NIFT Exam 2026: The National Testing Agency (NTA), exam conducting body of the National Institute of Fashion Technology Entrance Examination (NIFTEE), has released the provisional answer key and response sheet for the NIFT exam 2026 on February 17, 2026. Candidates can now check and estimate their scores for the NIFT exam 2026. If any candidate is not satisfied with their answer key, they can also object to it. NTA has also opened the answer key challenge window along with the release of the provisional answer key. The last date to object to the answer key is February 19, 2026 (up to 11:50 PM). Candidates will have to pay Rs. 200 for each question that they will challenge. The payment for the processing fee must be made through Debit Card/Credit Card/Net Banking/UPI. o Challenge will be accepted after February 19, 2026.
The NIFT admit card 2026 was released on February 4, 2026. Candidates who successfully registered for the exam and also paid the application fee were able to download their admit card from the official website - exams.nta.nic.in/niftee. The admit card is an important document that the candidates need to carry with them on the day of the exam. The NIFT 2026 exam was conducted by the NTA on February 8, 2026, in 102 cities across the country.
The city intimation slip for the NIFT 2026 examination was released on January 29, 2026. Candidates who successfully registered for the exam can now check and download their exam city slip from the official website - exams.nta.nic.in/niftee. The city slip is an important document that contains advanced information for the allotment of the city where the examination centre will be located. Candidates must note that the exam city slip is not an admit card; NTA will release the NIFTEE 2026 admit card soon on the official website.
Before the exam date, the exam authority releases the NIFT Admit Card 2026. Aspirants are advised to check the NIFT Eligibility Criteria 2026 before filling out the application form. The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) conducts the NIFT entrance exam to select candidates for various undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fashion designing, technology and management.
NTA opened the NIFTEE 2026 application correction window. All the registered candidates had to visit the official website - exams.nta.nic.in and verify their details in the application form. Further applicants were also advised to make corrections in the particulars in their respective Application Form, if required by January 22, 2026, up to 11:50 PM. Once the application correction window closed, no candidates were allowed to make changes after that, and any excuses made by the applicants were not entertained by NTA under any circumstances. The additional fee had to be paid by the candidates either through Credit/Debit Card/Net Banking/UPI.
The NTA extended the NIFTEE 2026 registration process till January 16, 2026, without any late fee. This was the final opportunity for candidates who were still left to fill out the NIFTEE 2026 application form; they must have completed their NIFTEE 2026 registration process before the deadline. After that, aspirants were required to pay the late fee of INR 5,000 to submit their application from January 17 to 19, 2026. NTA started the NIFTEE Registration 2026 on December 8 on its official portal. Candidates who are interested can apply for the NIFT 2026 exam by registering themselves on the official portal- exams.nta.nic.in/niftee. The last date to fill out the NIFT Application Form 2026 was January 16, 2026, without any late fee.
Latest Updates -
- NTA has released the NIFT provisional answer key 2026 and response sheet on February 17, 2026.
- NIFTEE 2026 admit card has been released by NTA on February 4, 2026.
- NTA has released the NIFT 2026 city intimation slip 2026 on January 29, 2026, on the official website.
- The application correction window is now open for candidates. Applicants can make changes in their application form by today, January 22, 2026 upto 11:50 PM.
- NIFT 2026 application window was extended to January 16, 2026, without any late fee.
- With a late fee of INR 5,000, the last date to submit the application form is from January 17 to 19, 2026.
NIFT Exam 2026: Highlights
The highlights for the NIFT Entrance Exam 2026 are provided in the table below.
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Exam Particulars
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Exam Details
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Examination Name
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NIFT Entrance Exam
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Conducting Body
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National Testing Agency
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Examination Level
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National level
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Examination Frequency
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Once a year
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NIFT Exam Date 2025
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February 8, 2026
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Exam Stages
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General Ability Test (GAT)
Creative Ability Test (CAT)
Situation Test/Interview
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Examination Mode
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GAT - Online (Computer-based)
CAT - Pen and Paper based
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Courses Provided
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B.Des, B.F.Tech, M.Des, M.F.M, and M.F.Tech
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Language/Medium of Exam
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English/Hindi
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NIFT Exam Date 2026
The official dates for the exam have been announced with the release of the NIFT 2026 prospectus. Candidates can check the important dates in the table below.
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Events
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Dates
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Online Registration Starts
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December 8, 2025
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Last date for Online registration
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January 16, 2026
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Last date for Online registration with late fee of INR 5000
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January 17 to 19, 2026
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Window to edit/update application form
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January 21 to 22, 2026
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NIFT 2026 City Intimation Slip
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January 29, 2026 (OUT)
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Admit Card
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February 4, 2026 (OUT)
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NIFT 2026 Exam Date
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February 8, 2026
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NIFT 2026 Answer Key
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February 17, 2026
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NIFT 2026 Result Date
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To be Notified
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The National Testing Agency announced the dates to apply for NIFT Entrance Exam 2026 through the official notification. The NIFT application form 2026 was available on the official website, with the submission deadline of January 16, 2026, without any late fee.
