What After NIFT Exam 2026? Selection Process, Results, and Counselling

After the NIFT exam has been conducted on Feb 8, 2026, the Situation Test and Personal Interview rounds following the seat allocation will be conducted. Only the candidates who meet the NIFT 2026 cutoff will be selected for the further selection process. The Situation Test will be held for the BDes program, while the Personal Interview shall be conducted for all the programs.

Based on the ranks secured by the candidates, the conducting authority will call you for the counselling and seat allocation process. All these events are expected to be held from the third week of February 2026.

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) is India's top fashion design college. It operates with multiple branches. Furthermore, NIFT campuses are located in 16 cities in India. Nonetheless, the main focus of NIFT is to deliver high-end design training. Thousands of candidates apply to various campuses each year to pursue fashion design courses. Likewise, each year, candidates graduate with a NIFT degree.

What After the NIFT Exam 2026 in India?

Let's discuss categorically: What next after the NIFT Entrance Exam? First, the NIFT exam is categorized into the General Ability Test (GAT) and the Creative Ability Test (CAT). Once these two are cleared, candidates need to qualify through the Situation Test, Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI) rounds. 

1. Situation Test

While dwelling on the topic, after the NIFT exam, candidates need to prepare well for the situation test with NIFT situation test papers it is one of the essential rounds for the NIFT exam. It carries 20% of the weightage of the final merit list. Moreover, candidates are needed to prepare well for this round. 

However, it is unlike the usual subjective test. In contrast, the NIFT situation test is a practical exam. Candidates will be provided with a topic in the examination hall. Candidates must present a 3D creative working model for the same. Moreover, candidates need to explain the making and function of the 3D model. 

Items provided for the situation Test:

• Question paper with the details about which 3D model 
• All necessary items for the situation test.
• A box filled with the items supposed to be used for making the model. 
• Directions to use the items and construct the 3D model will be mentioned in the question paper.

2. Group Discussion (GD)

Once the candidates have crossed the hurdle of qualifying for the NIFT entrance test and are wondering what after the NIFT exam, they should start preparing for the GD round. The GD/PI round carries 30% of the weightage for the exam. 

The GD round is conducted for mostly 15-20 minutes. It is primarily introduced to assess the following parameters of the candidates:

• Clarity of Concept
• Knowledge regarding the topic assigned
• Amount of contribution made to the topic
• Interpersonal skills
• Ability to produce creative new ideas
• Approach to solve the problem
• Effective communication skills
• Assess leadership skills

Topics for Group Discussion (GD) Round:

Candidates are requested to update themselves on a few topics before arriving for this round. Some of the topics are as mentioned below:

• Art and Literature: Since this is a diversified art line and art is correlated with literature, candidates should know the basics of each era and the nature of questions from these topics.
• Historical Topics: History plays an integral role in developing the design and evolution of culture. Therefore, candidates are suggested to run their vocabulary through the historical topics. 
• Current Affairs: Although this is a general topic, candidates should be well aware of the surrounding events. It will create a positive impact on the examiners. Additionally, candidates will be able to vouch for more points.

Tips for Group Discussion (GD) Round:

• Candidates are recommended to pay attention to the topic before presenting their views carefully. 
• Next, analyze the topics within the stipulated period. 
• Candidates should make sure they do not lose their temper or get involved in unnecessary arguments.
• Moreover, candidates must try to build eye contact with the examiner and listen to the other candidates while presenting their points. 
• Always present arguments that have facts and figures. 
• Moreover, candidates should be confident and not panic in this round. 
• Maintaining correct body language and presenting a neat look is also essential.
• Furthermore, candidates should make sure to share their thoughts and points without incorrect mannerisms. 
• Exhibit leadership qualities and presentation skills, and maintain the decorum of the GD round.
• Lastly, candidates must dress appropriately and be confident.

Read More:

• What is Common Merit Rank in NIFT 2026?
• What is a good rank to apply at NIFT Delhi?

3. Personal Interview (PI)

After the initial NIFT rounds are cleared, candidates have to appear for the final round: the personal interview round. It is the final step for the candidates to fulfill their dream of admission into the top design school. In addition, candidates need to prepare well for this round as well.

Preparation Tips for Personal Interview (PI):

• Candidates must take proper rest before arriving for the interview.
• Next, candidates should go in confident and be prepared to face any questions.
• Before appearing for the interview, candidates should always prepare themselves with probable questions such as
• Tell me about yourself.
• Why did you choose this line?
• What are your future endeavors?
• How does that interest you in this design line?
• What are your likes and dislikes?
• Why should we select you?
• Candidates must put their best foot forward and be as natural as possible.
• Suppose the candidates are not aware of any question; they can directly tell the truth to the judges. 

NIFT 2026 Result Declaration

Once all the above rounds are completed, the NIFT 2026 results will be announced, which is expected in March 2026, followed by the NIFT cutoff, and a final merit list will be created. The results will be made available online at the NTA NIFT portal, exams.nta.ac.in/NIFT. Students can check the steps to check NIFT results

• Step 1: Go to the official website at nift.ac.in
• Step 2: Click on 'NIFT.' Final result of UG and PG programs under the admissions tab.
• Step 3: The page will be redirected. Click on 'Click here to download the NIFT 2026 result.'
• Step 4: Click on the 'Sign in' button and enter the credentials.
• Step 5: Click 'Submit,' and the result will be displayed.
• Step 6: Download and take a printout for future references.

Also Read:

• Tips to Crack Interview for Design Courses at NIFT
• Job Opportunities and Salary for NIFT Graduates

NIFT 2026 Counselling Process

Once the results are declared and the cutoff is released, based on that, the NIFT counselling process will be conducted

• Document Verification
• Choice Filling
• Seat Allotment 

After the counselling process is done, students will need to pay the admission fee to confirm their place in the program. The NIFT courses and fee structure varies by campus and course type (e.g., B.Des, B.FTech). Students are advised to ensure that they submit all required documents (such as academic certificates and ID proof) and complete the fee payment process within the given timeframe.

Join the Desired NIFT Campus

Once the admission is confirmed, students will be ready to begin their academic journey at one of the NIFT colleges in India. Some of the most popular NIFT campuses are located in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.

Orientation: Students will likely attend an orientation program at the beginning of their course, where they will get introduced to their faculty, peers, and the campus facilities.
Coursework: The course will begin with theoretical and practical learning in subjects like design principles, garment construction, fashion technology, textiles, and business aspects of the fashion industry.