NIFT 2027 is the entrance route into the National Institute of Fashion Technology for the academic year 2027-28. The exam is officially called NIFTEE 2027, and the National Testing Agency (NTA) runs it for NIFT. Registration is already open, and the exam is on Sunday, 10 January 2027. This guide covers dates, eligibility, the exam pattern, fees, the NRI route and how to prepare.
Key takeaways
- NIFT 2027 registration opened on 16 October 2026. The last date with the normal fee is 16 November 2026. With a ā¹5,000 late fee, you can apply until 21 November 2026.
- The entrance exam is on 10 January 2027. GAT is a computer-based test. CAT is a pen-and-paper drawing test.
- For B.Des., the final merit is GAT 30% + CAT 50% + Situation Test 20%. For B.F.Tech., it is GAT Section A 30% + Section B 70%.
- For B.Des. and B.F.Tech., you must be under 24 on 1 August 2027 (5 years' relaxation for SC/ST/PwD). B.F.Tech. needs Mathematics in Class 12.
- NRI, OCI, foreign national and SAARC students apply directly to NIFT with SAT scores by 31 March 2027. They do not sit the NIFT entrance exam.
What is NIFT 2027 and who conducts it?
Quick answer: NIFT 2027 is the admission cycle for NIFT's undergraduate, postgraduate and Ph.D. programmes for 2027-28. The NTA conducts the entrance exam, NIFTEE 2027, on 10 January 2027 in 100 Indian cities. After the written tests, NIFT runs the Situation Test or interview, the final result, and seat allocation.
NIFT was set up in 1986 under the Ministry of Textiles and became a statutory institute under the NIFT Act 2006. It has 20 campuses across India, according to the NIFT admissions page.
Read two documents: the NIFT Admission Prospectus 2027 (eligibility, exam scheme, seats, fees) and the NTA's NIFTEE 2027 Information Bulletin (form, fees, exam cities, rules). You apply on the NTA NIFTEE portal.
When is the NIFT 2027 exam? Key dates
NIFT 2027 dates are announced. The NTA Public Notice of 16 October 2026 and the NIFT Notification-01 give the schedule below. All dates are tentative.
NIFT 2027 key dates for B.Des. and B.F.Tech. (regular category).
Registration runs from 16 October to 16 November 2026 (late fee until 21 November).
Admit cards come out on 4 January 2027, and the exam is on 10 January 2027.
The final result is expected in the first week of May 2027.
| Activity | Date (NIFT 2027) |
|---|---|
| Online registration opens | 16 October 2026 |
| Last date (normal fee) | 16 November 2026 |
| Last date with late fee (ā¹5,000 extra) | 21 November 2026 |
| Correction window (online only) | 22 to 25 November 2026 |
| Advance city intimation slip | 21 December 2026 |
| Admit card download | 4 January 2027 |
| Entrance exam (GAT + CAT) | 10 January 2027 |
| Stage 1 result | February / March 2027 |
| Situation Test (B.Des.) | March / April 2027 |
| Final result | 1st week of May 2027 |
| Seat allocation | May / June 2027 |
On exam day, the B.Des. GAT runs from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. The B.F.Tech. GAT runs from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. The CAT runs from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Which programmes and campuses are offered in NIFT 2027?
| Level | Programme | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| UG | B.Des. in Fashion Design, Leather Design, Accessory Design, Textile Design, Knitwear Design, Fashion Communication, Fashion Interiors | 4 years |
| UG | B.F.Tech. (Apparel Production) | 4 years |
| PG | M.Des., M.F.M., M.F.Tech. | 2 years |
The 20 campuses listed in the prospectus are: Bengaluru, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Daman, Gandhinagar, Hyderabad, Jodhpur, Kannur, Kangra, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Panchkula, Patna, Raebareli, Raipur (Nava Raipur), Shillong, Srinagar and Varanasi.
Who is eligible for NIFT 2027?
What is the age limit for NIFT 2027 UG?
