Is Entrance Exam Compulsory for NIFT Lateral Entry 2026 Admissions?

Is Entrance Exam Compulsory for NIFT Lateral Entry 2026 Admissions?

Achyuth NambiarUpdated on 11 Sep 2025, 02:44 PM IST

An application through lateral entry for NIFT is open to candidates for the B.Des programme where they can enter the course in the third semester of the UG programme. The question remains as to who qualifies for NIFT NLEA. Looking into lateral entry requires candidates to examine the NIFT lateral entry admission. This leads to candidates to look into the NIFT lateral examination, or if there is one that they need to pass to enter the NIFT lateral entry programme. Candidates can verify if the NIFT entrance exam is mandatory in the article below.

This Story also Contains

  1. Is NIFT Lateral Exam Mandatory?
  2. Are there any Differences in NIFT NLEA Entrance Exam?
  3. Who Qualifies for Lateral Entry in NIFT?
Is Entrance Exam Compulsory for NIFT Lateral Entry 2026 Admissions?
NIFT Lateral Entry 2026 Admission

Is NIFT Lateral Exam Mandatory?

Yes, it is possible for candidates who are applying for the lateral entry process to gain admission by applying through the NIFT NLEA entrance exam process. The NIFTEE 2026 NLEA admission dates are as specified in the table below.

Particulars

NIFT NLEA Dates

NIFT Lateral Entry Registration Date

Last week of November 2025 to January 2026.

NIFT Entrance exam:

  • NIFT Lateral Entry Admission (NLEA) -BDes

  • NIFT Lateral Entry Admission (NLEA) -BFTech

February 2026

NIFT NLEA Situation Test/ Studio Test, Personal Interview and Document Verification

First week of June 2026


Seat Allocation

Fourth week of June 2026

While this answers, does NIFT allow lateral entry, candidates can obtain admission only by the NIFTEE NLEA exam process. Furthermore, we can also verify what the eligibility is for NIFT lateral entry 2026.

Also Read: List of Design Institutes Offering Lateral Entry Admissions

Are there any Differences in NIFT NLEA Entrance Exam?

According to the exam schedule for NIFT 2026, candidates appearing for NIFT NLEA will have to account for the differences in the BDes and BFTech courses as well.

  • In the case of BDes NLEA candidates will have a Studio Test and Personal Interview that will be held on the same day at the designated test centre

  • For the BFTech NLEA candidates there will be a Technical Ability Test (TAT) and Personal interview that will be conducted. The Technical Ability Test will be conducted in an OMR format.

Also Read:

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Pearl Academy B.Des Admissions 2026

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Who Qualifies for Lateral Entry in NIFT?

Candidates who wish to appear for the NIFT lateral entry entrance exam need to meet the following NIFT eligibility criteria that is mentioned below.

NIFT NLEA Educational Qualifications for B.Des

  • Passed Secondary School Examination/10th

  • Passed 3 or 4-years diploma recognized by AICTE/ AIU/ UGC or a State Board of Technical Education in courses related to Fashion / Apparel / Textile and Accessories / Home Science/ Handloom Technology / Products / Visual Communication / Graphic Design / Industrial Design / Interior Design / Multimedia Design / Apparel Technology / Leather/ Fine arts.

  • Passed Senior Secondary or 12th recognized by AIU.

  • Students who have completed 2 year regular UG Diploma Programme at NIFT after passing Senior Secondary Examination or 12th standard.

NIFT 2026 Most Important Topics
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NIFT NLEA Educational Qualifications for B.F.Tech

  • Passed Secondary School Examination/10th

  • Passed a 3 or 4-years diploma recognized by AICTE/ AIU/UGC or a State Board of Technical Education in courses related to Fashion / Apparel / Textile/ Home Science/ Handloom Technology.

  • Passed Senior Secondary /12th recognized by AIU with Physics and Mathematics.

  • Students who have completed 02 years UG Diploma Programme at NIFT after passing Senior Secondary Examination/ 12th Standard.

IIAD Admissions 2026

Last Date to Apply – 23rd January | Exam Dates – 31st Jan (online), 1st Feb (Online & Offline) | Leading Design College | Highest CTC: ₹12 LPA | Average CTC: ₹7.5 LPA | Scholarships for Deserving Students

Manav Rachna-MRIIRS B.Design Admissions 2026

Courses offered in- Fashion Design, Product Design, Communication Design, Interior & Spatial Design & Animation & VFX Design

NIFT NLEA Age Limit

  • Candidates must be 24 years of age as on 1st August during the year of admission.

  • The relaxation of the age limit has a limit of 5 years for candidates belonging to the categories of Scheduled Castes/ Scheduled Tribe/ Persons With Disabilities (PWD).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Which is better, NIFT BDes or BFTech?
A:

BDes programs offer a broader range of design disciplines and creative opportunities, while BFTech programs are specialized and prepare students specifically for careers in the fashion and textile industry.

Q: Is NIFT lateral entry worth it?
A:

Students save one year compared to starting B.Des and B.F.Tech from the first year. Secondly, fewer years in college means lower tuition and living expenses. Furthermore, Diploma knowledge combines well with the degree syllabus, broadening skills.

Q: Can I join NIFT NLEA without an entrance exam?
A:

No you can’t join without an NIFT entrance exam. BDes courses require an entrance examination with a Creative Ability Test (CAT) and a General Ability Test (GAT) whereas only a GAT is required for the NIFT B.F.Tech programme.

Q: What is NIFT lateral entry eligibility?
A:

Candidates with a mathematics/engineering diploma or degree can apply for B.F.Tech and B.Des programs. Those with an aptitude for creativity, innovation, or fashion design may also apply for B.Des. The age limit is 24 years (relaxed by 5 years for SC/ST/PwD candidates).

Q: Does NIFT allow lateral entry?
A:

NIFT lateral entry admits candidates directly to the 3rd semester who meet the eligibility criteria and are through in the exams conducted by the National Institute of Fashion Technology. Candidates have to apply online to get admission for NIFT lateral entry.

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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!!