3,793 students from NIFT campuses across India graduate as the institute celebrates academic excellence, creativity and the future of fashion and textiles
The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, held its Combined Convocation 2026 in New Delhi on August 31, bringing together graduating students from NIFT campuses across the country.
The ceremony was graced by Hon’ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu, Visitor of NIFT, as the Chief Guest. Union Minister of Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh, Secretary Textiles Smt. Neelam Shami Rao, Director General NIFT Smt. Tanu Kashyap, along with distinguished dignitaries, members of the Board of Governors, senior officials, faculty members, PhD scholars and graduating students attended the ceremony.
A total of 3,793 students across undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD programmes graduated during the 2026 Convocation.
President Highlights Role of Fashion Technology in India’s Global Growth
Addressing the graduating students, President Droupadi Murmu highlighted the importance of India’s textile and apparel sector, describing it as both an integral part of the country’s cultural heritage and a source of livelihood for millions.
She emphasised the need to provide traditional artisans with appropriate support and guidance so that younger generations can continue these professions with pride and confidence.
The President also highlighted NIFT’s initiatives, including the Craft Cluster Initiative, which connects weavers and artisans with modern textile and apparel techniques while helping them access wider markets.
She noted that India’s growing presence on the global stage presents significant opportunities for fashion technology and encouraged graduates to contribute to this expansion.
The President urged students to maintain a global outlook while remaining connected to India’s cultural roots and values. She said this balance would enable them not only to build successful careers but also to contribute to the preservation and enrichment of India’s cultural heritage.
Textiles Minister Urges Graduates to Dream Big
Union Minister of Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh congratulated the graduating students and encouraged them to dream big, work hard and contribute to India’s development journey towards Viksit Bharat.
Secretary Textiles Smt. Neelam Shami Rao also congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to pursue continuous learning and skill development to take advantage of the opportunities emerging across the fashion, textile and creative industries.
10 Gold Medals Presented for Academic Excellence
Academic achievement remained a key highlight of the Convocation.
During the ceremony, the Director General, NIFT administered the pledge to the graduating students and symbolically conferred degrees upon the graduating batch.
The Hon’ble President presented 10 Gold Medals to NIFT’s Best Academic Performers. The awardees were selected based on outstanding academic performance, taking into consideration their CGPA and semester-wise SGPA.
The recognition celebrated academic excellence across NIFT’s various programmes and campuses.
From Fashion Education to Industry
The Convocation celebrated more than the completion of academic programmes. It marked the transition of students from education and professional preparation into the wider fashion, textile and creative industries.
Throughout their time at NIFT, students have been exposed to design, technology, craftsmanship, research, innovation and industry perspectives. These experiences are expected to help graduates respond to the rapidly changing requirements of the creative economy.
Following the central Convocation, campus-wise degree distribution ceremonies were held, allowing graduates to formally receive their degrees and celebrate the achievement with their respective academic communities.
NIFT’s Role in India’s Fashion and Textile Ecosystem
Founded in 1986 under the Ministry of Textiles, NIFT is a statutory institute governed by the NIFT Act, 2006. Over the years, the institute has played an important role in shaping India’s fashion education landscape.
Its interdisciplinary approach brings together design, technology, craftsmanship, research, innovation and industry knowledge, while maintaining a strong connection with India’s diverse craft and cultural traditions.
Across its campuses, NIFT continues to encourage students to explore new ideas, challenge conventional approaches and develop solutions relevant to the evolving fashion and creative economy.
The institute’s alumni community now contributes across fashion, textiles, design, technology, entrepreneurship, communication and other allied creative fields.
A New Generation for India’s Creative Economy
For the graduating cohort, the NIFT Combined Convocation 2026 represents the beginning of a new professional and creative journey.
With 3,793 graduates completing undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD programmes, the ceremony brought together academic achievement, creativity and aspirations for the future.
As these graduates enter diverse professional spaces, their knowledge of India’s cultural heritage combined with contemporary design and technology perspectives is expected to contribute to the continued evolution of India’s fashion, textile and creative industries.
The 2026 graduating class now carries forward NIFT’s emphasis on innovation, craftsmanship, learning and creative thinking, with the opportunity to contribute to India’s growing global presence and the broader vision of a Viksit Bharat.