On February 17, 2026, the National Testing Agency (NTA) officially released the provisional answer key for the General Ability Test (GAT) paper of the NIFT Entrance Examination (NIFTEE) 2026. This release is a crucial milestone for candidates aspiring for admission into NIFT’s undergraduate and postgraduate fashion design, technology, and management programs. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information about the answer key, the process to download it, how to raise objections, score calculation, and subsequent steps following the release.
NTA NIFTEE 2026 Provisional Answer Key: An Overview
The provisional answer key serves as an initial reference for candidates to assess their performance in the GAT section of the NIFT Entrance Examination. It is released by the National Testing Agency on the official portal and is accompanied by each candidate’s recorded response sheet. This combination allows test-takers to verify their answers and estimate their scores before the final answer key is issued. Importantly, the answer key pertains specifically to the GAT (General Ability Test) section, which is essential for securing admission into various NIFT courses such as B.Des, B.F.Tech, M.Des, M.F.Tech, and MFM.
Key Details of the NTA NIFTEE 2026 Answer Key
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | NIFT Entrance Examination (NIFTEE) 2026 – GAT paper |
| Conducting Authority | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Purpose of Exam | Admission to NIFT UG & PG fashion design and technology programmes |
| Answer Key Type | Provisional answer key for NIFTEE 2026 (GAT) |
| Answer Key Status | Released on February 17, 2026 |
| Mode of Release | Online via candidate login on NTA NIFT portal |
| Official Website | exams.nta.nic.in/niftee |
Important Dates Related to NTA NIFTEE 2026
| Event | Date 2026 |
|---|---|
| NIFT Entrance Exam (NIFTEE 2026) date | February 8, 2026 |
| Provisional answer key & response sheet release | February 17, 2026 |
| Objection window for provisional key | February 17 to February 19, 2026 (till 11:50 PM) |
| Final answer key release (expected) | March–April 2026 |
| NIFT Entrance Exam result declaration | After final answer key, as per NTA/NIFT schedule |
Step-by-Step Guide to Download the NTA NIFTEE 2026 Provisional Answer Key
Downloading the provisional answer key is straightforward, provided candidates follow the correct process. Here’s a detailed step-by-step procedure:
Steps to Download
- Navigate to the official NTA NIFT portal: exams.nta.nic.in/niftee
- On the homepage, look for the link titled “Display of Provisional Answer Keys and Recorded Response Sheet for Answer Key Challenge for NIFT Entrance Examination – NIFTEE – 2026” and click it.
- Log in using your application number or roll number, date of birth, and security PIN.
- Select the relevant exam and booklet series, if prompted.
- Your provisional answer key PDF and response sheet will be displayed. You can view, download, and print these files for your reference.
For convenience, you can also directly access the answer key download link here: Download Provisional Answer Key.
How to Raise Objections Against the Provisional Answer Key
If candidates find discrepancies or believe the provided answers are incorrect, they have the opportunity to challenge the provisional answer key within the specified window. Here’s how to do it:
Eligibility
Only candidates who appeared for the exam and have downloaded their response sheets can challenge the answer key.
Objection Process
- Log in to the NTA portal: exams.nta.nic.in/niftee.
- Navigate to the “Challenge Provisional Answer Key” section.
- Select the question(s) you wish to challenge.
- Choose the option you believe is correct, along with a valid justification such as references, literature, or any supporting document.
- Upload supporting evidence if required. Ensure that the file format and size comply with the specified guidelines.
- Pay the non-refundable fee of ₹200 per question challenged using the available online payment options.
- Click submit before the deadline, which for 2026 is February 19, 2026, at 11:50 PM.
After submission, the NTA reviews all challenges. If the challenge is found valid, the answer key will be modified accordingly. The final answer key, once released, is binding and cannot be challenged further.
Score Calculation Using NTA NIFTEE 2026 Provisional Answer Key
Understanding how to estimate your probable score is essential for managing expectations and planning further steps. Here’s how to do it:
Steps to Calculate Estimated Score
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Download | Obtain the provisional answer key and your response sheet from the portal. |
| Refer to Marking Scheme | Check official guidelines in the information bulletin regarding scoring, including marks per correct answer and negative marking policy. |
| Count Correct Answers | Number of questions answered correctly multiplied by the mark per question. |
| Count Wrong Answers | Number of questions answered incorrectly, multiplied by the negative marking per question (if applicable). |
| Calculate Tentative Score | Estimated Score = (Number of Correct Answers × Marks per correct answer) – (Number of Wrong Answers × Negative marks per wrong answer) |
Please note that this is an estimated score. The final results are calculated by NTA based on the final answer key, and may include normalization or other standardization processes.
Post-Result Process: What Comes After the Provisional Answer Key?
Once the objection window closes and NTA reviews all challenges, the final answer key will be released (expected between March and April 2026). The subsequent steps include:
Final Answer Key and Result Declaration
The final answer key, after considering all valid objections, is used to calculate the official scores. Candidates can then download their scorecards from the portal, which display marks secured in each section and the total score.
How to Access the Result
- Login using your application number and date of birth on the official portal.
- Download the scorecard, which contains detailed section-wise scores and overall rank.
Next Steps for Qualified Candidates
- Participate in NIFT counselling, where seat allocation is based on merit, category, and personal preferences across NIFT campuses.
- Prepare your portfolio for design courses or relevant documents for other streams.
- Stay updated with official notifications for counselling dates and procedures.
Preparation Tips While Awaiting the NIFT Entrance Results
The waiting period can be stressful, but it’s also an opportunity to enhance your chances. Here are some useful tips:
Portfolio Development
If you’re applying for design programs, focus on building and refining your portfolio. Include sketches, projects, and creative works that reflect your skills and style.
Practice and Revision
Practice drawing, visualization, and conceptual exercises. For other programs, review course syllabi and revise important topics to stay prepared.
Backup Options
Research other fashion and design institutes or entrance exams to diversify your options. Having backup plans can reduce stress and open additional opportunities.
Additional Resources
For detailed guidelines, previous year question papers, and preparation tips, candidates can refer to the official NIFT information bulletin and previous years’ question paper PDFs available on the official website. Also, stay connected with official notifications through email or SMS alerts for updates on results and counselling.
In conclusion, the release of the provisional answer key marks a significant step in the NIFT admission process. By following the outlined steps to verify, challenge, and evaluate your performance, candidates can effectively navigate the post-exam procedures and prepare confidently for the next stages.