The application process involves registering on the NIFT website, filling in personal and academic details, uploading required documents, and paying the application fee. The conducting body will also open the correction window for candidates who wish to make any corrections in the application form. The steps to register for NIFT Exam 2026 are provided below.
- Visit the official website - exams.nta.ac.in/NIFT, nift.ac.in.
- Click on the link that mentions ‘NIFT Exam 2026 Registration’.
- Register using the required details such as your name, mobile number, email address, etc.
- Your login credentials, including application number and password, will be generated and sent to your registered contact.
- Now, login using your credentials. The application form will be displayed on the screen.
- Fill each section of the application form, including personal details, academic details, exam centre, etc., carefully.
- Candidates will also be required to upload their scanned documents, including their photograph and signature.
- Once the application form is complete, students can pay the NIFT exam fee online.
- Download the submitted application form and fee receipt for future reference.
NIFT Exam Fee 2026
To submit the application form, candidates will be required to pay the exam fees specified in the NIFT prospectus. The application fee for candidates belonging to different categories is tabulated below.
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Category
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Fee Payable (in INR)
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Open / Open-EWS/OBC(NCL)
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2000
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SC / ST / PwD
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500
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Open/Open-EWS/OBC (NCL) applying for two programmes i.e. B.Des. and B.F.Tech.
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4000
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SC / ST / PwD applying for two programmes i.e. B.Des. and B.F.Tech.
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1000
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NIFT Eligibility Criteria 2026
Before filling the application form, candidates must ensure that they fulfil the eligibility criteria specified in the NIFT 2026 notification. The eligibility requirements for Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes are given below.
NIFT Eligibility 2026: Bachelor’s Programmes (B.Des & B.F.Tech)
There are two parameters of the eligibility requirements that the candidates must fulfil. These include age limit and educational qualification. Candidates can take a look at the detailed eligibility criteria below.
Qualifying Age
The age of the applicant must be less than 24 years as on August 1 of the year of admission. The upper age limit may be relaxed by a period of 5 years for candidates belonging to Reserved categories (SC/ST/PWD).
Educational Qualification
The eligibility criteria for B.Des and B.F. Tech programmes are as follows:
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Programme
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Eligibility Requirement
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Bachelor of Design (B.Des) Programmes
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Passed the Plus 2 level examination in the 10+2 pattern from any recognized Central/State Board
OR
A pass grade in the Senior Secondary School Examination conducted by the National Open School with a minimum of five subjects
OR
Any Public School/Board/University Examination in India or foreign countries recognized by the Association of Indian Universities as equivalent to 10+2 system
OR
General Certificate Education (GCE) Examination (London/Cambridge/Sri-Lanka) at the Advanced (A) level/ International Baccalaureate (IB)
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Bachelor of Fashion Technology (B.F.Tech) Programme
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Passed the plus 2 level examination in the 10+2 pattern from any recognized Central/State Board with Physics and Mathematics
OR
A pass grade in the Senior Secondary School Examination conducted by the National Open School with a minimum of five subjects with Physics and Mathematics
OR
Any Public School/Board/University Examination in India or in foreign countries recognized by the Association of Indian Universities as equivalent to 10+2 system with Physics and Mathematics
OR
General Certificate Education (GCE) Examination (London/Cambridge/Sri-Lanka) at the advanced (A) level with Physics and Mathematics / International Baccalaureate (IB)
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NIFT Eligibility 2026: Master’s Programmes (M.Des, M.F.M and M.F.Tech)
There is no age limit for candidates seeking admission to Master’s Programmes through NIFT 2026. The educational qualification required while applying for NIFT Master’s programmes is given in the table.
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Programme
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Eligibility Requirement
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Master of Design (M.Des)/ Master of Fashion Management (M.F.M)
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Undergraduate Degree in any discipline from any Institute/University recognised by law in India
OR
Undergraduate Diploma of minimum three years duration from NIFT/NID
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Master of Fashion Technology
(M.F.Tech)
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B.F.Tech. from National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)
OR
B.E/B.Tech. from any Institute / University recognized by law in India
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NIFT Admit Card 2026
The exam conducting authorities have released the NIFT admit card 2026 online on February 4, 2026. The admit card is an essential document that contains personal details of the candidate, date and time of examination, as well as details of the exam centre. Additionally, the admit card also contains important instructions for exam day.
Candidates can download the admit card from the official NIFT website by logging in through their credentials, such as application number and password. Students must carry the admit card to the exam centre on the day of the exam. Along with the NIFT hall ticket, a valid ID proof is also required for the purpose of verification.
NIFT Syllabus 2026
The syllabus for NIFT 2026 varies by program. For the General Ability Test (GAT), subjects include Quantitative Ability, Communication Ability, English Comprehension, Analytical Ability, and General Knowledge and Current Affairs. The Creative Ability Test (CAT) assesses creativity, innovation, and sketching skills. Detailed syllabus and topics are provided in the official brochure. Hence, candidates must go through the official brochure for the detailed syllabus for each section.
