Students pursuing fashion, design, and technology courses often face high education costs. To support deserving students from financially weaker families, the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) offers scholarship opportunities under its financial assistance programmes. These scholarships help eligible students continue their studies without facing unnecessary financial pressure.
For the 2026-27 academic session, NIFT provides two major scholarship schemes—SARTHAK Financial Assistance Scheme and UDAAN Means-cum-Merit Scheme. While SARTHAK focuses on reducing tuition fees for eligible undergraduate and postgraduate students, UDAAN supports students selected for international academic exchange programmes. Both schemes are designed to encourage academic excellence and make quality education more accessible.
In this article, you’ll learn everything about NIFT Scholarships 2026-27, including scholarship types, eligibility, financial benefits, tuition fee waivers, and other important details in simple language.
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What is NIFT Scholarship?
The NIFT Scholarship Programme is a financial assistance initiative introduced to help eligible students enrolled in regular courses at NIFT campuses across India. These scholarships are offered after verifying eligibility conditions and supporting documents. They are meant to reduce the financial burden on students and ensure that talented candidates can continue their education successfully.
Students pursuing both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programmes can apply for the available scholarship schemes if they satisfy the prescribed eligibility criteria. Applications are submitted online through the NIFT Campus Management System (CMS).
Types of NIFT Scholarships 2026-27
For the academic session 2026-27, NIFT offers the following scholarship schemes:
1. SARTHAK Financial Assistance Scheme
The SARTHAK Scheme is a need-based financial assistance programme created for students from economically weaker backgrounds. Depending on the annual household income, eligible students may receive a tuition fee waiver ranging from 25% to 100%. The scheme is available for regular UG and PG students studying at NIFT campuses across India.
2. UDAAN Means-cum-Merit Scheme
The UDAAN Scheme is designed for students selected for international academic exchange programmes through NIFT’s partner institutions. It provides financial assistance for eligible students participating in overseas academic programmes and helps cover approved educational and travel-related expenses.
NIFT Scholarships 2026-27 Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | NIFT Scholarships 2026-27 |
| Offered By | National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) |
| Academic Session | 2026-27 |
| Scholarship Schemes | SARTHAK Financial Assistance Scheme & UDAAN Means-cum-Merit Scheme |
| Eligible Students | Regular Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students |
| Application Mode | Online through NIFT CMS Portal |
| Main Benefit | Tuition Fee Waiver & Financial Assistance |
| Scholarship Coverage | India & International Exchange Programmes (Eligible Students) |
The above details are based on the scholarship information available for the 2026-27 session.
Which Scholarship Should You Choose?
The suitable scholarship depends on your academic situation:
- Choose the SARTHAK Scheme if you are studying regularly at NIFT and belong to an eligible income category.
- Choose the UDAAN Scheme if you have been selected for an approved international exchange programme and meet the required eligibility conditions.
Both schemes serve different purposes, so students should carefully review the eligibility requirements before submitting their applications.
SARTHAK Financial Assistance Scheme 2026-27
The SARTHAK Financial Assistance Scheme is the primary scholarship programme offered by NIFT to support students from economically weaker families. Instead of providing a fixed scholarship amount, the scheme offers a tuition fee waiver based on the annual household income of the student’s family. The objective is to ensure that deserving students can continue their education without financial hardship.
The scheme is available for eligible students enrolled in regular undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at NIFT campuses across India. Depending on the income category, students may receive a tuition fee concession ranging from 25% to 100%.SARTHAK Financial Assistance Scheme 2026-27
The SARTHAK Financial Assistance Scheme is the primary scholarship programme offered by NIFT to support students from economically weaker families. Instead of providing a fixed scholarship amount, the scheme offers a tuition fee waiver based on the annual household income of the student’s family. The objective is to ensure that deserving students can continue their education without financial hardship.
The scheme is available for eligible students enrolled in regular undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at NIFT campuses across India. Depending on the income category, students may receive a tuition fee concession ranging from 25% to 100%.
NIFT SARTHAK Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
Students must satisfy all the required conditions before applying for the SARTHAK Financial Assistance Scheme. The eligibility requirements are explained below in simple language.
