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NIFT 2026: Eligibility, Pattern, Syllabus, Books, Past Year Papers, Preparation Tips
Edited By Isha Jain | Updated on Nov 26, 2024 11:52 AM IST | #NIFT Entrance Exam
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NIFT Entrance Exam Exam Date : 09 Feb' 2025 - 09 Feb' 2025
National Institute of Fashion Technology entrance exam 2026 will be conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA) tentatively in February. The NIFT 2026 entrance exam will be held for undergraduate and postgraduate design courses. NTA will announce the NIFT 2026 dates on its official website-nift.ac.in. Candidates who complete their class 12th will be eligible for NIFT 2026. Aspirants planning to appear for NTA fashion design entrance exam 2026 should refer to NIFT entrance exam syllabus to get an idea on topics asked. Scroll down to have a clear understanding on NIFT 2026.
NIFT 2025: Preparation Guide | Mock Tests- B.Des | BFTech | Most Important Topics
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This Story also Contains
- NIFT 2026: Overview
- NIFT 2026 Important Dates
- NIFT 2026 Application Form
- NIFT 2026 Syllabus
- NIFT Exam Pattern 2026
- NIFT Preparation Tips 2026
- Best Books for NIFT 2026
- Previous Year NIFT Question Paper
NIFT 2026: Overview
Particulars | Details |
Full Exam Name | National Institute of Fashion Technology Entrance Examination |
Short Exam Name | NIFT Entrance Exam |
Conducting Body | National Testing Agency |
Frequency of Conduct | Once a year |
NIFT official website | nift.ac.in |
NTA NIFT website | exams.nta.ac.in/NIFT/ |
NIFT counselling website | nift.admissions.nic.in/ |
Exam Level | National Level Exam |
Mode of Application | Online |
NIFT Campuses | 19 |
NIFT 2026 registration date | November 2026 (Tentative) |
NIFT exam date 2026 | February (2026) |
NIFT entrance exam 2026 sections | GAT & CAT |
NIFT 2026 Important Dates
The NIFT 2026 dates will be announced at- nift.in.ac. The NIFT registration 2026 is expected to be released in November 2025, while the entrance exam will be conducted in February. Check the table below for the tentative dates:
NIFT Exam Date 2026
Particulars | Important dates (Tentative) |
Start date for registrations of NIFT 2026 | November, 2025 |
Last date for registrations of NIFT 2026 without a late fee | January 2026 |
Issue of NIFT 2026 admit card | February, 2026 |
NIFT 2026 exam date (CAT and GAT) | February, 2026 |
Declaration of NIFT 2026 results | March 2026 |
NIFT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The authorities will release the NIFT eligibility criteria 2026 on its official website- nift.ac.in. Candidates must have to meet the NIFT 2026 eligibility criteria to appear for the NIFT entrance exam. The NIFT eligibility criteria is important as they ensure that the candidates possess the essential skills and knowledge required to be eligible for appearing in the entrance test.
As per the NIFT eligibility criteria, those who have passed their 10+2 from any recognised boards or are appearing for the 12th class exams are eligible for the NIFT UG programmes. As of August 1st, the candidate’s maximum age limit should be 24 years.
Candidates applying for the postgraduate degree programmes should hold a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from any Institute/ University recognised by law in India or Undergraduate Diploma of minimum three years duration from NIFT/NID and there is no age limit.
NIFT 2026 Application Form
The National Testing Agency (NTA) will release the NIFT application form 2026 on its official website nift.ac.in. To complete the registration process candidates also have to pay the NIFT application fee of Rs 3000. Below are the steps to fill out the application form:
Go to the official website- nift.ac.in
Click on registration and enter the required information
Select the NIFT exam centre from the drop-down list
Upload the scanned photograph of the candidate
Pay the prescribed application fee as per the category
Upload the required documents
Click on the ‘Submit’ button
Download and take a printout for future reference
NIFT 2026 Syllabus
Candidates appearing for the NIFT entrance examination 2026 are advised to go through the NIFT syllabus as it will outline what topics will be covered and help the students to prioritise on important topics. The NIFT exam consists of two sections - General Ability Test (GAT) and Creative Ability Test (CAT). Below are the BDes and MDes NIFT syllabus topics.
