NIFT 2027 Entrance (NIFTEE): Dates, Eligibility, Pattern, Fee
by National Testing Agency (NTA) for NIFT
- Register by
- 16 Nov 2026
- exam date
- 10 Jan 2027
- Where
- 100 cities across India (incl. Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik…)
- Who can join
- UG: Class 12 pass/appearing (Maths for B.F.Tech.), under 24 on 1 Aug 2027
The NIFT Entrance Examination (NIFTEE) 2027 is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the National Institute of Fashion Technology for B.Des., B.F.Tech., M.Des., M.F.M., M.F.Tech., lateral entry and Ph.D. admissions for 2027–28. Applications opened on 16 October 2026 and close on 16 November 2026 (21 November 2026 with a ₹5,000 late fee). The Stage 1 exam is on 10 January 2027.
Key dates
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Online applications open | 16 October 2026 | Announced |
| Last date with normal fee | 16 November 2026 | Announced |
| Last date with late fee (₹5,000 extra) | 21 November 2026 | Announced |
| Correction window | 22–25 November 2026 | Announced |
| Advance city intimation slip | 21 December 2026 | Announced |
| Admit card download | 4 January 2027 | Announced |
| Stage 1 exam (GAT and CAT) | 10 January 2027 | Announced |
| Stage 1 result | February/March 2027 | Tentative (bulletin) |
| Situation Test (B.Des.) / interviews (PG) | March/April 2027 | Tentative (bulletin) |
| Final result | First week of May 2027 | Tentative (bulletin) |
| Seat allocation (by NIFT) | May/June 2027 | Tentative (bulletin) |
NRI/foreign national candidates follow a separate schedule (registration up to 31 March 2027), and the Artisan category up to 31 January 2027.
Eligibility
- B.Des.: Class 12 (10+2) pass from a recognised board in any stream, or an equivalent qualification listed in the bulletin (NIOS with five subjects, a 3- or 4-year AICTE/state diploma after Class 10, GCE A level, IB).
- B.F.Tech.: Class 12 with Mathematics, or an equivalent qualification with Mathematics, or a 3- or 4-year engineering diploma.
- Age for UG: under 24 years on 1 August 2027, with 5 years' relaxation for SC/ST/PwD/PwBD candidates.
- PG (M.Des., M.F.M., M.F.Tech.): no age limit; degree requirements are in the NIFT prospectus.
- Students appearing in their qualifying exam can apply but must show proof of passing at seat allocation/admission.
Exam pattern and selection
| Programme | Tests | Final weightage |
|---|---|---|
| B.Des. | GAT + CAT, then Situation Test | GAT 30%, CAT 50%, Situation Test 20% |
| B.F.Tech. | GAT only | GAT Section A 30%, Section B 70% |
| M.Des. | GAT (Section A) + CAT, then interview | GAT 30%, CAT 40%, interview 30% |
| M.F.M. | GAT, then interview | GAT 70%, interview 30% |
| M.F.Tech. | GAT, then interview | GAT 70%, interview 30% |
- The General Ability Test (GAT) is a computer-based test. The Creative Ability Test (CAT) is a pen-and-paper drawing test; carry your own colouring and drawing material.
- Each question carries 1 mark, with −0.25 for each incorrect response; unanswered questions get no marks.
- The paper is bilingual (Hindi and English).
- A B.F.Tech. applicant with Mathematics can also be considered for B.Des. by taking CAT along with GAT.
Section-wise question counts and durations are in the NIFT Admissions Guidelines 2027; check them there.
Application fee
| Category | One programme | Two programmes (B.Des. + B.F.Tech. or M.Des. + M.F.M.) |
|---|---|---|
| Open / Open-EWS / OBC (NCL) | ₹2,000 | ₹3,000 |
| SC / ST / PwD / PwBD | ₹500 | ₹750 |
| NRI / Foreign national / OCI / PIO / SAARC (UG/PG) | ₹11,100 | ₹11,100 |
After 16 November 2026, a late fee of ₹5,000 is charged on top of the normal fee, up to 21 November 2026.
Exam centres in Maharashtra
The NIFTEE 2027 bulletin lists these Maharashtra exam cities: Mumbai/Navi Mumbai/Thane/Kalyan, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Kolhapur, Amravati and Nanded. The exam is planned in 100 cities across India.
What the score is used for
NIFTEE results are used for admission to NIFT campuses across India. Final merit lists combine the written test with the Situation Test or interview as shown above, and NIFT runs the seat allocation.
Tips for Maharashtra students
- NIFT Mumbai is at Kharghar, Navi Mumbai (Plot 15, Sector 4).
- If you are in Class 12 in 2026–27, you can apply now as an appearing candidate; keep your board result for admission.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date for the NIFT 2027 application?
16 November 2026 with the normal fee, or 21 November 2026 with an extra late fee of ₹5,000.
When is the NIFT 2027 entrance exam?
The Stage 1 exam (GAT and CAT) is on 10 January 2027. Admit cards are available from 4 January 2027.
Is there negative marking in NIFT 2027?
Yes. The NIFTEE 2027 bulletin says 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect response.
Is there an age limit for NIFT B.Des.?
Yes. For B.Des. and B.F.Tech., you must be under 24 years on 1 August 2027 (29 for SC/ST/PwD/PwBD). There is no age limit for PG programmes.
Can commerce or arts students apply for NIFT B.Des.?
Yes. B.Des. needs a Class 12 pass in any stream. B.F.Tech. needs Mathematics in Class 12.
Official sources
- NIFTEE, National Testing Agency
- NTA public notice, 16 October 2026: NIFTEE 2027 applications
- Information Bulletin NIFTEE 2027
- NIFT Prospectus 2027
- National Institute of Fashion Technology
Last checked 24 October 2026. Dates can change; always confirm on the official website.