The eligibility criteria for NIFT 2026 is given in the Information Brochure. Refer to the eligibility criteria before applying for admission as failure to meet the eligibility conditions will lead to disqualification.
NIFT Eligibility Criteria 2026 – NTA will conduct the NIFT 2026 exam on February 8, 2026.
Candidates applying for NIFT 2026 must ensure that they meet the program-specific eligibility criteria, which will be outlined in the NIFT 2026 information brochure. The eligibility criteria will include admission requirements like academic qualification, age limit, number of attempts, etc.
If you meet the eligibility, you may proceed to fill out the NIFT 2026 application form. If exam officials find that a candidate doesn’t meet any of the prescribed criteria, he or she may be disqualified at any stage of the admission process. Further, if any candidate is found to be forging data or using counterfeit documents to fake their eligibility, they will not only be disqualified, but criminal charges may also be brought against such candidates.
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Table of Contents
NIFT Eligibility Criteria 2026 – B.Des
B.Des is the most popular design course offered by the NIFTs. If you are seeking admission to the program, make sure that you meet the NIFT eligibility criteria for the program mentioned below.
| Parameter | Eligibility Criteria |
| Age Limit | The candidate must be less than 24 years old on August 1, 2026. SC, ST, and PwD candidates are eligible for 5-years relaxation in the upper age limit. |
| Qualifying exam | The candidate must have passed the 10+2 exam from a recognized institute. Obtained a grade in Senior Secondary Examination conducted by the National Open School with a minimum of five subjects. Completed 3 or 4 years diploma recognized by AICTE or a State Board of Technical Education Passed any Public School/Board/University examination in India or in foreign countries recognized by the Association of Indian Universities as equivalent to 10+2 system. Note: Candidates appearing in board exams in the admission year are also eligible to apply. However, they must meet the eligibility conditions at the time of NIFT counseling 2026. |
| Number of Attempts | There is no limit on the number of attempts |
| NIFT Admission Portal | Click Here |
Also Read:
- NIFT Acceptance Rate
- NIFT Cut-off 2026 – Download year-wise Cut-off PDF, How is Cut-off Prepared
- Key Resource to Prepare for NIFT Entrance Exam
NIFT Eligibility Criteria 2026 – B.F.Tech Program
The eligibility criteria of NIFT 2026 for the B.F.Tech course is given below.
| Parameter | Eligibility Criteria |
| Age Limit | The candidate should be less than 24 years as on August 1, 2026. Relaxation in the upper age limit of FIVE years is applicable for candidates belonging to SC, ST, and PwD categories. |
| Qualifying exam | The candidate must have completed ANY of the following: 10+2 pass from a recognized institute with Physics and Mathematics as subjects. General Certificate Education (GCE) Examination (London/Cambridge/Sri-Lanka) at the advanced (A) level with Physics and Mathematics / International Baccalaureate (IB). Any Public School/Board/University examination in India or in foreign countries recognized by the Association of Indian Universities as equivalent to the 10+2 system. 3 or 4 years diploma in any branch of engineering recognized by AICTE or a State Board of Technical Education Note: Candidates appearing in board exams in the admission year may also apply, provided they fulfill the eligibility conditions at the time of counseling/admission. |
| Number of attempts | There is no limit on the number of attempts |
NIFT Eligibility Criteria 2026 for PG Courses
There NIFTs offer the following courses at the PG level.
- M.Des (Master of Design)
- M.F.M (Master of Fashion Management)
- M.F.Tech. (Master of Fashion Technology)
You can select the program of study at the time of filling out the NIFT 2026 application form.
Go through the NIFT 2026 eligibility criteria for the master’s courses below.
NIFT Eligibility Criteria 2026 – M.Des
The detailed NIFT eligibility criteria for the Master of Design program is given below.
| Parameter | Eligibility Criteria |
| Age Limit | There is no upper or lower age bar for admission. |
| Qualifying exam | The candidate must have passed an undergraduate degree in any disciplineUndergraduate diploma of minimum 3-years duration from NIFT/NID |
| Understanding of fundamentals in design | M.Des is an advanced course that require understanding of the fundamentals of design. So, the candidate is expected to be familiar with the basic skills and theories to successfully pursue the program. Keep in mind that the course will not provide any basic knowledge and skill development in design as part of the program. |
| Number of attempts | No limit on the number of attempts |
NIFT Eligibility Criteria 2026 – M.F.M
To apply for the Master of Fashion Management program, the candidate needs to meet the following criteria.
| Parameter | Eligibility Criteria |
| Age Limit | There is no upper or lower age bar for admission. |
| Qualifying exam | The candidate must have passed an undergraduate degree in any discipline, OR Undergraduate diploma of minimum 3-years duration from NIFT/NID |
| Number of attempts | There is no cap on the number of attempts. |
NIFT Eligibility Criteria 2026 – M.F.Tech.
The candidate needs to meet the following criteria to apply for Master of Fashion Technology.
| Parameter | Eligibility Criteria |
| Age Limit | There is no age limit. |
| Qualifying exam | The candidate must have: Completed B.F.Tech from NIFT, OR Passed B.E / B.Tech. from a recognized institute. |
| Number of attempts | No limit |
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