NTA NIFTEE Stage-I Answer Key 2026 Out – Download Now
Description: NTA NIFTEE Stage-I Answer Key 2026 released. Check exam date, fees, eligibility, age limit, and steps to download the answer key online.
NTA NIFTEE Stage-I Answer Key 2026 – Download Now
The NTA NIFTEE Stage-I Answer Key 2026 has been officially released for candidates who appeared in the entrance examination. Applicants can now review their responses and estimate their scores before the final result is declared.
The NIFTEE examination is conducted for admission into undergraduate and postgraduate fashion and design programmes. Thousands of candidates apply every year, making it one of the important entrance exams for design and fashion studies in India.
Below is a complete and clearly structured guide covering important dates, application fee, age limit, eligibility, selection process, and step-by-step instructions to download the answer key.
NIFTEE 2026 Overview
- The NIFTEE Stage-I Exam 2026 was conducted in February 2026. After the examination, the provisional answer key has been released to maintain transparency in the evaluation process. Candidates can verify their answers and raise objections, if permitted, within the specified timeline.
The final result will be prepared based on the revised and finalized answer key.
Important Dates
- Online Application Start Date: 08 December 2025
- Last Date to Apply (Without Late Fee): 16 January 2026
- Last Date for Late Fee Payment: 19 January 2026
- Correction Window: 20 to 21 January 2026
- Exam Date: 08 February 2026
- Exam City Details Release: 29 January 2026
- Admit Card Release: 04 February 2026
- Stage-I Answer Key Release: 17 February 2026
- Result Declaration: To be announced
Candidates should regularly check the official website for updates regarding the result and further stages.
Application Fee Details
- For General, OBC, and EWS candidates applying for a single programme, the fee was ₹2000.
- For two programmes, the fee was ₹3000.
- For SC, ST, and PH candidates applying for a single programme, the fee was ₹500.
- For two programmes, the fee was ₹750.
The fee could be paid through Debit Card, Credit Card, Internet Banking, IMPS, or Mobile Wallet.
Age Limit (As on 01 August 2026)
- For B.Des and B.F.Tech programmes, the maximum age limit is 24 years.
- For M.Des, M.F.M, and M.F.Tech programmes, there is no age limit.
Age relaxation is provided as per official rules for reserved categories.
Courses and Eligibility Criteria
Bachelor of Design (B.Des)
- Candidates must have passed Class 12 from a recognized board, including NIOS, or possess a 3–4 year diploma or equivalent qualification approved by a recognized authority. Applicants must meet the prescribed age limit and be Indian citizens.
Bachelor of Fashion Technology (B.F.Tech)
- Candidates must have passed Class 12 with Mathematics as a subject or hold a 3–4 year Engineering Diploma from a recognized institution. Age and citizenship criteria must also be fulfilled.
Master of Design (M.Des)
- Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized university or a 3-year Diploma from NIFT or NID. Applicants must meet official age and eligibility requirements.
Master of Fashion Management (M.F.M)
- Candidates must have a Bachelor’s Degree in any stream or a 3-year Diploma from NIFT or NID. Age and citizenship conditions apply as per guidelines.
Master of Fashion Technology (M.F.Tech)
- Candidates must have completed B.F.Tech from NIFT or hold a B.E./B.Tech degree from a recognized university.
B.Des (Artisan Category)
- Candidates must have passed Class 12 or hold a 3–4 year Diploma. A valid Artisan Card is mandatory along with meeting the age and citizenship requirements.
Mode of Selection
Undergraduate Programmes
For B.Des, candidates must appear in:
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GAT (General Ability Test)
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CAT (Creative Ability Test)
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Situation Test
The weightage is 50% for CAT, 30% for GAT, and 20% for the Situation Test.
For B.F.Tech, candidates only need to appear in GAT.
Postgraduate Programmes
For M.Des, candidates must appear in GAT, CAT, and a Personal Interview.
For M.F.M and M.F.Tech, candidates must appear in GAT followed by a Personal Interview.
Marking Scheme
Each correct answer carries 1 mark.
Each incorrect answer results in a deduction of 0.25 marks.
No marks are awarded for unanswered questions.
How to Download NTA NIFTEE Stage-I Answer Key 2026
Follow these simple steps to download the answer key:
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Visit the official examination website.
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Click on the link titled “NIFTEE Stage-I Answer Key 2026.”
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Enter your application number and password or date of birth.
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Submit the login details.
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View the answer key displayed on the screen.
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Download and save the PDF for future reference.
Candidates should carefully compare their responses with the official answers to estimate their probable score.
What to Do After Checking the Answer Key
After reviewing the answer key:
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Calculate your estimated score using the marking scheme.
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If objection submission is allowed, follow official instructions within the given timeframe.
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Keep checking the website for the final answer key and result updates.
The final merit list will be prepared based on the revised answer key after reviewing valid objections.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. When was the NIFTEE Stage-I Answer Key 2026 released?
The answer key was released on 17 February 2026.
2. Is there negative marking in NIFTEE 2026?
Yes, 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer.
3. What is the age limit for B.Des in NIFTEE 2026?
The maximum age limit is 24 years as on 01 August 2026.
4. Can final year students apply for NIFTEE?
Yes, candidates meeting the eligibility criteria and appearing in qualifying exams can apply, subject to fulfilling admission requirements.
5. How is the final result prepared?
The result is prepared based on the final answer key and the prescribed selection process for each course.