NIFT Shillong Admission Process, Eligibility, Exam Pattern, and Selection Process
Published by Shikha Kumari on Feb 03, 2025
The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Shillong, established in 2008, is one of India’s leading fashion education institutes. It offers a Bachelor of Design (B.Des) program across multiple specializations, including Fashion Design, Textile Design, Accessory Design, and Fashion Communication. With an industry-driven curriculum and top-tier placements, NIFT Shillong is a dream destination for fashion aspirants. If you’re passionate about design, here’s everything you need to know about the admission process, eligibility, exam pattern, and selection criteria for NIFT Shillong 2025.
Admission Process: Your Gateway to NIFT Shillong
Getting into NIFT Shillong requires clearing the NIFT Entrance Exam, a highly competitive test assessing creative and analytical abilities. Follow these steps to apply:
- Online Registration: Visit the official NIFT website (nift.ac.in) and register.
- Complete Application Form: Enter personal and academic details.
- Upload Documents: Attach necessary documents, including a passport-size photo and signature.
- Pay the Application Fee: Make payment through credit/debit card or net banking.
- Download Admit Card: Access your admit card before the exam.
- Attempt NIFT Entrance Exam: Appear for CAT (Creative Ability Test), GAT (General Ability Test), and the Situation Test.
- Check Results: Results will be published online.
- Attend Counseling: Shortlisted candidates will be called for counseling and seat allotment.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?
Aspiring candidates must fulfill the following criteria for admission into NIFT Shillong:
| Particulars | Eligibility Criteria |
| Educational Qualification | Passed 10+2 from a recognized board (CBSE, ISC, or equivalent) with a minimum of 50% marks OR 3-4 years diploma recognized by AICTE or a State Board of Technical Education. |
| Age Limit | Less than 24 years as of 1st August of the admission year (5-year relaxation for SC/ST/PWD candidates). |
Exam Pattern: Cracking the NIFT Entrance Exam
The NIFT Entrance Exam 2025 consists of three major components:
1. Creative Ability Test (CAT)
- Tests creativity, design skills, and intuitive ability.
- Weightage: 50%
- Duration: 3 hours
2. General Ability Test (GAT)
- Evaluates:
- Quantitative ability
- Communication ability
- English comprehension
- Analytical ability
- General knowledge & current affairs
- Weightage: 30%
- Duration: 2 hours
3. Situation Test
- Conducted after the CAT & GAT results.
- Tests material handling and innovative ability.
- Weightage: 20%
- Duration: 2 hours
| Test | Weightage (%) |
| CAT | 50% |
| GAT | 30% |
| Situation Test | 20% |
Courses & Fee Structure
NIFT Shillong offers top-tier design education at competitive fees. Here’s a breakdown:
| Course | Total Tuition Fees (INR) |
| BB.Des(Fashion Design, Textile Design, Accessory Design, Fashion Communication) | 5.03 L – 11.74 L |
| Certificate Courses | 70.8 K – 1.42 L |
Selection Process: Securing Your Spot
Your final selection depends on your cumulative performance across all stages of the entrance exam. Below is the weightage:
| Test | Weightage (%) |
| CAT (Creative Ability Test) | 50% |
| GAT (General Ability Test) | 30% |
| Situation Test | 20% |
After qualifying, students proceed to counseling where they select their specialization based on their rank and seat availability.
Placement & Recruiters: Your Future in Fashion
NIFT Shillong offers excellent placement opportunities through a centralized recruitment drive. Graduates receive job offers from leading fashion and lifestyle brands. Students can choose between Pre-Placement Offers (PPOs) or On-Campus Placements (OCPs).
| Top Recruiters |
| Amazon |
| Snapdeal |
| Future Group |
| Aditya Birla Nuvo |
| VIP |
| Titan |
| Reliance |
| Raymonds |
| Nokia |
| ITC |
Placement Highlights
- Average Package: INR 3.88 LPA
- Highest Package: INR 5 LPA
Scholarships: Financial Support for Bright Minds
NIFT provides financial assistance through its “SARTHAK” and “UDAAN” schemes, ensuring that students from economically weaker backgrounds get a fair chance. Corporate-sponsored scholarships are also available to meritorious students.
Cutoff Trends: Know Your Competition
| Course | Round 1 (Closing Rank) | Last Round (Closing Rank) |
| B.Des in Accessory Design | 2352 | 3402 |
| B.Des in Fashion Communication | 1541 | 2054 |
| B.Des in Fashion Design | 1925 | 2537 |
| B.Des in Textile Design | 2666 | 3269 |
Key Dates for NIFT Entrance Exam 2025
| Event | Date (Tentative) |
| Application Form Release | November-December 2024 |
| Last Date to Apply | January 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | January 2025 |
| NIFT Entrance Exam (CAT & GAT) | February 2025 |
| Result Declaration | March 2025 |
| Situation Test/ GD & PI | April-May 2025 |
| Counseling Process | June 2025 |
Ace the NIFT Entrance Exam 2025 with These Tips!
- Download the NIFT Entrance Exam Syllabus PDF and go through it thoroughly.
- Sharpen your sketching skills to ace the CAT.
- Stay updated with current affairs and fashion trends for GAT.
- Solve previous years’ papers to improve time management.
- Don’t miss the NIFT Entrance Exam 2025 application form last date! Stay updated and register on time.
With the right preparation and determination, you can secure admission to one of India’s premier fashion institutes.
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