NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology) admission is through NIFTEE, a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for 20 NIFT campuses across India. This guide covers everything about NIFT admission 2027, including confirmed exam dates, eligibility, exam pattern and the application process.
NIFT Admission 2027: Important Dates
NTA has officially confirmed the NIFT 2027 exam date. The application and other post-exam dates are still tentative and will be confirmed in the official information bulletin.
- NIFT 2027 exam date (confirmed): January 10, 2027
- Application form release: Expected December 2026
- Last date to apply: Expected January 2027
- Correction window: Expected January 2027
- Admit card release: About one week before the exam
- Answer key release: About one week after the exam
- Result date: Expected April 2027
Only the January 10, 2027 exam date is officially confirmed as of now. Always check exams.nta.ac.in/NIFT and nift.ac.in for the final schedule.
NIFT Eligibility Criteria 2027
For UG programmes (B.Des / B.FTech):
- Passed 10+2 or equivalent from a recognised board, in any stream. Mathematics is required for B.FTech.
- Age must not exceed 24 years as on August 1 of the admission year. A 5-year relaxation applies for SC/ST/PwD candidates.
For PG programmes (M.Des / M.FTech):
- Completed graduation from a recognised university. B.Tech or B.FTech is required for M.FTech admission.
- No upper age limit for PG programmes.
NIFT Exam Pattern
NIFT admission is decided through a two-stage process:
Stage 1:
- General Ability Test (GAT): Computer-based test covering quantitative ability, communication ability, English comprehension, analytical ability and general knowledge.
- Creative Ability Test (CAT): Pen-and-paper-based test assessing design sensibility, observation, creativity and problem-solving through sketches.
Depending on the programme, candidates need to appear for GAT, CAT, or both.
Stage 2 (for shortlisted candidates):
- Situation Test: For B.Des candidates, a hands-on studio test using given materials to test practical creativity.
- Interview: For PG programme candidates, based on portfolio and statement of purpose.
How to Apply for NIFT 2027
- Visit the official NTA NIFT portal, exams.nta.ac.in/NIFT.
- Complete the new registration with your basic details, including name, mobile number, email ID and parents' details.
- Fill the application form with your academic and personal information.
- Upload scanned documents such as your photograph and signature in the prescribed format.
- Choose the programme(s) you want to apply for. You can apply for up to two programmes.
- Pay the application fee online and submit the form.
- Download and save a copy of your submitted application. The application number is required for your admit card and further admission steps.
- Use the correction window if you need to edit any submitted details.
NIFT Admission Process After the Exam
- NTA releases the provisional answer key. Candidates can raise objections within the given window.
- Results are declared based on GAT and CAT scores, along with the merit list.
- Shortlisted B.Des candidates appear for the Situation Test. PG candidates appear for an interview.
- A final merit list is released, followed by counselling and seat allotment across NIFT's 20 campuses.
- Admission is confirmed after document verification and fee payment.
How to Prepare for NIFT
- Strengthen GAT fundamentals: Practise quantitative ability, English comprehension and general knowledge regularly.
- Work on your CAT sketching skills: Focus on observation-based drawing, proportion and creative problem-solving.
- Solve previous year papers to understand question difficulty and manage time across sections.
- Prepare for the Situation Test early: Practice hands-on model-making with everyday materials.
- Stay updated on fashion and design trends, since design awareness is tested indirectly through CAT.
- Join structured coaching to build a study plan that covers GAT, CAT and the Situation Test together.
At Ghaya Institute of Design, our NIFT coaching in Kerala covers GAT, CAT and situation test preparation with expert faculty and previous-year practice material.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is the NIFT 2027 exam?
NTA has confirmed the NIFT 2027 exam date as January 10, 2027.
2. When will NIFT 2027 application form be released?
It is expected to open around December 2026, though this date is not yet officially confirmed.
3. What is the NIFT exam pattern?
NIFT has GAT (computer-based) and CAT (pen and paper), followed by a situation test for B.Des and an interview for PG candidates.
4. What is the age limit for NIFT UG programmes?
Candidates must not exceed 24 years as on August 1 of the admission year, with a 5-year relaxation for SC/ST/PwD candidates.
5. How many NIFT campuses are there?
NIFT has 20 campuses across India.
6. Can I apply for more than one NIFT programme?
Yes, candidates can apply for up to two programmes in a single application.
Start Your NIFT Preparation with Ghaya
With the exam confirmed for January 10, 2027, early preparation gives you a real edge over other candidates. Register for a free demo class or contact our team to join our NIFT coaching batch.

