The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) is expected to release its application forms and notification for the 2026 academic year very soon. This update is important for students looking to join undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) design and fashion courses across India. Interested students should visit the official NIFT website, nift.ac.in , to apply once the forms are available. The application process will be the same for all courses.
Key Application Details
The NIFT entrance exam allows students to apply for various programs. These include Bachelor of Design ( B.Des ), Master of Design ( M.Des ), Bachelor of Fashion Technology ( B.F. Tech ), Master of Fashion Technology ( M.F.Tech ), and Master of Fashion Management ( M.F.M ).
Here are the expected application fees for NIFT 2026:
| Category | Application Fee |
| General/OBC (NCL)/EWS | INR 3,000 |
| SC/ST/PwD | INR 1,500 |
Students who miss the initial deadline can still apply by paying an extra late fee. This late fee is expected to be INR 5,000 , in addition to the regular application fee.
Who Can Apply for NIFT 2026?
NIFT offers a range of courses for students after Class 12 and for those who have completed a bachelor's degree. Undergraduate programs like B.Des and B.F.Tech are typically for students who have passed their 10+2 exams. Postgraduate programs such as M.Des, M.F.Tech, and M.F.M are for students who have already completed a bachelor's degree.
Students interested in fashion, textile design, accessory design, fashion communication, and fashion technology can choose from these programs. NIFT is known for its specialized education in these creative fields.
Important Documents Needed for Application
When filling out the NIFT 2026 application form, students must provide self-attested copies of several important documents. Having these ready beforehand will make the application process smoother.
- Class X certificate (This is mainly to confirm your date of birth.)
- Class XII marksheet or certificate (Required for undergraduate admissions.)
- Bachelor’s Mark sheet (If you are applying for a postgraduate course.)
- Bachelor’s Degree certificate (If you are applying for a postgraduate course.)
- Master’s Mark sheet (If you are applying for certain higher-level postgraduate courses.)
- Master’s Degree certificate (If you are applying for certain higher-level postgraduate courses.)
- Scorecard of entrance exams like UGC-NET, CEED, CSIR (JRF), or similar exams (Only if applicable for specific courses, especially postgraduate ones.)
- Category certificate (SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS certificate). Only submit this if you belong to these categories. It helps in availing fee reductions and reservation benefits.
How to Apply for NIFT 2026?
The application process for NIFT 2026 will be online. Here are the general steps students will need to follow:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to nift.ac.in .
- Find the Application Link: Look for the 'NIFT 2026 Admission' or 'Application Form' link on the homepage.
- Register: Create a new account by providing basic details like your name, email ID, and phone number.
- Fill the Application Form: Log in with your new credentials. Fill in all personal, academic, and contact details accurately.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of the required documents, as listed above. Ensure all documents are clear and in the specified format.
- Pay the Application Fee: Pay the application fee online using debit card, credit card, or net banking. Remember to pay the correct fee based on your category.
- Review and Submit: Carefully review all the information you have entered. Make sure there are no errors. Then, submit the form.
- Print Confirmation: After submission, download and print the confirmation page for your records.
What Happens After Application?
After the application window closes, NIFT will conduct an entrance examination. This exam usually includes a Creative Ability Test (CAT) and a General Ability Test (GAT). For some programs, there might also be a Situation Test or Group Discussion/Personal Interview round.
Students should regularly check the official NIFT website for exact dates related to the application deadline, admit card release, and examination schedule. Preparing all necessary documents in advance will help students apply smoothly once the notification is out.