1. Admission in a Regular NIFT Course
Applicants must be enrolled as regular students in an undergraduate or postgraduate programme at any NIFT campus. Students admitted under the NRI or NRI-sponsored category are not eligible for this scholarship.
2. Annual Family Income
The scholarship is available only to students whose annual household income does not exceed ₹8 lakh. The amount of tuition fee waiver depends on the income slab under which the applicant falls.
3. Eligibility for First-Year Students
Students taking admission in the first year can apply for the scholarship regardless of their entrance examination score or admission rank. Financial eligibility is the primary consideration for new students.
4. Academic Performance for Senior Students
Students applying from the second year onwards must maintain good academic performance.
To remain eligible:
- A minimum 6.00 SGPA average in the last two consecutive semesters is required.
- There should be no carry-forward papers or backlogs in any subject.
This rule applies to both undergraduate and postgraduate students continuing their studies.
5. No Failed or Repeated Semester
Students who have failed or repeated any semester generally cannot receive the scholarship. However, in exceptional situations such as genuine medical or unavoidable circumstances, the competent authority may consider relaxation according to the applicable rules.
6. Leave of Absence (LOA)
Students who are currently on an approved Leave of Absence (LOA) or have previously taken an LOA can still apply, provided they meet all other scholarship conditions.
7. Good Discipline Record
Applicants should maintain good conduct throughout their academic journey. Students involved in disciplinary violations may become ineligible for the scholarship.
8. No Outstanding Dues
Before submitting the scholarship application, students should clear all pending financial dues payable to the institute.
9. No Other Financial Assistance
Students already receiving financial support from the Central Government, State Government, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), trusts, or private organisations are generally not eligible under the SARTHAK Scheme.
If a student receives SARTHAK assistance first and later becomes eligible for another financial aid programme, the SARTHAK benefit must be refunded as per the applicable rules.
10. Reserved Category Students
Eligible students belonging to SC, ST, or OBC categories are required to apply for scholarships available through the National Scholarship Portal or their respective state scholarship portals and submit proof of application to their NIFT campus.
NIFT SARTHAK Scholarship Amount 2026-27 (UG Students)
The tuition fee concession for undergraduate students is determined according to the annual household income.
| Annual Household Income | Tuition Fee Waiver |
|---|---|
| Up to ₹2 lakh | 100% |
| Above ₹2 lakh to ₹4 lakh | 75% |
| Above ₹4 lakh to ₹6 lakh | 50% |
| Above ₹6 lakh to ₹8 lakh | 25% |
NIFT SARTHAK Scholarship Amount 2026-27 (PG Students)
Postgraduate students are eligible for tuition fee support as well, though the percentage of the fee waiver varies from that offered to undergraduate students.
| Annual Household Income | Tuition Fee Waiver |
|---|---|
| Up to ₹2 lakh | 75% |
| Above ₹2 lakh to ₹4 lakh | 50% |
| Above ₹4 lakh to ₹8 lakh | 25% |
Important Points to Remember
Before applying for the SARTHAK Scholarship, students should keep the following points in mind:
- The scholarship is offered only after verification of eligibility and supporting documents.
- Tuition fee waiver depends on the approved household income category.
- Academic performance plays an important role for students applying from the second year onwards.
- Students should submit correct information and supporting documents to avoid rejection during verification.
- Meeting the eligibility conditions does not automatically guarantee scholarship approval, as applications are processed according to the prescribed procedures.
How to Apply for NIFT SARTHAK Scholarship 2026-27?
Eligible students can submit their scholarship application through the NIFT Campus Management System (CMS). The process is completed online, followed by document verification at the respective NIFT campus. Students should carefully fill in all details and submit the application before the deadline announced by their campus.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Log in to the NIFT Campus Management System (CMS) using your student credentials.
Step 2: If your annual household income declared during admission is ₹8 lakh or below, the SARTHAK application form will be available in your CMS dashboard.
Step 3: Complete the application form by verifying your personal, academic, and family income details. Some information may already be available from your admission records.
Step 4: Upload all required self-attested documents in the prescribed format.
Step 5: Submit the required declaration confirming that the information provided is correct.