For B.Des. and B.F.Tech., you must be under 24 on 1 August 2027, with 5 years' relaxation for SC, ST, PwD and PwBD. There is no age limit for Masters programmes.
What qualification do I need?
| Programme | Main eligibility (summary) |
|---|---|
| B.Des. | Pass Class 12 (10+2) from a recognised board, or NIOS with at least five subjects, or a 3 or 4-year AICTE/state diploma after Class 10, or an AIU-recognised foreign board, or GCE A level / IB |
| B.F.Tech. | Same routes, but with Mathematics (diploma route: engineering diploma) |
Any stream can apply for B.Des. If you are in Class 12 now, you can apply and show your pass certificate at seat allocation.
If you have Maths, you can apply for both B.F.Tech. and B.Des. on one form. If you are deciding between design schools, compare NIFT with the NID DAT 2027 guide and the UCEED 2027 guide.
What is the NIFT 2027 exam pattern?
Which NIFT test applies to which programme, and how much it counts.
GAT Section A has 100 questions in 2 hours and counts for 30% in both B.Des. and B.F.Tech.
GAT Section B has 50 questions in 1 hour and is only for B.F.Tech., where it counts for 70%.
The CAT is a 3-hour pen-and-paper test worth 50% for B.Des.
The Situation Test (a 3D model) is worth 20% for shortlisted B.Des. students; interviews count 30% for Masters.
GAT for B.Des. and B.F.Tech.
The General Ability Test (GAT) is a computer-based multiple choice test in Hindi and English. A correct answer gets 1 mark, a wrong answer loses 0.25, and a blank gets 0.
| Section | GAT Section A (B.Des. and B.F.Tech.) | GAT Section B (B.F.Tech. only) |
|---|---|---|
| Communication Ability and English Comprehension | 40 | - |
| Quantitative Ability | 20 | 15 |
| Analytical and Logical Ability | 15 | 15 |
| General Knowledge and Current Affairs | 25 | - |
| Case Study | - | 20 |
| Total questions | 100 | 50 |
| Time | 120 minutes | 60 minutes |
Question counts may change year to year. The official Quantitative Ability topics are: addition, multiplication, division, fractions, percentage, rate of interest, work and task, ratio and proportion, and distance. The topics are basic, but you must be fast and accurate.
CAT for B.Des.
The Creative Ability Test (CAT) is a 3-hour pen-and-paper test of observation, concept development and design ability, with stress on creative use of colour and illustration. Any name, logo or mark on the answer sheet leads to disqualification.
Situation Test for B.Des.
Shortlisted students build a 3D model from the materials given, plus a short English write-up.
The test is out of 100: the 3D model carries 50 marks, the English write-up 20 and overall presentation 30. It is held in 20 cities only, and you must sit both GAT and CAT to be shortlisted.
How is the final NIFT 2027 merit worked out?
| Programme | Weightage |
|---|---|
| B.Des. | GAT 30% + CAT 50% + Situation Test 20% |
| B.F.Tech. | GAT Section A 30% + GAT Section B 70% |
| B.F.Tech. candidates also opting for B.Des. | GAT Section A 30% + CAT 50% + Situation Test 20% (separate rank) |
For B.F.Tech., the GAT is the whole score, so maths and reasoning matter a lot. Masters programmes add a 30% interview.
What is the NIFT 2027 application fee?
| Category | One programme | Two programmes (B.F.Tech. + B.Des.) |
|---|---|---|
| Open / Open-EWS / OBC (NCL) | ā¹2,000 | ā¹3,000 |
| SC / ST / PwD / PwBD | ā¹500 | ā¹750 |
| NRI / Foreign National / OCI / PIO / SAARC | ā¹11,100 | - |
The late fee is ā¹5,000 on top of the normal fee, until 21 November 2026. Fees are not refundable. Bank charges are extra.
For reference, the prospectus lists UG tuition for 2027-28 at ā¹1,50,000 per semester for the non-NRI category, plus other fees.
How do I apply for NIFT 2027? Step by step
The path from Class 12 to a NIFT seat in four steps.
