How to Prepare for NIFT 2026 Personal Interview – PG candidates will be shortlisted for the NIFT 2026 personal interview based on NIFT 2026 exam scores or result. As per the result notification released by the NTA, candidates will be shortlisted in the ratio of 1:4 (one seat: four candidates), category-wise for the Personal Interview (PI).
The NIFT 2026 written exam will be conducted around the 1st week of February 2026.
Eligible candidates must attend the Personal Interview in New Delhi; if the candidate doesn’t attend the interview, they will be disqualified.
The personal interview for NIFT 2026 will be conducted in May 2026.
Preparing for the NIFT 2026 personal interview requires a combination of self-awareness, industry knowledge, and effective communication skills.
The NIFT personal interview carries a solid 30% weightage making it crucial for the candidate to do well. If you want some useful and easy tips to ace the interview, we have it covered!
So, keep reading.
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Table of Contents
Ten Tips to Prepare for the NIFT 2026 Personal Interview
The personal interview is the 2nd stage of the NIFT 2026 admission process. The 1st stage is the written exams (GAT and CAT).
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare:
1. Understand the Purpose of the NIFT 2026 Personal Interview
Shortlisted candidates for PG courses are required to undergo a Personal Interview (PI).
The personal Interview will be conducted by a panel and will evaluate the candidate on the following parameters:
- Career orientation
- Aptness for the course
- Overall personal achievements in academics and co-curricular activities
- Communication
- General awareness, aptitude, creative and lateral thinking
The candidate may refer to the NIFT 2026 exam syllabus for detailed inputs.
2. Research and Prepare
Know Your Portfolio: If you’re required to present a portfolio, ensure it reflects your best work. Be ready to explain your design process, inspiration, and the story behind each piece.
Stay Updated on Fashion Trends: Follow fashion magazines, blogs, and social media to stay informed about current trends, designers, and industry news.
Learn About NIFT: Research NIFT’s history, courses, faculty, and alumni. Understand why you want to join NIFT and how it aligns with your career goals.
General Knowledge: Be aware of current affairs, especially those related to the fashion and design industry.
3. Practice Common Interview Questions
Prepare answers for questions like:
- Tell us about yourself.
- Why do you want to join NIFT?
- Who is your favorite designer, and why?
- What inspires your designs?
- How do you handle criticism?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
4. Work on Your Communication Skills
Be Clear and Confident: Practice speaking clearly and confidently. Avoid using filler words like “um” or “uh.”
Body Language: Maintain good posture, eye contact, and a positive demeanor.
Listen Carefully: Pay attention to the interviewer’s questions and respond thoughtfully.
5. Showcase Your Passion and Creativity
Share your unique perspective on fashion and design.
Discuss any personal projects, internships, or experiences that highlight your creativity and dedication.
Be prepared to sketch or discuss ideas on the spot if asked.
Also Read:
- Best books for NIFT exam preparation 2026 – Section-wise Books, Important Topics
- NIFT Cut-off 2025 – Download year-wise Cut-off PDF, How is Cut-off Prepared
- NIFT Eligibility Criteria 2026 – Academic Qualification, No. Of Attempts, Age Limit
6. Dress Appropriately
Wear something that reflects your personal style but is also professional and neat.
Avoid over-the-top outfits; instead, opt for something that shows your understanding of aesthetics and appropriateness.
7. Take Mock Interviews
Practice with friends, family, or mentors to simulate the interview environment.
Record yourself to identify areas for improvement in your tone, body language, and answers.
8. Stay Calm and Positive
Be yourself and let your passion for fashion and design shine through.
Don’t panic if you don’t know an answer; it’s okay to admit it politely and move on.
9. Prepare Questions for the Interviewer
At the end of the interview, you may be asked if you have any questions. Prepare thoughtful questions like:
What opportunities does NIFT provide for internships and industry exposure?
How does NIFT support students in building their portfolios?
What are the key qualities NIFT looks for in a student?
10. Final Tips
Arrive early on the interview day.
Carry all required documents, including your portfolio (if applicable).
Stay confident and believe in your abilities.
By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to ace the NIFT 2026 personal interview.
NIFT 2026 Exam – Test Components and Weightage
The test components for the NIFT 2026 PG exam and the weightage carried by various components, including the Personal Interview, is given below.
As you can see from the table below, the Personal Interview carries 30% weightage for all PG courses.
| Program | Test | Weightage |
| Master of Design (MDes) | CAT | 40% |
| GAT (Section-A) | 30% | |
| Personal Interview | 30% | |
| Master of Fashion Technology (MFTech) | GAT | 70% |
| Personal Interview | 30% | |
| Master of Fashion Management (MFM) | GAT (Section-A & Section-B) | 70% |
| Personal Interview | 30% |
Also Read:
- NIFT Eligibility Criteria 2026 – Academic Qualification, No. Of Attempts, Age Limit
- NIFT Syllabus 2026 – Section-wise Topics, Skills Evaluated, Important Topics
How to Prepare for NIFT Personal Interview 2026 – Best Books
Candidates preparing for the NIFT 2026 personal interview are also recommended to consult the NIFT best books. The reason being NIFT 2026 best books will cover the entire syllabus, explain the concepts in simple, easy-to-understand language, contain few to no errors, include examples and infographics, and practice questions.
So, if you use these books for exam preparation, you can start with a big edge.
NIFT Situation Test 2026 – Overview
Candidates seeking admission to the B.Des program next need to prepare for the NIFT 2026 Situation Test if they qualify the written exams.
| Particulars | Description |
| When will the Situation Test be held? | May 2026 |
| Who will conduct the NIFT Situation Test 2026? | The Situation Test will be conducted by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). The shortlist for the Situation Test will be done based on NIFT 2026 written exams conducted by the NTA. Note that the role of the NTA is limited to the conduct of the written exams and declaration of results. It will play no further role in the NIFT admission process. |
| Eligibility criteria for appearing in the Situation Test | Candidates will be shortlisted for the Situation Test based on NIFT 2026 written test scores. |
| Mode of the Situation Test | The Situation Test will be conducted offline at NIFT Delhi Campus |
| Structure of the exam | The Situation Test will evaluate: The candidate’s material handling Creative skills in a given scenario The candidate will be provided with the material for a specific task inside the exam hall. |
| How to register for NIFT Situation Test | The registration process will be held online. When filling out the form, SELECT your choice of NIFT participating institutes in the order of priority. |
Read More:
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How to Prepare for NIFT Personal Interview 2026 – Skill Tested, Questions Asked, Mock Tests
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