NIFT Entrance
Admission to the four-year B.Des (fashion, textile, accessory, communication, knitwear, leather, fashion interiors) and B.FTech (apparel production) programmes across the National Institute of Fashion Technology campuses.
Eligibility
Class 12 passed or appearing; B.Des is open to any stream, while B.FTech requires Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Maximum age for UG is 24 years as on 1 August of the admission year, relaxed by 5 years for SC/ST/PwD.
Age limit: Maximum 24 years for UG (5-year relaxation for SC/ST/PwD)
Exam pattern
B.Des: a computer-based General Ability Test (GAT, about 100 questions in 2 hours) and a paper-based Creative Ability Test (CAT, 3 hours of drawing and design tasks), followed by a Situation Test (hands-on model-making) for shortlisted candidates; final weightage is roughly CAT 50%, GAT 30%, Situation Test 20%. B.FTech: GAT only (about 150 questions in 3 hours). GAT covers quantitative ability, communication ability and English comprehension, analytical and logical ability, general knowledge and case study.
Syllabus at a glance
GAT tests arithmetic up to Class 10, English vocabulary and comprehension, reasoning, current affairs and short business case studies. CAT tests drawing, colour, illustration, concept development and visual communication. The Situation Test assesses material handling, construction and innovation in a 3D model.
Upcoming dates
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Online registration (without late fee, currently open) | 16 Oct - 16 Nov 2026 | confirmed |
| Last date with late fee (Rs 5,000 extra) | 21 Nov 2026 | confirmed |
| Application correction window | 22-25 Nov 2026 | confirmed |
| Advance city intimation slip | 21 Dec 2026 | confirmed |
| Admit card | 4 Jan 2027 | confirmed |
| NIFTEE 2027 Stage 1 (GAT and CAT) | 10 Jan 2027 | confirmed |
| Stage 1 result and Situation Test | Feb - Apr 2027 | expected |
Expected dates follow the usual calendar; confirm on the official notification before planning.
Free prep material
Standard books
- NIFT/NID/IIFT Entrance Exam Guide - Arihant Experts
- Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain - Betty Edwards
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations - R.S. Aggarwal
- Word Power Made Easy - Norman Lewis
- A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning - R.S. Aggarwal
How toppers play it
- For B.Des, CAT carries the most weight: practise full 3-hour CAT papers with colour, focusing on clear concept and storytelling over technique alone.
- GAT has negative marking; prioritise English, reasoning and the case study, which are faster than quantitative ability.
- Prepare for the Situation Test by building small 3D models from limited materials within 2 hours and writing a short concept note.
- Keep up with fashion, textile and lifestyle news (brands, designers, craft clusters) for GK.
- The NTA schedule is earlier than in past years; plan to be exam-ready by early January 2027.