The NIFT Shillong is accepting applications for its undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes for the 2025–26 academic year. The institute offers highly demanded courses in fashion design, textile design, knitwear design, accessory design, fashion communication, apparel production, and fashion management, catering to creative, technical, and managerial industries. Admissions are entrance-based, primarily through the NIFT Entrance Examination (CAT + GAT + Situation Test), and selection also considers academic records and interviews for certain programmes.
Interested students can apply online via the official NIFT admission portal, by submitting the required set of documents and application fees online. The institute provides industry-integrated learning programmes, pre-internships, research exposure, and international collaborations to ensure a holistic way of learning. Scholarships and financial aid are also provided to the deserving and economically weaker section of the enrolled students, making fashion education accessible to a wide spectrum of talents nationwide.
Tentative dates for the 2026 NIFT entrance exam process include online registration starting in late November 2025, the written exam in the second week of February 2026, the Situation Test (BFD) in the second week of June 2026, Personal Interviews (PG programmes) from late May to early June 2026, and counselling beginning in late June 2026.
NIFT Shillong has announced the key dates for the 2025–26 admission cycle across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes. The admission process starts in November 2025, with the online application portal opening from 15 November 2025. The last date to submit applications for all programmes is 31 March 2026, while candidates seeking admission to specific undergraduate design and technology courses should note that certain programme-specific deadlines, such as for the situation test and entrance exam registration, may fall in January–February 2026. NIFT entrance exam (CAT + GAT) results are expected to be released by April 2026, and shortlisted candidates must complete counselling and document verification by May 2026.
Respective applicants are advised to check the official NIFT website regularly to stay updated on any changes to the schedule and ensure timely submission of all required documents and fees.
Course | Last Date |
NIFT Admission Start Date | 15 November 2025 |
UG & B.F.Tech Application Last Date | 31 March 2026 |
BFD Situation Test Registration | 31 January 2026 |
PG (MFD / MFM) Application Last Date | 31 March 2026 |
NIFT Entrance Exam Result Declaration | April 2026 |
Counseling & Document Verification | May 2026 |
Undergraduate (UG): Candidates must have completed 10+2 or equivalent with a minimum of 50% marks in any stream. Admission is granted based on the NIFT Entrance Exam, which includes the creative ability test (CAT) and general Ability Test (GAT), followed by a situational test for design courses. Sports and cultural achievements may also be considered for additional weightage in the admission process.
Postgraduate (PG): Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university with at least 50% marks. Admission is conducted through the Graduate Aptitude Test (GAT) and a Personal Interview, depending on the programme, whether it is MFD or MFM.
Application & Scholarships: Candidates first have to apply through the NIFT portal, and submit all the required documents & respective fees. Admission here is done on merit basis, and the NIFT Shillong also provides scholarships & financial aids for its tuition fees to the economically weaker section of the students.
Candidates for the UG Design programmes will have to appear in an entrance examination comprising a general ability test (GAT) and creative ability test (CAT). Candidates shortlisted on the basis of the entrance examination will take a situational test afterwards.
Candidates for the UG Fashion Technology programme will appear in an entrance examination comprising a general ability test (GAT). B.F.Tech candidates got shortlisted by the common general ability test (GAT).
Candidates applying for BFD will appear in an entrance examination comprising a General Ability Test (GAT) and Creative Ability Test (CAT). BFD candidates will be shortlisted on the basis of the entrance examination and will appear in a situation test.
For getting admission to the MFD programme, candidates must appear in an entrance examination comprising a Creative Ability Test (CAT) and a General Ability Test (GAT). Shortlisted candidates of the entrance examination will undergo a Personal Interview (PI) too at last.
To attain admission to the M.F.M. programme at NIFT Shillong, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a minimum of 50% marks. Applicants are required to appear in the graduate aptitude test (GAT) conducted by NIFT. Shortlisted candidates of the entrance examination will undergo a personal interview (PI) to assess managerial skills, analytical thinking, and aptitude for the fashion business domain.
Candidates for the M.F.Tech programme will appear for an entrance examination comprising a General Ability Test (GAT). Shortlisted candidates of the entrance examination will undergo a Personal Interview (PI) too at last.
Candidates seeking admission to undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral programmes at NIFT Shillong can fill the online application form through the official NIFT website. The application process begins in November 2025, and applicants are required to submit all necessary documents and pay the application fee digitally. It is important to complete the form before the last date in March 2026 to be considered for the respective programmes. Applicants should check the portal regularly for updates and detailed instructions for submission.
Steps to apply:
Step 1: Online Registration
Step 2: Fill Application Form
Step 3: Pay Application Fee
Required Documents:
10th Mark Sheet
12th Mark Sheet (For UG admissions)
Bachelor’s Degree (For PG admissions)
Aadhaar Card
Recent Passport-Size Photographs
Signature (Clear scanned signature)
Transfer Certificate
Entrance Scorecard
Category Certificate