NIFT Syllabus for General Ability Test (GAT)
Communication Ability
English Comprehension
Quantitative Ability
Analytical Ability
General Knowledge and Current Affairs
NIFT Syllabus for Creative Ability Test (CAT)
Design Theory
Colour Terminology
Inspiration & Design Development
NIFT 2025 Ultimate Mock Test eBook
"NIFT 2024 Ultimate Mock Test eBook" – your secret weapon to conquer the National Institute of Fashion Technology entrance test.
Download EBookNIFT Exam Pattern 2026
The NIFT 2026 exam pattern will help the students to prepare effectively for the entrance exam providing a clarity about the number of sections, type of questions, marks distribution, and exam duration. The entrance exam for NIFT 2026 admission includes 3 parts:
Creative Ability Test (CAT)
General Ability Test (GAT)
Situation Test
The Creativity Ability Test (CAT) will be for 3 hours as per the previous year’s exam pattern. The NIFT CAT marks in total is 100.
General Ability Test (GAT)
Particulars | B.Des admission | M.Des admission |
Exam duration | 2 hours | 2 hours |
Mode of the exam | Computer-Based Mode | Computer-Based Mode |
Medium of the exam | English/Hindi | English/Hindi |
The total number of questions | 100 | 120 |
Total NIFT CAT marks | 100 | 100 |
NIFT Preparation Tips 2026
Preparing for the NIFT entrance exam is a crucial step for the candidates to secure a spot in the applied programme. Candidates are advised to focus more on weaker areas and stay updated with fashion trends and design concepts. Below are some preparation tips for the students appearing for the NIFT entrance exam 2026:
Practice previous year question paper of NIFT
Practice sketching and drawing regularly
Don’t overwork and take break to stay refreshed
Share your work with mentors to identify areas for improvement
Take mock tests for the Creative Ability Test (CAT) and General Ability Test (GAT)
Improve speed and accuracy
Build a portfolio of your creative work, including sketches, drawings, fashion design projects, and other creative endeavours
Develop a time management strategy
Try to attempt all the sections
Also Check:
Best Books for NIFT 2026
Providing candidates with a list of recommended books will significantly help in their preparation for entrance exams and with the right resources students can systematically approach their preparation. Below is a list of recommended books for the NIFT 2026 exam.
Book for NIFT 2026
Arihant NIFT Entrance Exam Self-Study Guide | NIFT Entrance Exam- Self-Study Guide |
Bright Careers Guide NIFT Entrance Exam book | NIFT Exam Guide by Dr. R. P. Datason |
NIFT Exam Guide by Verma | NIFT Entrance Examination (Guide) by D Mittal |
Concepts of Pattern Grading | McGraw Hill Education |
NIFT: Previous Years’ Papers (Solved) by Ramesh Publishing House | NIFT Entrance Exams: Ultimate Success Series By Surendra |
Prashant Kumar’s NIFT Entrance Examination Preparation Guide | Popular Master Guide NIFT by R. Gupta |
Previous Year NIFT Question Paper
To prepare effectively for NIFT 2026 entrance exam, candidates are advised to refer to the previous year NIFT question papers. With the help of previous year papers, candidates can get an idea on the types of questions that are asked in the NIFT entrance exam.
Download NIFT Previous Years Paper PDF
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When will the NIFT 2026 application form be released?
The National Testing Agency (NTA) will release the NIFT application form 2026 tentatively in November 2025.
2. What is the NIFT eligibility criteria for undergraduate students?
Candidates those who have passed their 10+2 from any recognised boards or are appearing for the 12th class exams are eligible for the NIFT UG programmes. As of August 1st, the candidate’s maximum age limit should be 24 years.
3. How many sections are there in the NIFT 2026 entrance exam?
The entrance exam for NIFT 2026 admission includes 3 parts:
Creative Ability Test (CAT)
General Ability Test (GAT)
Situation Test
4. What is the NIFT eligibility criteria for postgraduate students?
Candidates applying for the postgraduate degree programmes should hold a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from any Institute/ University recognised by law in India or Undergraduate Diploma of minimum three years duration from NIFT/NID and there is no age limit.
5. What is the duration of GAT?
The duration of the General Ability Test (GAT) is 2 hours.
