NIFT Exam Dates 2025: Application Form OPEN, Exam (Feb 9), Check Detailed Schedule Here

National Institute of Fashion Technology Entrance Exam 2025 ( NIFT Entrance Exam )

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Registration: 22 Nov '24 - 6 Jan '25

This exam is conducted for courses given below:
Manashjyoti Hazarika

Manashjyoti HazarikaManager Content

Updated on Dec 5, 2024 11:05 IST

NIFT Important Dates 2025 - The National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct the NIFT 2025 entrance exam on February 9, 2025.

The exam will be administered in 82 cities across the country.

The NIFT exam will have two papers - CAT and GAT. The CAT paper will be offline-based, whereas the GAT will be an online exam.

The application form for NIFT 2025 is open from November 22 - January 6, 2025 (regular fees). With late fees, applications will be accepted till January 9, 2025.

The detailed schedule or important dates of NIFT 2025 will be released at the time of the release of the application form or sometime thereabout.

NIFT 2025 important dates will cover pre-exam events like the application form opening and last dates (both regular and with late fees), exam dates and timings, and admit card release date. Post-exam events schedule will include the answer key, result, and counseling dates.

Candidates applying for NIFT Lateral Entry Admission 2025 may also note that applications are open.

Note that the NTA can change a pre-announced date for unforeseen reasons. So, the candidate may keep visiting this page for the latest updates.

Latest Updates:

Q:   When do I need to start my preparation for NIFT 2025 exam?

A:

The NIFT exam is among the competitive and is also considered among the toughest. So, it is recommended that the candidate starts their exam preparation well in advance, say with around 1 years time in hand. Note that the NIFT exam has various components like written exam and Situation Test /Personal Interview. Candidates seeking admission to the B. Des and M.Des courses need to prepare for both the CAT and GAT. The CAT is a drawing-based exam, meaning the candidate will be evaluated on parameters like intuitive ability, power of observation in concept development, and design ability. Now unless the candidate is already well-versed, developing these skills will take time. So, it is prudent to start early. The same goes for the GAT.

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Q:   When will the NIFT 2025 application form open?

A:

The online application form for NIFT 2025 is OPEN with regular fees from November 22-January 6, 2025.

With late fees, applications will be accepted from Janaury 7-9, 2025.

The application will be available online at niftadmissions.in. The NTA will also release the detailed admission notification, including the eligibility criteria and information brochure.

Candidates who met the precribed eligibility criteria for their programme can fill out the NIFT 2025 application form before the last date.

Note that NIFT application form will be for admission to the B. Des, M.Des B.FTech M.FTech and MFM courses offered by participating colleges.

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Q:   When will the NIFT 2025 entrance exam be conducted?

A:

The written tests for the NIFT 2025 exam will be held on February 9, 2025. The detailed schedule has also been released.

The written tests will comprise a General Ability Test (GAT) and a Creative Ability Test (CAT). GAT is mandatory for all candidates, but CAT is only required for B. Des and M. Des candidates. 

The GAT test will be considered in a computer-based mode, whereas the CAT will be offline based. Note that scores of the written exams will be used to shortlist candidates for a Situation Test/ Personal Interview.

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NIFT Entrance Exam 2025 Exam Dates & Schedule

Take a look at the table below for the complete schedule of NIFT Entrance Exam 2025 exam

DatesUpcoming Exam Dates

22 Nov '24 -

06 Jan '25

NIFT 2025 application form OPEN (Regular fees)

ONGOING

07 Jan '25 -

09 Jan '25

NIFT 2025 application form OPEN (Late fees)

10 Jan '25 -

12 Jan '25

NIFT 2025 application form Edit Window

Jan '25

NIFT 2025 Issue of Admit Cards

TENTATIVE

09 Feb '25

NIFT 2025 (Written Exam)

Mar '25

NIFT 2025 Declaration of Results

TENTATIVE

NIFT Written Exams - Test Timings

The tantative test timings for the GAT and CAT written tests are given in the table below.

Program

Written Test

Test Timing

BDes

CAT

9.30 am - 11.30 pm

GAT

1.30 pm - 4.30 pm

MDes

CAT

9.30 am - 11.30 pm

GAT

1.30 pm - 4.30 pm

BFTech

GAT

1.30 pm - 4.30 pm

MFTech

GAT

1.30 pm - 4.30 pm

MFM

GAT

1.30 pm - 4.30 pm

Also Read:

Q:   What is the last date to fill out the NIFT 2025 application form?

A:

The NTA has released the admission schedule for the NIFT 2025 entrance exam, including the application dates.

