New Delhi, 17 February 2026: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the answer key for the National Institute of Fashion Technology Entrance Examination (NIFTEE) Stage-I for the academic session 2026. This highly anticipated release provides candidates with the official answers to the questions asked in the examination, allowing them to calculate their approximate scores and evaluate their performance. The NIFTEE Stage-I exam was successfully conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on 08 February 2026 across various centers in India.
Candidates who appeared for the entrance examination can now access the NTA NIFTEE Stage-I Answer Key 2026 directly from the official NTA NIFTEE website. The release of the answer key marks a crucial step in the admission process for candidates aspiring to join the prestigious National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) for various undergraduate (B.Des) and postgraduate (M.Des) programs. The official key provides transparency and enables candidates to prepare for the subsequent stages of the selection process.
The NIFTEE 2026 examination is known for its competitive nature and rigorous selection process. The Stage-I component assesses candidates' creative ability, general knowledge, and analytical skills through different test modules. The release of the answer key is particularly vital for candidates to cross-reference their marked responses against the correct answers and estimate their raw scores before the final results are declared. Candidates are advised to download the answer key promptly and initiate the process of score calculation, as this will help them understand their standing among other aspirants.
For the convenience of candidates, the NIFTEE Stage-I Answer Key 2026, along with the candidate response sheets, is available for download on the official NTA portal. Candidates can also find a direct link to the answer key download page and other relevant updates on the trusted education news portal, Sarkari Result All. The immediate action required from candidates is to carefully review the released answer key and identify any discrepancies before the challenge window closes. This challenge window allows candidates to raise objections against potentially incorrect answers provided by NTA, ensuring fairness in the evaluation process.
Important Dates and Exam Details for NIFTEE 2026
Understanding the timeline and key details of the examination process is essential for all candidates. The NIFTEE Stage-I exam was held on 08 February 2026, and the release of the answer key follows shortly after. Candidates must be aware of the specific dates related to the answer key challenge and result declaration.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Exam Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Name | NIFTEE 2026 |
| Post Name | NIFTEE Stage-I Answer Key 2026 |
| Exam Date | 08 February 2026 |
| Answer Key Status | Released (17 February 2026) |
| Answer Key Challenge Window | Not Available (Check official notice for specific dates) |
| Expected Result Date | Not Available (Check official updates for specific dates) |
Understanding the NIFTEE Stage-I Examination Structure
The National Institute of Fashion Technology Entrance Examination (NIFTEE) consists of multiple stages designed to assess different aspects of a candidate's suitability for a career in fashion design and management. Stage-I comprises two key components: the Creative Ability Test (CAT) and the General Ability Test (GAT).
The Creative Ability Test (CAT) evaluates candidates' intuitive ability, observation skills, creative thinking, and design aptitude. This section is highly crucial for B.Des aspirants as it directly tests their core strengths required for a creative discipline. The questions in CAT are often subjective, but a portion of the scoring still depends on objective elements which are now being clarified through the NIFTEE Answer Key 2026. The GAT section, on the other hand, measures quantitative ability, communication ability, English comprehension, general knowledge, and current affairs. For B.Des candidates, the GAT score is also important, while for M.Des candidates, the GAT holds a significant weightage along with a written ability test (WAT).
The release of the NTA NIFTEE Stage-I Answer Key 2026 for both CAT and GAT allows candidates to gain valuable insight into the expected scoring. By carefully cross-referencing their responses with the official key, candidates can create a close estimate of their final scores. This calculation is vital as it helps in determining whether they will qualify for the next stage of the selection process. The transparency provided by NTA through the answer key release helps candidates understand where they stand in a highly competitive pool of applicants.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Download the NTA NIFTEE Stage-I Answer Key 2026
Candidates can easily download the NIFTEE Answer Key 2026 by following a simple procedure on the official NTA website. It is important to have the required login credentials ready to access the candidate portal.
- Visit the Official NTA Website: Navigate to the official website of the National Testing Agency (NTA) for NIFTEE 2026 admissions. The direct link is typically available on the main page.
- Locate the Answer Key Link: On the homepage, look for a prominent link labeled "NIFTEE Stage-I Answer Key 2026" or "Candidate Response Sheet and Provisional Answer Key Display".
- Login to Candidate Portal: Click on the link. You will be redirected to the candidate login page. Enter your application number and password (or date of birth, depending on the login method provided by NTA).
- Access Answer Key and Response Sheet: Once logged in, the dashboard will display links to download both your individual response sheet (the answers you marked during the exam) and the official provisional answer key.
- Download and Review: Download both documents. The response sheet will show your marked answers, while the answer key provides the correct answers for each question.
- Calculate Estimated Score: Use the answer key to cross-reference your responses and calculate your approximate score based on the official marking scheme.
Candidates are urged to complete this process thoroughly. The NTA NIFTEE Stage-I Answer Key 2026 is not just for score calculation but also serves as the foundation for the challenge process. Failing to download and review the answer key during the stipulated time may cause candidates to miss the window for challenging potentially incorrect questions, which could affect their final score.
The Process of Challenging the Answer Key
The release of the provisional answer key often comes with a window for candidates to challenge any question or answer they believe is incorrect. This challenge process ensures that the evaluation is fair and accurate. The National Testing Agency provides specific guidelines for raising objections against the NIFTEE Answer Key 2026.
Candidates who identify discrepancies in the NIFTEE Stage-I Answer Key must submit their challenges online through the candidate portal within a specific timeframe. The process typically requires candidates to provide supporting evidence or justification for their challenge. This evidence may include references from standard textbooks, official reports, or other reliable sources. A nominal processing fee, usually per question challenged, is also required to be paid online during this process.
