The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced a significant extension for the registration window of the National Institute of Fashion Technology Entrance Examination (NIFTEE) 2026. This move comes in response to a formal request from the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) itself, aiming to facilitate a broader pool of applicants for the prestigious entrance test.
Revised Schedule and Key Dates for NIFTEE 2026
Originally slated to conclude on January 6, 2026, the deadline for submitting applications without incurring a late fee has now been pushed forward. Aspiring candidates now have until January 13, 2026 (Tuesday) to complete their registration process without any additional charge. This extension also triggers a shift in the subsequent phases of the application timeline.
The revised schedule for Stage 1 of NIFTEE 2026 is as follows:
- Online registration without late fee: Up to 13 January 2026
- Application with late fee of ₹5,000: 14 January to 16 January 2026
- Application correction window (online only): 18 January to 19 January 2026
- Stage 1 examination date: 08 February 2026 (Sunday)
It is important to note that all other aspects, including eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and admission guidelines, remain unchanged.
Wider Reach with Increased Examination Cities
A key factor behind the deadline extension is the expansion of the examination footprint. The NTA has increased the number of test cities from 100 to 102, making the exam more accessible to candidates from various regions. This strategic expansion supports the goal of wider participation and inclusivity.
The NIFTEE 2026 will be conducted for admissions to a wide array of programmes for the 2026–27 academic session. These include Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Lateral Entry, Artisan, and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes. The exam will be held across India in both English and Hindi mediums.
Examination Mode and Programme-Specific Tests
The entrance test comprises different components based on the programme applied for:
- The General Ability Test (GAT) will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.
- The Creative Ability Test (CAT) will be a Pen-and-Paper Test (PBT).
- Details regarding the exam centre, date, and shift will be available on the admit card, which will be released in due course.
Comprehensive List of Programmes Offered
NIFTEE 2026 serves as the gateway to the following flagship programmes:
- Bachelor of Design (B.Des.): Requires GAT + CAT, followed by a Situation Test.
- Bachelor of Fashion Technology (B.F.Tech.): Requires GAT only.
- Master of Design (M.Des.): Requires GAT + CAT + Personal Interview.
- Master of Fashion Management (M.F.M.): Requires GAT + Personal Interview.
- Master of Fashion Technology (M.F.Tech.): Requires GAT + Personal Interview.
- Lateral Entry (NLEA): For eligible candidates seeking direct entry.
- Artisans Category: Designed for traditional craft practitioners.
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): Involves a Written Test, Research Proposal, and Interview.
Candidates applying under special categories such as NRI, Foreign National, OCI, PIO, and SAARC will have their applications processed directly by NIFT, not through the NTA portal.
This extension provides a crucial extra week for prospective students to finalise their applications and embark on a creative career path in India's dynamic fashion and technology industry. Interested candidates are advised to visit the official NTA website to complete their registration before the new deadline.
