The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) has opened applications for its NIFT Entrance Exam (NIFTEE-2026). This exam is for students who want to join NIFT’s fashion courses for the academic year 2026. The National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct the NIFTEE-2026 exam across **100 cities** in India.
Students can apply online for various programs, including undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG), lateral entry, artisan, and PhD courses. The application process started on **December 8, 2025**. The main entrance exam, Stage-1, will be held on **February 8, 2026 (Sunday)**.
Key Dates for NIFTEE-2026
Here are the important dates for applying to NIFT 2026:
| Application Start Date | December 8, 2025 |
| Application End Date (without late fee) | January 6, 2026 |
| Application with Late Fee | January 7 to 10, 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | January 12 to 14, 2026 |
| Stage-1 Exam Date | February 8, 2026 (Sunday) |
Exam Details: Mode and Language
The NIFTEE-2026 Stage-1 exam will take place on **February 8, 2026**. The NTA will hold the exam in **100 cities** across the country. The exam format will depend on the course you apply for.
- Some courses will have a **Computer-Based Test (CBT)**. This means you will take the exam on a computer.
- Other courses will have a **Pen-and-Paper Test (PBT)**. This means you will write your answers on paper.
The NIFT entrance exam will be available in two languages: **Hindi** and **English**. If there is any difference in the translation between the two languages, the English version will be considered final.
Programs You Can Apply For
NIFT is inviting applications for many programs for the 2026 academic session. These include:
- Undergraduate (UG) Programs:
- Bachelor of Design (B.Des)
- Bachelor of Fashion Technology (B.F.Tech)
- Postgraduate (PG) Programs:
- Master of Design (M.Des)
- Master of Fashion Technology (M.F.Tech)
- Master of Fashion Management (M.F.M)
- Lateral Entry Admissions (NLEA):
- This allows students with relevant diplomas to join the second year of B.Des and B.F.Tech programs directly.
- Artisan Category:
- A special entry route for skilled artisans applying for the B.Des program. Candidates will need to pass a written exam, present a research proposal, and attend an interview.
- PhD Programs:
- For students seeking higher research degrees. Candidates will need to pass a written exam, present a research proposal, and attend an interview.
Students who are Non-Resident Indians (NRI), Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), SAARC country citizens, and other foreign students can also apply. They must meet specific eligibility rules.
Important Advice for Applicants
Before applying for NIFTEE-2026, all students must carefully check if they meet the eligibility rules. These rules cover several important points:
- Age Limit: Make sure you are within the specified age range for your chosen program.
- Educational Qualifications: You must have the required academic background. For example, some programs may need specific subjects like Mathematics for B.F.Tech.
- Category Criteria: If you belong to a reserved category, you must meet those specific guidelines and provide the necessary certificates.
- Subject-Specific Requirements: Certain programs, like B.F.Tech, may require you to have studied specific subjects such as Mathematics in your previous education.
The entire application process is online. When you apply, you will need to upload some documents. These include your recent photograph, signature, and any relevant category certificates. If you are a Person with Disability (PwD), you will also need to upload your UDID certificate. Make sure all these documents are in the correct format and size as mentioned in the official guidelines.
To understand the exam fully, including what topics will be covered, how questions will be asked, and how marks will be calculated, students must read the official **NIFT Admissions Guidelines 2026** and the **NTA Information Bulletin 2026**. These documents will also explain the full selection process. Depending on the course, this might include tests like the General Ability Test (GAT), Creative Ability Test (CAT), a Situation Test, or a Personal Interview. Reading these documents is very important to prepare well and know what to expect.
