The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially confirmed that the NIFT 2026 written entrance examination will be held on February 8, 2026. Aspiring designers can expect their admit cards to be released in the first week of February on the official NTA NIFT portal.The 2026 session sees an expansion in test cities and a streamlined Computer Based Test (CBT) for the General Ability Test, followed by the paper-based Creative Ability Test for design programs.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has finalized the roadmap for the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) admissions, with the written entrance test now officially set for February 8, 2026. This national-level examination is the primary gateway for students seeking entry into various undergraduate and postgraduate programs across 19 NIFT campuses. As the February deadline approaches, the NTA has concluded the primary registration phase, including a brief extension that allowed candidates to submit their forms until mid-January.

Exam Structure and Mode of Conduct

The 2026 entrance exam continues with its established dual-testing model, designed to evaluate both the analytical and creative prowess of the applicants. While the General Ability Test (GAT) has transitioned to a digital format, the Creative Ability Test (CAT) remains a traditional offline assessment to better evaluate artistic skills.

• General Ability Test (GAT): This is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) mandatory for all programs. It focuses on quantitative ability, communication skills, and general knowledge.
• Creative Ability Test (CAT): Specifically for B.Des and M.Des applicants, this is a Paper-Based Test (PBT) that evaluates intuition, design prowess, and the use of colors.
• Total Duration: Most programs involve a combined testing time of five hours, typically split between a morning and afternoon session.
• Expansion of Centers: To accommodate the rising number of applicants in 2026, the NTA has increased the number of examination cities to 102, including new centers in Vapi and Daman.

Key Dates for the 2026 Admission Cycle

Candidates must remain vigilant regarding the upcoming administrative milestones following the February examination. The NTA has streamlined the process to ensure that the final merit lists are prepared well before the academic session begins in July.

It is essential for students to download their admit cards as soon as they are available in the first week of February, as they contain the specific venue details and reporting times for each session.

Preparing for the Final Stretch

With only a few weeks remaining before the exam, coaching experts recommend focusing on time management for the GAT and conceptual clarity for the CAT. The GAT session requires solving 100 to 150 questions within a strict two-to-three-hour window, making speed and accuracy the most critical factors.

• Mock Tests: Aspirants should utilize the official mock test links provided on the NTA portal to get accustomed to the CBT interface.
• Portfolio and Sketching: For the CAT session, practicing quick perspective drawing and storytelling through sketches is highly recommended.
• Current Affairs: A significant portion of the General Knowledge section in 2026 is expected to focus on the evolution of the Indian textile industry and global fashion sustainable practices.

Conclusion

The announcement of the NIFT written exam date for February 8, 2026, brings a sense of urgency to design aspirants nationwide. This February test serves as the foundational hurdle in a multi-stage selection process that eventually leads to the Situation Test and Personal Interview. As the NTA finalizes the logistics across over a hundred cities, students must ensure their technical and creative preparations are peak-ready for each session. Successful navigation of the written rounds will unlock the door to India’s most prestigious fashion education, setting the stage for the next generation of industry leaders.