Nickel futures rose by Rs 11.60 to Rs 981 per kg today.
At the Multi Commodity Exchange, the February contract rose by Rs 11.60, or 1.20% to Rs 981 per kg in 723 lots.
The January contract traded higher by Rs 11.40, or 1.18% to Rs 974 per kg in 10,728 lots.
Analysts said increased buying by speculators, pick-up in demand from alloy-makers and higher overseas advices pushed up nickel futures.