Step one: be in or have passed Class 12 (with Maths if you want B.F.Tech.).
Step two: apply on the NTA portal by 16 November 2026.
Step three: write GAT and CAT on 10 January 2027.
Step four: clear the Situation Test, then take part in seat allocation in May to June 2027.
- Read the Prospectus and Bulletin. Check your age, subjects and category.
- Register on the NTA portal. Create an application number and password (MeriPehchaan sign-on also works).
- Fill the form. Choose B.Des., B.F.Tech., or both. Pick four exam cities in the state of your permanent or present address.
- Upload images: a live photo, a colour passport photo (10 to 200 kb, JPG) and your signature (10 to 50 kb, JPG).
- Pay the fee. Use net banking, debit card, credit card or UPI.
- Save the confirmation page. The form is complete only after payment.
- Fix errors from 22 to 25 November 2026.
- Download the admit card from 4 January 2027.
Submit only one form. Help: nift@nta.ac.in, 011-40759000.
How does NIFT 2027 counselling and seat allocation work?
After the final result, NIFT runs seat allocation in May and June 2027 as e-counselling by NIC on the NIFT admissions portal.
- There are several rounds; the number is not fixed.
- You list campuses and programmes in order of preference.
- If you get a seat, pay the fee in time or lose it.
- Your rank is valid only for Admissions 2027.
Reservation follows Government of India rules. There is no management quota.
How do NRI, OCI, foreign national and SAARC students get into NIFT?
You do not take the NIFT entrance exam. NIFT selects you on your SAT score for B.Des. and B.F.Tech. (GMAT or GRE for Masters).
| Item | NIFT 2027 rule |
|---|---|
| Where to apply | Online on the NIFT admissions site (NIFT, not NTA) |
| Application fee | ā¹11,100 |
| Last date to apply | 31 March 2027 |
| SAT scores must reach NIFT | By 31 March 2027 |
| SAT DI code for NIFT | 7258 |
| Minimum score | 50% of the SAT/GMAT/GRE score |
| Oldest score allowed | Declared on or after 1 January 2025 |
| Seat allotment and fee | May 2027 |
Who counts? Foreign nationals, NRIs, OCI cardholders and citizens of SAARC countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka), living in India or abroad.
OCI rule. An OCI card issued before 4 March 2021 lets you choose: Open category through NIFTEE, or the NRI route with SAT. A card issued on or after 4 March 2021 allows only the NRI/Foreign National route.
Seats. These are supernumerary (extra) seats: 5 per programme at Bengaluru, Chennai, Gandhinagar, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi and Raebareli, and 3 per programme at Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Daman, Jodhpur, Kangra, Kannur, Nava Raipur, Panchkula, Patna, Shillong and Varanasi.
Other points. NIFT uses your highest SAT score. A foreign board certificate needs AIU/UGC equivalence before admission. NRI fees are higher: 2027-28 NRI UG tuition is ā¹9,07,000 a year at Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Gandhinagar, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai, and ā¹6,35,000 at other listed campuses, plus other charges (quoted in rupees).
Are there NIFT exam centres abroad? No. All 100 NIFTEE 2027 exam cities in the Information Bulletin are in India. Students abroad can use the SAT route instead.
How should I prepare for NIFT 2027?
You have about two months before 10 January 2027. Plan around the parts that carry marks.
Preparing for GAT
- Quantitative Ability. Revise percentages, ratios, interest, time and work, and distance. Practise without a calculator.
- English. Learn idioms, one-word substitutes and spellings. Read one short passage a day.
- Analytical and Logical Ability. Practise series, coding and puzzles.
- General Knowledge. Read the news daily, including fashion and textile news.
- Case Study (B.F.Tech.). Practise short business situations.
Because of the 0.25 negative mark, avoid blind guesses.
A GAT-style quantitative question, solved
Original practice question: A tailor buys 40 m of fabric at ā¹250 per metre. 10% of the fabric is wasted in cutting. She makes scarves from the rest. Each scarf uses 1.2 m and sells for ā¹450. What is her profit, and what is her profit percentage?