With regular fees, application is open from Nov 22-January 6, 2025. However, with late fees, application will be accepted up to January 9, 2025.

Candidattes applying a late fee will have to pay an additional INR 5,000.

NIFT has released the program-wise eligibility criteria that candidate needs to meet for admission to the design programme they are applying to. The National Institute of Fashion Technology currently offers B. Des, M.Des B.FTech M.FTech, and MFM courses at its 18 participating NIFTs.

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Q:   At what time do I need to report for the NIFT 2025 written exam?

A:

The GAT paper for all the B.Des and M.Des courses was conducted from 9 am - 11 am. Meanwhile, the GAT written exam for B.F.Tech, M.F.Tech, and M.F.M. courses was conducted from 9 am - 12 noon.

Candidates needed to report to the NIFT 2025 exam centre at least an hour in advance.

Note that the CAT paper for the B. Des and M.Des courses was held from 2.30 pm - 5.30 pm.

The purpose of reporting early is to complete admission formalities, including registration, frisking, verifying the identity of the candidate, etc. Note that the exam timings and reporting time for the NIFT 2024 exam was mentioned in the admit card.

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Q:   What information will be included in the NIFT important dates 2025?

A:

The important dates of NIFT 2025 will cover the entire admission schedule of NIFT 2025 admission process. The important dates will therefore cover events like release of admission notification, application form, and admit cards, conduct of the exam, declaration of results, counseling schedule, and date of commencement of classes. The candidate by consulting the important dates will know in advance about an upcoming event and so will be able to plan in advance. The exam schedule for NIFT 2025 will be released by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Note that in some cases previously scheduled event may be postoned, prepponed, or even cancelled. So, it is recommend to keep visiting this page for the latest updates.

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NIFT Entrance Exam 2025 Important Events & Dates

Candidates appearing for NIFT Entrance Exam can go through important exam events for this popular design entrance exam below:

  • NIFT Application Form Dates: The application form for NIFT Entrance Exam 2025 will be released in December 2024 (tentative). The application form will open online at the NIFT-NTA admission portal. The NTA will also release a detailed exam notification, admission brochure, eligibility criteria, and other pertinent details at the time of the release of the application form 
  • NIFT Admit Card Dates: The NIFT admit card will be issued to all successfully registered candidates. The admit card has to be downloaded from the official website only; separate communication will be sent to them by Post. 
  • NIFT Entrance Exam 2025 Date: The NIFT 2025 exam will be conducted around the 1st week of February 2025. The entrance exam will evaluate different parameters such as aptitude, skills, and knowledge. The NIFT exam has the following components – 1) Creative Ability Test (CAT), 2) General Ability Test (GAT), and 3) Situation Test / Personal Interview.  
  • NIFT Situation Test or PI Dates: Candidates who clear the NIFT entrance exam for BDes then need to appear in a Situation Test wherein their material handling skills are tested. On the other hand, M.Des aspirants need to appear in a Personal Interview round. 
  • NIFT Entrance Exam Result Dates: NIFT results will be displayed on the NIFT-NTA admission portal.
  • NIFT Counselling Dates: The counseling schedule for NIFT 2025 will be declared soon after NIFT 2025 final results are declared. The counseling process will have multiple rounds. In the previous edition of the exam, there were four regular rounds of seat allotment, followed by a SPOT round.

Q:   How do I prepare for the NIFT General Ability Test (GAT)?

A:

The General Ability Test GAT along with the CAT is the 1st stage of the NIFT exam. The test is conducted in a computer-based mode and includes objective-type questions. To prepare for the GAT exam, the candidate must carefully go through the exam syllabus and make a study time table. Next, the candidate has to gather the best books available for the test. When studying for the exam, the candidate must ensure that they not only clear the concepts, but solves all the related problems to better understand the concepts and develop problem-solving skills. Also, after completing a chapter, it is mandatory to do frequent revisions. Another important tool for NIFT GAT exam preparation is sample and previous years question papers.

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Q:   How many mock tests do I need to take for the NIFT 2025 exam?

A:

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) may or may not conduct mock tests. So, the candidate can take mock tests conducted by coaching institutes or by online outlets to practice for the exam. Typically, the more mock tests a candidate takes, better it is from an exam point of view. That being said, mock tests are usually taken closer to the exam to give finishing touches to ones preparation. For instance, by taking mock tests, the candidate will learn to hone ones time management skills, along with improving problem-solving skills. Note that the candidate must solve sample papers and previous years NIFT question papers, along with taking mock tests, to effectively prepare for the exam.

