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NIFT Latest Update 2025-26
The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) 2025–26 admission process will begin soon. Candidates aspiring for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate fashion programs should carefully track the registration dates, admit card release, and exam schedule. Below is the tentative timeline for the upcoming session:
Registration Start – Expected in November 2025
Registration Close – Likely by January 2026
Application Correction Window – Second week of January 2026
City Intimation Slip – Expected in late January 2026
Admit Card Release – Around one week before the exam
Written Exams (CAT + GAT) – Tentatively in the second week of February 2026
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NIFT Entrance Exam 2025-26 Exam Dates & Schedule
| Event | Tentative Dates(2026) |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | November 2025 |
| Registration Closes | January 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | Second Week, January 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 1 week before exam (late Jan 2026) |
| Written Exam (CAT & GAT) | Second Week, February 2026 |
| Stage 2 (Situation Test / PI) | May – June 2026 |
| Final Result | Late June 2026 |
| Counselling & Seat Allotment | Late June – July 2026 |
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What is NIFT Entrance Exam?
The NIFT Entrance Exam is a national-level entrance test conducted by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) for admission to its Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) programs in fashion, design, technology, and management.
It is one of the most popular design entrance exams in India and is held annually for the upcoming academic session.
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Key Highlights of NIFT Entrance Exam (2025–26 session)
| Particulars | Description |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Courses Offered | B.Des, B.F.Tech, M.Des, M.F.Tech, M.F.M |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Exam Stages | CAT (Creative Ability Test), GAT (General Ability Test), Situation Test / GD & PI |
| Official Website | nift.ac.in |
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NIFT Cut-off 2025-26
The National Institute of Fashion Technology will release the cut-off marks for NIFT 2025 written tests at the time of the declaration of results. The cut-off will be category-specific and indicate the minimum marks (or rank) the candidate needs to secure for admission. The candidate thus needs to log in to the result portal to check their qualifying status. Candidates who qualify for the written exams have to next appear in the NIFT Situation Test/ Personal Interview. It may be noted that the qualifying score or cut-off of NIFT 2025 is different from the admission cut-off.
The admission cut-off of NIFT 2025 will be prepared based on the final merit after considering the following points:
- The total number of applicants
- The category-wise seat intake
- The total number of applications
- The category under which admission is sought.
- Previous years’ cut-off criteria.
NIFT Exam Structure
Creative Ability Test (CAT)
Tests design, creativity, drawing skills, and innovative thinking.
Mainly for B.Des & M.Des aspirants.
General Ability Test (GAT)
Tests quantitative ability, communication ability, English comprehension, analytical ability, and general knowledge.
Applicable for all courses.
Situation Test / Group Discussion & Personal Interview
For shortlisted candidates (UG have Situation Test; PG have GD & PI).
Eligibility Criteria 2025-26
B.Des / B.F.Tech:
Must have passed Class 12 (any stream for B.Des; Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, Maths for B.F.Tech).
Age limit: Maximum 24 years (relaxation for reserved categories).
M.Des / M.F.Tech / M.F.M:
Bachelor’s degree in relevant field OR equivalent from a recognized university.
No age limit.
NIFT Syllabus 2025-26
The NIFT exam is conducted in TWO stages.
- Stage 1 – The first stage includes NIFTEE, which includes the General Ability Test (GAT) and Creative Ability Test (CAT)
- Stage 2 – NIFT Situation Test/ NIFT Personal Interview.
B.Des and M.Des candidates need to appear in both GAT and CAT. Other candidates only need to take the GAT.
The NIFT 2026 syllabus for the written exams is given below.
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| NIFT 2026 Syllabus for Written Exams | |
|---|---|
| GAT Test | CAT Test |
Note: Note that GAT is common for all programs. So, irrespective of the program you are seeking admission to, the GAT paper is mandatory. |
Note: Only B.Des and M.Des candidates need to take the CAT written exam. |
NIFT 2026 Syllabus for Situation Test
If shortlisted, B.Des candidates must appear in a Situation Test. Here are the key points about the Situation Test.
- The situation test will be a hands-on test to evaluate the material handling and innovative ability in a given situation with a given set of materials.
- The candidate must make a model/design using the given material.
- The model will be evaluated on space visualization, innovative and creative use of given material, the composition of elements, color scheme, construction skill, the finesse of the model and overall presentation, etc.
- The candidate will also have to prepare a write-up explaining the model. The write-up should be in English.
- The candidate is not allowed to disclose their identity.
- The situation test will be evaluated on the SPOT.
Check NIFT Exam Pattern 2025-26
Candidates appearing in the NIFT 2026 exam are urged to consult the NIFT 2026 exam pattern to prepare for the exam.
