NIFT 2026: Post-Exam Evaluation Process Expected to Begin After February Test

Following the successful conduct of the NIFT 2026 entrance exam on February 8, the National Testing Agency is initiating the evaluation process for the GAT and CAT papers. Aspirants can expect the release of provisional answer keys in mid-February, followed by the Stage 1 written results in April, marking the next step toward the creative situation tests and final admissions.

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), in coordination with the National Testing Agency (NTA), is prepared to transition into the Evaluation phase immediately following the nationwide entrance examination scheduled for February 8, 2026. As of today, February 10, all logistical arrangements for the Stage 1 written test are in place across 102 cities. This critical Assessment will determine the eligibility of thousands of design and technology aspirants for the 18 NIFT campuses. The process encompasses both the General Ability Test (GAT), conducted as a Computer-Based Test, and the Creative Ability Test (CAT), which remains a paper-based evaluation.

Provisional Answer Key and Challenge Mechanism

A significant milestone in the post-exam Timeline is the release of the provisional answer keys. Historically, the NTA publishes the recorded responses and the draft keys within one week of the examination. According to the Official NIFT Admissions Portal, candidates will be provided a 48-to-72-hour window to submit objections against any discrepancies for a non-refundable fee. This ensures a transparent Validation of the scoring system before the final results are tabulated. The feedback received during this window is analyzed by a panel of subject matter experts before the final merit list is generated.

• Draft Key Release: Expected between February 15 and February 21, 2026.
• Objection Fee: Typically ₹200 per challenged question, payable through the online portal.
• Response Sheets: Candidates can download their individual response sheets to compare with the official Evaluation metrics.

Weightage and Stage 2 Transition

The NIFT entrance is unique due to its multi-layered Assessment structure. For Bachelor of Design (B.Des) candidates, the CAT and GAT scores collectively contribute to the Stage 1 result, which is expected to be declared in the last week of April 2026. The NIFT 2026 Information Bulletin specifies that only shortlisted candidates will proceed to the Stage 2 Situation Test or Personal Interview. This secondary Validation is crucial for assessing the hands-on creative skills and material handling capabilities of the applicants.

Final Merit List and Counselling Framework

The culmination of the Evaluation process is the declaration of the Final Merit List in June 2026. This list incorporates the scores from both Stage 1 and Stage 2 (where applicable). According to the NTA Public Notices, the Common Merit Rank (CMR) will be the sole basis for the e-Counselling sessions starting in July. This Timeline is strictly followed to ensure that the new academic session commences on August 1. Candidates must remain vigilant and regularly check the NIFT Result Page for updates regarding their qualification status and subsequent document verification rounds.

• Stage 2 Dates: Situation Tests and Interviews are tentatively planned for May and June 2026.
• Admission Confirmation: Final seat allotment is based on CMR, category-wise vacancy, and the candidate's preferred campus choice.
• Verification: Original certificates, including the Class 12 marksheet and category proofs, undergo rigorous Validation during the offline reporting phase.

Conclusion

The 2026 NIFT admission cycle is set to enter its most data-intensive period as the Evaluation of GAT and CAT papers begins. The focus is on the successful execution of the written test, but the upcoming Timeline for answer key challenges and results remains the primary concern for the aspirant community. The systematic Assessment and multi-stage Validation ensure that NIFT continues to admit the most creative and technologically adept students. With the results expected in April, the next few months will be pivotal for students as they transition from theoretical preparation to the practical demands of the Situation Test, eventually leading to their enrollment in India’s premier fashion institute.

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