NIFT Entrance Exam 2026: Dates, Eligibility, Pattern, Syllabus & Application

Established in 1986 by the Ministry of Textiles, the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) has grown into a premier institution for design education. Headquartered in New Delhi, NIFT operates 18 campuses nationwide—including prominent locations in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Daman (founded in 2022). The NIFT Entrance Exam 2026 acts as the primary admission gateway for aspiring design professionals seeking entry into programs like BDes, BFTech, MDes, MFTech, and MFM across 60 test cities (spanning 32 states and regions across India). Conducted annually by the National Testing Agency (NTA), the exam oversees a total seat intake of 5,289.

For official notifications, updates, and portal access, candidates can visit the official website at http://www.nift.ac.in/ or reach out via the Exam Helpdesk Number at 011-26542000.

NIFT 2026 Overview

NIFT 2026 Examination Schedule

Mark your calendar with the key milestones and event dates for the 2026 admissions cycle:

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must ensure they meet the specific academic and age requirements before applying:

• UG Courses Age Limit: Applicant's age cannot exceed 24 years (SC/ST applicants receive a 5-year age relaxation). There is no age restriction for PG programmes.
• B.Des: Candidates must have earned a 10+2 diploma from an accredited university or board.
• B.F.Tech (Apparel Production): Candidates must have passed 12th grade with honors in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
• M.F.Tech: Candidates must hold a B.F.Tech from NIFT or a B.Tech/B.E. from an accredited institution or university.

Checklists: Documents and Fees

Documents Required to Fill the NIFT 2026 Application Form

• Valid Email Id
• Details of Educational Qualification
• Personal Details
• Certificate of Disability (if applicable)
• ST/ SC/ OBC Certificate (if applicable)
• Scanned Image of Signature
• Scanned Image of Photograph
• Details of Credit/Debit card in case of making payment online

Document Uploading Format

Application Fee Structure

Steps to fill out the NIFT 2026 Application Form

1. Step I: Visit the official NIFT website at www.nift.ac.in.
2. Step II: Locate and click on the 'NIFT Registration 2026' link on the homepage or head directly to the application portal at https://nift.ntaonline.in/.
3. Step III: Complete the Aadhaar verification process, followed by entering your personal details, including parent names, valid email ID, and mobile number.
4. Step IV: Your unique login credentials (ID and password) will be sent to your registered email address upon successful registration.
5. Step V: Log in to fill out the detailed application form, providing your educational background, qualifying exam status, and contact information.
6. Step VI: Select your preferred examination center based on your convenience.
7. Step VII: Click the submit button to generate your unique application number.
8. Step VIII: Upload your photograph and signature in the specified dimensions and formats prescribed by the NTA.
9. Step IX: Complete the payment process using net banking, credit, or debit cards.
10. Step X: Carefully review all entered details before finalizing your submission to avoid discrepancies.
11. Step XI: Save and print a copy of your submitted NIFT 2026 application form for future reference.

Exam Pattern & Syllabus

The NIFT 2026 test is conducted in a pen-and-paper format (offline) with a duration of two hours for B.F.Tech, M.F.Tech, MFM, B.Des, and M.Des entrance exams. The question paper is available in both Hindi and English. Note that there is negative marking: 0.25 marks are deducted for every incorrect response.

General Ability Test (GAT) Syllabus

Creative Ability Test (CAT) Syllabus

NIFT 2026 Test Cities

Examinations are hosted across multiple centers nationwide: