What is Spot Round in NIFT Counselling 2025?

2 minute read

Update on Aug 02 2025, 09:30 PM IST

The NIFT Spot Round 2025 is the final opportunity for students to grab any leftover seats after the regular counselling rounds are over. If you're still waiting for admission or didn’t get the course or campus you wanted, this round can be your golden ticket.

 

Unlike the earlier NIFT 2025 Counselling rounds, where choices are locked and allotted based on merit, the Spot Round fills vacant seats on a first-come, first-served basis, but only if you're eligible. It’s typically open to candidates who did not get any seat in previous rounds, students who did not participate in earlier counselling or those who got a seat but didn’t take admission

 

During the Spot Round, you’ll need to physically report to the designated NIFT campus or follow the specific online procedure announced. You’ll also have to pay the full admission fee right then and there to confirm your seat.

 

Table of Contents
  1. When Does the NIFT Spot Round Happen?
  2. Who Is Eligible for the Spot Round in NIFT 2025?
  3. Who Is Not Allowed to Participate in the NIFT Spot Round?
  4. How Are Seats Allotted in the NIFT Spot Round?
  5. Rules You Should Know About NIFT Spot Round
  6. What Happens After the NIFT Spot Round 2025?
  7. Final Thoughts: Should You Go for the NIFT Counselling 2025 Spot Round?

 

When Does the NIFT Spot Round Happen?

The NIFT Spot Round doesn’t come with much time to think; it moves fast, and you need to be on your toes. If you’re planning to participate, knowing the timeline can save you from last-minute panic. For 2025, NIFT has officially released the full Spot Round schedule, and here's everything you need to keep track of.

Event

Dates

List of available seats is published

July 31, 2025

Last date to update NRI Sponsored option (for registered students)

August 1, 2025 (till 6:00 PM)

Document check for NRI-sponsored seat

August 1, 2025 (till 10:00 PM)

Register for Spot Round and pay the required fees

August 2 - 4, 2025

Document check for newly registered students

August 2 - 5, 2025 (till 6:00 PM)

Fill in or edit your course and campus choices

August 2 - 6, 2025

Seats are allotted

August 8, 2025

Pay the remaining fee if you’re allotted a seat or upgraded

August 8 - 9, 2025

Go to your allotted NIFT campus in person

August 11, 2025

Make sure you don’t miss any step; there’s no second chance after this round. Get your documents in place, plan for payments, and be ready to act fast when the window opens.

 

Who Is Eligible for the Spot Round in NIFT 2025?

The NIFT Spot Round is designed for students who missed earlier chances or want one last shot at admission. If you’re still hoping for a seat, whether it’s your first attempt or a backup plan, this round could work in your favour. You can take part in the Spot Round if:

  • You didn’t get a seat in any of the previous counselling rounds
  • You didn’t register or participate in the earlier rounds at all.
  • You got a seat earlier, but didn’t pay the fee or complete the admission.
  • You withdrew or surrendered your seat after allotment.
  • You were not eligible before, but have now completed all required documents (like class 12 marks or category certificates).

Basically, if you’re not already locked into a seat and meet all the admission requirements now, you can join the Spot Round. This round is open to everyone with valid NIFT 2025 Scores and documents. Just make sure you’re ready to pay the full fee immediately after allotment. No second chances after this!

 

Who Is Not Allowed to Participate in the NIFT Spot Round?

While the Spot Round gives one last shot at admission, it isn’t open to everyone. NIFT has clearly defined who cannot take part, no matter the reason. So before you prep for this round, make sure you’re not on the exclusion list. You can’t join the Spot Round if:

  • If you've already secured a seat but don't wish to upgrade or switch campuses, you don’t need to participate.
  • You’ve been rejected earlier due to document issues that still haven’t been resolved
  • You’re an NRI or NRI-Sponsored candidate, but didn’t follow the special process given to that category
  • You did not meet the ​​NIFT Eligibility Criteria even after the final document verification (for example, didn’t pass Class 12 or lacked required certificates)
  • If you missed the Spot Round registration or fee deadline, you won’t be allowed to participate, as no late entries are accepted.

So, if you’ve already locked in a seat or missed key steps, this round isn’t meant for you. But if you’re still in the running and meet all eligibility criteria, keep going, you're in the game!

 

How Are Seats Allotted in the NIFT Spot Round?

