The National Institute of Fashion Technology has announced the final results for its 2026 admissions process, enabling candidates to access their scores, ranks and merit positions online through the official admission portal.

Candidates who appeared for the Stage 2 selection process, including the Situation Test, Studio Test and Personal Interview rounds, can now download their final scorecards. The results include cumulative scores, Common Merit Rank (CMR), category rank and All India Rank for various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes offered by NIFT.

The final merit list has been prepared by combining performance across different stages of the entrance examination. For Bachelor of Design (B.Des) candidates, scores from the Creative Ability Test (CAT), General Ability Test (GAT) and Situation Test have been considered. For Master of Design (M.Des) and other postgraduate programmes, performance in the Personal Interview has also been factored into the final ranking process.

With the declaration of results, the admission process now moves to the next crucial phase—centralized counselling and seat allocation. Qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the counselling process for admission to various NIFT campuses across India. Seat allotment will be based on candidates' ranks, category, programme preferences and seat availability.

NIFT conducts its entrance examination annually to select students for design, fashion technology and management programmes. The multi-stage selection process is designed to evaluate candidates on creativity, design aptitude, problem-solving skills and general awareness, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of their suitability for the institute's academic programmes.

Steps to Download NIFT Result 2026

Candidates can follow these steps to access their scorecards:

1. Visit the official NIFT admission portal.
2. Click on the "NIFT 2026 Final Scorecard" link available on the homepage.
3. Enter your Application Number and Date of Birth or password.
4. Complete the security captcha verification.
5. Click on Submit to view the result.
6. Check your scorecard, Common Merit Rank (CMR), category rank and other details.
7. Download and save the scorecard for future reference.

Candidates are advised to keep a copy of their scorecard ready for the upcoming counselling and seat allotment process. For further updates regarding counselling schedules and admission procedures, applicants should regularly visit the official NIFT admission portal.

A striking Met Gala ensemble turned attention toward Bengal’s fading shola craft, blending traditional artisan techniques with contemporary fashion innovation on one of the world’s biggest style stages.

In an exclusive interaction with The Juggernaut, designer Mayyur Girotra and entrepreneur DM Jatia discussed how the outfit was created in collaboration with artisans from Kolkata to highlight the intricate but endangered art form of shola work.

Shola art is crafted from the soft pith of an aquatic plant, traditionally carved into delicate decorative motifs widely associated with Bengali rituals, headgear, idols, and ceremonial ornamentation. Known for its lightweight texture and intricate detailing, the craft has long been part of Bengal’s cultural identity but faces decline due to shrinking artisan communities and limited commercial demand.

For the Met Gala design, artisans recreated the signature aesthetic of shola using recycled rubber waste after determining that original shola material would be too fragile for the high-profile red carpet event. The recreated motifs were then layered onto a gold-and-silver Kanjeevaram sari, combining South Indian textile heritage with Bengali craftsmanship.

The collaboration reflects a growing trend in Indian fashion where designers are reviving regional crafts by adapting them for global luxury and couture platforms. By incorporating artisan-made textures into contemporary fashion narratives, designers hope to generate renewed interest and economic opportunities for traditional craft communities.

Fashion observers noted that the ensemble stood out not only for its visual impact but also for its emphasis on sustainability and cultural storytelling. The use of recycled rubber to mimic the fragile organic material introduced an innovative dimension to the craft while making it durable enough for international presentation.

The project also highlighted the role of artisans in shaping global fashion conversations, particularly as heritage crafts increasingly become part of discussions around sustainability, slow fashion, and cultural preservation.

For Bengal’s shola artisans, the Met Gala appearance represents rare international visibility for a craft often confined to local ceremonial use. Designers involved in the project said the objective was not merely aesthetic, but also to centre the craftsmanship and labour of artisans whose work risks disappearing without sustained recognition and support.

In a significant move towards interdisciplinary education, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi has launched a nationwide AI minor degree programme in collaboration with National Skill Development Corporation and Imarticus Learning, with a strong emphasis on design-oriented and human-centric technology learning.

The 24-credit programme, integrated into existing undergraduate degrees, is designed not only to teach artificial intelligence tools but also to encourage students to think creatively about how technology can solve real-world problems through innovation, interface design and user-focused systems.

