How to Apply for NIFT 2026 Lateral Entry Admission: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Apply for NIFT 2026 Lateral Entry Admission: Step-by-Step Guide

Sumeet SudarshanUpdated on 08 Sep 2025, 03:27 PM IST

The NIFT Lateral Entry Admission (NLEA) is an important part of the NIFT admission process. Candidates can secure admission directly into the second year of the UG programmes at NIFT campuses through NIFT lateral entry admission. Candidates appearing for NIFT 2026 who hold a diploma can consider opting for NIFT 2026 lateral entry. The application process of NIFT 2026 lateral entry is fully online. In this article, let’s discuss how to apply for NIFT lateral entry admission through a step-by-step guide.

This Story also Contains

  1. How to Apply for NIFT 2026 Lateral Entry Admission?
  2. List of Documents Required for NIFT Lateral Entry Application Form
  3. NIFT Lateral Entry Admission Process
How to Apply for NIFT 2026 Lateral Entry Admission: Step-by-Step Guide
How to Apply for NIFT 2026 Lateral Entry Admission

Interested applicants must make sure they meet the NIFT eligibility criteria for lateral admissions before proceeding to submit the application form. Candidates can secure admission into the second year of the B.Des and B.FTech programmes of NIFT campuses.

How to Apply for NIFT 2026 Lateral Entry Admission?

The application process for NIFT lateral entry admission includes the following steps -

  • Registering on the official website

  • Filling up the application form

  • Application fee payment

  • Uploading the required documents

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for NIFT 2026 Lateral Entry Admission

Given below are the steps to submit the NIFT application form for lateral entry.

Step 1: Online Registration

Candidates must visit the official NTA website and click on the new registration link, and provide basic details to generate login credentials. Some of the basic details to be entered at this stage include-

  • Name

  • Mobile number

  • Email Id

  • Preferred programme

  • Date of birth

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Step 2: Filling Up the NIFT 2026 Lateral Entry Application Form

The second step in the application process of NIFT lateral entry is to log in and fill up the required details. Candidates have to provide the following details-

  • Parent’s details

  • Academic details

  • Address

  • Exam centre preferences

  • Uploading the required documents

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Step 3: Payment of the Application fee

The third and last step in the NIFT lateral entry application process is payment of the application fee. The NIFT lateral entry registration fee must be paid in online mode through Debit/Credit card or net banking. The application fee is non-refundable.

NIFT Lateral Entry Application Fee

CategoryApplication fee

Open/OBC-NCL

Rs 3000

SC/ST/PwD

Rs 1500

List of Documents Required for NIFT Lateral Entry Application Form

Candidates need the following documents to apply for NIFT lateral entry admission

Documents for NIFT Lateral Entry Admission

Sr. no

Documents

1

Self-attested copy of 10th class marksheet and certificate

2

Self-attested copy of 12th class marksheet and certificate

3

Self-attested copy of 3 or 4 years diploma marksheets and certificates

4

SC/ST/PwD/OBC caste certificate, if applicable

5

Self-attested copy of a 2-year diploma from NIFT

NIFT Lateral Entry Admission Process

The steps in the NIFT lateral entry admission process are given below

  • Candidates must appear for the NIFT entrance exam. For NIFT lateral entry, a valid score in NIFT GAT is required.

  • Shortlisted candidates have to appear for a studio test (in case of B.Des) and the Technical Aptitude Test (TAT) in case of B.FTech.

  • There will be a PI round as well for lateral entry admission into NIFT B.Des and NIFT B.FTech

  • Preparation of the merit list based on scores in the entrance exam and ST/TAT, and PI.

  • Payment of fees and confirmation of seat allotment

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Into which semester will candidates be admitted through the NIFT lateral entry admission?
A:

Candidates will be admitted into the third semester of the UG programme at NIFT through lateral entry admission.

Q: What are the courses available under the NIFT lateral entry admission?
A:

The courses available under NIFT 2026 lateral entry admission are B.Des and B.FTech.

Q: What is the official website to apply for NIFT lateral entry admission?
A:

The official website to apply for NIFT lateral entry is nift.ac.in or exams.nta.ac.in/nift

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Questions related to NIFT Entrance Exam

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to NIFT Entrance Exam ?

HELLO,

I am providing you the link below through which you will be able to download the NIFT Question papers with solutions PDF

Here is the link :-

https://design.careers360.com/articles/nift-question-paper

In the above link , you will get the direct links to download the year vise question papers with solutions ,

Hello,

Yes, a diploma holder in Computer Engineering can apply for the NIFT entrance exam , but only through the lateral entry route.

NIFT allows candidates with a 3-year or 4-year engineering diploma from a recognized board to apply for B.F.Tech (Fashion Technology) through lateral entry. The diploma must be

Hello aspirant,

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has determined the official date for NIFT 2026 applicant registrations, which is expected to open in November 2025. Online applications will be accepted through January 2026.

For complete information, you can visit our site through following link:

https://design.careers360.com/exams/nift-entrance-exam

Thank you

Hello Neharika

These are the topics which are most important in the Current affairs section in respect to NIFT Entrance Exam:

1. National and International Awards and Honors
2. Government Schemes and Initiatives
3. Sports
4. Appointments and Newsmakers
5. Science and Technology
6. Indian and World Economy
7. International

Hello,

According to the sources, the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) entrance exam for 2026 will be held in February 2026. Also, the registration period may open from November 2025.

I hope it will clear your query!!