NIFT Reservation Criteria 2027: Category-wise Reservation, PwD Policy, Eligibility & Certificate Requirements

If you are preparing for the NIFT Entrance Exam 2027, it is important to understand the reservation policy before submitting your application. The NIFT Reservation Criteria 2027 explains the reservations available for different categories, eligibility conditions, required certificates, and special provisions for Persons with Disabilities (PwD).

You should select your category carefully while filling out the application form because it cannot be changed after submission. Keeping the required documents ready in advance can help you complete counselling and admission without any issues.

NIFT Reservation Criteria 2027

The NIFT Reservation Criteria 2027 provides reservation benefits to eligible candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes - Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL), Economically Weaker Section (GEN-EWS), and Persons with Disabilities (PwD).

You should choose your category carefully while submitting the online application. Once the application is submitted, the category or PwD status cannot be changed. If you fail to produce valid documents during admission, you may lose the reservation benefit.

NIFT Reservation Criteria Category Wise 2027

The official reservation percentages for NIFT admissions are given below.

Note: The 5% reservation for Persons with Disability (PwD) is a horizontal reservation across all categories, including SC, ST, OBC (NCL), and Open Category. Seats are allotted based on the Common Merit Rank (CMR) in the respective category. If PwD seats remain vacant, they are merged back into their respective categories during the spot round of seat allocation.

Candidates should ensure they possess valid and verifiable certificates for the category selected in the application form.

Categories Covered Under NIFT Reservation Criteria 2027

The NIFT Reservation Criteria 2027 includes the following reservation categories:

• Scheduled Caste (SC)

• Scheduled Tribe (ST)

• Other Backward Classes (Non-Creamy Layer)

• Economically Weaker Section (GEN-EWS)

• Persons with Disabilities (PwD)

Each category has specific eligibility requirements and certificate guidelines that must be fulfilled during admission.

NIFT Reservation Policy 2027 for Persons with Disabilities

Under the NIFT Reservation Policy 2027, candidates with benchmark disabilities are eligible for reservation benefits and examination facilities as prescribed under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.

A benchmark disability refers to a disability of 40% or more, certified by the competent authority.

The recognised disabilities are listed below.

NIFT Category Wise Reservation 2027: Important Guidelines

While applying for admission, you should remember the following points.

• Select the correct reservation category while filling out the application form.

• Category changes are not allowed after submission of the application.

• Reservation benefits are available only after successful document verification.

• Invalid or incorrect certificates may lead to cancellation of reservation benefits.

• Candidates should upload all required documents within the prescribed timeline.

• Admission remains subject to verification of eligibility conditions.

Category-wise Certificate Requirements

Different reservation categories require different supporting documents during admission.

If your certificate is issued in a language other than English or Hindi, you should submit a certified translation along with the original document.

Facilities for NIFT Reservation 2027 PwD Candidates

Candidates applying under the NIFT Reservation 2027 PwD Candidates category are provided with certain facilities during the NIFT Entrance Examination. These facilities are available as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 and the guidelines issued by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.

To avail these facilities, candidates must possess a valid Disability Certificate in the prescribed format along with a Unique Disability ID (UDID), wherever applicable.

The following facilities are available during the examination.

The scribe can assist only in reading the questions and entering answers as instructed by the candidate. The scribe cannot explain questions or suggest answers.

PwD Candidates with Less Than 40% Disability

Candidates with less than 40% disability may also receive writing assistance if they have a certified limitation in writing.

To avail this facility, you must obtain a certificate from the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Civil Surgeon, or Medical Superintendent of a Government healthcare institution confirming that a scribe is essential.

You should indicate this requirement while filling out the online application form. You may either use a scribe provided by NTA or bring your own eligible scribe along with the prescribed undertaking.

Important Rules for PwD Candidates

Candidates applying under the PwD category should carefully follow the official guidelines.

• Upload the Disability Certificate and UDID during registration.

• Select the scribe option while filling out the application form if required.

• Bring original documents during counselling and admission.

• Ensure all information provided in the application form is correct.

• The qualification of a personal scribe should be one level below that of the candidate.

• Candidates who misuse the scribe or compensatory time facility may face cancellation of candidature.

If it is found that a candidate has wrongly claimed the scribe facility or compensatory time without being eligible, the candidature may be cancelled. If admission has already been granted, it may also be withdrawn.

NIFT Evaluation Committee for PwD Candidates

Candidates seeking reservation under the PwD category must appear before the NIFT Evaluation Committee.

The committee assesses the physical and psychological capability of the candidate according to the requirements of the academic programme selected. This assessment is compulsory before seat allocation.

The committee may use laboratories, equipment, or other assessment methods to evaluate whether the candidate can successfully complete the chosen programme.

Based on the assessment, the committee recommends whether the candidate is suitable for admission to the selected course.

Candidates who do not appear before the Evaluation Committee will not be considered for seat allocation.

Important Instructions for Reserved Category Candidates

If you are applying under any reserved category, keep the following points in mind.

• Select your reservation category carefully while filling out the application form.

• Category and PwD status cannot be changed after submitting the application.

• Keep all original certificates ready for verification during admission.

• Reservation benefits are granted only after successful verification of documents.

• Candidates applying under OBC (NCL), EWS, or PwD should ensure that their certificates are valid as per the prescribed guidelines.

• Failure to produce valid documents may result in admission under the Open category, if applicable, or cancellation of candidature where reservation benefits have already been claimed.

The NIFT Reservation Criteria 2027 helps eligible candidates receive reservation benefits during the admission process. It also ensures equal opportunities for candidates belonging to reserved categories by providing reservation of seats and examination facilities as per the applicable rules.

Before submitting your application, carefully read the eligibility conditions for your category and keep all required documents ready. If you are applying under the PwD category, make sure you upload the required Disability Certificate and UDID, request a scribe if needed, and appear before the mandatory NIFT Evaluation Committee.

Following the official admission guidelines will help you complete the admission process smoothly and avoid any issues during counselling or seat allocation.