Structured across seven semesters, the AI minor blends technical foundations with applied learning areas such as generative AI, computer vision, natural language processing, data visualisation and responsible AI design. The curriculum aims to help students understand how intelligent systems are conceptualised, designed and deployed across industries.

Education experts note that the programme reflects a growing shift in higher education, where AI is increasingly intersecting with design, communication and user experience. Rather than limiting AI education to coding and algorithms, the IIT Mandi initiative introduces students to problem-solving frameworks that combine technology with creativity and usability.

The programme also incorporates project-based learning, allowing students to build practical solutions and interactive systems using tools such as Python, SQL and large language models. Faculty from IIT Mandi will conduct online sessions and campus immersion modules to provide hands-on exposure and interdisciplinary mentorship.

Aligned with the National Education Policy 2020 and UGC guidelines, the structure offers flexible exit pathways, including certificates, diplomas and full degree completion, encouraging accessible and modular learning.

Institutions such as IIMT Group of Colleges and Joy University have already joined the initiative, signalling rising institutional interest in combining technology education with innovation-driven design thinking.

Experts believe the programme could help create a new generation of AI-literate graduates capable of designing ethical, intuitive and socially relevant digital systems across industries including healthcare, education, media, retail and smart infrastructure.

As AI increasingly shapes everyday experiences, the initiative highlights how future education models may move beyond traditional engineering silos to integrate technology, creativity and design into a unified learning ecosystem.

In a significant move towards interdisciplinary education, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi has launched a nationwide AI minor degree programme in collaboration with National Skill Development Corporation and Imarticus Learning, with a strong emphasis on design-oriented and human-centric technology learning.

The 24-credit programme, integrated into existing undergraduate degrees, is designed not only to teach artificial intelligence tools but also to encourage students to think creatively about how technology can solve real-world problems through innovation, interface design and user-focused systems.

Structured across seven semesters, the AI minor blends technical foundations with applied learning areas such as generative AI, computer vision, natural language processing, data visualisation and responsible AI design. The curriculum aims to help students understand how intelligent systems are conceptualised, designed and deployed across industries.

Education experts note that the programme reflects a growing shift in higher education, where AI is increasingly intersecting with design, communication and user experience. Rather than limiting AI education to coding and algorithms, the IIT Mandi initiative introduces students to problem-solving frameworks that combine technology with creativity and usability.

The programme also incorporates project-based learning, allowing students to build practical solutions and interactive systems using tools such as Python, SQL and large language models. Faculty from IIT Mandi will conduct online sessions and campus immersion modules to provide hands-on exposure and interdisciplinary mentorship.

Aligned with the National Education Policy 2020 and UGC guidelines, the structure offers flexible exit pathways, including certificates, diplomas and full degree completion, encouraging accessible and modular learning.

Institutions such as IIMT Group of Colleges and Joy University have already joined the initiative, signalling rising institutional interest in combining technology education with innovation-driven design thinking.

Experts believe the programme could help create a new generation of AI-literate graduates capable of designing ethical, intuitive and socially relevant digital systems across industries including healthcare, education, media, retail and smart infrastructure.

As AI increasingly shapes everyday experiences, the initiative highlights how future education models may move beyond traditional engineering silos to integrate technology, creativity and design into a unified learning ecosystem.

Bennett University has signed a strategic academic collaboration with Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), one of the world’s leading institutions in art and design education, marking a significant step toward strengthening global exposure and industry-focused learning for Indian design students.

The partnership has been formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing academic collaboration, curriculum innovation, and international learning opportunities within design education.

Focus On Global And Industry-Relevant Learning

The collaboration is expected to create new pathways for students pursuing careers in design by connecting them with international academic practices, creative methodologies, and globally aligned industry standards.

According to the university, the initiative reflects a broader shift toward outcome-driven international partnerships that prioritise measurable academic and professional benefits rather than symbolic collaborations.

Through the partnership, students at Bennett University will gain opportunities to engage with global design ecosystems and understand how creative industries function across different cultural and professional environments.

Education experts believe such exposure can play an important role in improving adaptability, creative thinking, and career readiness in increasingly competitive global industries.

