NIFT Entrance Exam Application Date:08 Dec' 25 - 06 Jan' 26
National Institute of Fashion Technology will publish the NIFT 2026 lateral entry eligibility criteria on its official website - nift.ac.in. The NIFT lateral admission is done for admitting candidates directly into the 3rd semester of the NIFT UG courses. It is for this reason that the NIFT 2026 lateral entry admission criteria are different than the regular NIFT eligibility criteria. In this article, let’s look at who is eligible for NIFT lateral entry 2026, including educational qualification, age limit, and more.
Eligible applicants intending to appear for NIFT 2026 can opt for this direct route for NIFT admission. Through the NIFT lateral entry admission, candidates will be admitted into the second year of BDes and B.FTech programmes.
The eligibility criteria for NIFT lateral entry 2026 stipulate that candidates must hold a diploma in addition to having completed their 10th/12th. The course-wise NIFT lateral entry eligibility criteria 2026 for B.Des and B.FTech are given below.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
Educational Qualification | Passed 10th AND 3/ 4-year diploma from a recognised institute 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 OR Passed 12th AND 2 2-year regular UG Diploma Programme at NIFT after passing 12th |
Age limit | Maximum 24 years as on August 1 of the year of admission |
Other requirements | Candidates who have completed 10+2 in any stream are eligible to apply for NLEA B.Des |
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
Educational Qualification | Passed 10th AND 3/ 4-year diploma from a recognised institute in courses related to Fashion/Apparel/Textile/ Home Science/Handloom Technology OR Passed 12th AND a 2-year regular UG Diploma Programme at NIFT after passing 12th |
Age limit | Maximum 24 years as on August 1 of the year of admission |
Other requirements | Candidates with a mathematics background with a Diploma/ Degree in engineering can apply for NLEA B.F.Tech. |
The admission process for NIFT 2026 lateral entry is given below -
Visit the official website and complete NIFT 2026 registration for lateral admission
Candidates have to appear for the General Ability Test (GAT) of the NIFT entrance exam.
Shortlisted candidates for B.Des have to appear for a studio test and PI round. Shortlisted candidates for B.FTech have to appear for a Technical Ability Test (TAT) and PI
Next, the authorities will prepare a merit list based on the score in the entrance exam and the Studio Test/ TAT, and the PI.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The age limit for NIFT 2026 lateral entry is 24 years as on August 1 of the year of admission.
The NLEA is conducted into B.Des and B.FTech programmes.
NIFT lateral entry admission is the process of admitting candidates directly into the 3rd semester of the NIFT UG programmes.
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
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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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