Summarise With AI
Students aspiring to join Universities where the NIAT Upskilling program is offered have to appear for the NAT. NIAT offers an industry-ready upskilling program, and students are awarded a B.Tech degree from the collaborating universities. The 1st year fee ranges from INR 2 Lakhs to INR 4.5 Lakhs.
The application form is available in online mode. Candidates need to visit the official website and pay INR 1200 as a non-refundable registration fee to apply for NAT 2026.
Important Dates of NAT 2026
Given below are some of the important dates of the upcoming events of the NAT 2026.
| Exams | Events | Important Dates |
| NAT | Application | Closing soon |
| NAT | Exam Date | 11th April 2026 |
Does NIAT Offer Admission?
No, the NxtWave of Innovation in Advanced Technologies (NIAT) does not offer admission to universities or degree programs. NIAT is an upskilling program that provides industry-aligned training modules. It can facilitate the process by sharing a student’s details with collaborating universities (with the student’s consent), but admission is granted solely by the respective university based on its own eligibility criteria and admission process.
How To Apply For NAT?
Universities collaborating with NIAT enrol students based on the NxtWave Assessment Test, for their upskilling program, followed by a personal counselling session. The application is in online mode. You need to pay INR 1200 to apply for NxtWave of Innovation in Advanced Technologies enrollment in 2026. You can check the steps below to apply for registration at NIAT.
NOTE: The NIAT Application Process is the same as the NAT Registration Process.
Students can check the steps below to register and apply for the NIAT enrollment 2026.
Step 1: Visit the official website of NIAT: NIAT India
Step 2: Click on “Apply Now” at the top of the homepage. The Apply Now option will be redirected to the Application page.
OR
Students can also click on the “Assessment Test” and then click on the “Apply Now” blinking on the top right corner of the page. It will be redirected to the Application page.
Step 3: Give your mobile number and verify it with an OTP to proceed with the registration process. Make sure you give a valid mobile number and that you are within the network area to successfully receive the OTP.
Now you will have two options in front of you!
Step 4: For Students: Add your name, address, phone, and mail ID, along with your academic information. The students also need to add their parents’ details, which include names, family income, phone number, and occupation category.
(Or)
For Parents: If you are a parent filling out the registration form, then you need to add your name, phone number, family income, and occupation category, along with all the student details.
NOTE: Make sure every personal detail you add is correct, and there are no mistakes.
Step 5: After carefully filling out all the details, students can proceed to book a 1:1 counselling session slot as part of their upskilling journey through the NAT slot. Here, the student can opt whether they want to appear for the test “ Right Now” or “Later”. If later, then they can select the date and time to take the test.
(NAT is the only entrance test required for joining NIAT 2026.)
Step 6: Congratulations on the successful registration. The next step for joining NIAT 2026 involves payment of the application fee.
Step 7: Please pay an application fee of INR 1200 by clicking on “Continue to Pay.” This fee will not be refunded even if the student does not appear for the test. So make sure to appear for the test!!
Step 8: The payment can be made by card, UPI mode, and NetBanking through ICICI and Axis Bank. Students can also use Wallets like MobiKwik, Ola Money, etc., to make the payment. After selecting the method to pay the registration fee, add your card or UPI ID.
Step 9: Voila, the payment is successful, and your NAT slot is booked. Now, you need to prepare for the NAT to get into the NIAT’s upskilling program.
Step 10: After the test, students need to attend a 1:1 counselling session for a deeper understanding of their goals and interests.
Confirm your Joining at the universities collaborating with NIAT in 2026 and pay the course fee to begin your incredible tech journey.
NxtWave Assessment Test (NAT)
NAT is a 90-minute online assessment test for joining the universities where NIAT’s upskilling program is offered. The test focuses on the candidate’s cognitive abilities and potential as a future tech innovator. There are four sections that test the different skills of a student. Candidates need to have 50% in the 10+2 level to be eligible for NAT.
What are the Fees of the Universities Collaborating With NIAT?
The fees range for the NxtWave of Innovation in Advanced Technologies upskilling program and Collaborating Universities is INR 8-18 lakhs total (INR 2-4.5 lakhs per year). NIAT offers an industry-ready upskilling program in collaboration with the universities.
Students, after completing 4 years, will get an IRC from NIAT and UGC approved BTech degree from the collaborating Universities.
What Are The Programs offered at Universities collaborating with NIAT?
Here is the list of 4 courses that are offered by the universities collaborating with NIAT.
CSE with AI & ML
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: This specialisation emphasises the application of AI and ML, followed by discrete mathematics, statistics, and probability, to understand the core of artificial intelligence and machine learning. It prepares students for Industry 4.0 technologies. Machine learning is a key aspect of Industry 4.0 as it enables computers to learn and act without explicit programming.