If you're planning to take part in the Spot Round, it helps to know exactly how the seat allotment process works. While it might feel like a last chance, NIFT still follows a structured, merit-based approach. Let’s break down how seat allotment works in the Spot Round.

  • After the 3rd round, all vacant seats across NIFT campuses are released for the Spot Round.
  • Eligible candidates register and complete document verification on the official counselling portal. New participants pay an INR 5,000 registration fee.
  • Once verified, candidates fill out and lock their preferences for programs and campuses.
  • Seat allocation is purely merit-based, determined by Common Merit Rank, category-specific rules, available seats, and your preference list.
  • If candidates with close ranks vie for the same seat, choice submission timing may influence outcomes, but rank remains the prime determinant.
  • Following allotment, you must pay the admission fee promptly to confirm your seat; otherwise, it is cancelled.
  • Finally, you must report in person to your allotted campus within the specified deadline. Non-reporting results in forfeiture.

 

Rules You Should Know About NIFT Spot Round

Once you’re allotted a seat in the Spot Round, there are a few strict rules to follow. Missing even one step could cost you your seat, so here’s what you need to keep in mind.

  • After your seat is allotted, you must pay the admission fee without delay. For 2025, the last date to pay is August 10. If you miss it, your seat will be cancelled.
  • Reporting in person at the allotted NIFT campus is also a must. You need to show up by August 11, 2025. If you don’t, your admission will be considered forfeited.
  • Once a seat is allotted in the Spot Round, you can’t withdraw. If you still try to withdraw, your full admission fee will be lost. Only the security deposit will be refunded.
  • Just a heads-up about earlier rounds, withdrawal was allowed till July 29. If someone withdrew before that, they received a full refund, excluding the registration fee. If the request came in after that date, only the security deposit was returned.
  • Lastly, the INR 5,000 you pay for Spot Round registration is non-refundable. So be sure you want to go ahead before signing up.

 

What Happens After the NIFT Spot Round 2025?

The NIFT Spot Round 2025 is officially over, but your admission journey isn’t done just yet. Whether you’ve been allotted a seat or didn’t get one, there are a few important steps and outcomes you should know about. Let’s break down what happens next based on your situation.

If you’ve been allotted a Seat

Final Confirmation Through Fee Payment: Once you’re allotted a seat in the Spot Round, the first thing you need to do is pay the admission fee within the specified deadline. Only after the fee is successfully paid will your seat be considered officially confirmed. Keep a screenshot or printed copy of the confirmation page from the portal; this will serve as your proof of admission.

Report Physically to Your Allotted NIFT Campus: The next big step is reporting in person to the allotted institute, usually by mid-August (often around August 11). You’ll need to carry all your original documents for final verification. Without this physical reporting and document submission, your admission may be cancelled, even if you’ve paid the fee.

No Further Upgrades or Withdrawals Allowed: Unlike earlier rounds, there are no upgrades or shifting options after the Spot Round. Once you accept the seat, it’s considered final. If you decide to withdraw, only your security deposit will be refunded. All other fees, including tuition, will not be returned. So make sure you're absolutely sure before locking in your seat.

What Happens After Confirmation? After everything is verified, your orientation sessions and class schedules will begin shortly. Institutes typically share this information via email or on their official website. Stay connected and keep checking for updates, as missing orientation may lead to confusion during the academic start.

If you didn’t get any Seat

No More Central Counselling Rounds: If you weren’t allotted a seat in the Spot Round, it’s important to understand that this was the final centralized round. NIFT does not conduct any additional or extended rounds through the official counselling portal.

What Can You Do Next?

  • Watch out for institute-level vacant seat rounds, if any. Some campuses may hold independent spot admissions to fill leftover seats.
  • Explore other design colleges that accept students post-NIFT, such as UID, Pearl Academy, or ISDI.
  • If NIFT is still your dream, consider taking a drop year to strengthen your portfolio and entrance test preparation for next year.

 

Final Thoughts: Should You Go for the NIFT Counselling 2025 Spot Round?

If you're still waiting for a NIFT seat, the Spot Round can be a game-changer, but only if you’re fully prepared. With strict deadlines and no refund options, make sure you’re confident before jumping in. Keep documents ready, monitor dates, and act fast. This might just be your final ticket to a NIFT campus!

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