10 Tips to Crack NTA NIFT in 30 Days: Important Topics, Day-wise Preparation Schedule & Weekly Preparation Tips

National Institute of Fashion Technology Entrance Exam 2026 ( NIFT Entrance Exam )

Sayeba
Sayeba Naushad
Assistant Manager
Updated on Jun 13, 2025 11:25 IST

If you are preparing for the NIFT 2026 exam, you might know how crucial the last month is. The whole preparation can go haywire if you take a few wrong steps. So, here we bring 10 tips to crack NIFT in 30 days. Keep reading.

How to crack NIFT in 30 days - The NTA will conduct the NIFT 2026 entrance exam tentatively in the second week of February 2026. What if there are only 30 days left for the NIFT 2025 entrance exam? Is it possible to crack the exam in 30 days? What should be the study plan in the last 30 days? Also, what are the dos and don’ts?

Here we discuss all that and much more, including tips to prepare for NIFT 2026 in 30 days. So, keep reading.

Table of content
  • 10 Tips to Crack NIFT 2026 exam in 30 days
  • NIFT 2025 Last-Week Preparation Tips
  • NIFT Important Topics
  • NIFT 2026 - Test Components and Weightage

10 Tips to Crack NIFT 2026 exam in 30 days

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If you are left with only 30 days to prepare for the NIFT 2026 exam, you need to ensure that the remaining time is well spent and there is little wastage. Discipline and persistence will play a major role in your success. So, hold tight to them. The point is that there will be rough days, for instance, days when you will feel tired, restless, or purely irritated.

In situations like these, you need to keep your patience. Relax a bit, do some meditation, go out and take in some fresh air, or do some light exercise. You will feel much rejuvenated, and the negativity and stress will go away.

Q:   When will the NIFT 2026 entrance exam be conducted?
A:

The written tests for the NIFT 2026 exam will be held in the second week of February 2026 (tentative). The detailed schedule will also be released soon by NTA. The written tests comprise a General Ability Test (GAT) and a Creative Ability Test (CAT). GAT is mandatory for all candidates, but CAT is only required for BDes and MDes candidates. 

The GAT test is considered in a computer-based mode, whereas the CAT is offline based. Note that scores of the written exams will be used to shortlist candidates for a Situation Test/ Personal Interview.

Q:   When do I need to start my preparation for NIFT 2026 exam?
A:

The NIFT exam is among the competitive and is also considered among the toughest. So, it is recommended that the candidate starts their exam preparation early. NIFT exam has various components like written exam and Situation Test /Personal Interview. Candidates seeking admission to the B. Des and M.Des courses need to prepare for both the CAT and GAT. The CAT is a drawing-based exam. Now unless the candidate is already well-versed, the exam will be very difficult. So, start early. The same goes for the GAT.

Q:   How many test centres are there for NIFT 2024 situation test?
A:
NIFT 2024 Situation Test will be conducted in an offline mode at the various NIFT campuses. Considering there are 18 NIFTs, the candidate will be able to select any of these institutes to appear in the Situation Test. The window to select test centres for the Situation Test will be announced soon after the declaration of NIFT results for the written exam. Test centres for the Situation Test will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. So, candidates need to book their slots as soon as possible. Note that if seats in a particular centre (or institute) fill out, the candidate will not be able to offered slots for that institute.

