Bachelor of Design [B.Des] {Lateral}

The Bachelor of Design [B.Des] {Lateral} at NIFT New Delhi is a unique pathway that allows diploma holders in design, fashion, textile, and related fields to directly enter the second year (3rd semester) of the 4-year B.Des programme. Under the NIFT Lateral Entry Admission (NLEA) scheme, eligible candidates bypass the first year and complete the remaining 3 years (6 semesters) of the B.Des programme. The total course fee for the lateral entry route (Semesters 3 to 8) is approximately Rs. 10.38 lakhs. Admission is through the NIFTEE (NIFT Entrance Examination) conducted by NTA, comprising a GAT (General Ability Test) followed by a Studio Test and Personal Interview. The programme is popular among diploma holders from polytechnics, ITIs, and design institutes who wish to upgrade their qualifications to a full B.Des degree from India's premier fashion institution.

Admissions for the 2026-27 batch are currently in progress. The NIFTEE 2026 examination was held on February 8, 2026. The Studio Test and Personal Interview are expected in April 2026, with seat allocation in May-June 2026 and the new batch commencing in July 2026. The regular registration window (December 8, 2025 to January 6, 2026) has closed.

Key Points

• The NLEA scheme allows diploma holders to directly enter the 3rd semester of B.Des, saving one year compared to the regular B.Des route.
• Candidates must be below 24 years of age as of August 1 of the admission year (age relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST/PwD).
• The selection process includes GAT (written test), Studio Test (creative aptitude), and Personal Interview - no CAT is required.
• Specialisations available at NIFT Delhi include Fashion Design, Textile Design, Accessory Design, Leather Design, Knitwear Design, and Fashion Communication.
• Industry experience is required for some eligibility options (1-2 years depending on diploma type and level of education).
• NIFT Delhi offers seats across all B.Des specialisations under the lateral entry scheme.

NIFT B.Des {Lateral} Fees

The total course fee for B.Des Lateral Entry at NIFT New Delhi is approximately Rs. 10.38 lakhs for the 3-year programme (Semesters 3 to 8, excluding hostel). The tuition fee increases slightly each year, from Rs. 1.50 lakhs per semester in Year 2 to Rs. 1.66 lakhs per semester in Year 4. Other charges include library fees, exam fees, mediclaim and student development fees, a one-time registration fee of Rs. 9,300, and a refundable security deposit of Rs. 12,600. The Alumni Association Membership Fee of Rs. 6,200 is payable in Semester 7. Hostel accommodation (girls only) is available separately and is not mandatory.

Fee Structure

• The security deposit of Rs. 12,600 is fully refundable upon course completion.
• The registration fee of Rs. 9,300 is a one-time, non-refundable payment made at the time of admission.
• The Alumni Association Membership Fee of Rs. 6,200 is payable in Semester 7 (final year).
• Hostel is available for girls only; boys must arrange private accommodation.
• Fee payment is semester-wise. Late fee of Rs. 100 per day is applicable after the due date.
• No EMI option is officially offered; however, education loans are available through banks.
• NIFT has the right to revise the fee structure for any academic year.

NIFT B.Des {Lateral} Admission 2026

Admissions to B.Des Lateral Entry at NIFT New Delhi are conducted centrally through the NIFTEE (NIFT Entrance Examination) administered by NTA. The NLEA selection process involves three stages: GAT (General Ability Test), Studio Test (creative aptitude test), and Personal Interview. The 2026 admission cycle is currently underway, with the entrance exam already conducted on February 8, 2026. Studio Test and Personal Interview are expected in April 2026, followed by seat allocation in May-June 2026. The new batch is scheduled to commence in July 2026.

Important Dates

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Option 1: Passed 10th Standard + completed a 1-2 year diploma (recognized by AICTE/AIU/UGC/NSQF/ITI/State Board) in Fashion, Apparel, Textile, Accessories, Home Science, Handloom, Visual/Graphic/Industrial/Interior/Multimedia Design, Apparel Technology, Leather, or Fine Arts + 2 years full-time industry experience in the related field.
• Option 2: Passed 12th Standard + completed a 1-year diploma (same fields as above, recognized by AICTE/AIU/UGC/NSQF/ITI/State Board) + 1 year full-time industry experience in the related field.
• Option 3: Completed a 2-year UG Diploma Programme at NIFT after passing 12th Standard (no additional industry experience required).
• Age limit: Candidates must be below 24 years of age as of August 1 of the admission year (5-year relaxation for SC/ST/PwD).

