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

About National Institute of Fashion Technology - [NIFT] Panchkula

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Panchkula was established in 2019 and is located in Panchkula, Haryana. It is an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, and functions as one of the 19 NIFT campuses across the country, with its parent body headquartered in New Delhi.

NIFT Panchkula holds an A++ NAAC accreditation and is ranked 17th among fashion institutes in India in 2025. The campus offers undergraduate programs in Fashion Design, Textile Design, Fashion Communication, and Apparel Production, along with postgraduate courses in Design Space and Fashion Management. It is known for its state-of-the-art infrastructure and strong industry connections, supporting a growing student and faculty community.

Key Highlights

Overview

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Panchkula was established in 2019 and is located in Panchkula, Haryana. It is an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, and functions as one of the 19 NIFT campuses across the country, with its parent body headquartered in New Delhi.

NIFT Panchkula holds an A++ NAAC accreditation and is ranked 17th among fashion institutes in India in 2025. The campus offers undergraduate programs in Fashion Design, Textile Design, Fashion Communication, and Apparel Production, along with postgraduate courses in Design Space and Fashion Management. It is known for its state-of-the-art infrastructure and strong industry connections, supporting a growing student and faculty community.

Key Highlights

Admission Dates 2026

Admissions to National Institute of Fashion Technology, Panchkula for 2026 are entrance-based, primarily through the NIFT Entrance Exam (NIFTEE) for UG and PG programmes. The admission cycle includes online registration, entrance exam, situation test/studio test, personal interview, and centralized seat allotment.

Nearest Attractions at NIFT Panchkula

Chandigarh International Airport (IXC)

22 km

Panchkula Sector 5 Bus Stand

9 km

Max Hospital, Panchkula

7 km

Panchkula Railway Station

12 km

Admission Process

Admission to National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Panchkula is primarily through the NIFT Entrance Exam, which includes the Creative Ability Test (CAT) and General Aptitude Test (GAT). Shortlisted candidates undergo further rounds such as Situation Test, Group Discussion, and Personal Interview depending on the program.

B.Des, B.F.Tech, M.Des, and MFM Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Register and fill the application form online on the official NIFT website before the deadline (usually by end of February).
2. Pay the application fee as specified during registration.
3. Appear for the NIFT Entrance Exam comprising CAT and GAT (for B.Des, M.Des, MFM) or GAT alone (for B.F.Tech).
4. For B.Des, shortlisted candidates appear for the Situation Test; for M.Des and MFM, candidates attend Group Discussion and Personal Interview rounds.
5. Check the merit list based on entrance exam and subsequent test scores.
6. Participate in the counseling process, including document verification and choice filling for campus and program preferences.
7. Pay the admission fee to confirm the seat and complete enrollment formalities at NIFT Panchkula.

Eligibility Criteria & Fees

Documents Required

• Class 10 and 12 mark sheets and certificates
• Graduation mark sheets and degree certificate (for PG programs)
• NIFT Entrance Exam admit card and scorecard
• Proof of identity (Aadhar card, passport, etc.)
• Category certificate (if applicable)
• Transfer Certificate and Migration Certificate (if applicable)
• Passport size photographs
• Income certificate (if applying for reserved category benefits)

Cutoff 2025

The NIFT Panchkula 2025 cutoffs show competitive closing ranks across undergraduate and postgraduate design programs, with the B.Des Fashion Communication specialization having one of the highest cutoffs in the General category. Compared to 2024, some courses like M.Des and B.FTech have seen fluctuations in cutoff ranks, reflecting changes in seat availability and applicant competition.

Placements 2025

NIFT Panchkula achieved a placement rate of approximately 80-85% in 2025, with the highest package reaching ₹10-12 LPA and an average package around ₹5-6 LPA. Top recruiters included major fashion and retail brands such as Aditya Birla Group, Reliance Brands, Titan, Myntra, and Raymond, reflecting strong industry engagement.

Placement Statistics

Top Recruiters

IT: Infosys, NDTV

Consulting: Not specifically

Core (Fashion & Retail): Aditya Birla Group, Reliance Brands, Titan, Myntra, Raymond, Bata India, Arvind Lifestyle, Decathlon, Manyavar, Monte Carlo Fashions

Branch-wise Placement

Rankings & Accreditations

National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Panchkula is recognized among the NIFT campuses but does not have a separate NIRF ranking in 2025. It is ranked 16th among NIFT campuses by India Today in 2025 and holds a mid-tier position in national design education rankings. The institute is approved by AICTE and holds NAAC accreditation.

Other Rankings

Accreditations

• NAAC: Accredited (Grade not specified)
• AICTE: Approved

Scholarships & Financial Aid

National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Panchkula offers financial aid primarily through its SARTHAK and UDAAN scholarship schemes, which provide tuition fee waivers based on parental income and merit. These scholarships support both undergraduate and postgraduate students, with additional assistance for international study programs. Students can also apply for government scholarships via the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).

Institute Scholarships

Government Scholarships

External Scholarships

• ITC and HomeShop18 Scholarships: Awards recognizing academic brilliance and creativity for NIFT students

Comparison

National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Panchkula is compared with NIFT Gandhinagar and NIFT Raebareli as they are peer government institutes under the NIFT umbrella, offering similar fashion design programs and catering to aspirants seeking premier design education in India.

Key Strengths

• National Institute of Fashion Technology - [NIFT] Panchkula: Emerging campus with strong industry connections and competitive placement packages, known for focused UG design programs.
• NIFT Gandhinagar: Established institute with A++ NAAC accreditation, offering a wider range of courses and strong academic reputation.
• NIFT Raebareli: Growing institute with good placement records and affordable fees, catering to students from northern India.

