NIFT Entrance Exam 2025

The NIFT Entrance Exam is the national-level test conducted by the National Institute of Fashion Technology for admissions into its undergraduate and postgraduate programs in design, fashion technology, and management. If you dream of a career in fashion, this is the exam that opens doors to India’s most prestigious fashion education institution. NIFT is India's best fashion design, fashion technology and fashion management school. With 19 campuses across India, including NIFT Kannur in Kerala, it provides an opportunity for a successful fashion career. Every year, thousands of students compete for admission to NIFT’s undergraduate and postgraduate programs, making it one of the most sought-after design institutes in India. Clearing the NIFT admission tests helps you secure admission to India's premier fashion institute, the National Institute of Fashion Technology.

For students in Kerala, preparing for NIFT requires right guidance, structured learning and expert mentorship. Our NIFT coaching programs are designed to help you ace the Creative Ability Test (CAT), General Ability Test (GAT), and Situation Test with confidence. From online coaching to classroom sessions, we provide personalized training, mock tests, test series, expert faculty feedback and interview support to maximize your chances of success. Get ready to turn your creative passion into a rewarding career with the right preparation!  

NIFT Campus

NIFT Admission Test – Your Gateway to India's Fashion Future

The NIFT admission test is the first and most crucial step for students aspiring to enter the world of fashion, design, and creative industries. Conducted by the National Institute of Fashion Technology, this entrance exam is designed to evaluate a candidate’s creativity, analytical ability, and design thinking.

Whether you're aiming for a Bachelor of Design (B.Des) or a Master in Fashion Management (M.F.M), performing well in the NIFT admission test is key to securing a seat at one of the 19 NIFT campuses across India.

NIFT is the ideal destination for fashion-conscious and creative students. With a rich history of excellence and strong industry links, it provides students with world-class education, global exposure, and hands-on experience.

What is the NIFT Admission Test?

The NIFT admission test is a multi-stage entrance process that includes:

  • CAT (Creative Ability Test) – for assessing creativity, illustration, and design concepts

  • GAT (General Ability Test) – to evaluate quantitative, verbal, and analytical skills

  • Situation Test – for shortlisted B.Des candidates to demonstrate hands-on design thinking

  • GD/PI (Group Discussion & Personal Interview) – for PG course aspirants

Each stage of the NIFT admission test is carefully designed to identify the next generation of designers, technologists, and fashion leaders.


Global Partnerships

NIFT collaborates with the best fashion colleges of the world, providing worldwide exposure to students as well as exchange programs. Some of the prominent partner institutions are:

  • Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), USA
  • Amsterdam Fashion Institute (AMFI), Netherlands

Special State Domicile Benefit for Kerala Students

Kerala state resident students interested in joining NIFT Kannur are granted supernumerary seats, thus increasing their chances of admission. This facilitates local talent to have greater access to the world-class education that NIFT offers.


Courses Offered at NIFT

NIFT offers a vast array of courses in fashion, apparel technology, and business management.

Undergraduate Courses (4 Years)

B.Des (Bachelor of Design) Specializations:

  • Fashion Design
  • Leather Design
  • Accessory Design
  • Textile Design
  • Knitwear Design
  • Fashion Communication

B.FTech (Bachelor of Fashion Technology): A course with an emphasis on apparel production, supply chain management, and quality control.

Postgraduate Courses (2 Years)

M.Des (Master of Design): Advanced research in design and innovation.

M.FTech (Master of Fashion Technology): Emphasizes high-tech apparel production.

MFM (Master of Fashion Management): Emphasizes fashion marketing, retailing management, and business strategies.

Resident Indian Fees Structure

Approximate semester-wise fee for Indian students in NIFT:

  Fee Component     General/OBC (Per sem)  
  Tuition fee (first sem)     150,000  
  Library & mediclaim fees     14,900  
  Exam fee     4,900  
  Security deposit (one time, refundable)     12,600  
  Registration fee (one time )     9,300  
  Total (first sem)     191,700  
  Total (from the second sem onwards)     150,000  


NRI Fees Structure

For non-resident Indian (NRI) students, the tuition fee of NRI students varies around $8,000 to $10,000 for each year of study, based on campus, for undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

Additional Expenses

Besides tuition fees, students should attempt to save for additional expenses like:

Hostel & Mess Fees: ₹60,000–₹1,20,000 per annum, based on campus and room category.