Step 6: Ensure that the application is submitted successfully before the last date specified by your campus. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Step 7: Carry the original documents to your campus on the scheduled verification date for physical verification.
Step 8: After scrutiny and document verification, the final list of selected students will be published by NIFT.
Documents Required for NIFT SARTHAK Scholarship
Applicants should keep the following documents ready before starting the online application.
- Income and Asset Certificate issued by the competent authority.
- Income Tax Returns (ITR) of the last three years, wherever applicable.
- Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, or other valid address proof.
- PAN Card copies of the student and parents/guardian.
- Class 10 and Class 12 certificates.
- Current semester tuition fee receipt.
- Parent’s undertaking in the prescribed format.
- Bank statements for the previous 12 months (certified by the bank).
UDAAN Means-cum-Merit Scholarship 2026-27
Apart from the SARTHAK Scheme, NIFT also offers the UDAAN Means-cum-Merit Scholarship for students participating in approved international academic exchange programmes.
The purpose of this scholarship is to encourage deserving students to gain global academic exposure by studying at NIFT’s partner institutions abroad. Eligible students receive financial support for approved educational and travel-related expenses during their international programme.
UDAAN Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
Students must satisfy the following conditions to be considered for the UDAAN Scholarship:
- Must be a full-time regular student at NIFT.
- Must be selected for an approved international academic exchange programme.
- Should be studying in the eligible semester as prescribed by NIFT.
- Annual family income should not exceed ₹6 lakh.
- Good academic performance is required.
- Applicants should maintain a satisfactory disciplinary record.
- Students receiving financial assistance from any other source are generally not eligible under this scheme.
Benefits of the UDAAN Scholarship
Selected students may receive financial assistance to cover approved expenses related to their international academic programme.
The scholarship may include support for:
- Tuition fees
- Hostel or dormitory charges
- Technology and academic fees
- Student activity charges
- Recreation and athletics fees
- Health services and insurance
- Economy-class travel expenses
- Visa charges
- Living allowance based on the destination country
Only a limited number of students are selected each year under this programme.
How to Apply for the UDAAN Scholarship?
Students shortlisted for international exchange programmes can submit their applications through the NIFT Campus Management System along with the required supporting documents.
The selection process generally includes:
- Online application submission.
- Document verification at the campus level.
- Scrutiny by the campus committee.
- Interview and shortlisting.
- Final approval by the NIFT Head Office committee.
Documents Required for UDAAN Scholarship
Applicants may need the following documents while applying:
- Income Certificate
- Academic mark sheets
- International programme selection letter
- Government-issued identity proof
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport-size photographs
- Bank account details
Other Scholarship Opportunities for NIFT Students
Apart from the institute-level scholarship schemes, eligible students may also apply for various government and industry-supported scholarships depending on their eligibility.
Some popular options include:
- National Scholarship Portal (NSP) Scholarships
- State Government Scholarship Schemes
- Industry-sponsored scholarships offered through NIFT
- Other institutional financial assistance programmes announced from time to time
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for the NIFT SARTHAK Scholarship?
Regular undergraduate and postgraduate students meeting the prescribed income and academic requirements can apply.
Is there any tuition fee waiver under the SARTHAK Scheme?
Yes. Depending on the annual household income, eligible students may receive a tuition fee waiver ranging from 25% to 100%.
Can first-year students apply?
Yes. Eligible first-year students can apply irrespective of their entrance examination rank or score.
Is the UDAAN Scholarship available for all students?
No. It is available only for eligible students selected for approved international academic exchange programmes.
Where can students submit the scholarship application?
Applications for both the SARTHAK and UDAAN schemes are submitted through the NIFT Campus Management System (CMS) within the specified application period.
The NIFT Scholarships 2026-27 provide valuable financial assistance to eligible students pursuing fashion, design, and technology education. The SARTHAK Financial Assistance Scheme helps reduce tuition costs for students from economically weaker families, while the UDAAN Means-cum-Merit Scholarship supports deserving candidates participating in international academic exchange programmes. Students should carefully review the eligibility conditions, prepare the required documents, and submit their applications within the prescribed timeline to maximize their chances of receiving financial support.