NIFT Bengaluru Admission Process: Eligibility, Exam Pattern, and Selection Process
Published by Shikha Kumari on Jan 24, 2025
The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), established in 1968, is India’s premier fashion education institution, with NIFT Bengaluru standing out as one of its top campuses. Renowned for its excellence in fashion design, technology, and management programs, NIFT Bengaluru collaborates with prestigious international institutions like the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York, offering students exchange opportunities and global exposure. The institute’s strong industry connections, along with its cutting-edge curriculum and innovative teaching, ensure students gain valuable real-world experience through internships and placements with leading global fashion brands, solidifying its reputation as one of the top design institutions in India. In this article we will dwell deep into the pathway to get admission in NIFT Bengaluru including entrance, seats and processes.
NIFT Bengaluru Entrance Exam
Candidates seeking admission to NIFT Bengaluru must follow a two-stage examination process created by the institution itself , which includes both the General Ability Test (GAT) and the Creative Ability Test (CAT), depending on the program they are applying for.
- General Ability Test (GAT): All candidates, including those applying for B.F.Tech, M.F.Tech, and M.F.M, must appear for the GAT. This test evaluates logical reasoning, general awareness, and analytical abilities.
- Creative Ability Test (CAT): Candidates applying for B.Des and M.Des courses must also take the CAT, which focuses on testing their creativity, design skills, and innovative thinking through practical assignments.
NIFT Bengaluru Eligibility Criteria
The candidate needs to meet any of the following criteria to get admission into the NIFT Bengaluru:
- 10+2 pass from a recognized institute.
- A pass grade in Senior Secondary Examination conducted by the National Open School with a minimum of five subjects.
- 3 or 4 years diploma recognized by AICTE or a State Board of Technical Education
- Any Public School/Board/University examination in India or in foreign countries recognized by the Association of Indian Universities as equivalent to 10+2 system.
Note: Candidates appearing in board exams in the admission year may also apply, provided they fulfill the eligibility conditions at the time of counseling/admission.
Seats available at NIFT Bengaluru
Given below are the are the seats available for NIFT bengaluru for various courses:-
| S.No | Programme | Seats | NRI/OCI/Foreign Nationals/SAARC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor Programmes – Bachelor of Design (B.Des) | |||
| 1. | Accessory Design (AD) | 38 | 5 |
| 2. | Fashion Communication (FC) | 38 | 5 |
| 3. | Fashion Design (FD) | 38 | 5 |
| 4. | Knitwear Design (KD) | 38 | 5 |
| 5. | Textile Design (TD) | 38 | 5 |
| Bachelor Programme – Bachelor of Fashion Technology (B.F.Tech) | |||
| 6. | Apparel Production (AP) | 38 | 5 |
| Master Programmes | |||
| 7. | Master of Design (M.Des) | 38 | 5 |
| 8. | Master of Fashion Management (M.F.M) | 38 | 5 |
| 9. | Master of Fashion Technology (M.F.Tech) | 38 | 3 |
| Total | 304 | 43 | |
NIFT Bengaluru Cutoff 2024
Given below are the Cutoff details of NIFT Bengaluru from the the first round of counseling:
NIFT Bengaluru Cutoff 2024
| 1 | Round 1 | Bachelor of Design (Fashion Design) | All India Quota | OBC | 295 | 846 |
| 2 | Round 1 | Bachelor of Design (Fashion Design) | All India Quota | Gen-EWS | 508 | 1887 |
| 3 | Round 1 | Bachelor of Design (Fashion Design) | All India Quota | Open | 29 | 234 |
| 4 | Round 1 | Bachelor of Design (Fashion Design) | All India Quota | Open (PwD) | 3582 | 3582 |
| 5 | Round 1 | Bachelor of Design (Fashion Design) | All India Quota | SC | 1298 | 1612 |
| 6 | Round 1 | Bachelor of Design (Fashion Design) | All India Quota | ST | 575 | 2225 |
| 7 | Round 1 | Bachelor of Design (Fashion Design)-NRI Sponsored | All India Quota | Open | 1872 | 2269 |
| 8 | Round 1 | Bachelor of Design (Textile Design) | All India Quota | OBC | 1020 | 2260 |
| 9 | Round 1 | Bachelor of Design (Textile Design) | All India Quota | Gen-EWS | 2905 | 3995 |
| 10 | Round 1 | Bachelor of Design (Textile Design) | All India Quota | Open | 274 | 675 |
Important Dates for NIFT Bengaluru 2025
