NIFT 2026 Application Last Date Today; Late Fee Registration Starts Tomorrow

NIFT 2026 Application Last Date: The National Testing Agency (NTA) is set to close the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) 2026 application window today, 16 January 2026, marking the final day for candidates to register for the highly competitive NIFT entrance exam with the regular application fee. Aspirants seeking admission to fashion, design and related undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programmes offered by NIFT campuses nationwide are rushing to complete their applications ahead of the deadline.

The registration process, which began on 8 December 2025, has seen strong engagement from students across the country intent on pursuing prestigious courses such as B.Des, M.Des, B.F.Tech, M.F.Tech, and M.F.M (Master of Fashion Management).

NIFT 2026 Application Last Date

NIFT 2026 Application Last Date to Apply Without Late Fee

Today is the last opportunity to submit the NIFT 2026 registration form with the standard fee structure — ₹2,000 for candidates in General, OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), and GEN-EWS categories and ₹500 for applicants from SC, ST, and PwD categories. After the close of business hours on 16 January, no further submissions will be accepted at these regular rates.

Registration is being conducted online on the official NTA NIFT portal at exams.nta.nic.in/niftee. Applicants are advised to complete their forms well before 11:59 PM today, ensuring that all mandatory details are filled accurately and supporting documents are uploaded in the required formats.

NIFT 2026 Application: Late Fee Window Opens Tomorrow

For those who miss today’s deadline, a late fee registration window will open from 17 January to 19 January 2026. During this period, candidates can still apply by paying an additional late fee of ₹5,000 on top of the regular application charges. However, this is the final opportunity for registration — no forms will be accepted after 19 January 2026 under any circumstances.

Experts caution aspirants that late fee applications, while available as a last resort, should not be relied upon as the definitive fallback, as last-minute technical issues or payment failures could jeopardise successful submission.

JEE Main Exam Date & What’s Next

The NIFT 2026 entrance exam is scheduled to be conducted on 8 February 2026, after which the process will move into subsequent stages including the correction window and issuance of admit cards. Candidates should prepare all documents and details ahead of time, as any discrepancies in the application information may be rectified only during the allotted correction period following form closure.

According to the extended schedule, once the regular registration period closes today, the application correction window is anticipated to open shortly after the late fee registration ends, allowing candidates to update certain details if required.

Strong Demand and Aspirant Response

This year’s extended deadline reflects the NTA’s effort to ensure wide accessibility and participation, especially for students who faced challenges meeting earlier timelines. The extension from 13 January to 16 January 2026 followed significant interest and feedback from aspirants seeking more time to complete their submissions.

Education analysts say the NIFT entrance test remains one of the most sought-after design examinations in India, drawing thousands of applicants each year. Securing a place at NIFT can open doors to careers in fashion design, textile innovation, lifestyle accessory design, and creative entrepreneurship.

Tips for Last-Minute Applicants

Candidates who are yet to apply should:

• Visit the official site at exams.nta.nic.in/niftee and start the application immediately.

• Complete all sections of the application accurately.

• Ensure online payment is successful and retain the confirmation receipt for future reference.

• Keep scanned copies of essential documents ready to avoid delays.

As the clock winds down on this crucial deadline, thousands of design hopefuls are racing against time to clinch their chance at admission to one of India’s premier fashion institutes.

Written by Simran

Simran is currently working as a Senior Content Writer at Findmycollege , where she creates engaging and research-driven learning resources for students. She has completed her Graduation in Journalism from Delhi University. With 4 years of experience in the EdTech industry, she has previously contributed to leading platforms like Leverage Edu and Aakash. Her expertise lies in simplifying Engineering and Medical entrance exam content to guide aspirants in their preparation journey. Beyond writing, Simran enjoys sketching, watching movies, and finding creative inspiration in everyday life.

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