The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) has announced the exam date for NIFT 2026. The entrance exam will be held on February 8, 2026 . Students who want to join undergraduate (UG) or postgraduate (PG) design and fashion programs must register online. The last date to register is January 6, 2026 . Candidates can apply and find details on the official NIFT website, nift.ac.in .
NIFT 2026 Important Dates
| Particulars | Details |
| NIFT 2026 Exam Date | February 8, 2026 |
| Last Date to Register Online | January 6, 2026 |
About the NIFT Exam
The NIFT 2026 exam will be conducted in 100 cities across India. The test is available in both Hindi and English languages. The exam has two main parts:
- General Ability Test (GAT): This is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) . It checks general knowledge, logical thinking, and English skills. All candidates must take the GAT.
- Creative Ability Test (CAT): This is a Paper-Based Test (PBT) . It checks creativity, drawing ability, and design sense. Only students for Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des) programs need to take the CAT.
Candidates will take one or both tests depending on their program choice.
NIFT 2026 Exam Timings
Here are the NIFT 2026 exam timings for February 8, 2026 :
| Programmes | Test Type | Examination Time |
| Bachelor of Design | GAT | 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon |
| Bachelor of Design | CAT | 03:00 PM to 06:00 PM |
| Bachelor of Design (NLEA) | GAT | 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon |
| Bachelor of Fashion Technology | GAT | 10:00 AM to 01:00 PM |
| Bachelor of Fashion Technology (NLEA) | GAT | 10:00 AM to 01:00 PM |
| Bachelor of Fashion Technology and Bachelor of Design | GAT | 10:00 AM to 01:00 PM |
| Bachelor of Fashion Technology and Bachelor of Design | CAT | 03:00 PM to 06:00 PM |
| Master of Design | GAT | 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon |
| Master of Design | CAT | 03:00 PM to 06:00 PM |
NLEA means Lateral Entry Admission, for students joining in the second year of a program.
After the Written Exam
After the written exam, selected candidates will have further rounds:
- Situation Test: For UG programs like B.Des. This tests practical skills.
- Personal Interview: For PG programs like M.Des. This checks communication and suitability.
Important Updates
NIFT will soon release dates for the city intimation slip and admit card. The city intimation slip tells candidates their exam city. The admit card is needed to enter the exam hall.
Students must check the official NIFT website, nift.ac.in , regularly for all latest updates on the exam, admit card, and selection processes. Do not miss any important announcements.
