The National Testing Agency and the National Institute of Fashion Technology have published the NIFT 2026 exam pattern for all NIFT courses on their official website. The pattern provides the NIFT entrance exam components and the shortlisting criteria for NIFT 2026 admission. For UG programmes, the NIFT General Ability Test (GAT) has two parts - Section A and Section B, carrying 100 and 50 questions respectively. The total number of questions for NIFT PG 2026 GAT is 150 for both M.FTech and MFM, and 120 for M.Des. Candidates applying for B.Des must also appear for the Creative Ability Test (CAT) in addition to the GAT. As per the marking scheme, each question carries 1 mark with a negative marking of -0.25 for every wrong answer. In this article, check out the NIFT 2026 selection criteria components for all the programmes.
The NIFT 2026 registrations opened on December 8, 2025. Candidates can apply for one or two programes. The NIFT 2026 subjects they have to appear for will change as per the programme for which they have registered. NIFT 2026 is scheduled to be held on February 8, 2026, in online (GAT) and offline mode (CAT). Candidates will be offered admission into NIFT courses that include B.Des, M.Des, B.FTech, M.FTech, and MFM programmes of 19 NIFT campuses across India.
The table below provides the NIFT exam pattern 2026 and the components that candidates have to appear for each of the courses available in the NIFT 2026 admission process.
Programme | Entrance Exam Components | Shortlisting Criteria |
B.Des | GAT, CAT | Shortlisted based on the entrance examination, followed by a Situation Test |
B.FTech | GAT | Shortlisted based on the GAT |
B.FTech and B.Des | GAT, CAT | Separate Common Merit Ranks (CMRs) will be generated for: B.Des.: Based on entrance exam results + Situation Test B.F.Tech: Based on GAT Candidates applying for B.F.Tech. With Mathematics can also enroll for B.Des. by taking the CAT along with GAT (not applicable for NLEA) |
M.Des | GAT, CAT | Shortlisted based on GAT + CAT, followed by a Personal Interview (PI) |
MFM | GAT | Shortlisted based on the GAT, followed by a Personal Interview (PI) |
MFM and M.Des | GAT, CAT | Separate Common Merit Ranks (CMRs) will be generated for: M.F.M: Based on GAT (Sections A & B) + PI M.Des: Based on GAT (Section A) + CAT + PI |
M.FTech | GAT | Shortlisted based on the GAT, followed by a Personal Interview (PI) |
PhD | Written Test | Research Proposal Presentation and Interview |
The table below shows the total marks for GAT for different UG and PG programmes in NIFT 2026. Each right answer carries +1 mark with a negative marking of -0.25 marks for every wrong answer.
Particulars | B.Des | B.FTech | |
Section A | Section B | ||
Time | 120 minutes | 120 minutes | 60 minutes |
Communication Ability and English Comprehension | 40 | 40 | NA |
Quantitative Ability | 20 | 20 | 15 |
Analytical & Logical Ability | 15 | 15 | 15 |
General Knowledge and Current Affairs | 25 | 25 | NA |
Case Study | NA | NA | 20 |
100 | 100 | 60 | |
Particulars | MFTech | MFM | M.Des |
Time | 180 minutes | 180 minutes | 120 minutes |
Communication Ability and English Comprehension | 45 | 50 | 50 |
Quantitative Ability | 30 | 20 | 20 |
Analytical & Logical Ability | 25 | 25 | 25 |
General Knowledge and Current Affairs | 25 | 25 | 25 |
Case Study | 25 | 30 | NA |
Total | 150 | 150 | 120 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The total number of questions in NIFT B.Des GAT is 100.
In NIFT 2026, each question carries 1 mark, and there is a negative marking of -.25 for every wrong answer.
The components in the NIFT selection criteria include GAT, CAT, situation test and interview that vary for different courses.
On Question asked by student community
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 approved by AICTE or the State Technical Board.
The age limit is usually 24 years for the general category.
So yes, you are eligible, as Computer Engineering is an engineering diploma.
Hope it helps !
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 Relations
8. Fashion Industry Updates
9. Books and Authors
10. Art and Culture
11. Environmental and Social Issues
To know more about NIFT Entrance Exam: NIFT Entrance Exam by CAREERS360
Hope this answer helps! Thank You!!!
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!!
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