The NTA then reviews all challenges received from candidates. If a challenge is found to be valid, NTA will make necessary corrections to the answer key. The decision made by NTA regarding the challenges is final, and a revised answer key may be released if changes are made. It is crucial for candidates to take this process seriously, as successful challenges can positively impact their overall score and potentially change their chances of qualifying for Stage-II.
Future Steps: What Happens After the Answer Key Release?
For candidates aspiring to secure admission to NIFT, the NIFTEE Stage-I Answer Key 2026 release is only the beginning of a multi-stage process. The next immediate step is the preparation for Stage-II for candidates who meet the cut-off criteria.
For B.Des candidates, Stage-II consists of the Situation Test. This test assesses candidates' material handling skills, innovative thinking, and ability to create and present a 3D model based on a given scenario. The Stage-II test for M.Des candidates involves Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI). These stages further test the candidates' communication skills, analytical thinking, and suitability for the programs.
The final merit list for NIFT admissions is compiled based on the combined performance of candidates in both Stage-I and Stage-II. Therefore, candidates who perform well in Stage-I based on their estimated scores from the NTA NIFTEE Stage-I Answer Key 2026 must immediately shift their focus to preparing thoroughly for Stage-II. The Stage-II component holds significant weightage in the final calculation (often 20% to 40% depending on the course and year), making it equally important as Stage-I.
Understanding NIFT Admissions and Cut-offs
The National Institute of Fashion Technology is India's premier institution for fashion education, offering a wide array of courses ranging from design, technology, to management. The highly competitive nature of the NIFTEE 2026 exam necessitates that candidates understand the expected cut-off marks and previous year trends to realistically assess their chances of admission.
The final cut-off for NIFT admissions varies each year based on factors such as the total number of applicants, the overall difficulty level of the exam (as reflected in the Stage-I results), and the number of available seats in different campuses and courses. Candidates should use their estimated scores from the NTA NIFTEE Stage-I Answer Key 2026 to compare against historical cut-off data. While previous year cut-offs provide a general guideline, candidates should keep in mind that the current year's cut-off may change. Preparing for Stage-II immediately, regardless of a borderline score, is advisable.
Sarkari Result All: Your Source for NIFTEE Updates
The website Sarkari Result All serves as a reliable platform for candidates seeking updates on government jobs, entrance examinations, and results. For candidates of NIFTEE 2026, Sarkari Result All provides timely information regarding the release of the answer key, result declarations, and counseling process. Candidates can visit https://www.sarkariresultall.in/ to stay updated on all official announcements related to NIFTEE Stage-I Answer Key 2026 and further stages of the admission cycle. The platform gathers information directly from the official NTA website, ensuring accuracy and accessibility for candidates across the country.
The release of the NIFTEE Answer Key 2026 by the National Testing Agency is a key event in the admission cycle. Candidates are advised to act quickly by downloading the key, calculating their scores, and preparing for the next crucial stage of the selection process. Timely action and thorough preparation for Stage-II are critical for securing a seat in one of the prestigious NIFT campuses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about NTA NIFTEE Stage-I Answer Key 2026
Question: What is the NTA NIFTEE Stage-I Answer Key 2026?
The NTA NIFTEE Stage-I Answer Key 2026 is the official document released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) that contains the correct answers to all questions asked in the NIFTEE Stage-I entrance exam conducted on 08 February 2026. Candidates can download this key to match their responses and calculate their scores before the final result declaration.
Question: How can I download my NIFTEE Stage-I Answer Key 2026?
To download the answer key, you need to visit the official website of NTA NIFTEE 2026. Log in to the candidate portal using your application number and password (or date of birth). Once logged in, you will find links to download both your response sheet and the provisional answer key. You can also find a direct link on reliable portals like Sarkari Result All.
Question: What information does the NIFTEE Answer Key provide?
The answer key provides the correct answers to all multiple-choice questions from the General Ability Test (GAT) section. For the Creative Ability Test (CAT), while the key provides some objective elements, the final evaluation may also include subjective assessment. By comparing your answers (available in your response sheet) with the official key, you can calculate your estimated marks in Stage-I.
Question: What is the answer key challenge process, and how does it work?
The answer key challenge process allows candidates to officially object to any question or answer in the provisional key that they believe is incorrect. Candidates must submit their challenges online, along with supporting documentation, within a specified timeframe. The NTA reviews these challenges, and if valid, a revised final answer key is published.
Question: Is there a fee to challenge the NTA NIFTEE Answer Key?
Yes, typically there is a non-refundable processing fee required per question to submit a challenge against the NIFTEE Stage-I Answer Key. The exact amount will be specified in the official notification released by NTA regarding the challenge window. Candidates must pay this fee online to finalize their challenge submission.
Question: When will the NIFTEE Stage-I result be released after the answer key?
The exact date for the NIFTEE Stage-I result declaration is yet to be announced by NTA. The results are usually released a few weeks after the answer key challenge window closes and the NTA reviews all objections. Candidates should regularly check the official website and Sarkari Result All for updates regarding the result declaration and Stage-II details.
Question: What happens after I check my score from the NIFTEE Answer Key?
After checking your score from the NIFTEE Answer Key 2026 and estimating your performance, candidates who feel confident about meeting the cut-off should immediately begin preparing for Stage-II. Stage-II includes the Situation Test for B.Des candidates and Group Discussion/Personal Interview for M.Des candidates. A good performance in Stage-I is essential, but Stage-II is equally critical for final selection.
Question: Where can I get further updates about NIFTEE 2026 admissions?
All official notifications and updates related to NIFTEE 2026 admissions, including result dates, Stage-II schedules, and counseling details, will be published on the official NTA NIFTEE website. Candidates can also follow reliable educational portals like Sarkari Result All for quick access to these announcements.