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

About National Institute of Fashion Technology - [NIFT] Navi Mumbai

National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Navi Mumbai is a campus of the National Institute of Fashion Technology, the country’s premier fashion education institution set up in 1986 under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. Located in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, it functions as a government autonomous institute under the statutory NIFT Act, with academic oversight and curriculum set centrally by NIFT New Delhi.

NIFT Navi Mumbai offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in fashion design, technology and management, along with continuing education and diploma courses in areas such as Fashion Fit & Style, Fashion and Clothing Technology, Fashion Retail Management and Luxury Product Design. As part of the national NIFT network of 19 campuses, it benefits from common academic standards, strong industry linkage and a centralised placement process that connects students with leading fashion, retail and lifestyle brands.

Key Highlights

Admission Dates 2026

NIFT Navi Mumbai admissions for 2026 are through the central NIFT entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency for all NIFT campuses. Admissions to UG (B.Des, B.F.Tech) and PG (M.Des, M.F.Tech, M.F.M) programmes use NIFT 2026 scores, followed by situation test or interviews and centralised counselling.

Admission Process

NIFT Navi Mumbai (National Institute of Fashion Technology, Mumbai campus at Navi Mumbai) offers admission to UG and PG design and fashion management programmes through the national-level NIFT Entrance Exam conducted by NTA, followed by situation test/PI and centralized online counselling through the NIFT admission portal. Diploma and some certificate courses run through institute-level, merit-based selection without the NIFT entrance.

UG (B.Des, B.FTech) Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Visit the NIFT admission portal (NTA link for NIFT) and complete online registration within the notified dates.
2. Fill the NIFT application form, upload photograph/signature, and pay the entrance exam fee online.
3. Download the admit card and appear for the NIFT Entrance Exam (GAT and CAT; GAT only for B.FTech) at the allotted centre.
4. Check written test result, then appear for Situation Test (B.Des) or further rounds, if shortlisted.
5. Register for NIFT centralised online counselling on the NIFT admission portal and complete choice filling for campus and programme.
6. Check seat allotment result, upload/verify documents online and pay the first semester fee to confirm the allotted seat at NIFT Navi Mumbai.
7. Report to NIFT Navi Mumbai campus on the notified date with originals for physical verification and joining formalities.

PG (M.Des, MFM) Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Register and apply online for the NIFT Entrance Exam through the official NIFT/NTA admission link within the deadline.
2. Fill the PG application form (select M.Des or MFM), upload documents and pay the prescribed exam fee.
3. Download the admit card and appear for the NIFT Entrance Exam (GAT, CAT as applicable) at the allotted centre.
4. Check result and attend the Personal Interview and other prescribed tests if shortlisted.
5. Participate in NIFT centralised PG counselling, fill choices for campus and programme, and lock preferences.
6. Accept the allotted seat, upload required documents, and pay the PG programme fee online to confirm admission.
7. Report to NIFT Navi Mumbai with original documents and admission letter for final verification and orientation.

Certificate / Continuing Education (CEP) & Diploma Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Visit the NIFT Mumbai (Navi Mumbai campus) official website and open the Continuing Education / Certificate & Diploma section.
2. Download and read the latest CEP/Diploma brochure for course-wise eligibility, duration and schedule.
3. Fill the online/offline application form for the desired CEP/Diploma course and attach the required documents.
4. Submit the form with the prescribed course fee or registration fee to NIFT Mumbai within the announced dates.
5. Check selection list (merit-based) on the campus website/email and follow joining instructions issued by NIFT Mumbai.

Eligibility Criteria & Fees

Documents Required

• Class 10 mark sheet and certificate
• Class 12 mark sheet and passing certificate
• Graduation mark sheets and degree certificate (for PG programmes)
• NIFT Entrance Exam admit card and score card
• Transfer Certificate and Migration Certificate
• Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS), if applicable, in prescribed format
• PwD certificate issued by competent authority, if applicable
• Government-issued photo ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport/Driving Licence)
• Recent passport-size colour photographs
• Fee payment receipt / proof of online fee payment

Cutoff 2025

NIFT Mumbai (Navi Mumbai campus) cutoffs in 2025 remain highly competitive, especially for flagship B.Des specialisations, with General category closing ranks largely within the first few hundred All India CMRs. Fashion Design and Fashion Communication continue to close at the lowest ranks, while other B.Des and B.FTech programmes show relatively higher but still stringent cutoffs.

Placements 2025

NIFT Navi Mumbai follows the centralised NIFT placement process and recorded around 70% placements in recent years, with recruiters largely from fashion, retail and lifestyle sectors. The highest package touched about ₹18 LPA, while most offers clustered in the mid-range design and merchandising profiles.