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Q:   How can I prepare for the Creative Ability Test (CAT) of NIFT 2025 exam?

A:

The Creative Ability Test or CAT will evaluate the intuitive ability, power of observation in concept development, and design ability of the candidate. To prepare for CAT the candidate must develop their observation skills, learn the basics of geometrical shapes, understand conceptualization, learn product drawing and shading. Additionally, the candidate must also work on their line quality. For instance, the candidate needs to ensure there are no jittery or multiple lines. To imporve ones drawing skills, one may start with simple drawings, and then move on to complex shapes. Also, while shading is not so important for the exam, shading skills can definitely help the candidate get a positive nod from the evaluator.

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NIFT Entrance Exam Dates 2025 for Artisans

Check the tentative NIFT dates for Artisans category candidates below:

Events

NIFT Exam Dates 

Start of online applications

1st week of December 2025

Last date for applications

March 2025

Studio test and interview

April 2025

Declaration of results of eligible candidates
• Shortlisted for Admission
Counselling with CMR
• Not eligible based on the verification of
documents

Last week of April 2025

Interface Counselling for Shortlisted candidates,
allotment of Programme and Campus as per
Common Merit Rank (CMR)

May 2025

Commencement of academic session

-

Q:   When do I need to reach NIFT 2025 exam centre?

A:

The reporting time for NIFT 2025 entrance exam will be mentioned on the admit card issued to candidates. Typically, the candidate needs to reort at the exam center 30 miniute before the exam commences.

The exam timings for the NIFT 2024 exam is given in the table below for reference:

ProgramTestTest Timings
Bachelor of Design
GAT9 am - 11 am
CAT
2.30 pm - 5.30 pm
Bachelor of Fashion TechnologyGAT9 am - 12 noon
Bachelor of Fashion Technology & Bachelor of Design
GAT9 am - 12 noon
CAT
2.30 pm - 5.30 pm
Master of Design
GAT9 am - 11 am
CAT
2.30 pm - 5.30 pm
Master of Fashion TechnologyGAT9 am - 12 noon
Master of Fashion ManagementGAT9 am - 12 noon
Bachelor of Design (Lateral Entry)GAT9 am - 11 am
Bachelor of Fashion Technology (Lateral Entry)GAT9 am - 12 noon

Please note that entry to the NIFT 2024 exam centre will be closed 30 minutes before the commencement of the exam. 

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Q:   In how many test centres will the NIFT 2025 exam be conducted?

A:

The NIFT 2025 exam will be conducted in 82 cities.

Note that in the previous edition, the exam was conducted in 60 cities and 72 centres across India.

The list of exam cities is published on the NIFT 2025 admission brochure.

Note that the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) doesn't release the consolidated list of exam centres at the time of release od the application form. It only publishes the list of cities where the written exam will be conducted. So, the candidate only has to select the exam city. 

The name and adress of the exam centre allocated to the candidate will be mentioned in the NIFT 2025 admit card.

The exam city is allocated basis information provided at the time of filling out the NIFT 2025 application form. The allocation will depend on various factors like number of test centres available in a city, seat intake, the address of the candidate, etc. Once an exam centre has been allocated, requests for a change will not be entertained.

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Q:   When will NIFT 2025 admit card be released for written exams?

A:

Admit cards for the written exams will be released tentativley in the 1st week of February 2025.

Note that the advanced city intimation slip for NIFT 2025 was released earlier.

The admit card will be released online at the admission portal of NTA NIFT - nift.ntaonline.in. To download the admit card, you need to log in using your application number and date of birth.

The NIFT 2025 admit card will be released separately for the written exams and the Situation Test/ Personal Interview.

The admit cards for the Situation Test/ Personal Interview will be released later, around April 2025.

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NIFT Important Dates 2025 - FAQs

Check the important FAQs related to NIFT 2025 important dates below.

Q:   When will NIFT 2025 results be released for the written exam?

A:

The NIFT 2025 written exam is the 1st stage of the entrance exam and includes the CAT and GAT. The results for the NIFT 2025 written exam will be announced sometime in the 2nd week of March 2025. The results can be checked online at the NIFT admission portal - niftadmissions. In. To check your results, log in to the result portal using your email id and password. The scores of the NIFT 2025 exam will be used to shortlist candidates for a Situation Test or Personal Interview.

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Q:   When will NIFT seat allotment announced for Round 1?

A:

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) will release the seat allotment of NIFT 2025 for Round I around the 3rd week of June 2025.

The seat allotment will be based on the merit rank of candidates and academic option picked at the time of counseling registration. 

