The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the admission notice for the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Entrance Examination (NIFTEE-2026). This exam is for students who want to join NIFT in the 2026 academic year. NIFT offers popular courses in fashion and design. Interested students can now apply online for various undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
The online application process started on December 8, 2025 . The main exam, called Stage-1, is set for February 8, 2026 (Sunday). Students should make sure to apply within the given deadlines.
Key Dates for NIFTEE-2026 Applications
| Online Application Starts | December 8, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply (without late fee) | January 6, 2026 |
| Apply with Late Fee | January 7 to 10, 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | January 12 to 14, 2026 |
| NIFTEE-2026 Exam Date (Stage-1) | February 8, 2026 |
What Courses Can You Apply For?
NIFT offers many courses for students at different levels. You can apply for:
- Undergraduate Programs: Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Bachelor of Fashion Technology (B.F.Tech). These are for students who have completed 12th standard.
- Postgraduate Programs: Master of Design (M.Des), Master of Fashion Technology (M.F.Tech), and Master of Fashion Management (M.F.M). These are for students who have completed their graduation.
- Lateral Entry Admissions (NLEA): For students who want to join B.Des and B.F.Tech courses in the second or third year.
- Artisan and PhD Programs: Special programs for skilled artisans and research scholars.
Students from outside India, including NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, SAARC nationals, and other foreign nationals, can also apply under specific rules.
How to Apply Online
The application process for NIFTEE-2026 is fully online. Here are the important steps and requirements:
- Visit Official Websites: You must apply through the official NIFT or NTA websites.
- Aadhaar e-KYC: You may need to complete Aadhaar-based e-KYC during the application process. This helps confirm your identity.
- Upload Photos and Signature: You must upload a recent live photograph, along with a scanned photograph and your scanned signature. Make sure these follow the exact size and format mentioned in the Information Bulletin.
- UDID Card for PwD Candidates: If you belong to the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) or Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) category, you must upload a valid UDID Card in the correct format.
Check Your Eligibility
Before applying, it is very important to check if you meet all the eligibility rules. These rules cover:
- Age: The minimum and maximum age limits.
- Educational Qualifications: What classes you need to have passed (e.g., 10+2 for undergraduate courses, a degree for postgraduate courses).
- Category Norms: Specific rules for different categories like SC, ST, OBC, EWS.
- Subject Requirements: Some programs, like B.F.Tech, may require you to have studied mathematics in your 12th standard.
For complete details on eligibility, syllabus, and how the exam will be conducted, students must refer to the NIFT Admissions Guidelines 2026 and the NTA Information Bulletin 2026 . These detailed documents are available on the NIFT and NTA websites.
NIFTEE-2026 Exam Details
Exam Date and Locations
The Stage-1 exam will take place on February 8, 2026 (Sunday). NTA will conduct this exam in 100 cities across India. This makes it easy for students from different regions to appear for the test.
Exam Format and Language
The exam will be conducted in two ways:
- Computer-Based Test (CBT): For some courses, you will take the exam on a computer.
- Pen-and-Paper Test (PBT): For other courses, you will answer on paper. The exact format depends on the course you apply for.
The exam will be available in both English and Hindi . If there is any confusion or difference in meaning between the English and Hindi versions of the questions, the English version will be considered final.
Preparing for the Exam
To prepare well, students should look at the exam pattern, syllabus, and marking scheme. The selection process might include a General Ability Test (GAT), Creative Ability Test (CAT), a Situation Test, or a Personal Interview. All these details are clearly mentioned in the NIFT Admissions Guidelines 2026 and the NTA Information Bulletin 2026 .
