Exam guide · checked against the official source on 21 October 2026
NIFT 2027 exam guide
The NIFT entrance exam is for the National Institute of Fashion Technology's design, fashion technology and management programmes. The National Testing Agency (NTA) runs it. Here is what has been announced for 2027.
Key facts
- Exam date
- Sunday, 10 January 2027 (shift on your admit card)
- Apply by
- 16 November 2026 (late fee of ₹5,000 until 21 November)
- Admit card
- 4 January 2027
- Application fee
- ₹2,000 (General, EWS, OBC-NCL); ₹500 (SC, ST, PwD)
- Where to apply
- exams.nta.nic.in/niftee
Who can apply
- UG (B.Des, B.FTech) and PG (M.Des, M.FTech, MFM) programmes, plus lateral entry and PhD.
- Read the NIFT 2027 admission prospectus for age limits and qualifying exams.
Exam pattern
GAT · General Ability Test
Computer-based. Tests general ability: maths, communication, English, reasoning and general knowledge.
CAT · Creative Ability Test
On paper. Tests drawing, ideas and design skills. Needed for the design programmes (B.Des, M.Des).
How marks become a rank
- Design programmes may have a second stage after the written test. The prospectus explains who is called and how the final merit list is made.
How to prepare for NIFT
- Step 1Practise CAT-style drawingThe CAT rewards original ideas drawn clearly. Practise timed drawing prompts and build a habit of daily sketching.Drawing practice
- Step 2Get feedback on your drawingsA mentor marks up your drawing with rubric scores and comments within 72 hours.Get mentor feedback
- Step 3Sharpen reasoning and visual thinkingUCEED past papers are full of reasoning and observation questions that help with the GAT too.Practise past papers