The exam pattern will contain insights into the exam like the types of questions, how many questions are asked, total and sectional questions, weightage, etc.
Here we bring you the NIFT 2026 exam pattern for the written exams and Situation Test/ PI.
NIFT GAT Exam Pattern 2026 – B.Des and M.Des
| Program | B.Des | M.Des |
|---|---|---|
| Paper | GAT | GAT |
| Mode of exam | Computer-based exam | Computer-based exam |
| Language | English/ Hindi | English/ Hindi |
| Test Duration | 120 minutes | 120 minutes |
| Sections | Number of Questions | Number of Questions |
| Communication Ability | 40 | 30 |
| English Comprehension | 30 | |
| Quantitative Ability | 20 | 20 |
| Analytical Ability | 15 | 25 |
| General Knowledge and Current Affairs | 25 | 15 |
| TOTAL | 100 | 120 |
NIFT GAT 2026 Exam Pattern – B.F.Tech
| Program | B.F.Tech | |
|---|---|---|
| Paper Name | GAT – Section A (CBT) | GAT – Section B (CBT) |
| Language of written test | English/Hindi | English/Hindi |
| Test Duration | 180 minutes | |
| Sections | Number of questions | Number of questions |
| Communication Ability and English Comprehension | 40 | NIL |
| Quantitative Ability | 20 | 15 |
| Analytical & Logical Ability | 15 | 15 |
| General Knowledge and Current Affairs | 25 | NIL |
| Case Study | NIL | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 50 |
NIFT GAT 2026 Exam Pattern – M.F.M & M.F.Tech
| Program | M.F.Tech | MFM |
|---|---|---|
| Paper | GAT | GAT |
| Language of written test | English/Hindi | English/Hindi |
| Duration | 180 minutes | 180 minutes |
| Sections | Number of questions | Number of questions |
| Communication Ability & English Comprehension | 45 | 50 |
| Case Study | 25 | 40 |
| Quantitative Ability | 30 | 10 |
| Analytical & Logical Ability | 25 | 25 |
| General Knowledge And Current Affairs | 25 | 25 |
| TOTAL | 150 | 150 |
NIFT 2025-26 - Exam Preparation Tips
Understand the Exam Pattern & Syllabus
CAT (Creative Ability Test): Focuses on creativity, visualization, and design skills.
GAT (General Ability Test): Tests logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude, English, and general awareness.
Situation Test / Studio Test: Evaluates practical skills in material handling and model making (for B.Des).
GD & PI: For postgraduate courses, focuses on communication and analytical skills.
Build Strong Creative Skills
Practice Sketching Daily – Build consistency by sketching regularly to improve hand control, speed, and creative flow.
Work on Perspective & Proportions – Strengthen technical drawing skills by practicing depth, angles, and realistic body proportions.
Experiment with Color Combinations – Learn color theory, mix palettes, and study how shades evoke emotions in designs.
Strengthen Your General Ability
Read Newspapers & Magazines – Stay updated on current affairs, general knowledge, and industry trends.
Follow Reliable News Sources – Focus on editorials and analysis to improve comprehension and awareness.
Improve Vocabulary & Grammar – Learn new words daily, revise grammar rules, and practice sentence formation.
Practice Reading Comprehension – Solve passages to improve speed, accuracy, and critical thinking for the English section.
Practice Previous Year Papers
Solve Last 5–10 Years’ NIFT Question Papers – Understand exam trends, question patterns, and frequently asked topics.
Analyze Previous Year Papers – Identify strong and weak areas by reviewing solutions carefully.
Time Yourself While Practicing – Develop speed and accuracy by solving papers under exam-like conditions.
Focus on Creative Ability Test (CAT) & General Ability Test (GAT) – Balance preparation between drawing/design and aptitude sections.
Take Mock Tests
Simulate real exam conditions to build confidence.
Analyze mistakes and work on weak areas.
Manage Time Effectively
Allocate fixed hours for CAT, GAT, and revision.
Avoid last-minute cramming—focus on consistent practice.
Prepare for the Situation Test
Practice using different materials like paper, clay, thermocol, and fabric.
Work on neatness, innovation, and functionality in your models.
Take Care of Your Health
Maintain a balanced diet and sleep schedule.
Keep stress in check through light exercises or meditation.
About Us
Welcome to NIFT Guide – We provide the latest updates, admission details, exam guides, and career insights for students aspiring to join India’s top universities and institutes. From application dates to results, cutoffs, placements, and course information, our platform ensures you get accurate and timely information to plan your academic journey with confidence.