Who is Eligible for NIFT Lateral Entry 2026?

Who is Eligible for NIFT Lateral Entry 2026?

Sumeet SudarshanUpdated on 02 Feb 2026, 06:18 PM IST

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.

Who is Eligible for NIFT Lateral Entry 2026?
Who is Eligible for NIFT Lateral Entry 2026?

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.

Who is Eligible for NIFT Lateral Entry 2026?

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.

NIFT Lateral Entry Eligibility Criteria for B.Des

ParticularsDetails

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

NIFT Lateral Entry Eligibility Criteria for B.FTech

ParticularsDetails

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.

NIFT Lateral Entry Admission Process 2026

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)

Q: What is NIFT Lateral Entry Admission?
A:

NIFT lateral entry admission is the process of admitting candidates directly into the 3rd semester of the NIFT UG programmes.

Q: What are the NIFT UG programmes in which NLEA is done?
A:

The NLEA is conducted into B.Des and B.FTech programmes.

Q: What is the age limit for NIFT 2026 lateral entry?
A:

The age limit for NIFT 2026 lateral entry is 24 years as on August 1 of the year of admission.

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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
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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!!