NIFT Opens Artisan Category Admissions for 2027–28: Two B.Des Seats Reserved at Each Campus
Children of traditional artisans can apply for direct admission to NIFT’s four-year Bachelor of Design programmes through an Artisan Skill Test and Personal Interview, without appearing for the general GAT/CAT entrance examinations.
The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, offers a dedicated admission pathway for children of traditional artisans through its Artisan Category. The initiative provides eligible candidates an opportunity to pursue four-year Bachelor of Design (B.Des) programmes across all 20 NIFT campuses, with two seats reserved at each campus. Applications for the 2027–28 academic year are now open, with the deadline for Artisan Category candidates set for January 31, 2027.
NIFT's Artisan Category Creates a Pathway for Traditional Craft Families
The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) has introduced a special admission provision to support the continuation of India's traditional craftsmanship and pass on indigenous skills to future generations.
Under the Artisan Category, children of eligible artisans can seek direct admission to the four-year B.Des programmes offered across NIFT's 20 campuses in India, including its Kannur campus in Kerala. Two seats per campus are reserved for this category.
NIFT, which generally admits students through national-level competitive entrance examinations, provides an alternative selection process for candidates from families traditionally involved in handloom weaving, pottery, wood carving, metal carving and other handicraft activities.
Eligible applicants are not required to appear for the General Ability Test (GAT) and Creative Ability Test (CAT) conducted under the general admission process. Instead, their selection is based on an assessment of craft skills and a personal interview.
The initiative aims to connect traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design education and provide opportunities for artisan families within the formal design sector.
NIFT Alumni Across Fashion, Business and Creative Industries
Established in 1986, NIFT has developed designers and professionals working across fashion, retail and other creative industries over the past four decades.
Its alumni include designers such as Sabyasachi Mukherjee, known for bringing Indian traditional wear and handlooms to international platforms; Manish Arora, associated with Paris Fashion Week; and New York-based designer Prabal Gurung. Other prominent alumni include Ritu Beri, JJ Valaya and Rajesh Pratap Singh.
Designers Aneeth Arora, founder of péro, and Anavila Misra have also gained international recognition through their work with rural weavers and artisans. Iti Tyagi, who received the Nari Shakti Puraskar for establishing Craft Village to empower artisans, is another NIFT graduate.
The institute's alumni network also includes corporate professionals such as Atul Ujagar, Country Director, Nike India; Nidhi Dua, Senior Director, Levi Strauss South Asia; and Nitin Mohan, Co-founder, Blackberrys.
In the entertainment industry, NIFT alumni include Bollywood actor Gulshan Devaiah and actress Kusha Kapila.
NIFT Admission 2027–28: Important Dates and Selection Process
The admission process for the 2027–28 academic year has commenced. Applications must be submitted online through the National Testing Agency (NTA) portal or the official NIFT website.
Important admission details:
Admission Activity | Schedule |
|---|---|
Academic session | 2027–28 |
Artisan Category application deadline | January 31, 2027 |
Application correction window | February 1–4, 2027 |
Artisan Skill Test and Personal Interview | April 2027 |
Result declaration | First week of May 2027 |
Seat allocation | May–June 2027 |
While applications under the general category close in November, Artisan Category candidates have until January 31, 2027, to complete their applications.
Candidates who need to make changes to their submitted application forms can use the correction window scheduled from February 1 to 4, 2027.
Unlike the general entrance examination route, selection under the Artisan Category will take place through an Artisan Skill Test and a Personal Interview in April 2027. The process will assess candidates' craft-related skills.
Results are scheduled to be announced in the first week of May, followed by seat allocation during May–June 2027.
Eligibility and Application Details
Students who have passed Class 12 (Plus Two) and belong to artisan families holding an Artisan Card issued by the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts / Handlooms) or agencies recognised by state governments can apply under this category.
Eligible candidates can submit their applications through the following official portals:
Through this admission provision, children of traditional artisan families can access formal design education and pursue opportunities in the design industry while building on their family's existing craft knowledge.