Admission Process:

• Register online at https://exams.nta.nic.in/niftee/ and pay the application fee (Rs. 3,000 for General/OBC/EWS; Rs. 1,500 for SC/ST/PwD).
• Appear for the NIFTEE comprising the GAT (General Ability Test, CBT, 2 hours).
• Shortlisted candidates appear for the Studio Test (creative aptitude test) and Personal Interview at designated NIFT campuses.
• Final merit is calculated based on cumulative performance in GAT, Studio Test, and Personal Interview.
• Seat allocation is done online based on merit rank and candidate preferences for specialisation and campus.
• Pay admission fee online to confirm the allotted seat.
• Report to NIFT Delhi campus on the designated date with original documents including diploma certificates and industry experience proof.

NIFT B.Des {Lateral} Scholarships 2026

NIFT offers financial assistance schemes for B.Des Lateral Entry students at New Delhi. The SARTHAK scheme provides tuition fee waivers of up to 100% for economically weaker undergraduate students, while the UDAAN scheme supports meritorious students for foreign studies/exchange programmes. These schemes are available to all regular students (excluding NRI/NRI-sponsored) and are determined by parental income. Students from reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC) are additionally encouraged to apply on the National Scholarship Portal.

Scholarship Details

• Continuation of SARTHAK requires a minimum SGPA of 6.00 in the last two consecutive semesters with no carry-forward subjects.
• Students receiving any other government/PSU/trust scholarship are not eligible for SARTHAK simultaneously.
• Application for SARTHAK is done online through NIFT's CMS portal within the prescribed timeline.
• Industry experience certificates must be from registered companies and verified at the time of admission.

According to an external review site Ranking 2025, NIFT Delhi ranks 4 out of 76 colleges in India and 1 in state Delhi NCR for its B.Des {Lateral} program.

• 1 out of 17 under Outlook Design Ranking 2023.
• 1 out of 109 under IIRF Design Ranking 2025.

Read more on NIFT Delhi Rankings here

NIFT B.Des {Lateral} FAQs

Ques. Can I apply for NIFT Lateral Entry if I have a diploma from a state polytechnic?

Ans. Yes, diplomas from state polytechnics recognized by AICTE, State Board of Technical Education, or equivalent bodies are eligible for NLEA, provided the diploma is in a relevant field (Fashion, Apparel, Textile, Design, etc.) and you meet the industry experience requirement. You should verify your diploma's recognition status before applying.

Ques. Is the NIFT Lateral Entry B.Des degree equivalent to the regular B.Des degree?

Ans. Yes. The B.Des degree awarded to lateral entry students is the same as the regular B.Des degree from NIFT. There is no distinction on the degree certificate. Lateral entry students join from the 3rd semester and complete the same curriculum as regular students from that point onwards.

Ques. What is the age limit for NIFT Lateral Entry Admission?

Ans. Candidates must be below 24 years of age as of August 1 of the admission year. For SC/ST/PwD candidates, there is a relaxation of 5 years, making the upper age limit 29 years. This age limit is stricter than the regular NIFTEE (which has no age limit for UG programmes).

Ques. How is the Studio Test different from the CAT in regular NIFT admission?

Ans. The Studio Test in NLEA is a creative aptitude test conducted at NIFT campuses, assessing the candidate's design skills, creativity, and technical knowledge relevant to their chosen specialisation. The CAT (Creative Ability Test) in regular NIFTEE is a 3-hour paper-based test. The Studio Test is more interactive and portfolio-based, and is conducted after the GAT shortlisting.

Ques. What industry experience is required for NIFT Lateral Entry?

Ans. The industry experience requirement depends on your educational background: 2 years of full-time industry experience is required if you have a 1-2 year diploma after 10th standard; 1 year of full-time industry experience is required if you have a 1-year diploma after 12th standard. No industry experience is required if you have completed a 2-year UG Diploma from NIFT. Experience must be in the relevant field (fashion, apparel, textile, design, etc.).

Ques. Which specialisations can I choose in B.Des Lateral Entry at NIFT Delhi?

Ans. NIFT Delhi offers B.Des Lateral Entry in all major specialisations: Fashion Design, Textile Design, Accessory Design, Leather Design, Knitwear Design, and Fashion Communication. The specialisation is allocated based on your merit rank and preference at the time of seat allocation. Seat availability varies by specialisation and category.