Career Opportunities: Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, Research Scientist.
CSE with Data Science
Data Science: This specialisation equips students with the skills to build algorithms, analyse data, and make data-driven decisions. This prepares the student for the field of data science. Students learn to combine algorithms with machine learning techniques, tools, business acumen, and mathematics to analyse data and solve complex problems. The subject focuses on the intersection of computer science, mathematics, and statistics to extract knowledge and insights from data.
Career Opportunities: Data scientists, data analysts, machine learning engineers, and many other roles that require data analysis and interpretation skills.
CSE with AI
Artificial Intelligence: BTech in CSE with AI specialisation provides a foundation in computer science while delving deep into the principles and applications of Artificial Intelligence and machine learning. The course emphasises both practical implications and theoretical understanding. The students can also get hands-on experience through projects and internships. AI knowledge will help the students gain skills in problem-solving, data analysis, critical thinking, etc., which will help them contribute to the development of intelligent applications and systems.
Career Opportunities: AI-related fields, including data science, machine learning engineering, AI research, and software development.
CSE with AI-DS
Artificial Intelligence and Data Science: BTech in CSE with a specialisation in AI and DS helps students gain skills in data analysis and machine learning. This program combines the core principles of computer science with the specialised knowledge and skills needed for AI and data science applications.
Career Opportunities: Healthcare, Finance, Business, and Technology.
Conclusion
Universities collaborating with NIAT offer B.Tech programs with specialisations in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Data Science, providing students with a strong foundation in computer science alongside industry-relevant skills. While the degree is awarded by the respective collaborating university based on its own eligibility criteria and admission policies, NIAT’s upskilling program runs alongside to ensure students build practical, job-ready competencies through training modules, project-based learning, and mentorship. Students interested in enrolling in NIAT’s upskilling program can begin by registering for the NAT on the official NIAT website at niatindia.com.
Glossary Section
| NIAT | NxtWave of Innovation in Advanced Technologies |
| NAT | NxtWave Assessment Test – an online entrance exam for NIAT admissions |
| CSE | Computer Science Engineering |
| IRC | Industry Ready Certificate |
| AI | Artificial Intelligence |
| ML | Machine Learning |
| DS | Data Science |
| BTech | Bachelor of Technology |
| Upskilling Program | Learning job-ready skills alongside a degree |
| Collaboration Model | Partnership between institutes and universities for degree + training |
| Internships | Practical work experience during the course |
Frequently Asked Questions
Universities collaborating with NIAT offer BTech courses with specialisations in Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, and Data Science. However, students will also get to learn the Upskilling Program from NIAT.
For NIAT enrollment 2026, students need to pass 10+2. However, to get admission to the university, collaborating with NIAT, students should meet the eligibility criteria and follow the admission policies established by the university.
NxtWave Assessment Test is a 90-minute online test to join the universities where NIAT’s upskilling program is offered. The test focuses on the candidate’s cognitive abilities and potential as a future tech innovator. Three sections test different skills and test the student for the NIAT enrollment. It evaluates the student based on Personality and emotional traits, Analytical and adaptive skills, and Practical and problem-solving.
You need to visit the official website to fill out the application form and pay the registration fee of INR 1200 for NIAT enrollment 2026.
Yes, if you have PCM in 10+2, then you are eligible to appear for NAT and NIAT upskilling programs. You will also need to qualify for the NAT exam and meet the specific admission criteria of the partner university.
Yes, NIAT programs emphasise practical, job-ready skills like coding, AI tools, and real-world projects, whereas traditional colleges may focus more on theory.
The Phase 1 enrollment for the NAT is currently open. To check the registration deadlines and reserve your slot for the NxtWave Assessment Test, visit the official website of NIAT. The NAT is conducted in an online format. After booking your slot, you will receive complete details about the exam schedule and platform at your registered email ID.
No, NAT is generally aptitude and skill-based, not heavily focused on PCM theory like JEE.
The fee for the NxtWave Assessment Test, NAT exam for 2026, is INR 1200. NAT is a 90-minute test designed to evaluate your cognitive abilities and potential as a future tech innovator.
The NIAT exam syllabus does not specifically cover JEE-level Physics, Chemistry, and Maths, but you don’t need any extra preparation if you’ve studied for JEE, EAMCET, MHT-CET, KCET, or similar exams; you’re already prepared. The NAT exam has three sections: a Psychometric Test, Critical Thinking & Learnability, and Mathematics, designed to assess behaviour, reasoning skills, and quantitative ability. Focuses on core math concepts from high school and competitive exams. Topics include Sets, Polynomials, Progressions, Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry, Probability, Permutations & Combinations.