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Questions related to NIFT Entrance Exam
Have a question related to NIFT Entrance Exam ?
Hello aspirant,
The nationwide Institute of Fashion Technology offers a nationwide entrance exam called NIFT for admission to its fashion design programmes.
Every course has specific requirements that must be met in order to apply. For NIFT, there is no minimum age requirement, however it is evident that passing the 10+2 exam is a requirement in order to be admitted to any undergraduate programme in fashion design.
You cannot be admitted because you are in class eleven. However, you can apply to NIFT for experience and practice, and if your application is accepted, you can take the entrance exam. If you pass, however, be aware that you will not be able to retain your results for admission.
Thank you
Hope this information helps you.
Sajal Trivedi 03 January,2024
Yes, for the NIFT entrance exam in Fashion Designing, you are required to give both the GAT (General Aptitude Test) and the CAT (Creative Ability Test). The GAT assesses your general knowledge, quantitative ability, and reasoning skills, while the CAT evaluates your creative skills, including drawing and visualization. Both tests are essential for admission, as they help assess both your aptitude for fashion design and your creative capabilities.
For more details you can visit the link given below
https://design.careers360.com/articles/difference-between-cat-and-gat-in-nift
Akansha Sharma 21 December,2024
Yes, you can appear for the NIFT 2024 exam even if your 12th board exams are scheduled after the NIFT exam. NIFT allows students to take the exam as long as they are in their final year of school education. If you qualify for the exam, you can submit your 12th-grade results after your board exams. Just ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, and provide your 12th marks once the results are declared.
For more details you can visit the link given below
https://design.careers360.com/articles/nift-eligibility-criteria
Akansha Sharma 20 December,2024
Dear Aspirant,
Yes! If you want to pursue your under graduation from nift after 12th or even if you are appearing for12th exam then you are eligible to apply for the exam. There are several courses offered by nift which includes undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes.
Age (Undergraduate degree programmes) -
- General - the maximum age should be less than 24 years as on 1st august in the year of examination
- Reserved category - 5 years relaxation
Hope this information helps :)
mkahampa 21 August,2022
Dear aspirant
NIFT 2023 ELIGIBILITY - B.DES admission
1. Aspiring students must have completed a 10+2 board exam from any recognized Central/State Board of Secondary Examination, such as Central Board of Secondary Education/State Board New Delhi, and Council for Indian School of Certificate Examination, New Delhi or,
2. Any Board/Public School/University Examination conducted in India or abroad which is equivalent to the 10+2 system and is accorded by the Association of Indian Universities or,
3. If candidates complete the General Certificate Education (GCE) Examination (London/Sri Lanka/ Cambridge/) at the Advanced (A) level/International Baccalaureate (IB) then, they are eligible to apply or,
4. Students will also be eligible if they have passed the 10+2 examination conducted by the National Open School with at least five subjects or,
5. Diploma of 3 or 4 years which is recognized by AICTE or State Board of Technical Education.
Age limit - Candidates must be of 23 years of age as of August 1, 2022. However, candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC)/Scheduled Tribe (ST)/Person With Disability (PHP) get a relaxation of 5 years
Eligibility for B.F.Tech admission
1. Students must pass the Class 12 exam in the 10+2 pattern of examination with Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects from any recognized Central/ State Board of Secondary Examination, such as Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi, and Council for Indian School of Certificate Examination, New Delhi or,
2. Any Public School/Board/University Exam in India or in foreign countries which is equivalent to a 10+2 system with Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics as a mandatory subjects. It must be recognized by the Association of Indian Universities or,
3. General Certificate Education (GCE) Examination(London/ Cambridge/ Sri Lanka) at the advanced (A) level with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics/International Baccalaureate (IB) or,
4. Diploma of 3 or 4 years in any programme of engineering which is recognized by AICTE or a State Board of Technical Education or,
5. A passing grade in the Higher Secondary Education Examination held by the National Open School with at least five subjects - Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
Age limit is same as B.des
You can check other details about eligibility criteria for NIFT from link below:
https://design.careers360.com/articles/nift-eligibility-criteria
Hope this was informative for you
Best regards!!
rajeevanand843 13 August,2022
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