The NIFT Exam 2026 was held today for thousands of aspirants who dream of pursuing a career in fashion and design. Now that the examination process is complete, the focus moves to the post-exam activities. Each phase after the exam is important, whether it is checking results, appearing for further selection rounds, or completing the counselling and admission process.
What Should You Do After the NIFT Exam 2026?
Begin with the following steps:
Check the NIFT Answer Key: After the NIFT Exam 2026 conducted today, the official answer key is expected to be released soon on the NIFT website, nift.ac.in. Once available, download it and carefully compare your responses with the official answers. This will help you estimate your expected score and understand your chances of qualifying for the next stage.
Compare Scores and Cut-Offs: After calculating your probable marks, compare them with previous years’ cut-off trends. This comparison gives a fair idea of whether you are likely to clear the exam or not.
Previous Year NIFT Cut-Off Trends: Below is a brief table highlighting the approximate closing ranks of popular NIFT campuses from last year.
| NIFT Campus | Course | Closing Rank (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| NIFT Delhi | B.Des Fashion Design | 55 |
| NIFT Mumbai | B.Des Communication Design | 145 |
| NIFT Bengaluru | B.Des Accessory Design | 210 |
| NIFT Chennai | B.Des Textile Design | 320 |
| NIFT Hyderabad | B.Des Fashion Communication | 400 |
Wait for NIFT 2026 Results: The NIFT 2026 results are expected to be announced in March 2026. Candidates can access their results online by logging in with their credentials. The result will display your scores and indicate whether you have been shortlisted for the next round.
Prepare for the Situation Test (for B.Des): Candidates shortlisted for the B.Des programme will have to appear for the Situation Test. This round evaluates creativity, material handling skills, and innovation. Focus on practising model-making, managing time effectively, and presenting your work neatly.
Get Ready for GD/PI (for M.Des, M.F.M, M.F.Tech): For postgraduate programmes, candidates will be called for Group Discussion and Personal Interview rounds. Stay updated on current fashion trends, design-related topics, and work on improving your communication and presentation skills.
Attend NIFT Counselling:Counselling is the final step before securing admission. Candidates must register online, select their preferred campus and course, and attend counselling as per the official schedule.
Documents Required for NIFT Counselling 2026
Make sure all necessary documents are ready well in advance of the counselling date.
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| NIFT 2026 Admit Card | Identity check |
| NIFT 2026 Scorecard | Proof of result |
| Class 10 & 12 Mark Sheets | Academic proof |
| Category Certificate (if any) | Reservation claim |
| Passport-size Photos | Official record |
| Valid ID Proof | Identity confirmation |
Pay Admission Fees and Confirm Seat: Once a seat is allotted, candidates must pay the admission fee within the specified time. Any delay or failure to pay may lead to cancellation of the allotted seat. Always keep track of the official NIFT admission notifications for payment deadlines.
Prepare for Life at a NIFT Campus: After confirmation of admission, start preparing for campus life. Learn about your course structure, hostel facilities, and orientation schedule. Early preparation will help you settle in quickly and begin your academic journey smoothly.
Important Dates After NIFT Exam 2026
| Event | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| NIFT 2026 Answer Key Release | Mid-February 2026 |
| NIFT 2026 Result Declaration | March 2026 |
| Situation Test / GD-PI Rounds | April 2026 |
| Final Result Announcement | May 2026 |
| Counselling Process | June–July 2026 |
The NIFT Exam 2026 has concluded today, and now the real phase of your journey begins. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official NIFT website for the latest updates. Start preparing for the upcoming rounds without delay and stay alert during the counselling process, as it plays a key role in securing admission. Completing each step on time will bring you closer to achieving your dream of studying at NIFT and building a successful creative career in the fashion and design industry.