Laptop & Software: ₹50,000–₹1,00,000 (for design students only, as specified by NIFT rules).

Study Materials & Project Work: ₹20,000–₹50,000 annually.


Why choose NIFT?

01

Top-Ranked Institution

NIFT is a leader in fashion and design education with 19 campuses nationwide, including NIFT Kannur in Kerala.

02

Diverse Programs

Offers undergraduate (B.Des, B.F.Tech) and postgraduate (M.Des, M.F.Tech, M.F.M) courses.

03

Global Collaborations

Partnerships with institutions like the Fashion Institute of Technology (USA) and AMFI (Netherlands).

04

State Domicile Bonus

Kerala candidates benefit from supernumerary seats at NIFT Kannur.

NIFT Exam Centres in Kerala

Kannur: Marygiri E Park, Podikkalam, Koottumugham P O, Kannur, Kerala, 670631

Calicut: KM Tower, Opp Medical College Hospital, Kozhikode, Kerala, 673008

Thrissur: Jyothi Towers, Poothole PO, Westfort Junction, Thrissur, Kerala,  680004

Ernakulam: St Marys Arcade, Kuttamassery, Keezhmadu,Aluva, Ernakulam, Kerala, 683105

Kottayam: S R Arcade, Near BSNL,Thavalakuzhy, Ettumanoor PO, Kottayam, Kerala, 68663

Kollam: SBCIT, Near Bhagavathi Temple,  Kallumthazham PO,   Kollam, Kerala, 691004

Trivandrum: RIET, Nedumparambu, Attingal PO, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695102

NIFT Exam Centers in Kerala

NIFT Campuses in India

India possesses 19 NIFT campuses, which offer students great academic and industry exposure.

  1. NIFT New Delhi
  2. NIFT Mumbai
  3. NIFT Bengaluru
  4. NIFT Chennai
  5. NIFT Kolkata
  6. NIFT Hyderabad
  7. NIFT Patna
  8. NIFT Bhopal
  9. NIFT Bhubaneswar
  10. NIFT Jodhpur
  11. NIFT Gandhinagar
  12. NIFT Raebareli
  13. NIFT Shillong
  14. NIFT Srinagar
  15. NIFT Kangra
  16. NIFT Kannur (Kerala)
  17. NIFT Panchkula
  18. NIFT Daman
  19. Varanasi

Career Opportunities for NIFT Graduates

NIFT graduates work with top fashion and lifestyle brands, both in India and internationally.

International Brands

  • Tommy Hilfiger, H&M, Nike, Adidas, Puma, Reebok
  • Ralph Lauren, Levi’s, Calvin Klein, Armani, Zara, Uniqlo
  • Best Corporation Ethiopia, Landmark Group, Target Corporation

Indian Brands

  • Reliance Brands, Arvind Limited, Raymond, FabIndia
  • Myntra, Shoppers Stop, Future Group, Lifestyle

Notable NIFT Alumni

Some of the famous fashion designers are NIFT alumni:

  • Sabyasachi Mukherjee: Bridal and couture fashion designer extraordinaire
  • Manish Malhotra: Bollywood fashion design don
  • Ritu Kumar: First Indian traditional fashion pioneer
  • Rohit Bal: Renowned for his intricate craftsmanship
  • Shivan Bhatiya & Narresh Kukreja: Designers of India's first luxury swimwear brand

NIFT provides world-class education in fashion design, technology, and management, opening doors to exciting career opportunities in India and abroad. If you’re passionate about fashion and innovation, NIFT is the perfect place to turn your dreams into reality!


Why Choose afdindia for NIFT Entrance Coaching?

For over 25 years, afdindia has been the leading name in NIFT entrance exam coaching, consistently delivering the highest results. Our tradition stands strong due to the presence of highly experienced teaching staff, quality study material, and a methodical pattern ensuring students deliver top-notch performance in every aspect of the exam. We are India's first coaching center for the NIFT entrance exam, with a competitive advantage through expert advice, varied experience of mock tests, and a thoroughly researched pedagogy model customized to suit the changing trends of the exams.

Apart from exam preparation, afdindia also provides career guidance so that students can embrace the challenge of the changing world of fashion and design. Our strong digital library, previous papers, and mock tests provide the students with the knowledge and skills they require to crack the NIFT entrance. With years of experience, afdindia is still the most sought-after institute for aspiring fashion experts requiring access to the highly sought-after National Institute of Fashion Technology.


