New Delhi: The National Testing Agency has officially opened the application process for the National Institute of Fashion Technology entrance examination for the 2026-27 academic session. This cycle marks a significant shift in the recruitment of students for various undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including fashion design, management, and technology.
Aspiring candidates have until 6th January 2026 to complete their application forms without penalty. A short extension window will be available from 7th to 10th January 2026 for those who miss the initial deadline, though these submissions will require a late fee. The entrance examination itself is scheduled to take place on 8th February 2026.
In an effort to make fashion education more accessible, the institute has implemented a substantial reduction in application fees. Candidates in the Open, OBC (NCL), and Open-EWS categories will now pay 2,000 rupees, down from the previous 3,000 rupees. The reduction is even more pronounced for SC, ST, and PwD candidates, whose fees have been slashed from 1,500 rupees to 500 rupees.
The examination will be conducted by the National Testing Agency across more than 100 cities throughout the country. To ensure a comprehensive assessment, the testing process will utilize a mix of Computer-Based Testing and traditional pen-and-paper formats, depending on the specific requirements of the General Ability Test and Creative Ability Test modules.
This nationwide entrance exam serves as the primary gateway for admission into NIFT’s prestigious campuses, which offer specialized degrees in fields such as Bachelor of Design, Bachelor of Fashion Technology, and various Masters programs. Candidates are encouraged to verify their eligibility and complete the digital registration through the official NTA NIFT portal before the January deadline.