The NIFT 2026 application phase has concluded. Stay updated on the upcoming admit card release, written exam dates, and evaluation process for B.Des and M.Des programs.

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) has officially closed the regular registration window for the 2026-27 academic session. As the primary application phase concludes, the National Testing Agency (NTA) is now preparing for the next sequence of events, including the application correction window and the release of the city intimation slips. For thousands of design hopefuls, this marks the end of the administrative stage and the beginning of the final evaluation phase, where their creative and analytical skills will be put to the test.

Final Deadlines and Correction Window

While the standard registration window has shut, the NTA provides a brief buffer for late applicants and those needing to rectify errors in their submissions. This ensures that the candidate database is accurate before the generation of the entrance exam roll numbers.

• Late Fee Window: Candidates who missed the January 6 deadline can still apply with a late fee of ₹5,000 between January 7 and January 10, 2026. This is the absolute final opportunity for registration before the portal closes permanently for the session.
• Application Correction: The online window to edit or update the application form will be active from January 12 to January 14, 2026.
• Field Restrictions: It is important to note that while academic and personal details can be edited, certain fields like the email ID, mobile number, and permanent address remain locked to maintain the integrity of the evaluation process.
• Photo Guidelines: Candidates are advised to use the correction window to ensure their uploaded photographs meet the NTA’s specific size and background requirements to avoid rejection.

Anticipated Admit Card and Written Exam Schedule

With the application phase ending, the focus shifts toward the Stage 1 written examination. The NTA will conduct the NIFT Entrance Exam on February 8, 2026, in a split format involving both computer-based and paper-based tests.

• Downloading the Hall Ticket: The admit card will be issued only to successfully registered candidates via the official NTA NIFT website. Aspirants will need their application number and date of birth to access the document.
• City Intimation Slip: Prior to the admit card, a city intimation slip will be released in the third week of January to help students make travel arrangements for the 102 test cities nationwide.
• Mandatory Documents: On the exam day, candidates must carry a printed copy of the admit card along with a valid government photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, or Voter ID).
• Reporting Time: The hall ticket will specify the exact reporting time, which is usually 60 to 90 minutes before the 10:00 AM commencement of the General Ability Test (GAT).

The Multi-Stage Evaluation Process

NIFT’s selection process is designed to be a comprehensive evaluation of a candidate's holistic design potential. The journey does not end with the written tests; rather, the Stage 1 scores serve as a filter for the more practical Stage 2 assessments.

• CAT and GAT Weightage: For B.Des aspirants, the Creative Ability Test (CAT) and General Ability Test (GAT) scores are combined to shortlist candidates for the Situation Test.
• Stage 2 Assessments: Shortlisted B.Des students must appear for the Situation Test in April/May, while PG candidates (M.Des/MFM) undergo a Personal Interview. This secondary evaluation accounts for 20% to 30% of the final merit calculation.
• Portfolio and Skills: During the interview phase, the panel conducts an evaluation of the candidate’s career orientation, communication skills, and creative lateral thinking.
• Final Merit List: The final admission offer is based on the weighted scores of all stages, with results expected to be declared by mid-May 2026.

Conclusion

The closure of the NIFT 2026registration portal signals a shift in gears for design students. As the administrative phase ends, the focus must transition toward mastering the drawing-based CAT and the aptitude-heavy GAT. With the entrance exam scheduled for February 8, the next few weeks are vital for consolidating preparation and keeping a close watch on the official portal for the admit card release. The journey to one of India’s 19 NIFT campuses is now moving into its most competitive stretch, where only those who successfully navigate the multi-tiered evaluation will secure their spot in the fashion industry.

For regular updates follow Only Education News. For more details on design entrance exams and courses, check here: Design Exams List.