National Institute of Fashion Technology: Admission 2026, Courses, Fees, Ranking & Bhopal Campus Life

About National Institute of Fashion Technology - [NIFT] Bhopal

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Bhopal was established in 2008 in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. It is an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, and functions as a premier fashion education center within the NIFT network of campuses across India.

NIFT Bhopal holds recognition as part of the statutory NIFT body, offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and continuing education programs in fashion design, technology, and management. The campus spans 29 acres and features modern infrastructure. It is known for its industry-oriented curriculum and has a growing student and faculty community contributing to the fashion and textile sectors.

Key Highlights

Overview

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Bhopal was established in 2008 in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. It is an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, and functions as a premier fashion education center within the NIFT network of campuses across India.

NIFT Bhopal holds recognition as part of the statutory NIFT body, offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and continuing education programs in fashion design, technology, and management. The campus spans 29 acres and features modern infrastructure. It is known for its industry-oriented curriculum and has a growing student and faculty community contributing to the fashion and textile sectors.

Key Highlights

Admission Dates 2026

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Bhopal admission for 2026 is conducted through the NIFT entrance exam, which is organized by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The admission cycle includes online application, entrance exam (CAT & GAT), situation test/personal interview, and centralized counselling for UG and PG programmes such as B.Des, B.F.Tech, MFM, and others.

Admission Process

Admission to NIFT Bhopal is primarily through the NIFT Entrance Exam, which includes the General Ability Test (GAT) and Creative Ability Test (CAT), followed by a Situation Test for undergraduate design programs. Postgraduate admissions involve a Group Discussion and Personal Interview. The entire application and admission process is conducted online via the official NIFT portal.

B.Des and B.F.Tech Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Register online on the official NIFT website during the application window (usually December to January).
2. Fill out the application form with personal, academic, and preference details.
3. Upload required documents such as photograph, signature, and category certificates.
4. Pay the application fee online (₹3000 for General/OBC, ₹1500 for SC/ST/PwD) or via Demand Draft.
5. Download and print the confirmation page after successful submission.
6. Prepare for and appear in the NIFT Entrance Exam (GAT and CAT), followed by the Situation Test for shortlisted candidates.
7. Participate in the counselling process, including document verification, choice filling, seat allotment, fee payment, and reporting to the allotted campus.

MFM (Master of Fashion Management) Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Complete online registration and application on the official NIFT portal.
2. Upload necessary documents and pay the application fee.
3. Appear for the written entrance exam conducted by NIFT.
4. Shortlisted candidates attend Group Discussion and Personal Interview rounds.
5. Participate in counselling for seat allotment and complete admission formalities.

Eligibility Criteria & Fees

Documents Required

• Class 10 and 12 Mark Sheets and Certificates
• Admit Card and Score Card of NIFT Entrance Exam
• Category Certificate (if applicable)
• Proof of Annual Income (if applicable)
• Demand Draft for application fee (if applicable)
• Passport size photographs
• Medical Certificate
• Transfer Certificate/School Leaving Certificate
• Affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper (if provisional admission is sought)

Cutoff 2025

The NIFT Bhopal 2025 cutoffs show competitive trends with the General category closing ranks for B.Des courses ranging approximately from 1393 to 3611 under the All India quota. Fashion Communication remains the most sought-after specialization with the lowest cutoff ranks, indicating higher competition. The Master of Fashion Management (MFM) program has a notably low cutoff rank of 263 in Round 1, reflecting strong demand. Cutoffs vary across categories, with OBC, SC, ST, and EWS categories having higher closing ranks compared to General.

Placements 2025

National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Bhopal achieved an 85% placement rate in 2025, with the highest package reaching ₹12 LPA and an average package around ₹4-6.8 LPA. Top recruiters included Raymonds, Shoppers Stop, PUMA, Welspun, Arvind Lifestyles, Marks & Spencer, and Reliance Trends, reflecting strong industry engagement across fashion, retail, and lifestyle sectors.

Placement Statistics

Top Recruiters

Fashion & Retail: Raymonds, Shoppers Stop, PUMA, Welspun, Arvind Lifestyles, Marks & Spencer, Reliance Trends

Media & Communication: NDTV, Vogue

Branch-wise Placement

Rankings & Accreditations

National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Bhopal is ranked among the design and fashion technology institutes in India, with a notable position in specialized rankings. In 2025, it holds a rank of 91 in the design category Collegedunia and is placed 18th in fashion technology by The Week. It is not featured in the NIRF overall or engineering rankings, indicating a more niche recognition in fashion and design sectors.

NIRF 2025

Other Rankings

Accreditations

• NAAC: Not specified
• NBA: Not specified

Scholarships & Financial Aid

NIFT Bhopal offers financial assistance primarily through its SARTHAK and UDAAN scholarship schemes, aimed at supporting meritorious students from economically weaker sections by subsidizing tuition fees based on parental income. Additionally, students can access government scholarships via the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and other state-level schemes applicable to SC/ST/OBC categories.

Institute Scholarships

Government Scholarships

External Scholarships

• ITC Scholarship: Financial awards recognizing academic excellence and creativity in fashion students at NIFT campuses
• HomeShop18 Scholarship: Awards for meritorious students to encourage academic and creative pursuits in fashion design

Comparison

National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Bhopal is compared with NIFT Delhi and National Institute of Design (NID) Bhopal as they are premier government institutes in India specializing in fashion and design education, attracting similar aspirants and offering comparable undergraduate and postgraduate programs in design and fashion technology.