Placement Statistics

Top Recruiters

IT: Infosys

Consulting: Aditya Birla Group

Core: Bata India Limited, H&M, Monte Carlo, Calvin Klein, Raymond

Branch-wise Placement

Rankings & Accreditations

NIFT Navi Mumbai is ranked 3rd in the India Today 2025 Best Fashion Design Colleges list. It is also ranked 3rd in the 2025 India Today fashion design category, reflecting its strong position among fashion institutes in India.

Other Rankings

Scholarships & Financial Aid

NIFT Navi Mumbai students get institute-level merit-cum-means fee waivers through the Sarthak Financial Assistance Scheme and support for overseas study under the Udaan scheme, both applicable across all NIFT campuses. Students from SC, ST, OBC, minority and other categories can also access central and state government schemes through the National Scholarship Portal and state portals via the campus student affairs office.

Institute Scholarships

Government Scholarships

External Scholarships

• HDFC Bank Parivartan ECSS Programme: Up to ₹75,000 for economically weaker Indian students in UG/PG programmes at recognised institutions, with family income typically less than ₹2,50,000–₹3,00,000 and merit criteria.

Comparison

NIFT Navi Mumbai is typically compared with NIFT Bengaluru and NIFT Chennai because all three are government NIFT campuses offering flagship undergraduate fashion design and technology programmes, similar national curriculum, and comparable fee–placement profiles, making them close choices for students targeting top public fashion institutes.

Key Strengths

• National Institute of Fashion Technology - [NIFT] Navi Mumbai: Strong industry interface with Mumbai’s fashion and retail ecosystem and consistent placements with major apparel, lifestyle and retail brands.
• National Institute of Fashion Technology - [NIFT] Bengaluru: Oldest NIFT campus with strong alumni network, high national rankings and close links with apparel technology and startup ecosystem.
• National Institute of Fashion Technology - [NIFT] Chennai: Strong in textile and knitwear-focused programmes with good industry tie‑ups across south India’s apparel and export hubs.

Campus & Infrastructure

NIFT Navi Mumbai is a purpose-built design campus spread over 10 acres in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, with about 8,50,000 sq ft of built-up area and modern studios, labs and smart classrooms integrated into a compact urban setting. The Wi‑Fi campus includes a 350-seater auditorium, specialised fashion ramp and make‑up rooms, and separate hostels for boys and girls.

Campus Details

Academic Facilities

• Library: 9,000 books, 400 electronic databases, 2,700 slides, 280 video cassettes
• Labs: 9 computer labs, 1 jewellery lab, 1 painting lab, 1 leather lab, 1 welding workshop, 1 CAD lab, 1 weaving lab, 1 surface design lab, 1 textile testing lab, 1 photography lab, 1 sports & lingerie machine lab, 1 hanger systems material handling lab, multiple garment construction and pattern making labs
• Classrooms: 70 classrooms, 65 with audio‑visual facilities/smart boards

Hostel

Other Facilities

• Auditorium with 350-seat capacity
• Ramp room for in‑house fashion shows
• Gymnasium
• Basketball court and table tennis court
• Open‑air recreational space and recreation room
• Cafeteria and in‑house canteen
• Wi‑Fi campus
• Medical / hospital facility
• Shuttle / transportation service
• ATM facility

Frequently Asked Questions

What entrance exam do I need to clear for admission to NIFT Navi Mumbai?

For B.Des, B.FTech, MFM, M.Des and most PG diplomas at NIFT Navi Mumbai, you must clear the national NIFT Entrance Examination (CAT + GAT), followed by situation test and/or personal interview and centralised counselling through the NIFT portal.

What is the basic eligibility for B.Des and B.FTech at NIFT Navi Mumbai?

For B.Des and B.FTech, you must have passed Class 12 or equivalent from a recognised board and be less than 24 years old on 1 July of the admission year, with a 5‑year relaxation for SC, ST and PwD categories.

How does seat allotment work for NIFT Navi Mumbai during counselling?

Seats for all NIFT campuses, including Navi Mumbai, are allotted centrally based on your NIFT rank, category, preferences filled in online counselling and document verification. Higher AIR and popular courses like B.Des (Fashion Design) and B.FTech fill first.

What is the approximate yearly academic fee for UG programmes at NIFT Navi Mumbai?

For first-year UG students at NIFT campuses, the annual academic fee (tuition, library, exam and other charges) is typically in the range of ₹2.5–₹3.5 lakh, excluding hostel and mess. Exact semester-wise breakup is given in the NIFT fee schedule for the current year.

How much does the hostel and mess cost at NIFT Navi Mumbai?

For NIFT Mumbai/Navi Mumbai, indicative annual hostel charges are around ₹66,000 plus service and electricity charges, with a separate mess fee in the range of about ₹40,000 per year. Fees differ for AC and non‑AC rooms and are paid semester-wise.

