for various academic streams.

• Shift 1 (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Candidates for B.Des and M.Des appeared for the GAT, while those for B.F.Tech and MFM completed their 180-minute comprehensive GAT session.
• Shift 2 (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM): Design aspirants participated in the drawing-intensive CAT, which is a critical component for evaluating their creative potential.
• Biometric Verification: The NTA NIFTEE Portal mandated strict identity checks, including biometric registration for every candidate to maintain the integrity of the selection process.
• Document Control: Entry was permitted only upon the presentation of the printed Admit Card and a valid government-issued photo ID.

Student Feedback and Initial Analysis

Early reports from test centers in cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru suggest that the GAT section remained balanced, with a focus on English Comprehension and Quantitative Ability.

• Difficulty Level: The general consensus among students indicated that the GAT was moderate, whereas the CAT prompts required high levels of conceptual thinking and color illustration.
• Strict Guidelines: NTA enforced a "no-late-entry" policy, closing gates 30 minutes before the commencement of each session.
• Calculations and Rough Work: All analytical work for the CBT was restricted to the rough sheets provided by the center, which were collected immediately after the exam.
• Artisan Category: It is important to note that registration for the Artisan Category remains open until February 28, 2026, for eligible candidates.

Post-Exam Roadmap and Results

The completion of today’s written test marks only the first phase of the NIFT admission journey. Shortlisted candidates will soon be notified to prepare for the subsequent rounds.

Conclusion

With the NIFT Entrance Exam 2026 concluding today, the focus now shifts toward the evaluation process and the release of the provisional answer keys. The successful conduct of the GAT and CAT components ensures that the most deserving creative minds advance to the Situation Test and Personal Interview rounds. As aspirants await their results in the coming weeks, they are advised to keep their application IDs secure and regularly monitor the official NTA website for updates on the next stages of the 2026 admission cycle.

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