Given below are the important dates for NIFT Bengaluru admission in the year 2025:
Important Dates for NIFT Bengaluru Admission
| Events | Dates |
| Online Registration Starts | November 22, 2024 |
| Last date for Online registration | January 6, 2025 |
| Last date for Online registration with late fee of Rs 5000 | January 9, 2025 |
| Window to edit/update application form | January 10 to January 12, 2025 |
| NIFT 2025 Exam Date | February 9, 2025 |
NIFT Bengaluru Exam Pattern
Candidates seeking admission to NIFT Bengaluru must follow a two-stage examination process created by the institution itself , which includes both the General Ability Test (GAT) and the Creative Ability Test (CAT), depending on the program they are applying for. Given below is the exam patter and weightage of NIFT Exam
| Program | B.Des | M.Des | B.F.Tech | M.F.Tech | M.F.M |
| Paper | GAT, CAT | GAT, CAT | GAT – Section A and B | GAT | GAT |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-based exam (GAT, CAT), Pencil-and-paper (CAT) | Computer-based exam (GAT, CAT), Pencil-and-paper (CAT) | Computer-based exam | Computer-based exam | Computer-based exam |
| Language | English/Hindi | English/Hindi | English/Hindi | English/Hindi | English/Hindi |
| Test Duration | 120 minutes (GAT), 3 hours (CAT) | 120 minutes (GAT), 3 hours (CAT) | 180 minutes | 180 minutes | 180 minutes |
| Sections & Questions | Communication Ability 40English Comprehension 30Quantitative Ability 20Analytical Ability 15General Knowledge 25 | Communication Ability 30Quantitative Ability 20Analytical Ability 25General Knowledge 15 | Communication Ability 40Quantitative Ability 20Logical Ability 15General Knowledge 25 | Communication Ability 45 Case Study 25Quantitative Ability 30Logical Ability 25General Knowledge 25 | Communication Ability 50Case Study 30, Quantitative Ability 20Logical Ability 25General Knowledge 25 |
| CAT | Evaluates creative skills like intuition, color use, design ability | Evaluates creative skills like intuition, color use, design ability | – | – | – |
| Total Questions | 100 (GAT), + CAT | 120 (GAT), 120+ CAT | Section A: 100, Section B: 50 | 150 | 150 |
| Situation Test | Yes (For B.Des only) | No | No | No | No |
NIFT Exam Weightage
| Program | Exam Weightage |
| NIFT Bachelor of Design (B.Des) | CAT: 50%GAT: 30%Situation Test: 20% |
| NIFT Bachelor of Fashion Technology (B.FTech) | GAT: 100% |
| NIFT Master of Design (M.Des) | CAT: 40%GAT: 30%Personal Interview: 30% |
| NIFT Master of Fashion Management (MFM) | GAT: 70%Personal Interview: 30% |
| NIFT Master of Fashion Technology (M.FTech) | GAT: 70%Personal Interview: 30% |
NIFT Bangalore Counselling 2025
The NIFT Bangalore Counselling 2025 process begins after the final NIFT results are declared. Candidates can then visit the official NIFT website to register for counselling by entering the required details. During the registration process, candidates will also need to fill out an additional form.
Steps to Complete Online Registration
- Eligibility: Only candidates with a Common Merit Rank (CMR) can proceed.
- Authentication: Provide details like roll number, application number, name, mother’s name, and date of birth. The information will be verified by NIFT authorities.
- Create Password: After successful authentication, create a password. Keep the password confidential.
- Login Again: Use the roll number and password to log in and complete the remaining application form.
- Form Submission – Details to Fill: Fill in details like father’s name, academic qualifications, and contact information.
- Document Upload: Upload the required documents (list provided during registration).
- Choice Filling: Select and lock preferences for NIFT campuses and courses.
In conclusion, NIFT Bengaluru offers a comprehensive and competitive admission process for its various undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The two-stage entrance exam assesses candidates’ academic and creative skills. With a strong academic background and industry ties, NIFT Bengaluru ensures that students receive a high-quality education and gain real-world exposure. By meeting eligibility criteria, following the registration steps, and preparing for the exam, candidates can secure a place in one of India’s leading fashion institutions.
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