Here we go with the 10 tips to crack NIFT 2025 in 30 days:

  1. Quickly go through the NIFT Syllabus and Exam Pattern - You may already have. But there is no harm in going through the NIFT 2026 exam pattern one last time. Sometimes, we may catch something we may have overlooked earlier. Ditto. Do the same for the NIFT 2026 syllabus
  2. Solve Sample Papers - In the last month, a major part of your preparation must involve solving NIFT sample papers. This exercise will help you improve your problem-solving and time-management skills. It is recommended that the candidate solve as many sample papers as possible. The sample papers will contain similar types of questions to those asked in the entrance exam. By solving sample papers, the candidate will also be able to identify common or costly errors and fix them. There are plenty of books for NIFT Preparation in the market that have question papers and sample papers; go through them for thorough preparation.
  3. Don’t start any new topics - Many students make the mistake of starting new topics in the last few days leading up to the NIFT exam. But it is not at all recommended. First, it will eat into your revision time. Second, starting a new topic so close to the exam may lead to unnecessary anxiety if you get stuck or fail to make progress. Also, what if the new topic needs a few weeks to master - will you then forego your revision and other study plans? It will be suicidal, to say the least!
  4. Take mock tests - These NIFT mock tests are a part and parcel of the preparation plan. Unlike the sample papers, mock tests are suited for the last few days before the exam. This is because the purpose of these tests is to get an exam-like ambiance to practice in and tune one’s body clock to the exam timings. Today, many coaching institutes and third-party websites offer mock tests on payment of a fee. You can try them to prepare for NIFT 2026.
  5. Work on observation and visualization - The NIFT exam for the B.Des course and M.Des course will have a Creative Ability Test (CAT). To do well in the exam, candidates must have good creativity and visualization skills. Now, these skills can’t be taught in a coaching institute; rather, you must consciously work on these aspects on your own. For instance, you need to be conscious of your surroundings, to begin with. 
  6. Brace up your GK - The NIFT 2025 exam syllabus includes a GK and Current Affairs Section. For the B.Des program, it carries a hefty 25% weightage. So, if you want to do well in the exam, you'd better be up to date with the latest events of national and domestic importance. Also, pay attention to what is happening in the design world. Practice NIFT GK Questions, which are generally asked in the exam. 
  7. Do quick revision - If you are maintaining a notebook book it will help you do quick revisions without having to go through large blocks of text. So, it is recommended that candidate keep notes from the very early stages of their exam preparation. For instance, jot down all the important points and concepts when you are reading it for the first time or even the second time. This way, you will also be able to pay more attention to what you are reading. In the beginning, you may struggle to decide what and what not to jot down, but as time goes by, you will become more adept at the job.
  8. Work on your communication skills - If you want to be a successful designer, you are expected to be a good communicator as well. Just imagine a situation, you are organizing a fashion show, but are not able to communicate properly with the stakeholders! It will be a recipe for disaster. A designer can barely afford to be cut off and aloof, but rather has to be an extrovert. Introverts can also make good designers, but that doesn’t mean you don’t work on your communication skills.
  9. Get help if needed - If you get stuck with a topic, there is no point lingering over it for eternity. Instead, get help from a peer, expert, or teacher. Remember that time is of the essence and you can’t afford to waste any of it. Also, external help is not always a bad thing, as a third person can help you see things from a new perspective. 
  10. Stay healthy and positive - The burden of NIFT 2026 exam preparation can take its toll sometimes, especially if you chug along without taking any timely breaks. So, it is important to take breaks and rest properly. Make sure that you get your full quota of sleep; in most cases, you must sleep for at least 7 hours. Note that if your body is properly rested and rejuvenated, it won’t respond to its optimum potential. Likewise, it is important to surround yourself with positive people. In contrast, negative people can suck the energy out your preparation. 

NIFT 2025 Last-Week Preparation Tips

In the last week of your exam preparation, this is what you need to do:

  1. Solve a few sample papers. If silly mistakes are happening, fix them by practicing more or taking help. Watch YouTube channels and read articles on NIFT Preparation, NIFT Syllabus, and Pattern, etc.
  2. Again, no new topic! Stick to what you have already prepared and focus on revision.
  3. Take mock tests. 
  4. Ensure that you are healthy. At this point, your health takes precedence over any other matter. You can only do well if you are mentally and physically in a good space. 

