NIFT 2026 Answer Evaluation Continues Following Completion of Entrance Test

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) is currently processing the answer evaluation for the 2026 Entrance Test held on February 5. Following the submission of objections against the provisional answer key, NIFT is preparing the final results. Candidates can monitor the official portal for updates on the Creative Ability Test (CAT) and General Ability Test (GAT) performance scores.

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) has accelerated its evaluation process following the successful conduct of the 2026 Entrance Examination across 60 cities in India. As of today, February 15, the institute is meticulously reviewing the responses for both the General Ability Test (GAT) and the Creative Ability Test (CAT). With the provisional answer key challenge window having closed last week, subject matter experts are now finalizing the official results. This year's test saw a participation of over 45,000 design aspirants vying for seats in undergraduate and postgraduate programs across 19 NIFT campuses. The current phase is critical, as it involves the manual assessment of the creative section, where subjective drawings and design concepts are evaluated by a panel of industry experts and senior faculty members.

Finalization of GAT Results and Answer Key Challenges

The official NIFT admissions portal is currently the focal point for students awaiting their performance metrics. The institute follows a transparent two-tier evaluation system to ensure merit-based selection for its prestigious fashion and technology courses.

• Expert Review: Following the submission of objections by candidates, the National Testing Agency, which assists in the conduct of the test, is validating the final answer key for the GAT section. Any confirmed errors in the question paper will result in grace marks for all affected applicants.
• Objective Scoring: The OMR-based GAT section is being processed through automated scanners, ensuring 100% accuracy in data recording. This section holds significant weightage for programs like Bachelor of Fashion Technology (B.FTech).
• Transparency Norms: Once the final evaluation is complete, the individual scorecards will be released, providing a detailed breakdown of sectional marks. This enables a clear understanding of the creative versus analytical performance of each candidate.

Manual Assessment of the Creative Ability Test (CAT)

The most time-consuming part of the NIFT evaluation cycle is the assessment of the CAT paper. Unlike objective tests, the creative section requires a nuanced approach to grade an aspirant’s observation skills, design innovation, and storytelling through illustrations.

• Multiple Examiner Policy: To eliminate bias, each creative sheet is graded by at least two independent examiners. If there is a significant discrepancy in their scores, a third senior examiner is appointed to finalize the grade.
• Portfolio Readiness: While the written test results are pending, aspirants are advised to begin working on their portfolios and situation test preparation. The Ministry of Textiles has emphasized that the practical rounds will be held at NIFT campuses in April.
• Integrity of Work: The evaluation board uses advanced plagiarism checks for design concepts to ensure that all submissions are original works of the candidate.

Conclusion

As of February 15, the NIFT evaluation remains on track to meet the mid-March result declaration deadline. The institute has reiterated that the final merit list for the 2026-27 academic session will be based on a composite score of the written test, situation test, and personal interview (where applicable). Candidates are encouraged to maintain their hall tickets securely, as these will be required for the subsequent rounds of the creative assessment and counseling. For official updates on the test status and counseling schedules, applicants should regularly visit the NIFT Examination Services portal. With the design industry evolving rapidly, this year’s admission cycle is expected to set a new benchmark for creative excellence in Indian fashion education.

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