NIFT Hyderabad Admissions : Eligibility Criteria & Admission Process 2026

NIFT Hyderabad offers UG & PG programs in fashion design, technology, and management. Admission to these programs for the 2026 - 27 academic session is conducted through the NIFT Entrance Examination (NIFTEE) organized by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

The selection process differs based on the program. For design courses, candidates must appear for the Creative Ability Test (CAT) and General Ability Test (GAT) followed by a Situation Test or Personal Interview. For some programs, admission is based only on the GAT score and interview.

NIFT Hyderabad Eligibility Criteria 2026

Candidates must meet the eligibility requirements set by NIFT before applying for admission. The eligibility criteria vary depending on the course and level of study. Candidates must meet the required educational qualifications, entrance exam requirements, and age criteria to be eligible for admission to NIFT Hyderabad programs.

NOTE: The upper age limit for undergraduate programs is 24 years as of 1 August of the admission year, with a 5-year relaxation for SC, ST, and PwD candidates.

NIFT Hyderabad UG Admissions 2026

NIFT Hyderabad offers undergraduate programs in design and technology. Admission is based on the NIFT Entrance Examination. Candidates shortlisted after the written examination are invited for the Situation Test, which evaluates creativity and practical design skills.

NIFT Hyderabad PG Admissions 2026

Postgraduate programs at NIFT Hyderabad are designed for students seeking advanced education in design, management, and fashion technology. Candidates are shortlisted for Group Discussion and Personal Interview rounds after qualifying in the entrance examination.

NIFT Hyderabad Selection Process & Entrance Exam

Admission to NIFT Hyderabad is based on the NIFTEE conducted at the national level. The selection process includes the following stages:

• Creative Ability Test (CAT): Evaluates the candidate’s creativity, drawing ability, and design skills.
• General Ability Test (GAT): Assesses logical reasoning, quantitative ability, English comprehension, and general knowledge.
• Situation Test / Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates appear for a situation test (for B.Des) or a personal interview (for PG programs).
• Final Merit List: Prepared based on the combined performance in CAT, GAT, and the situation test or interview.

The weightage of CAT, GAT, and other evaluation rounds may vary depending on the course selected.

NIFT Hyderabad Application Process 2026

Candidates must apply for NIFT Hyderabad admission through the official NIFT admission portal.

Steps to Apply

• Visit the official website: nift.ac.in
• Register with email ID and personal details
• Fill out the online application form
• Upload required documents such as photograph and signature
• Pay the application fee online
• Submit the form and download the confirmation page

Candidates are advised to check the application form carefully before submission to avoid errors.

NIFT Hyderabad Documents Required

Candidates must submit the following documents during the application and counselling process:

• Class 10 certificate (for date of birth proof)

• Class 12 mark sheet and certificate

• Bachelor’s degree certificate (for PG applicants)

• NIFT Entrance Exam admit card and scorecard

• Valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar card, passport, etc.)

• Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS), if applicable

• PwD certificate, if applicable

• Recent passport size photographs

All documents must be original and valid at the time of admission verification.

NIFT Hyderabad Admission FAQs