Key Strengths

• National Institute of Fashion Technology - [NIFT] Bhopal: Strong regional presence with focused curriculum in fashion technology and design, affordable fees, and good placement packages for a newer campus.
• NIFT Delhi: Oldest and top-ranked NIFT campus with extensive industry connections, highest placement packages, and comprehensive design programs.
• National Institute of Design (NID) Bhopal: Part of the prestigious NID network with emphasis on innovative design education, strong government backing, and competitive placements in design sectors.

Campus & Infrastructure

NIFT Bhopal is located on the Bhopal Indore Bypass Road in Bhauri, Bhopal, spread over a spacious 29-acre campus featuring lush greenery and a pollution-free environment. The campus offers modern infrastructure with well-equipped academic and residential facilities, having shifted to its permanent site in March 2022.

Campus Details

Academic Facilities

• Library: Around 70 national & international journals, online databases including WGSN, EBSCO, PROQUEST, StyleSight, BERG Online, and extensive resources like DVDs, CD-ROMs, designer garments, and project reports
• Labs: Weaving Lab, Dyeing and Printing Lab, Computer Lab, Design Lab, Photography Lab, Patternmaking and Draping Labs, Technology Labs, Knitwear Lab, Garment Technology Lab, Accessory Design Lab, Leather Design Lab, 3D Printing Lab, Fabric Testing Lab
• Classrooms: 14 classrooms and 6 studios, some equipped with smart technology

Hostel

Other Facilities

• Sports facilities including badminton, volleyball, basketball courts, and indoor games
• Canteen and mess providing hygienic and nutritious meals
• Wi-Fi enabled campus with high-speed internet
• Convenience store offering stationery and photocopying services
• Auditorium and seminar halls (auditorium under development)
• Guest House (3BHK duplex at Signature Park, 8 km from campus)
• Medical room with healthcare facilities and 24x7 security
• Shuttle bus service

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the admission process for NIFT Bhopal?

Admission is based on the NIFT Entrance Exam, which includes the General Ability Test (GAT) and Creative Ability Test (CAT). For B.Des and B.F.Tech, shortlisted candidates also appear for a Situation Test. MFM applicants undergo Group Discussion and Personal Interview rounds.

What are the eligibility criteria for B.Des and B.F.Tech courses at NIFT Bhopal?

Candidates must have passed 10+2 in any stream from a recognized board to be eligible for B.Des and B.F.Tech programs at NIFT Bhopal.

What is the cutoff rank for admission to NIFT Bhopal in 2025?

The closing rank for B.Des Fashion Communication in the General category was around 1393 in Round 4 of 2025 counselling. Cutoffs vary by specialization and category.

What is the fee structure for the B.Des program at NIFT Bhopal?

The first-year tuition fee for B.Des at NIFT Bhopal is approximately ₹3 lakhs. Additional fees include hostel and mess charges if applicable.

Are scholarships available at NIFT Bhopal?

NIFT Bhopal offers scholarships based on merit and financial need, with over ₹40 crore distributed across NIFT campuses nationally.

What are the hostel facilities and fees at NIFT Bhopal?

The campus has limited hostel accommodation with 28 shared rooms for female students only. The annual hostel fee is around ₹56,000, including basic amenities and 24x7 security.

Is there on-campus accommodation available for male students at NIFT Bhopal?

No, NIFT Bhopal currently does not provide on-campus hostel facilities for male students; they usually arrange off-campus housing.

What companies recruit from NIFT Bhopal and what is the placement scenario?

NIFT Bhopal has a strong placement record with recruiters from fashion, textile, and retail sectors. The highest package is around ₹45.98 lakhs, with an average package near ₹7.5 lakhs.

Does NIFT Bhopal provide internship opportunities?

Yes, internships are an integral part of the curriculum, with students placed in reputed fashion houses, design studios, and textile companies during their course.

What specializations are offered in the B.Des program at NIFT Bhopal?

NIFT Bhopal offers B.Des specializations in Fashion and Lifestyle Accessories and Textile Design, each with an intake of 44 students.

How qualified is the faculty at NIFT Bhopal?

The faculty at NIFT Bhopal are highly skilled professionals with expertise in fashion design, textile technology, and management, contributing to a strong academic environment.

What are the campus facilities available at NIFT Bhopal?

The 29-acre campus includes Wi-Fi-enabled classrooms, design and technology labs, a library, sports facilities, a cafeteria, medical center, and a convenience store.

How is the food quality in the NIFT Bhopal mess?

The mess provides hygienic and nutritious meals including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks daily. Food quality is generally considered adequate but may not suit all taste preferences.

What is the safety and security situation on the NIFT Bhopal campus?

The campus has 24x7 security with hostel wardens and CCTV surveillance, ensuring a safe environment for students, especially in hostel areas.

Is there a dress code or uniform requirement at NIFT Bhopal?

NIFT Bhopal does not enforce a strict dress code but encourages students to maintain a professional and creative appearance suitable for the fashion industry.

Are part-time job opportunities available for students at NIFT Bhopal?

Part-time job opportunities on campus are limited; however, students often find internships and freelance work related to fashion and design externally.

How accessible is NIFT Bhopal in terms of commute and transport?

The campus provides bus facilities for students and staff, easing commute. However, the college is located on the outskirts of Bhopal, so personal transport or shared rides are common.

How does NIFT Bhopal compare with other NIFT campuses?

NIFT Bhopal is considered a mid-tier campus with good infrastructure and placement records. It has lower cutoffs compared to Delhi or Mumbai but offers quality education and industry exposure.

What is the return on investment (ROI) for studying at NIFT Bhopal?

With tuition fees around ₹3 lakhs per year and average placement packages near ₹7.5 lakhs, NIFT Bhopal offers a favorable ROI for students pursuing careers in fashion and design.

How strong is the alumni network of NIFT Bhopal?

NIFT Bhopal has an active alumni association that supports networking, mentorship, and career opportunities for current students and graduates.