NIFT Admissions 2026 - Clarification for OCI Candidates
Notification Date: 2026-01-14
Last Updated on: 2026-01-18
In reference to applications for NIFT Admissions 2026, and in view of the judgment of the Hon'ble Supreme Court in Anushka Rengunthwar vs Union of India (Writ Petition (Civil) No. 891 of 2021), the eligibility of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) candidates is hereby clarified as under:
Candidates having an OCI Card issued prior to 4.3.2021 shall be entitled to the
rights available under the earlier notifications of 2005 and 2009 and, accordingly,
may choose either of the following options, subject to fulfilment of all prescribed eligibility criteria:
(i) Apply to NIFT as Indian Nationals under the Open (General) Category; OR
(ii) Apply as OCI candidates under the NRI / Foreign National category by submitting SAT/GMAT/GRE Scores, as applicable.
Candidates holding an OCI Card Issued on or after 04.03.2021 shall be governed
by the Ministry of Home Affairs Notification dated 04.03.2021 and shall be eligible
to apply only under the NRI / Foreign National category, subject to submission of SAT/GMAT/GRE scores, as prescribed.
All admissions are subject to verification of original documents, including OCI
Card issuance date, nationality, academic qualifications, age, and any other conditions as specified in the NIFT Admission Prospectus 2026.
This clarification shall be read as part of the NIFT Admissions Prospectus 2026 and
shall prevail in case of any inconsistency with earlier admission-related
instructions, to the extent of such inconsistency.