What Opportunities Will Students Receive?

The collaboration framework includes several academic and experiential initiatives designed to extend learning beyond conventional classroom education.

These include:

• Cross-institutional academic exchange
• Collaborative international design projects
• Curriculum enrichment through global industry insights
• Workshops and creative engagement sessions
• Exposure to interdisciplinary design approaches

The universities aim to create a more immersive and practice-oriented learning environment where students can collaborate across borders and apply creative concepts in real-world contexts.

Why SCAD Holds Global Recognition

Savannah College of Art and Design is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading art and design institutions, known for its strong industry integration and innovation-driven academic framework.

The institution has consistently ranked among top global universities for Art and Design in international rankings, including the QS World University Rankings by Subject.

SCAD has also been recognised as the No. 1 Design University in the United States by the Red Dot Design Award Ranking for nine consecutive years, reinforcing its reputation within the global design industry.

Its strong industry connections and emphasis on practical learning have made it a preferred destination for students pursuing careers in areas such as visual design, animation, fashion, architecture, filmmaking, gaming, and digital media.

Strengthening Bennett University’s School Of Design

The collaboration is expected to significantly strengthen the global positioning of Bennett University’s School of Design by integrating international perspectives into its academic ecosystem.

Students will gain access to emerging design methodologies, interdisciplinary learning frameworks, and real-world creative challenges shaped by global industry trends.

The partnership also encourages cross-cultural exchange, helping students develop a broader understanding of how design operates within diverse international contexts.

A Shift Toward Outcome-Driven Internationalisation

A key aspect of the partnership is Bennett University’s focus on “outcome-driven internationalisation.”

The university has indicated that its international collaborations are increasingly being structured around tangible student outcomes, including:

• Enhanced learning experiences
• Stronger professional skill development
• Improved career pathways
• Global exposure and networking opportunities

This reflects a growing trend among Indian higher education institutions to build partnerships that directly contribute to employability, industry readiness, and global competitiveness.

What This Means For Future Design Aspirants

For students aspiring to build careers in design and creative industries, the collaboration could provide access to global networks, advanced academic resources, and internationally aligned learning experiences.

As the global design economy evolves rapidly with the integration of technology, sustainability, digital media, and interdisciplinary innovation, institutions are increasingly focusing on preparing students for international creative ecosystems rather than only domestic markets.

Education experts say collaborations such as this can help students build not only technical and artistic capabilities, but also the confidence and global perspective required to succeed in international design careers.

Anant National University recently organised Open House 2026 at its Ahmedabad campus, welcoming aspiring designers from over 40 cities for a two-day experiential programme aimed at introducing students to the evolving world of design education. The initiative sought to challenge the common perception of design as limited to aesthetics and instead present it as a discipline centred on critical thinking, systems understanding and practical problem-solving.

More than 300 students and parents attended the event, which featured over 50 hands-on workshops conducted by 30-plus faculty members. Participants also explored studio spaces, interacted with current students and engaged directly with faculty to understand how concepts are transformed into prototypes and real-world solutions through design thinking.

Speaking about the initiative, Dr Sanjeev Vidyarthi, Provost of Anant National University, said the Open House was designed to provide students with a first-hand understanding of how the university approaches design education. He emphasised that as design increasingly contributes to India’s economic growth, students must recognise it as a broad and impactful discipline that goes beyond visual appeal to address real-world challenges.

The Open House also highlighted the university’s interdisciplinary educational model that combines design with technology, sustainability and community engagement. Through interactive learning experiences, participants gained insight into how design education can lead to meaningful career pathways while addressing contemporary societal needs.

A major focus of the initiative was accessibility and inclusion in design education. By inviting students from diverse geographical and academic backgrounds, Anant National University aims to foster a learning ecosystem driven by varied perspectives and experiences, which are considered essential for innovation within the design sector.

Recognised as a Centre of Excellence by the Government of Gujarat, Anant National University follows its DesignX pedagogy, integrating liberal arts, emerging technologies and hands-on community learning into its programmes in design, architecture, climate action and visual arts. The university describes its students as “solutionaries” trained to create impactful solutions for global challenges.