NIFT Mumbai Admissions: Eligibility, Exam Pattern, and Important Dates

Published by Shikha Kumari on Jan 24, 2025

NIFT Mumbai is a statutory institution under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. NIFT Mumbai has secured the second position in all fashion design courses in India for the last four years, as per India Today rankings. Here, B.Des is offered in five core subjects: Fashion Design (FD), Accessory Design, Textile Design, Knitwear Design, and Fashion Communication. This blog will address your queries regarding the admission process, eligibility, exam pattern of NIFT, preparation, counseling schedule, fees for various branches of design, and seat availability at NIFT.

NIFT Mumbai Admission Process

NIFT campuses follow the same process for admission, which begins with the Design Aptitude Test (DAT). The test is divided into two sections: the Creative Assessment Test and the General Assessment Test. To register for the exam, candidates can apply online but must have the required documents in PDF or JPG format during the registration process. Follow the steps given below to register for the admission process.

Step 1:Use your personal email ID and mobile number to register. Keep note of system-generated application number.

Step 2: Complete the online application form and note the system-generated application number. Upload the following scanned documents:

• Candidate’s photograph (JPG, size: 10 kb–200 kb)
• Candidate’s signature (JPG, size: 4 kb–30 kb)
• Verified Result Awaited Attestation Form (PDF, size: 50 kb–500 kb)
• Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS, if applicable) (PDF, size: 50 kb–300 kb)
• PwD/UDID certificate (if applicable) (PDF, size: 50 kb–300 kb)

Step 3: Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, or UPI can be used to pay the prescribed fee. Keep proof of payment for future reference.

NIFT Mumbai Admission Eligibility 2025

The eligibility criteria for Bachelor of Design can vary. A candidate can be passed from 12th grade by any board as well as have a pass grade in the secondary school examination. Likewise, candidates can have G.C.E. examination at the advanced level for students coming from London, Cambridge, or Sri Lanka. If the candidate is fulfilling any of the criteria given below in the table, they are eligible for the course.

However, if Bachelor of Design is pursued with artisans, they have specific requirements such as a valid Artisan Card issued to themselves or their father/mother by the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts or Handlooms).

How to prepare for NIFT Exam Pattern

The NIFT exam is known as the Design Aptitude Test or DAT, broadly divided into Creative and General Aptitude Test, which assesses the candidate’s ability in logical reasoning, spatial reasoning, and integration of arts. Students from any stream can apply for the exam regardless. We have prepared a 14-day challenge for the Design Aptitude Test, which the candidates can use to prepare for the exam pattern.

NIFT Exam & Counselling Schedule

The application started on November 22, 2024. The tentative date for the release of the admit card is March 2025, and by June 2025, all seats will be allocated for the Bachelor of Design program. Specifically, the test will be conducted from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM for GAT and from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM for CAT.

The timings for the NIFT GAT and CAT tests for various courses are as follows:

NIFT Mumbai Fee Structure for B. Des

Every year in NIFT, there is an increment in fees. In 2025, the fees have increased once again. In the first year, candidates can expect to pay around ₹3,40,000, while in the second year, it may drop to ₹3,20,000. These are the basic fees paid by everyone; however, hostel fees are additional.

NIFT Mumbai hostel fees can range from Rs 60,500 to Rs 1,33,500 based on the dormitory type to AC availability.

NIFT Mumbai Placements

NIFT Mumbai is renowned for its placement records. The highest package offered has been INR 18 LPA, while the average placement package ranges between INR 3 LPA – INR 5 LPA, with a placement rate of 70%.

NIFT Mumbai Seat Availability

The seat matrix of NIFT Mumbai can be understood from the following table. However, NIFT reserves the right to increase or decrease the number of seats offered at its discretion. The seat availability and conversion for candidates can be decided based on the following factors:

• The total number of applicants
• The category-wise seat intake
• The total number of application
• Previous years’ cut-off criteria