NIFT Exam Dates 2026, Check Event-Wise Schedule, Exam Timings

The NIFT 2026 application form is expected to be available online from the last week of November 2025. Candidates should visit the official NIFT or NTA portal to complete the application. Filling the form early is important so that candidates have enough time to check details and make corrections if needed. The regular registration window usually stays open until the first week of January 2026, followed by a late fee option for a few extra days.​

Candidates can submit the NIFT 2026 application form without a late fee until the first week of January 2026. There is often a few days’ window after the regular deadline, where candidates can submit with a late fee. It is best for candidates to apply as early as possible to avoid any last-minute technical issues or missing the form correction window.​

NIFT 2026 admit cards are generally released one week before the entrance exam, on the official NIFT-NTA website. Candidates must log in using their registration details to download their admit card. Having a printed admit card is necessary to gain entry to the exam centre. Candidates should check the details on the admit card carefully and contact officials if any corrections are needed.​

The NIFT Entrance Exam 2026 is tentatively scheduled for the second week of February 2026. This date may change if there are announcements from NIFT or NTA, so candidates should regularly check the official portals for updates. Both undergraduate and postgraduate candidates will attempt the NIFT exam on the same day, consisting of written tests like CAT and GAT.​

Yes, after submitting the application form, NIFT usually opens a correction window in the second week of January 2026. During this period, candidates are allowed to make changes to their application details except for some fields. Candidates must check all personal and academic information before saving corrections. The correction window is only available for a limited time.​

The NIFT 2026 answer key is expected to be released about one week after the exam in February 2026. The provisional answer key and question paper are displayed on the NIFT-NTA portal. Candidates may challenge the answers within a couple of days by paying a small fee per challenge. The final answer key is then published after review.​

NIFT 2026 results for the written exam (Stage 1) are expected in the last week of March 2026. Candidates will be able to check their scores online using their application number and password. The final result, after the situation test or interview, is usually announced in the last week of June 2026. Results are published on the official NIFT-NTA portals.​

Candidates qualifying the B.Des written test will appear for the NIFT Situation Test, tentatively held in the first week of June 2026. The admit card and test schedule will be shared in advance on the NIFT website. This test will evaluate candidates’ material handling and creative skills.​

Candidates for M.Des, M.F.M, or M.F.Tech programmes will participate in a Personal Interview, tentatively set for the fourth week of May 2026. The official schedule and admit cards will be released on the NIFT portal. Candidates should be prepared for questions related to their field and portfolio.​

Yes, NIFT exam centres for 2026 are usually declared around the time the admit cards are released. Candidates must check their allotted centre on the admit card and prepare to arrive on time. Centres are located across major cities in India and are chosen during the application process.​

NRI and foreign national candidates have their own registration window, usually starting in the second week of January 2026 and closing in the fourth week of April 2026. These candidates apply through a separate link on the official website and need to upload additional documents for eligibility.​

NIFT 2026 counselling is expected to begin in the last week of June 2026 after the declaration of final results. Counselling happens online and in physical rounds, with seat allotment over several phases. Candidates must register, choose preferences, and upload documents as per the schedule.​

Based on previous years, counselling for NIFT consists of three regular rounds followed by a SPOT round. Candidates must participate in each round as eligible and confirm their choices within the time window given. This system helps fill all seats for different programmes and campuses.​

Once the NIFT exam is over, candidates can download the provisional answer key, submit challenges, and await results. Next, shortlisted candidates attend the Situation Test or Interview. Final results are declared, followed by counselling and seat allocation. All details are announced on the NIFT and NTA websites.​

Candidates should always check the official NIFT website and NTA portal for the latest updates on exam dates and schedules. Important announcements like application form release, admit card download, exam centre notice, and result declaration are only reliable when posted on these official portals.