FAQ

What is NIFT?

The National Institute of Fashion Technology operates as India's premier fashion educational institution across ninteen locations across the country. The educational institution operates undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in design, technology and management fields.

What courses does NIFT offer?

NIFT delivers educational programs that include B.Des, B.F.Tech, M.Des, M.F.Tech and M.F.M. NIFT offers fashion design education through major disciplines including fashion designing, textile design and fashion management.

How to apply for NIFT?

Candidates must register on the NIFT website through their AADHAR for admission. The registration system requires candidates to input personal and academic data and present their documents along with fee payment to complete the application process.

What is the total tuition fee plan at NIFT?

The tuition costs for B.Des and B.F.Tech is about ₹14 lakh, for 4 years of study, while PG course expenses are about ₹7 lakh for 2 years of study.

Why choose afdindia for NIFT coaching?

With over 25 years of experience in NIFT coaching, afdindia consistently achieves top-class outcomes in its coaching programs. We provide both qualified teaching staff and complete academic resources, together with simulated assessment component,s to help students excel in the NIFT Entrance Exam.

NIFT 2026 Important Dates

Online registration Starts 3rd week of November, 2025
Registration Deadline 1st week of January, 2026
Exam Date 1st week of February, 2026
Result Announcement March 2026
Situation Test/Interview April 2026
Final Result Declaration 4th week of April 2026

Eligibilty Criteria

  1. Age Limit
    • For UG courses: Maximum age is 24 years as of August 1, 2025 (Relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST/PwD).
    • No age limit for PG courses.
  2. Education
    • UG Courses: Passed class 12 or equivalent.
    • PG Courses: Bachelor's degree in any discipline.

Application Process

  1. Visit the official NIFT website.
  2. Register using AADHAR details and create a login ID.
  3. Fill out personal and academic details.
  4. Upload required documents (photograph, signature).
  5. Pay the application fee:
    • General/OBC: ₹3,000
    • SC/ST/PwD: ₹1,500.

Live Design Career Counselling

Register for our webinar and claim FREE Ebooks of NIFT & NID Question Papers

INR 1000/-  FREE (limited time offer)

NIFT Exam Pattern

The NIFT Entrance Exam consists of three stages:

01.

General Ability Test (GAT)

Sections: Quantitative Ability, Communication Ability, English Comprehension, Analytical Ability, General Knowledge & Current Affairs.

02.

Creative Ability Test (CAT)

Evaluates creativity and design skills through drawing-based questions.

03.

Situation Test (Interview)

For shortlisted candidates to assess practical skills and personality

NIFT 2025 Written Exams Timings

Bachelor of Design

GAT: 9 - 11am
CAT: 2.30 - 5.30pm

Bachelor of Fashion Technology

GAT: 9am - 12 noon

Master of Design

GAT: 9 - 11am
CAT: 2.30 - 5.30pm

Master of Fashion Technology

GAT: 9am - 12 noon

Master of Fashion Management

  GAT: 9am - 12 noon  

What to Carry on Exam Day?

NIFT Admit Card

Additional Photograph

Original Photo ID

Stationery

Dry colors & drawing materials

Highlights of our NIFT Coaching Classes

Consistent Highest NIFT Results.

Over 25 years of unmatched experience.

Faculty comprises NIFT/NID alumni.

Best-in-class NIFT Study Materials.

Versatile Training & Coaching Classes.

Oldest NIFT Coaching Institute in India.

Multiple mock tests, module assessment & assignments.

Digital library of Past papers, questions & more

Career counselling beyond just NIFT

NIFT Offline Coaching

Learn in Physical Classroom

Experience personalized learning with our expert instructors in a dynamic classroom environment, tailored to help you excel in NIFT entrance exams.

NIFT Online Coaching

Discover Online Learning

Learn from the comfort of your home with our expert-led NIFT online classes, offering flexible schedules, live interactive sessions, and access to updated study materials.

NIFT Study Materials

Subscribe to Study Materials

Access comprehensive study materials designed by industry experts, featuring detailed notes, practice questions, and mock tests.

Academic Director

Ms. Julie James NIFT (New Delhi - 1994 batch)

She has 30+ years of experience in design education. Post-graduate from NIFT- New Delhi (1991 batch). She has held managerial roles in the fashion industry, HOD - Dept. of Fashion Design, Assumption College & as Academic Director in afdindia.

Julie James - NIFT Coach
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