NIFT Syllabus 2026: Components of General Ability Test (For All Programmes)
The components of the General Ability Test are provided below. Candidates must note that the syllabus is open-ended and not limited to the topics mentioned in the table below.
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Section
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Topics Asked
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Quantitative Ability
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- Addition
- Multiplication
- Division
- Fractions
- Percentage
- Rate of Interest
- Work and Task
- Ratio and Proportion
- Distance
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Communication Ability and English Comprehension
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- Synonyms
- Antonyms
- Words with corresponding meanings
- Singular- Plural
- One word substitutes
- Idioms and phrases
- Correct spellings
- Comprehend a situation from a given passage
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Analytical Ability and Logical Ability
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- Inference and Logic
- Reasoning
- Data interpretation
- Analogy
- Verbal reasoning
- Seating Arrangement
- Conclusion
- Mathematical logic
- Puzzle
- Syllogism
- Coding-Decoding
- Alphanumeric Series
- Blood Relations
- Critical Reasoning
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General Knowledge and Current Affairs
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- National Current Affairs
- International Current Affairs
- Government schemes
- Politics
- Fashion industry
- Textiles
- Science and Technology
- History
- Sports events
- Cultural events
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NIFT Exam Pattern 2026
The NIFT exam pattern includes different tests based on the program that the candidate has applied for. A total of three tests are conducted to assess candidates. These include General Ability Test (GAT) which is a computer-based test, Creative Ability Test (CAT) which is a paper-based test and a situation test/interview as part of the selection process. The exam pattern and weightage for each section are given below.
NIFT Exam Pattern 2026: B.Des
For the B.Des programme, the selection process involves GAT, CAT, and a situation test. Check the weightage in the table below.
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B.Des
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Exam
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Weightage
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GAT
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30%
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CAT
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50%
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Situation Test
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20%
|
|
TOTAL
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100%
|
NIFT Exam Pattern 2026: B.F.Tech
Candidates who have applied for B.F.Tech are only required to take the General Ability Test. However, the exam pattern is different for B.F.Tech candidates who have opted for B.Des. Check the table below for details.
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B.F.Tech
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B.F.Tech candidates opting for B.Des
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Exam
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Weightage
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Exam
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Weightage
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GAT (Section A)
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30%
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GAT (Section A)
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30%
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|
GAT (Section B)
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70%
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CAT
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50%
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|
-
|
-
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Situation Test
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20%
|
|
TOTAL
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100%
|
TOTAL
|
100%
|
NIFT Exam Pattern 2026: PG Programmes
M.Des applicants must appear for GAT, CAT and personal interview. Meanwhile, M.F.M and M.F.Tech candidates must appear for GAT followed by a personal interview. The section-wise weightage is tabulated below.
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M.Des
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M.F.Tech
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M.F.M
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Exam
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Weightage
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Exam
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Weightage
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Exam
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Weightage
|
|
GAT
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30%
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GAT
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70%
|
GAT
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70%
|
|
CAT
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40%
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Personal Interview
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30%
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Personal Interview
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30%
|
|
Personal Interview
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30%
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
TOTAL
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100%
|
TOTAL
|
100%
|
TOTAL
|
100%
|
NIFT Answer Key 2026
The NIFT 2026 provisional answer key and candidate's response sheet have been released by NTA on February 17, 2026, on the official website. Candidates can use the answer key to compare their marked responses and the correct answers. This will help in estimating the scores obtained in the NIFT entrance exam. The exam-conducting body allows candidates to raise objections against the answer key if they find any discrepancies.
Steps to Download NIFT Answer Key 2026
Candidates who appeared in the NIFT entrance exam 2026 can check the given steps below to download the answer key:
- Visit the official website
- Open the ‘Answer Key’ link
- Enter your roll number, question id, programme number and date of birth
- The answer key will be displayed on the screen
NIFT Result 2026
The results for the second stage of the NIFT Entrance Exam 2026 will be announced after the conduction of the exam. Once available, candidates can check their results through the official NIFT website - nift.ac.in by entering their application number, password and other required details.
NIFT result 2026 includes the scores obtained by the candidates in various sections of the exam and the overall rank. Candidates who have qualified in the exam will be shortlisted for further rounds, such as the situation test or personal interview.
NIFT Cut Off 2026
The NIFT 2026 cut-off refers to the minimum marks required by candidates for admission to different programs. Candidates meeting the NIFT cutoff will proceed to the next stages of the admission process. The cut off will be determined on the basis of availability of seats, rank obtained and the category of the candidate.
NIFT Counselling 2026
The admission and counselling process for NIFT 2026 will tentatively commence in June 2026, as per the trends of previous years. NIFT counselling involves multiple steps, including online registration, choice filling, seat allotment and document verification.
Candidates who clear the cut off and other selection rounds will be called for the counselling sessions. The final admission through NIFT 2026 will be based on merit secured and the seats available in preferred programs and campuses.