Such candidates who are allotted seats have to submit willingness and pay the admission fee by the given deadline.

Note that NIFT 2025 counseling will be conducted in four regular and one spot rounds. The admission fee amount for regular seats at all campuses is INR 1,83,000.

NRI Sponsored candidates need to pay INR 6,88, 4000 or INR 9,72,000 depending on the campus they have been allocated.

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Q:   When will slot booking open for the situation test at NIFT 2025?

A:

The slot booking process for the NIFT Situation Test 2025 will be held a few weeks before the Situation Test. The slot booking process will be held online and will be open for candidates who have qualified in the written exams. As part of the slot booking process, the candidate needs to book their date and time slots for the Situation Test. Note that slots will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The details of the slot allocated to the candidate, exam centre, and other key details will be mentioned on the admit card.

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Q:   When will the NIFT 2025 Personal Interview be conducted?

A:

The Personal Interview for NIFT 2025 will be conducted for PG candidates, including M.Des M.FTech and MFM courses. The interview will be conducted on multiple days starting sometime in March 2025. The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) will release the detailed schedule soon after the declaration of NIFT 2025 written exam results. Note that candidates are required to book slots for appearing in the NIFT 2025 Personal Interview . The slot booking process will be conducted around the 2nd week of March. Note that slots will be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis.

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Q:   When will slot booking open for the NIFT 2025 Personal Interview?

A:

Candidates seeking admission to the PG courses at the NIFTs need to appear in a Personal Interview after qualifying the written exam. The slot booking process for the Personal Interview will open soon after results of the NIFT 2025 written exams are declared. The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) will release the detailed schedule on its admission portal - niftadmissions. In. The slot booking process has to be conducted online. To book a slot, click on the relevant link, log in, and then select the campus and time slot from the available options. Note that slots will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

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NIFT Entrance Exam Exam

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 5 days ago

The National Institute of Fashion Technology offers BDes and BFTech courses at the undergraduate level. It offers M.De:s, MFTech and MFM courses at the postgraduate level. Students can check the table below to know course-wise selection criteria:

Course NameSelection Criteria
BDesNIFT + PI + Counselling
MDesNIFT + PI + Counselling
BFTech

NIFT + PI + Counselling

MFTech

NIFT + PI + Counselling

MFM

NIFT + PI + Counselling

R

Rashmi Kumar

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 6 days ago

the national entrance exam for the NIFT Institute this year, can keep on reading to find the latest syllabus that is prepared to test their creative and analytical ability.

 It comprises the following sections: General Ability Test (GAT), Creative Ability Test (CAT), and Situation Test for the design

...more

R

Rayamkula Harish

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

Hello greetings!

NIFT Exam Pattern 2025 B.It consists of 100 multiple-choice questions based on Quantitative Ability, Communication Ability, English Comprehension, Analytical Ability, and General Knowledge and Current Affairs. The exam is conducted offline.

Exam Details
GAT: 2 hours for B.Desand M.Des,

...more

77364749
Manish Jaiswal

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

To do well in an entrance exam like NIFT, the candidate is expected to have good drawing skills. Note that the NIFT paper will have two sub-exams - CAT and GAT.

The CAT or the Creative Ability Test will evauate the drawing skills of the candidate. 

So, unless you have above average drawing skills, you

...more

M

Manashjyoti Hazarika

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The role of the NTA is confined to registration of candidates and conduct of the NIFT 2025 exam. The finalization of NIFT 2025 answer keys after inviting challenges, processing and declaration of results and preparation of the list of qualified candidates will be done by NTA in collaboration with th

...more

M

Manashjyoti Hazarika

Contributor-Level 10

38 Institutes accepting NIFT Entrance Exam

Master of Design (M.Des.)
  • 4.2

    Placements

    4.3

    Infrastructure

    4.3

    Faculty & Course Curriculum

    4.1

    Crowd & Campus Life

    3.9

    Value for Money

    4.1

    Learning Experience

    0.0

    Course Support

    0.0
    (27)
  • |
  • Total Fees: ₹ 5.86 Lakh
  • |
  • 2 years
  • |
  • Full Time
Master of Design (M.Des.)
  • Total Fees: ₹ 5.86 Lakh
  • |
  • 2 years
  • |
  • Full Time
B.Design (Lateral Entry)
  • Total Fees: ₹ 5.63 Lakh
  • |
  • 3 years
  • |
  • Full Time
B.Des. in Fashion Design (Lateral Entry)
  • Total Fees: ₹ 9.02 Lakh
  • |
  • 3 years
  • |
  • Full Time

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