Are there scholarships or fee waivers for students at NIFT Navi Mumbai?

NIFT runs schemes like the Means-cum-Merit Financial Assistance where tuition can be partially or substantially waived for economically weaker students. State government and NSP scholarships can also be availed if you meet income, category and academic criteria.

How are placements at NIFT Navi Mumbai in terms of packages and roles?

NIFT runs a centralised placement process where leading fashion brands, retailers and export houses recruit across campuses. Average packages typically range between ₹4–₹7 lakh per annum for UG design and technology graduates, with higher offers for top profiles and roles in design, merchandising and retail.

Which major companies recruit from NIFT Navi Mumbai?

Regular recruiters across NIFTs include brands such as Aditya Birla Fashion, Reliance Brands, H&M, Arvind, Landmark, Shoppers Stop, Pantaloons, Marks & Spencer, and various export houses, design studios and e‑commerce firms hiring for design, buying, merchandising and branding roles.

Does NIFT Navi Mumbai help students get internships during the course?

All UG programmes include a compulsory industry internship, typically 6–8 weeks, with students placed in fashion brands, export houses, design studios, buying offices or NGOs. Institutes facilitate contacts through industry cell, though students can also source internships independently with faculty approval.

What specialisations and courses are offered at NIFT Navi Mumbai?

NIFT Navi Mumbai offers B.Des disciplines such as Fashion Design, Textile Design and Fashion Communication, along with B.FTech (Apparel Production) and postgraduate options like MFM and M.Des, plus select diploma and certificate courses aligned with fashion, textiles and management.

How is the faculty and academic rigor at NIFT Navi Mumbai?

NIFT Navi Mumbai has faculty drawn from fashion design, textiles, apparel production, communication and management with industry and academic experience. Continuous assessment through studio projects, juries, labs and industry assignments makes the workload intensive and practice-oriented.

What kind of labs and studios are available on the Navi Mumbai campus?

The campus houses specialised facilities such as garment construction labs, pattern making labs, dyeing and printing labs, textile testing labs, weaving labs, computer and CAD labs, design studios, machine rooms, jewellery and leather labs, and creative thinking studios for hands-on learning.

How are the hostels at NIFT Navi Mumbai in terms of sharing and facilities?

NIFT Mumbai/Navi Mumbai has separate girls’ and boys’ hostels with around 273 girls’ and 29 boys’ rooms, offering twin‑sharing and dormitory options. Facilities include Wi‑Fi, gym, TV rooms, laundry, in‑house canteen, 24×7 security and a multi‑storey girls’ hostel building within walking distance of campus.

What is the food quality like in the hostel mess and campus canteen?

The in‑house mess serves fixed menus with vegetarian and some non‑vegetarian options such as paneer dishes and chicken biryani on specific days. Students describe the food as hygienic and decent but a bit repetitive, while the campus canteen offers additional snacks and quick meals at student-friendly prices.

What student clubs and cultural events can I expect at NIFT Navi Mumbai?

Students participate in clubs for fashion, textiles, photography, performing arts, sports and literary activities. Annual cultural and fashion events, club showcases and inter‑NIFT fests provide opportunities to present collections, stage shows and collaborate with industry guests and alumni.

Is the NIFT Navi Mumbai campus safe for students, especially girls?

The campus and hostels have 24‑hour security with separate male and female guards, CCTV surveillance and controlled entry to hostel blocks. Anti‑ragging regulations are enforced, and the institute maintains disciplinary and grievance mechanisms for safety-related issues.

How convenient is commuting to NIFT Navi Mumbai from different parts of Mumbai?

The campus in Navi Mumbai is accessible via local trains to stations like Kharghar/Belapur followed by auto or bus, and by highway buses from Mumbai and Thane. Many senior students choose nearby PGs or shared flats within a 2–5 km radius to reduce daily commute time.

Is a laptop and any specific software mandatory for NIFT Navi Mumbai students?

Students are strongly expected to have a personal laptop capable of running design and CAD software such as Adobe Creative Cloud and pattern-making tools, especially from second year onward. Lab systems are available, but individual laptops are essential for studio work and submissions.

How does NIFT Navi Mumbai compare with NIFT Delhi and NIFT Bangalore?

All NIFTs follow the same curriculum and central admission, but Delhi generally tops preference for exposure and alumni, followed by Mumbai and Bangalore. NIFT Navi Mumbai is among the older, high-demand campuses with strong industry linkages and good placements, particularly in fashion and textiles.

Is NIFT Navi Mumbai worth the fee in terms of ROI and career growth?

With a total UG cost typically around ₹10–₹14 lakh including hostel across four years and average starting packages around ₹4–₹7 lakh per annum, students recover investment over a few years. The stronger long-term value lies in portfolio, brand name, internships and alumni connections in the fashion industry.