The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) has invited applications for its 2026 intake across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, with registrations open online until 6 January. Admissions will be decided on the basis of the NIFT joint entrance examination scheduled nationally on 8 February.
NIFT 2026 admissions India
NIFT is offering a range of programmes across 20 campuses, including Kannur, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Jodhpur, Mumbai, Varanasi and New Delhi. Applicants may apply for a four-year Bachelor of Design (BDes) with specialisations such as fashion design, accessory design, knitwear design, leather design, textile design, fashion interiors and fashion communication. A four-year Bachelor of Fashion Technology (BFTech) is also available.
Postgraduate options include a two-year Master of Design (MDes), two-year Master of Fashion Technology (MFTech) and a two-year Master of Fashion Management (MFM). The prospectus and full entrance notification are available at the NIFT website, www.nift.ac.in, while applications must be submitted via the official National Testing Agency portal at https://exams.nta.nic.in/niftee.
Applicants should note key eligibility rules. Candidates must have passed higher secondary/+2 or an equivalent board examination in any stream to apply. For admission to BFTech, mathematics must have been studied at the +2 or equivalent level. Holders of an approved three or four-year diploma are eligible to apply, and the upper age limit for undergraduate applicants is 24 years. Final-year degree students are eligible to apply, subject to meeting qualification requirements at the time of admission.
For postgraduate programmes, MDes and MFM candidates must hold a recognised university degree in any discipline or a three-year diploma from NIFT/NID. MFTech applicants should possess a BFTech, BE or BTech qualification. The institute will also consider candidates who are appearing for their final qualifying examinations.
The application fee is INR 2,000 for general candidates. Reserved categories including SC, ST and persons with disabilities will pay INR 500. A late application window will be open from 7 to 10 January, for which a higher fee of INR 5,000 will apply.
Selection for BDes programmes requires candidates to qualify in the General Ability Test (GAT), the Creative Ability Test (CAT) and the situation test. For BFTech, qualification in GAT alone is sufficient. MDes shortlisting will be based on GAT and CAT, while MFM shortlisting will consider GAT followed by an interview; final merit lists will reflect combined scores as specified in the prospectus.
The entrance tests will be held in selected cities across the country, including several locations in Kerala such as Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Kochi and Thrissur. The computer-based General Ability Test will take place from 10:00 to 12:00, while the paper-based Creative Ability Test is scheduled from 15:00 to 18:00. Detailed exam pattern, syllabus, number of questions, marking scheme and campus-wise seat information are published in the prospectus.
Prospective applicants should review the prospectus carefully for course fees, seat distribution and other admission procedures. With a broad slate of design and technology programmes, NIFT 2026 admissions present an opportunity for students seeking careers in fashion design, textiles and fashion management across multiple campuses in India.
Key Takeaways:
- Registration for NIFT 2026 admissions in India is open online until 6 January; entrance test on 8 February.
- Courses include BDes, BFTech, MDes, MFTech and MFM across 20 campuses including Kannur, Chennai and New Delhi.
- Selection based on GAT and CAT tests; BFTech requires mathematics at +2 level. Application via exams.nta.nic.in with concessionary fees for SC/ST and PwD.