A percentage and profit question, worked one step at a time.
Cost of fabric: 40 m Ć ā¹250 = ā¹10,000.
Waste is 10% of 40 m, which is 4 m, so 36 m is usable. 36 Ć· 1.2 = 30 scarves.
Sales: 30 Ć ā¹450 = ā¹13,500. Profit: ā¹13,500 ā ā¹10,000 = ā¹3,500.
Profit percentage: 3,500 Ć· 10,000 = 0.35, which is 35%.
Answer: ā¹3,500, or 35%. The trap: profit percentage is on the cost price, not the selling price.
Preparing for CAT and the Situation Test
- Sketch every day: people, objects and scenes from memory, with colour.
- Build small models from paper, card and thread, and write a short English note on each idea.
- Solve the previous years' papers on the NIFT website.
NIFT says it does not recommend or endorse any coaching classes. Students also preparing for architecture can see our NATA 2027 guide.
Balancing NIFT 2027 with Class 12 boards
Keep a short daily slot for board subjects; our CBSE board exams 2027 guide has the timeline. If you are also trying engineering, see the JEE Main 2027 guide and how to get into IIT.
Want help with the maths part of GAT? Book a free demo class with an Asymptode mentor, or see our plans and fees.
What are common NIFT 2027 mistakes?
- Missing the deadline. Normal fee: 16 November 2026. Late fee: 21 November 2026.
- Choosing only B.Des. when you have Maths. You can apply for both on one form.
- Ignoring the age rule. You must be under 24 on 1 August 2027.
- Guessing wildly in GAT. Each wrong answer costs 0.25 marks.
- Marking the CAT sheet. Any name, logo or sign leads to disqualification.
- NRI students waiting for NIFTEE. You apply on the NIFT site with SAT scores (DI code 7258) by 31 March 2027.
How 1-on-1 tutoring helps with NIFT 2027
- One dedicated mentor, live online 1-on-1. Your mentor follows your NIFT 2027 date, board syllabus and school exam dates.
- Method-first maths for GAT. For Quantitative Ability, the mentor watches each step of your working on percentages, ratios, interest, work and distance, and fixes slow or careless steps. This is where a maths tutor helps most.
- Personalised homework with feedback. You get timed GAT-style sets with feedback on every mistake. Short updates keep parents informed, and every class is recorded so you can rewatch it.
- Honest help for CAT and the Situation Test. Asymptode teaches maths and science. For drawing and model-making, your mentor helps with planning, a weekly routine and exam method. Start with a free demo class.
Facts checked against official sources on 6 November 2026.
FAQ
Is the NIFT 2027 exam date announced?
Yes. NIFTEE 2027 is on 10 January 2027, as per the NTA Public Notice and NIFT Notification-01 of 16 October 2026. All dates are tentative, so check the NTA and NIFT websites.
What is the last date to apply for NIFT 2027?
The last date with the normal fee is 16 November 2026. You can still apply until 21 November 2026 by paying ā¹5,000 extra. NRI, OCI, foreign national and SAARC candidates have a separate deadline of 31 March 2027.
Is Maths compulsory for NIFT 2027?
Only for B.F.Tech. B.Des. is open to any stream, though everyone faces Quantitative Ability in the GAT.
Is there negative marking in NIFT 2027?
Yes, in the GAT. A correct answer gets 1 mark and a wrong answer loses 0.25 marks. Unanswered questions get no marks.
Can NRI or foreign students take NIFT 2027 from abroad?
No. All 100 NIFTEE exam cities are in India. NRI, OCI, foreign national and SAARC students instead apply on the NIFT website with SAT scores (DI code 7258) by 31 March 2027.
How many campuses does NIFT have?
NIFT has 20 campuses across India, as per its admissions page and the NTA Information Bulletin. You choose campuses during seat allocation.
Ready to start? Book a free demo class and advisor call, or see our plans and fees.