NIFT Important Topics

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The NTA will release the syllabus for the NIFT 2026 exam. While questions in the NIFT 2026 exam will be asked from the official syllabus, some topics will carry more weightage than others and also have a higher probability of being asked. These topics are called NIFT Important Topics 2026.

Important Topics of NIFT CAT Exam

Some of the topics for NIFT CAT Exam are:

Important topics for NIFT CAT Paper

Design Theory

Colour Terminology

Inspiration & Design Development

Colour Psychology & Optical Illusions

Elements & Principles Of Design

Mood, Theme & Colour Inter-relationship

Natural & Geometrical Form

Innovation in Design

Principles of Composition

Creative thinking & writing

Optical Illusion

Understanding Light & Shade

Visual Logic

Form & Function

Colour, Pattern & Texture

Theme Development

Drawing Fundamentals

Picture Analysis

Memory Drawing

Inspiration & Creativity

Ornaments & motifs

Use of Measurements, Scale & Proportions

Optical Illusion

Foreshortening & Perspective

Developing Themes & Colour Associations

Usage of Colour in Compositions

Imagination & Doodling

3D Visualisation

Presentation Techniques

Expression & Emotion

Exercises on imagination

Lateral Thinking

Story Pictures

Graphics & Pictograms

Innovation & Creation

Design Awareness

NIFT GAT Syllabus 2026 - Important Topics

The GAT paper is common for all the courses and will be conducted online. To score the maximum marks in the exam, make sure that you go through the important topics for GAT.

The NIFT GAT Important Topics are as follows:

Section

Topics

English

  • Synonyms
  • Antonyms
  • Para jumbles
  • Error spotting
  • One word substitution
  • Work Analogy
  • Sentence completion

Numrical Ability

  • Ratio and Proportion
  • Percentage
  • Profit and loss
  • Simple and Compound interest
  • Average / Ratio
  • Speed time and distance
  • Work and Time
  • Numbers
  • Area, Volume and Surface Area
  • Permutations and Combinations
  • HCF LCM
  • Probability
  • Time and Work

GK and Current Affairs

  • Static GK
  • Current GK
  • GK related to the fashion industry

Logical Reasoning

  • Series completion
  • Venn Diagrams
  • Seating arrangement
  • Statements Correct/ Incorrect
  • Blood relations
  • Character Puzzle
  • Coding Decoding
  • Data sufficiency
  • Syllogisms
  • Analogy
  • Direction Sense
  • Arithmetic reasoning
  • Clocks and calendar

Communication Ability

  • English Language
  • Grammar
  • Vocabulary and Reading skills 

NIFT 2026 - Test Components and Weightage

The NIFT 2026 exam will include various test components, like written exams (CAT and GAT), a Situation Test, Studio Test and NIFT Personal Interview.

Q:   When will slot booking open for the situation test at NIFT 2025?
A:

The slot booking process for the NIFT Situation Test 2025 will be held a few weeks before the Situation Test. The slot booking process will be held online and will be open for candidates who have qualified in the written exams. As part of the slot booking process, the candidate needs to book their date and time slots for the Situation Test. Note that slots will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The details of the slot allocated to the candidate, exam centre, and other key details will be mentioned on the admit card.

Q:   When will slot booking open for the NIFT 2025 Personal Interview?
A:

Candidates seeking admission to the PG courses at the NIFTs need to appear in a Personal Interview after qualifying the written exam. The slot booking process for the Personal Interview will open soon after results of the NIFT 2025 written exams are declared. The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) will release the detailed schedule on its admission portal - niftadmissions. In. The slot booking process has to be conducted online. To book a slot, click on the relevant link, log in, and then select the campus and time slot from the available options. Note that slots will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Q:   When will NIFT seat allotment announced for Round 1?
A:

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) will release the seat allotment of NIFT 2025 for Round I around the 3rd week of June 2025.

The seat allotment will be based on the merit rank of candidates and academic option picked at the time of counseling registration. 

Such candidates who are allotted seats have to submit willingness and pay the admission fee by the given deadline.

