The National Testing Agency (NTA) has started the registration process for the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) 2026 Entrance Examination. Students interested in fashion and design courses can now apply online. The last date to apply with the normal fee is January 6, 2026 . Students who miss this date can still apply from January 7 to January 10, 2026 , but they will have to pay an extra charge of INR 5,000 . The NIFT 2026 exam will be held on February 8, 2026 . All applications must be submitted on the official website: exams.nta.nic.in/niftee .
Key Dates for NIFT 2026 Application
Here are the important dates for the NIFT 2026 Entrance Examination:
| Event | Date |
| Online Registration Starts | Ongoing (already started) |
| Last Date to Apply (Normal Fee) | January 6, 2026 |
| Late Fee Application Period | January 7 to 10, 2026 |
| Extra Late Fee Amount | INR 5,000 |
| NIFT 2026 Exam Date | February 8, 2026 |
How to Apply for NIFT 2026 Online
Students must complete their NIFT 2026 application online. This includes filling out the form and paying the fees. Follow these steps:
- Step 1: Visit the Website – Go to the official NTA NIFT website: exams.nta.nic.in/niftee .
- Step 2: Check Eligibility – Before filling the form, check if you meet all the requirements for your chosen NIFT program. This includes age and your school qualifications. Find details in the official NIFT prospectus.
- Step 3: Fill the Application Form – Fill in all your personal and academic details carefully in the online form.
- Step 4: Upload Documents – Upload scanned copies of necessary documents. Ensure they are in the correct size and format. This usually includes your photo, signature, and other certificates.
- Step 5: Pay Application Fee – Pay the required application fee online. The fee varies for different categories.
- Step 6: Download Confirmation Page – After submitting the form and paying the fee, download and print the confirmation page. Keep this safe for future reference.
NIFT 2026 Application Fees
Students need to pay a fee to apply for the NIFT 2026 exam. This fee can be paid online. The amount depends on your category:
| Category | Application Fee |
| General / OBC | INR 2,000 |
| SC / ST / PwD (Persons with Disabilities) | INR 500 |
If you apply between January 7 and January 10, 2026 , an extra late fee of INR 5,000 will be added to these amounts.
Understand Eligibility Rules
It is important to check the eligibility rules before applying. NIFT has specific requirements for each course. These usually cover:
- Age Limit: There might be a minimum or maximum age to apply.
- Educational Qualification: You need to have passed certain exams, like your 10+2, with specific subjects.
Find full details about eligibility in the official NIFT prospectus on the NIFT website. Reading this document carefully will help you understand if you qualify for the course you want.
Required Documents for Application
When you apply online, you will need to upload some documents. Have these ready before you start your application. Generally, you might need:
- Your recent passport-size photograph.
- Your signature.
- Educational certificates (e.g., 10th and 12th mark sheets).
- Category certificate (if you are applying under SC, ST, OBC, or PwD categories).
Scan these documents clearly. Check their file size and format (like JPG, PDF) as shown in the application instructions. Incorrect or unclear documents can cause issues with your application.