The National Testing Agency has concluded the objection submission process for the NIFT 2026 Stage 1 examination. The challenge facility against the provisional answer key closed on 19 February 2026 at 11:50 PM. No further representations are being accepted after the deadline. The provisional answer key had been released on 17 February 2026 for candidates who appeared in the General Ability Test (GAT).
NIFT 2026 GAT Answer Key Release and Coverage
The provisional key was issued exclusively for the General Ability Test conducted for B.Des, B.F.Tech, M.Des, M.F.Tech and MFM programmes. The Creative Ability Test (CAT) does not carry a publicly released answer key. Along with the provisional key, candidates were provided access to:
- Question paper
- Individual response sheet
- Recorded answers
These documents enabled aspirants to cross-check responses and estimate tentative scores before the final evaluation.
NIFT 2026 Objection Fee and Review Process
Candidates who submitted objections were required to pay INR 200 per question. The objection fee is non-refundable. All challenges will now be examined by subject experts appointed by the authority. If any discrepancy is found valid, necessary revisions will be incorporated into the final answer key. The result preparation process will be based strictly on the revised and approved responses.
NIFT 2026 Result Date and Next Stage
With the objection window now closed, the next step is the publication of the final answer key. The NIFT 2026 Result is expected to be declared in April 2026. Following the result announcement, the authority will release details regarding:
- NIFT 2026 cut-off marks
- Merit list preparation
- Counselling schedule for shortlisted candidates
Candidates qualifying Stage 1 will proceed to the next phase of selection as per programme-specific requirements.
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NIFT 2026 Marking Scheme for GAT
The score calculation for the General Ability Test follows a predefined marking pattern. Candidates can use the scheme below to understand evaluation standards:
- Each question carries 1 mark
- 1 mark is awarded for every correct answer
- 0.25 mark is deducted for each incorrect response
- No marks are awarded for unanswered questions
Only those answers that align with the final answer key will be considered valid during result compilation. Further notifications regarding the final key, result declaration, cut-off, and counselling process will be released through official channels.