NIFT 2026 Evaluation Process Continues Following February Entrance Examination

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) has officially moved into the evaluation phase for the 2026 entrance examination as of February 13, 2026.Expert panels are currently assessing the Creative Ability Test (CAT) and General Ability Test (GAT) papers conducted earlier this month. Shortlisted candidates will soon be invited for the secondary Situation Test and Personal Interview rounds to finalize the 2026-27 design admissions. Aspirants are advised to monitor the official NIFT portal for the release of answer keys and the commencement of the digital verification process.

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) has officially commenced the comprehensive evaluation process for its 2026 Entrance Examination today, February 13, 2026. Following the nationwide conduct of the written tests on February 5, the institute has shifted its focus to the meticulous grading of the Creative Ability Test (CAT) and General Ability Test (GAT) papers. This evaluation phase is the first major step in identifying the next generation of designers and fashion managers for the 2026-27 academic session. Official notifications regarding the progress of results can be accessed on the NIFT Admissions Portal.

Systematic Grading of Creative and General Ability

The NIFT evaluation methodology is a dual-structured process designed to assess both the intuitive design thinking and the analytical proficiency of the candidates. As of this week, thousands of digital and physical response sheets are being scrutinized by specialized faculty panels across various NIFT campuses.

• CAT Portfolio Assessment: The Creative Ability Test, which focuses on intuition, design power, and illustration skills, is being evaluated by a board of senior design professors. This year, the evaluation criteria emphasize "sustainable innovation" and "cultural storytelling."
• GAT Data Processing: The General Ability Test, which was conducted in a computer-based format, is undergoing automated evaluation. The National Testing Agency (NTA), which collaborates with NIFT for the technical conduct of the exam, is currently verifying the integrity of the response logs.
• Provisional Answer Keys: In the coming days, the provisional answer keys for the GAT will be hosted on the NIFT-NTA official link. Candidates will be provided a 48-hour window to challenge any discrepancies found in the objective sections.
• Normalization of Scores: To ensure fairness across multiple testing centers, a normalization process will be applied to the GAT scores before the final merit list for the Situation Test is drafted.

Transition to Situation Test and Design Milestones

Once the primary evaluation is finalized, the top-ranked candidates from the written examination will be invited for the second stage of the design selection process. This phase is critical for Bachelor of Design (B.Des) aspirants who must demonstrate their 3D modeling and material handling capabilities.

• Situation Test Logistics: The Situation Test is tentatively scheduled for late March or early April 2026. Shortlisted students will be required to create a physical model at designated NIFT centers using a provided set of materials.
• Interview for Masters: For postgraduate programs like M.Des and M.F.M, the evaluation will transition into Personal Interview (PI) rounds. These interactions focus on the candidate’s industry awareness and professional portfolio.
• Weightage Distribution: According to the NIFT 2026 Prospectus, the written evaluation typically accounts for 50-60% of the final score, while the Situation Test and Interview make up the remainder for the B.Des and Masters categories respectively.
• Digital Verification: Parallel to the evaluation, the institute has initiated the digital verification of category certificates (EWS, OBC-NCL, SC/ST) to ensure that seat reservations are accurately mapped in the final admission portal.

NIFT 2026: Post-Examination Calendar

Conclusion

The evaluation process initiated today marks a definitive transition in the NIFT 2026 admission cycle. As expert panels delve into the creative and analytical responses of thousands of aspirants, the institute continues to uphold its standards of transparency and excellence. The successful completion of this phase will pave the way for the high-stakes Situation Test, where the practical design skills of the students will be put to the ultimate test. Candidates are encouraged to remain updated by visiting the official NIFT notices page frequently. As the fashion industry prepares for a new batch of talent, the focus remains on ensuring that the most deserving candidates emerge from this rigorous evaluation.

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