National Design Admission Calendar Moves Toward Post-Exam Evaluation Phase

The national design admission calendar is at a pivotal crossroads. With the NIFT entrance exam scheduled for February 8, candidates are preparing for the Stage 1 GAT and CAT rounds. Meanwhile, the evaluation phase for NID DAT and UCEED/CEED 2026 continues, with M.Des prelims results expected on February 17This update provides a synchronized view of the result dates, upcoming studio tests, and the final merit list preparation for India's premier design institutions. The national design admission calendar for the 2026-27 session has reached its most synchronized phase. As of today, February 7, 2026, students across the country are balancing the immediate pressure of the NIFT entrance exam with the anticipation of results from previous January assessments. This period marks the transition from the "testing phase" to the "post-exam evaluation phase," where the primary focus shifts toward manual grading, cut-off announcements, and the preparation of merit lists for the country's most elite design colleges.

The Immediate Focus: NIFT Entrance 2026

The most pressing event on the current calendar is the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Stage 1 Entrance Examination, which is set to take place tomorrow, February 8, 2026. Managed by the National Testing Agency (NTA), this exam is the gateway to undergraduate and postgraduate fashion programs.

• Shift Structure: Candidates for B.Des and M.Des will appear for the General Ability Test (GAT) from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, followed by the Creative Ability Test (CAT) from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
• Admit Card Requirements: Aspirants must carry a printed copy of their hall ticket along with a valid government ID to the NIFT test centres across 102 cities.
• Post-Exam Timeline: Following tomorrow's test, the NTA is expected to release the answer keys by late February, initiating the next step in the post-exam evaluation phase.

Evaluation Status: NID and UCEED/CEED

While NIFT candidates prepare for their written rounds, those who appeared for the National Institute of Design (NID) and IIT-led examinations are tracking their evaluation status. The NID admission portal has confirmed that the Prelims results for the M.Des program will be declared on February 17, 2026.

The UCEED and CEED evaluation cycles are also progressing steadily. Since the Part-A cut-offs were declared on February 5, the expert panels at IIT Bombay are currently grading the subjective Part-B papers. This combined score will determine the All India Ranks, which are scheduled for release on March 6 (UCEED) and March 4 (CEED).

Strategy for the Evaluation Interval

The current national design admission calendar creates a unique "evaluation interval" for students. This time is being utilized by many to prepare for the second stage of the post-exam evaluation phase, which includes Situation Tests for NIFT and Studio Tests for NID. Unlike the initial written rounds, these stages require hands-on 3D modeling and portfolio discussions. Experts suggest that candidates who cleared the initial UCEED cut-offs should begin archival of their best work, as the portal for seat allocation will open immediately after the results in mid-March.

Conclusion

As the national design admission calendar hits the February 7 mark, the intensity of the 2026 cycle is evident. Tomorrow's NIFT exam marks the end of the major written testing season, officially moving the entire design fraternity into the post-exam evaluation phase. Whether it is the upcoming UCEED and CEED evaluation results or the NID Prelims scores due in mid-February, the next few weeks will define the academic future for thousands of aspiring designers across India.

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