NIFTEE 2026 Official: Exam Dates, Pattern, and Preparation Guide (Download Question Papers)
Updates (1)
NIFT Question Papers of 2025 and 2024
The National Testing Agency (NTA), on behalf of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), has issued a Public Notice announcing the start of online applications for the NIFTEE – 2026 (National Institute of Fashion Technology Entrance Examination). This examination is mandatory for admission to various NIFT programmes for the Academic Session 2026–27.
🗓️ Key Dates: NIFTEE 2026 Registration and Correction Window
Candidates must register and submit their applications exclusively through the online portal hosted on the NTA website. Note the crucial deadlines below:
| Event | Tentative Date(s) |
|---|---|
| Online Registration & Submission of Application Form | December 8, 2025, to January 6, 2026 |
| Submission of Application with Late Fee (₹ 5000/-) | January 7, 2026, to January 10, 2026 |
| Correction in the Particulars of Application Form (online only) | January 12, 2026, to January 14, 2026 |
The official NTA NIFTEE website for applications is: https://exams.nta.nic.in/niftee/.
📝 NIFTEE – 2026 Exam Pattern and Selection Criteria by Programme
The NIFTEE examination evaluates creativity, aptitude, and knowledge. The pattern differs based on whether you are applying for an Undergraduate, Postgraduate, or Ph.D. programme.
Undergraduate Programmes (B.Des. & B.FTech.)
| Programme | Entrance Examination Components | Shortlisting/Selection Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| B.Des. (Bachelor of Design) | General Ability Test (GAT), Creative Ability Test (CAT) | Shortlisted based on the entrance examination, followed by a Situation Test. |
| B.F.Tech. (Bachelor of Fashion Technology) | General Ability Test (GAT) | Shortlisted based solely on the results of the GAT. |
| B.F.Tech. and B.Des. (Combined) | GAT, CAT | Separate Common Merit Ranks (CMRs) are generated. • B.Des.: Based on entrance exam results + Situation Test. • B.F.Tech.: Based on GAT. *Candidates applying for B.F.Tech. with Mathematics can also enroll for B.Des. by taking the CAT along with the GAT (not applicable for NLEA).* |
Postgraduate Programmes (M.Des., M.F.M., M.F.Tech.)
| Programme | Entrance Examination Components | Shortlisting/Selection Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| M.Des. (Master of Design) | General Ability Test (GAT), Creative Ability Test (CAT) | Shortlisted based on GAT + CAT, followed by a Personal Interview (PI). |
| M.F.M. (Master of Fashion Management) | General Ability Test (GAT) | Shortlisted based on the GAT, followed by a Personal Interview (PI). |
| M.F.M. and M.Des. (Combined) | GAT, CAT | Separate Common Merit Ranks (CMRs) are generated. • M.F.M.: Based on GAT (Sections A & B) + PI. • M.Des.: Based on GAT (Section A) + CAT + PI. |
| M.F.Tech. (Master of Fashion Technology) | General Ability Test (GAT) | Shortlisted based on the GAT, followed by a Personal Interview (PI). |
Doctoral Programme
| Programme | Entrance Examination Components | Shortlisting/Selection Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Ph.D. | Written Test | Shortlisted candidates proceed to a Research Proposal Presentation and Interview (RPPI). |
📚 NIFTEE 2026 Preparation: How to Study with Previous Year Question Papers
Effective preparation for NIFTEE requires a deep understanding of the NIFTEE question paper format and the specific syllabus for your course (B.Des., M.Des., B.F.Tech., etc.).
We highly recommend students utilize NIFTEE previous year question papers for mock practice. This practice is crucial for the following components:
- GAT (General Ability Test): Analyzing NIFTEE previous year question papers for GAT will help you master quantitative ability, communication skills, English comprehension, and general knowledge sections.
- CAT (Creative Ability Test): While the questions are unique, studying the types of prompts and materials requested in the B.Des question paper (specifically the CAT section) from previous years can improve your creative response strategy and time management.
The detailed syllabus, section-wise weightage, and time allocation are available in the official NIFTEE – 2026 Information Bulletin on the NTA website. Always use the official NIFT guide alongside your practice of NIFTEE sample question papers.
⚠️ Examination Mode and General Instructions
The NIFTEE – 2026 will be conducted across 100 cities in India, utilizing both Computer Based Test (CBT) mode and Pen & Paper Based Test (PBT) mode (for components like the Creative Ability Test or Situation Test).
- Eligibility Check: Candidates must thoroughly review the NIFT Admissions Guidelines – 2026 for precise eligibility criteria before submitting the application.
- Correction Window: The correction window is strictly online and will be open only from January 12 to January 14, 2026.
- International Applicants: The admission process for NRI, Foreign National, OCI, PIO, or SAARC candidates is processed by NIFT based on their prescribed criteria.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| When is the online registration period for NIFTEE 2026? | The online application is open from December 8, 2025, to January 6, 2026. |
| Is the Creative Ability Test (CAT) mandatory for all programmes? | No. It is mandatory for B.Des. and M.Des. programmes, but not for B.F.Tech. or M.F.M. |
| What are the selection stages for the B.Des. programme? | The stages are: 1) GAT + CAT Entrance Exam, followed by 2) a Situation Test. |
| Is there a dedicated correction window for the NIFTEE 2026 application? | Yes, candidates can correct their particulars online from January 12, 2026, to January 14, 2026. |
| Where can I find the official NIFTEE question paper format? | The complete paper format, including syllabus and weightage for GAT and CAT, is detailed in the official NIFTEE – 2026 Information Bulletin available on the NTA website. |