As of February 2, 2026, the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) written exam preparation has reached its peak. With the entrance test scheduled for February 8, 2026, the National Testing Agency (NTA) is set to release the official admit cards this week. Candidates are focusing on the dual-component assessment featuring the General Ability Test (GAT) and the Creative Ability Test (CAT).Aspirants must ensure they download their hall tickets from the official NTA portal and carry the mandatory self-declaration form to the venue. Success in this stage is the primary requirement for moving toward the Situation Test and final seat allocation across 19 NIFT campuses.

National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) entrance exam has entered its final seven days. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has confirmed that the nationwide written examination will take place on February 8, 2026. Aspirants across the country are currently in the final stages of revision, balancing their time between objective and creative modules. The Admit card, which serves as the entry pass to the 102 designated exam cities, is expected to be available for download via the candidate portal within the next 48 hours. This document is crucial as it details the specific session timings for the morning GAT and the afternoon CAT. For the latest official notifications, candidates should visit the NTA NIFTEE 2026 Portal.

Exam Structure and February Milestones

The 2026 entrance cycle follows a rigorous Schedule designed to test both analytical and artistic skills. As the February 8 date approaches, understanding the specific requirements for each testing mode is essential for avoiding last-minute confusion.

• General Ability Test (GAT): Conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT), this section evaluates quantitative ability, English comprehension, and current affairs.
• Creative Ability Test (CAT): This is a paper-based drawing test that measures a candidate's intuition, observation, and design prowess.
• Admit Card Release: The NTA is scheduled to activate the Admit card download link in the first week of February.
• Reporting Time: Candidates are reminded that gates will close 30 minutes prior to the start of each session, as per the 2026 Schedule.
• Mandatory Documents: Along with the hall ticket, students must carry a valid government-approved photo ID and the NIFT self-declaration form.

Key Preparation Strategies for 2026

With only a week remaining, the focus has shifted from learning new concepts to refining execution speed. The 2026 Schedule places a high premium on time management, particularly in the GAT section which consists of 100 questions for B.Des applicants.

• Mock Tests: Aspirants are encouraged to utilize the official NTA mock links to familiarize themselves with the digital interface of the GAT.
• Portfolio Materials: For the CAT, ensure that your dry colors, pencils, and erasers are ready, as per the instructions on your Admit card.
• Revision: Reviewing short notes on global fashion movements and sustainable textile practices is highly recommended for the GK section.
• Adherence to Timeline: Following the written test on Feb 8, the provisional answer keys are expected by the third week of February.
• For a detailed list of permitted items, refer to the NIFT 2026 Exam Day Guidelines.

Post-Exam Process and Situation Test

Navigating the 2026 Schedule successfully requires looking beyond the written rounds. The scores from the February test will dictate the shortlist for the second phase of admissions.

• Result Declaration: The written exam results are tentatively planned for late March 2026.
• Situation Test: Shortlisted B.Des candidates will be called for the 3D model-making round in April 2026.
• Final Rank: The ultimate merit list will be a weighted combination of the written tests and the Situation Test/Personal Interview.
• Campus Allocation: Seat allocation across 19 campuses, including NIFT Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, will commence in June.
• Updates on participating institutes can be found on the NIFT Admissions Page.

Conclusion

The intensification of NIFT 2026 written exam preparation reflects the high stakes of India’s most prestigious fashion entrance. With the admit card release imminent and the February 8 exam date fixed, candidates must transition into a high-precision revision mode. The structured schedule provided by the NTA ensures a fair assessment through the digital GAT and the manual CAT, testing the full spectrum of a designer’s potential. Aspirants are urged to verify their exam centers immediately upon the release of the admit card and to maintain a positive mindset as they approach this foundational hurdle. Success in this February test will not only validate months of hard work but also open the doors to the elite creative community of NIFT.