Note that NIFT 2025 counseling will be conducted in four regular and one spot rounds. The admission fee amount for regular seats at all campuses is INR 1,83,000.

NRI Sponsored candidates need to pay INR 6,88, 4000 or INR 9,72,000 depending on the campus they have been allocated.

The weightage carried by each section is given below.

Program

Test

Weightage

Bachelor of Design

CAT

50%

GAT

30%

Situation Test

20%

Master of Design

CAT

40%

GAT

30%

PI

30%

Bachelor of Fashion Technology

GAT

100%

Master of Fashion Technology

GAT

70%

PI

30%

Master of Fashion Management

GAT

70%

PI

30%

Success in the NIFT entrance exam depends on consistent effort, creative thinking, and smart preparation. Whether it’s mastering design concepts, improving time management, or practicing with mock tests, every step counts. Stay focused, believe in your ideas, and remember—your unique perspective is your greatest strength. Keep creating, keep preparing, and you'll be one step closer to your dream design institute.

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Sayeba Naushad
Assistant Manager
Sayeba is an editorial professional with over 5 years of experience in content creation, editing and proofreading. She holds a master's degree in commerce, which has helped her develop a strong attention to detail a Read Full Bio
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Answered a month ago

The fee for M.Des programme offered at NIFT is around INR 8 Lakhs.

Fee ComponentsFee Amount (2 Years) (2025)
Tuition Fees5.86 Lakhs
Hostel Fees*2.21 Lakhs
One-time payment*27,200
Total fees8.35 Lakhs

* Hostel fee is calculated on the basis of 1st year. Actual amount may vary. The fees might include components other than hostel fees. Meal Plan is not included in the mentioned fee.

*One-time payment includes Refundable Security Depos

...Read more

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The fee of the B.Des programme at NIFT is around INR 14 lakhs.

SemesterNIFT Fees 2024 (INR)NIFT Fees 2025 (INR)
Semester 11,83,2001,91,700
Semester 21,43,0001,50,000
Semester 31,69,8001,78,700
Semester 41,50,0001,58,000
Semester 51,78,7001,87,800
Semester 61,58,0001,66,000
Semester 71,93,7002,03,200
Semester 81,66,0001,74,000
Total (4 Years)13,42,40014,09,400

 

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), New Delhi, is the best based on the India Today ranking (2025). 

NIFT Delhi is considered the best NIFT campus in India because of the following:

  • It consistently ranks No. 1 among all NIFTs (India Today Ranking: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022 and 2021)

  • It has

...Read more

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The NIFT entrance exam is considered moderately difficult. The level of difficulty of the exam depends on a student's strengths and preparation. Since seats are limited and competition is high, even average questions feel tougher due to the pressure.

  • B.Des exam tests creativity, design aptitude, obse

...Read more

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The educational qualification for NIFT admissions varies from course to course:

ProgrammeEducational Qualification Required
B.Des (Bachelor of Design)Passed 10+2 (Class 12) in any stream (Science, Commerce, Arts, Humanities) from a recognised board
B.FTech (Bachelor of Fashion Technology)Passed 10+2 (Class 12) in any stream, but Mathematics as a subject in 10+2 is compulsory
M.Des (Master of Design)Undergraduate degree in any discipline from a recognised university
M.FTech (Master of Fashion Technology)B.FTech from NIFT or B.E./B.Tech from a recognised university
MFM (Master of Fashion Management)Undergraduate degree in any discipline from a recognised university

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

There are a total of 19 NIFTs in India that participate in the NIFT admission process. The participating institutes offer B.Des, M.Des, B.F.Tech, M.F.Tech, and M.F.M courses. Admission to the participating institutes will be on the basis of NIFT scores.

NIFT Varanasi has been newly added to the list

...Read more

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, candidates who have passed their H.S.C. vocational examination may apply for admission to the B.Des program.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10