NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FASHION TECHNOLOGY

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Daman, established in 2022, is the 18th campus in the prestigious NIFT network under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. It serves as a strategic hub for fashion education in the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, leveraging its proximity to the industrial belts of Vapi and the textile giant, Surat.

• Establishment Year: 2022
• Campus Type: Institute of National Importance
• Location: Daman, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
• Core Strength: Proximity to the textile manufacturing hubs of South Gujarat.
• Flagship Courses: B.Des in Fashion Design and Master of Fashion Management (MFM).
• Connectivity: Well-connected via Vapi Railway Station (approx. 12 km away).

NIFT Daman offers specialized programs tailored to meet the demands of the contemporary fashion and retail industry. For the 2026 academic session, the following programs are highly sought after:

• Bachelor of Design (B.Des) - Fashion Design: A four-year intensive program focusing on creative concepts, garment construction, and market trends.
• Bachelor of Design (B.Des) - Textile Design: Focused on the creation of fabrics, prints, and textures, benefiting from local industrial exposure in nearby Vapi.
• Master of Fashion Management (MFM): A two-year postgraduate program designed for those looking to enter the business side of fashion, including retail, merchandising, and brand management.

Admission to NIFT Daman for the 2026 session is conducted through the centralized NIFT Entrance Examination. The process involves multiple stages depending on the course.

Candidates must appear for the Creative Ability Test (CAT) and General Ability Test (GAT). B.Des candidates who clear the written tests must undergo a Situation Test.

Student feedback for NIFT Daman highlights the unique blend of a modern campus and a relaxed coastal lifestyle. Common sentiments include:

• Industry Exposure: "Being so close to Surat and Vapi allows us to visit textile mills frequently, which is a huge advantage over other campuses."
• Campus Life: "The campus is relatively new, so the infrastructure is very modern. The Daman weather and proximity to the beach make for a great environment."
• Faculty: "The faculty members are supportive and bring a lot of industry experience from older NIFT campuses like Mumbai and Gandhinagar."

The NIFT Daman cutoff is determined by the Common Merit Rank (CMR) in the NIFT Entrance Exam. As a newer campus, it often provides an opportunity for students with mid-range ranks to secure a seat in a premier national institute.

• B.Des Fashion Design: Expected CMR closing rank 1800 - 2500.
• B.Des Textile Design: Expected CMR closing rank 2800 - 3800.
• Master of Fashion Management: Expected CMR closing rank 600 - 950.

Note: Cutoffs vary based on category (General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS) and domicile status.

As part of the NIFT umbrella, NIFT Daman shares the brand equity of the top-ranked fashion institute in India. While individual campus rankings for newer centers are emerging, NIFT as an organization consistently ranks #1 in Fashion Education in India by India Today and The Week.

• National Brand Rank: 1st (NIFT Group)
• Regional Emerging Rank: Top 5 in Western India for Design Education.

Placements at NIFT Daman are facilitated through a centralized placement process, ensuring students have access to the same recruiters as older campuses. The 2025 placement drive saw participation from diverse sectors.

• Average Package: INR 4.5 - 6 LPA
• Highest Package: INR 12 LPA (International/Premium Brands)
• Top Recruiters: Reliance Retail, Aditya Birla Fashion, FabIndia, Shoppers Stop, and various export houses in Surat and Mumbai.
• Roles Offered: Fashion Designer, Merchandiser, Quality Controller, Retail Manager, and Textile Consultant.

NIFT offers robust financial support to ensure that economic constraints do not hinder talent. The following scholarships are applicable for 2026:

• Sarthak NIFT Financial Assistance: Provides tuition fee waivers (25% to 75%) based on parental income for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• Udaan - NIFT Scholarship: Specifically designed for foreign studies and exchange programs.
• UT Administration Scholarships: Students from Daman and Diu may also be eligible for regional government scholarships for higher education.

The most popular courses at NIFT Daman emphasize both the artistic and commercial aspects of the fashion industry:

• B.Des Fashion Design: The core program focusing on apparel creation.
• B.Des Textile Design: Leveraging the local industrial ecosystem for fabric innovation.
• Master of Fashion Management (MFM): Popular among graduates looking to transition into fashion business roles.

The fee structure at NIFT Daman is standardized across all NIFT campuses. For the 2026 academic year, the approximate fees are:

Fees include tuition, library, and mediclaim but exclude hostel and mess charges.

Choosing between NIFT Daman and other institutes depends on your career goals:

• NIFT Daman vs. NIFT Gandhinagar: Gandhinagar is an older, more established campus with a larger alumni base. However, Daman offers newer facilities and a unique industrial connection to the South Gujarat manufacturing belt.
• NIFT Daman vs. Private Institutes (e.g., Pearl, UID): NIFT remains the most cost-effective option with higher brand recognition in the Indian government and organized retail sectors.
• NIFT Daman vs. NIFT Mumbai: Mumbai offers better high-fashion exposure, but Daman is often more accessible for students with slightly lower entrance ranks while offering the same degree.

The application for 2026 must be completed online via the official NIFT admissions portal:

1. Visit the official NIFT website (nift.ac.in).
2. Register with a valid email ID and mobile number.
3. Fill out the application form with personal, educational, and campus preference details.
4. Upload scanned documents (Photograph and Signature).
5. Pay the application fee (approx. INR 3000 for General/OBC).
6. Download the confirmation page for future reference.

NIFT Daman operates from a modern facility equipped with specialized resources:

• Design Studios: Equipped with high-end drafting tables and mannequins.
• IT Labs: Computer labs with latest design software like Adobe Creative Suite and CAD.
• Resource Centre: A specialized library containing fashion journals, fabric samples, and trend forecasts.
• Hostel Facility: On-campus and affiliated housing for students with basic amenities.
• Recreation: Proximity to the Daman coastline offers unique recreational opportunities for students.

The academic structure at NIFT Daman is divided into the following key departments:

• Department of Fashion Design: Focuses on garment construction and design aesthetics.
• Department of Textile Design: Focuses on material science, weaving, and print development.
• Department of Fashion Management: Handles the postgraduate curriculum for marketing and merchandising.
• Department of Foundation Program: Manages the first-year common curriculum for all undergraduate design students.

Students looking to supplement their NIFT degree can explore these online certifications:

• Digital Fashion Design: Courses in CLO 3D and Marvelous Designer.
• Sustainable Fashion: Certifications on circular economy in textiles.
• Fashion Analytics: Data-driven courses on consumer behavior and trend forecasting.
• E-commerce Management: Specialized courses for selling fashion in the digital marketplace.

The faculty at NIFT Daman consists of experienced academicians and industry practitioners. Many professors are deputed from senior NIFT campuses to maintain high educational standards. The faculty-to-student ratio is maintained to ensure personalized mentoring during studio sessions.

While NIFT Daman primarily focuses on full-time on-campus learning, NIFT as an organization offers various Continuing Education (CE) programs. These are often short-term online or hybrid courses in areas like Fashion Photography, Retail Management, and Garment Exporting, designed for working professionals.

As NIFT Daman is a new campus (first batch graduating soon), it is part of the broader NIFT alumni network which includes stalwarts like Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Manish Malhotra (Honorary), and Ritu Beri. Students at Daman benefit from this vast network for mentorship and internship opportunities.