Campus & Infrastructure

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Panchkula campus is located in Sector 23, Panchkula, Haryana, spread over 10.45 acres. It features state-of-the-art infrastructure with modern academic and residential facilities designed to support creative and technical learning in fashion and textile education.

Campus Details

Academic Facilities

• Library: Over 9,000 volumes, 2,700 slides, 100 project reports, 58 craft documents, subscriptions to Vogue India/US/UK and Elle magazines, plus digital databases with 600+ videos, e-books, and e-journals
• Labs: Pattern Making, Garment Construction, Surface Ornamentation, Weaving, Photography, Leather Design, Dyeing & Printing, Knitwear, Garment Technology labs equipped with single needle lockstitch machines, flatbed iron tables, dress forms, and pattern-making tables
• Classrooms: Multiple smart classrooms equipped with smart boards and screens

Hostel

Other Facilities

• Cafeteria with affordable meals
• Seminar halls and conference rooms
• Shuttle service for student transportation
• Wi-Fi enabled campus
• Indoor sports facilities including gym and yoga areas
• Auditoriums and amphitheaters for cultural and industry events
• 24x7 security and surveillance in hostel
• Solar energy-based hot water supply in hostel

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the eligibility criteria for admission to NIFT Panchkula undergraduate courses?

Candidates must have passed 10+2 from a recognized board and qualify the NIFT Entrance Exam (NIFTEE). For B.Des courses, candidates must clear the Creative Ability Test (CAT) and Situation Test, while other programs require the General Ability Test (GAT).

What is the application process and important dates for NIFT Panchkula admission 2026?

The application window for NIFT Panchkula 2026 is from June 24 to August 4, 2025. Candidates must register online, appear for the NIFT entrance exam, and participate in counselling based on their ranks for final admission.

What is the fee structure for the first year at NIFT Panchkula?

The first-year tuition fee is approximately ₹3.42 lakhs for B.Des and B.F.Tech courses, and around ₹3.48 lakhs for M.Des and MFM programs.

Are scholarships or financial aid available at NIFT Panchkula?

NIFT offers scholarships based on merit and category, with over ₹40 crore distributed across campuses. Specific scholarships and eligibility criteria can be checked on the official NIFT website.

What are the hostel fees and facilities at NIFT Panchkula?

Hostel fees are around ₹36,000 per year with an additional refundable security deposit of ₹5,000. Mess charges are approximately ₹4,700 per month. The hostel offers twin-sharing non-AC rooms with basic furniture and 3 meals a day.

What is the placement scenario at NIFT Panchkula?

NIFT Panchkula has a growing placement record with recruiters from fashion, retail, and lifestyle sectors. Average packages vary by specialization, with top offers reaching competitive industry standards, though exact figures fluctuate yearly.

Which companies recruit from NIFT Panchkula for internships and placements?

Recruiters include leading fashion brands, textile companies, retail chains, and design studios. Internships are integral to the curriculum, providing industry exposure and practical experience.

What specializations and courses are offered at NIFT Panchkula?

The campus offers undergraduate courses like B.Des in Fashion Design, Textile Design, Fashion Communication, and B.F.Tech, along with postgraduate programs such as M.Des and MFM.

How is the faculty quality and academic curriculum at NIFT Panchkula?

The faculty comprises experienced professionals and academicians in fashion design, technology, and management. The curriculum emphasizes practical labs, live projects, and industry-relevant skills.

What campus facilities are available for students at NIFT Panchkula?

The campus includes well-equipped pattern making, garment construction, surface ornamentation, and weaving labs, smart classrooms, a library, seminar halls, cafeteria, and shuttle service.

Is hostel accommodation mandatory for first-year students at NIFT Panchkula?

Yes, hostel accommodation is mandatory for first-year students, with rooms allocated on a twin-sharing basis. The hostel is secure and supports a community environment.

How is the food quality and mess facility at NIFT Panchkula hostel?

The mess provides three meals daily with a variety of options. Food quality is average with reasonable pricing, and the mess fee is approximately ₹4,700 per month.

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

The campus and hostel have dedicated security measures, including a hostel security deposit and staff to ensure student safety. The environment is considered safe for all students.

Are there any student clubs, cultural fests, or extracurricular activities at NIFT Panchkula?

NIFT Panchkula hosts cultural events, fashion shows, and sports activities like basketball and table tennis. There are music and fitness facilities to encourage holistic development.

What is the daily commute and connectivity like for NIFT Panchkula students?

The campus is well connected to Chandigarh and nearby areas, with shuttle services available for students. Public transport options are accessible for daily commuting.

Is there a dress code or laptop requirement for students at NIFT Panchkula?

There is no strict dress code, but students are encouraged to maintain professional attire suitable for design and management courses. Laptop requirements depend on the course but are recommended for design software and assignments.

Can students pursue part-time jobs while studying at NIFT Panchkula?

Part-time jobs are not officially facilitated by the institute, but students may explore internships and freelance opportunities related to fashion and design during semester breaks.

How does NIFT Panchkula compare with other NIFT campuses in terms of reputation and ROI?

NIFT Panchkula is a newer campus with developing infrastructure but benefits from NIFT's national reputation. ROI is moderate due to high fees, but strong industry connections enhance career prospects.

What is the alumni network like for NIFT Panchkula graduates?

The alumni network is growing, with graduates placed in reputed fashion houses and companies. Alumni engagement activities are increasing as the campus matures.

What are the cutoff ranks for admission to NIFT Panchkula in 2025?

Cutoff ranks for B.Des courses ranged from approximately 165 to 1914 in 2024, varying by specialization and category. The Fashion Communication specialization is highly competitive with lower cutoff ranks.