NIFT Entrance Exam 2026-27: Application Last Date Extended, Fees Reduced for All Categories

New Delhi: NIFT Entrance Exam 2026-27: The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) has officially begun the entrance examination process for admission to its undergraduate and postgraduate programmes for the 2026–27 academic session. The admissions cover a wide range of courses in Fashion Design, Fashion Management and Fashion Technology, catering to students aspiring to build careers in India’s growing creative and apparel sectors.

In a move aimed at encouraging greater participation, NIFT has extended the deadline for submitting application forms without a late fee to January 13, 2026. Earlier, candidates were required to apply between January 14 and January 16, 2026 with an additional late fee. The extension allows a larger number of applicants to benefit from the revised and reduced examination fees.

The entrance examinations will be conducted by the National Testing Agency on February 8, 2026, using both computer-based testing (CBT) and pen-and-paper modes. The exams will be held across 102 cities nationwide, ensuring accessibility for candidates from different regions.

NIFT Entrance Exam 2026-27 Fee Reduction Brings Major Relief to Students

For the 2026–27 admission cycle, NIFT has significantly reduced entrance examination fees across all categories. Candidates belonging to the Open, OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) and Open-EWS categories will now pay ₹2,000, down from the earlier fee of ₹3,000.

For candidates from Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) categories, the application fee has been reduced from ₹1,500 to ₹500. The revised fee structure is expected to lower financial barriers and make design education more accessible to students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

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Entrance Exam Schedule and Testing Structure

The entrance examination process for NIFT admissions will follow a structured evaluation system depending on the course applied for. The tests include the Creative Ability Test (CAT), General Ability Test (GAT), and other assessments relevant to specific programmes.

The exams will be conducted simultaneously across designated centres in 102 cities, under the supervision of the National Testing Agency. NIFT officials said the wide geographical coverage is intended to reduce travel-related challenges for applicants and ensure a smooth and transparent examination process.

NIFT Entrance Exam 2026-27 Aims to Boost Inclusive Fashion Education

With the extension of the application deadline and the reduction in fees, NIFT has reiterated its focus on inclusivity and wider access to quality fashion education. The institute believes these measures will enable more talented students to apply without financial constraints and help strengthen India’s future workforce in fashion, design, and creative industries.

As one of the country’s premier design institutions, National Institute of Fashion Technology continues to align its admission process with national goals of accessibility, skill development and creative excellence.

Candidates are advised to complete their applications before the revised deadline to avoid late fees and ensure eligibility for the entrance examination scheduled in February 2026. Interested candidates can visit https://exams.nta.nic.in/niftee for more details.