How to take admission in NIFT – 2026?

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) is one of India’s most prestigious fashion and design education institutes. Thousands of aspiring designers and fashion enthusiasts compete for a spot in this renowned institution every year. Admission to NIFT is a multi-step process that requires attention to detail and careful preparation. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the admission process for NIFT 2026.

Eligibility Criteria for NIFT 2026

Before applying to NIFT, it is essential to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the program you are interested in. The requirements differ for undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Undergraduate Programs (B.Des & B.FTech):

1. Age Limit:

• Candidates must be under 24 years old as of August 1, 2026.
• A relaxation of 5 years is provided for SC, ST, and PwD candidates.

2. Educational Qualification:

• Candidates must have passed the 10+2 examination from a recognized board.
• Students from any stream (Science, Commerce, or Arts) are eligible to apply.

3. Special Requirements for B.FTech:

• Applicants must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics at the 10+2 level.

Postgraduate Programs (M.Des, M.FTech, MFM)

1. Age Limit:

• There is no age limit for postgraduate programs.

2. Educational Qualification:

• M.Des: Undergraduate degree from a recognized university or a diploma in UG design (3 years).

• M.FTech: B.FTech from NIFT or BE/B.Tech degree from a recognized institute.

• MFM: Undergraduate degree from any recognized institute or diploma (3 years).

NIFT Campuses and Seat Availability

NIFT has campuses across India, allowing students to study in diverse locations. Here are the NIFT campuses:

• New Delhi (Headquarters)
• Mumbai
• Bengaluru
• Kolkata
• Chennai
• Hyderabad
• Gandhinagar
• Patna
• Shillong
• Bhopal
• Kannur
• Bhubaneswar
• Jodhpur
• Kangra
• Raebareli
• Srinagar
• Panchkula (new campus)

Seat Availability 

The seat count for all the campuses and programs varies. There are over 4,000 seats across all the campuses for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. A candidate should consult the NIFT prospectus for exact seat availability in 2026.

Application Process for NIFT 2026

The application process for NIFT 2026 is conducted online through the official NIFT website. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit the Official Website:

Go to www.nift.ac.in and navigate to the admissions section.

2. Register:

• Create a new account by providing basic details such as your name, email ID, and phone number.
• A registration ID and password will be generated.

3. Fill out the Application Form:

• Log in with your credentials and fill out the detailed application form.
• Provide personal details, educational qualifications, and program preferences.

4. Upload Documents:

• Recent passport-sized photograph.
• Scanned signature.
• Category certificate (if applicable).
• Educational certificates.

5. Pay the Application Fee:

• The application fee can be paid online via debit/credit card or net banking.
• Fee Structure:
• General/OBC: ₹2000
• SC/ST/PWD: ₹1000

6. Submit the Application:

• Review the form for errors and submit it.
• Take a printout of the application form for future reference.

7. Correction Window:

A correction window is usually available for a limited time after the application deadline. Use this to rectify any mistakes in the form.

NIFT Entrance Exam 2026

The NIFT entrance exam is a critical step in the admission process. It assesses candidates on various parameters, including creativity, aptitude, and technical skills.

Exam Pattern

1. General Ability Test (GAT):

• Mode: Online (computer-based)
• Subjects:
• Quantitative Ability
• Communication Ability
• English Comprehension
• Analytical Ability
• General Knowledge and Current Affairs
• Duration: 2 hours (for UG programs) and 3 hours (for PG programs)

2. Creative Ability Test (CAT):

• Mode: Offline (pen-and-paper-based)
• Focus: Creative and innovative thinking, design ability, and sketching skills.

Important Dates

• Exam Date: February, 2026
• Admit Card: Available in the third week of January 2025 on the official website.

Results and Counseling Process

1. Result Declaration:

• Results for the NIFT entrance exam will be announced in May 2026.
• Candidates can check their results on the official website using their login credentials.

2. Counselling

• Counseling sessions are typically conducted in May-June 2026.
• Candidates must register for counseling and pay the required fee.
• Seat allocation is based on merit, preferences, and availability.

Admission Process After the Exam

Once you secure a seat through counseling, the following steps include:

1. Fee Payment:

• Pay the first-semester fee to confirm your admission.

2. Document Verification:

• Submit original documents for verification, including:
• Admit card
• Scorecard
• Educational certificates
• Category certificate (if applicable)
• Proof of age (birth certificate or Class 10 mark sheet)

3. Medical Fitness:

• Submit a medical fitness certificate from a registered medical practitioner.

4. Commencement of Classes:

• Classes for the 2026 academic year are expected to begin in July-August 2026.

Scholarships at NIFT

NIFT offers several scholarships to support students from diverse financial backgrounds. The primary scholarship schemes include:

1. SARTHAK:

• For economically weaker sections.
• Covers tuition fees based on parental income.

2. UDAAN:

• For meritorious students with limited financial resources.
• Offers partial or complete tuition fee waivers.

3. Merit-Cum-Means Financial Assistance:

• Based on academic performance and family income.

4. State and Central Government Scholarships:

• Students can also avail of scholarships from their respective state or central government.

Additional Tips for NIFT Aspirants

1. Prepare Early:

Start preparing at least 6-8 months in advance to cover the syllabus thoroughly.

2. Practice Sketching:

For design programs, strong sketching and creative skills are crucial.

3. Mock Tests:

Take mock tests to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and improve time management.

4. Stay Updated:

Regularly check the official website for updates on the admission process and important dates.

5. Portfolio Preparation:

Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best work, which may be required during further admission rounds.