An often overlooked aspect of NIFT exam preparation is the quality of the study material. This is because if you use poor-quality books, you are most likely going to falter in the exam. So, getting the best books for NIFT 2027 preparation is non-negotiable. Here we bring you subject-wise NIFT 2027 books recommended by toppers and experts.
Best Books for NIFT 2027 - There is a common saying that well begun is half the work done. But how exactly do you START your preparation for NIFT 2027? Here is how.
By getting the best possible collection of books for NIFT 2027. If the study material is good, then it will be up to date, explain the concepts crisply, won’t confuse and deviate aimlessly, and contain few to no errors.
Considering the market is flooded with books, making it difficult to zoom in on any one specific one, here we have compiled a list of the best study material for the NIFT exam. Make them a part of your preparation arsenal, and there will be no stopping you from cracking the NIFT entrance exam.
But before we jump into deciding which book is the best for NIFT exam preparation, let's take a bit of time to understand the NIFT 2027 exam pattern.
The NIFT entrance exam is conducted in two rounds:
- Stage I - The candidate first appears in the NIFT CAT and GAT written exams. The NIFT GAT paper is mandatory for all courses, while only B.Des and M.Des candidates need to take the CAT.
- Stage II - Shortlisted candidates have to next appear in a Situation Test / Personal Interview.
The FINAL merit list for admission will be prepared by giving weightage to both the written exams and the NIFT Situation Test/ NIFT Personal Interview.
- NIFT 2027 - Test components and Weightage
- Exam Weightage for UG Programs
- NIFT Best Books 2027 - Recommended by Experts and Toppers
- NIFT Books for NIFT GAT
- NIFT Books for NIFT CAT
- Books for NIFT Situation Test
- NIFT 2027 Study Material and Smart tips
- NIFT 2027 Stationery Items/ Materials
NIFT 2027 - Test components and Weightage
Each of the test components, CAT, GAT, and Situation Test (Personal Interview in case of PG courses) carries a definite weightage (as shown in the table below).
Commonly asked questions
Topics for NIFTEE GAT paper are given below.
| Quantitative Ability | Addition, Multiplication, Division, Fractions, Percentage, Rate of Interest, Work and Task, Ratio and Proportion, and Distance. |
| Communication Ability and English | Comprehension, synonyms, antonyms, words with corresponding meanings, singular, plural, one-word substitutes, idioms and phrases, correct spellings, comprehend a situation from a given passage, etc. |
| Analytical Ability and Logical Ability | Concepts and practices of creative and lateral thinking |
| GK | General knowledge and Current Affairs |
Exam Weightage for UG Programs
Check out the weightage for UG programmes.
| Program |
Exam |
Weightage |
| B. Des. |
GAT |
30% |
| CAT |
50% |
|
| Situation Test |
20% |
|
| B.F. Tech. |
GAT (Sec-A) |
30% |
| GAT (Sec-B) |
70% |
|
| B.F. Tech. Opting for B. Des. |
GAT (Sec-A) |
30% |
| CAT |
50% |
|
| Situation Test |
20% |
Exam Weightage for PG Programs:
Check out the weightage for PG programmes
| Program |
Exam |
Weightage |
| M.F.M. |
GAT (Section A and B) |
70% |
| Personal Interview |
30% |
|
| M. Des. |
GAT (Section A) |
30% |
| CAT |
40% |
|
| Personal Interview |
30% |
|
| M.F.M. opting for M. Des. |
GAT (Section A) |
30% |
| CAT |
40% |
|
| Personal Interview |
30% |
|
| M.F. Tech. |
GAT |
70% |
| Personal Interview |
30% |
NIFT Best Books 2027 - Recommended by Experts and Toppers
Now that we know the composition and structure of the entrance exam, let's dive into which books are best for NIFT 2027 exam preparation.
In the table below, you will find a list of books that can help you ace the NIFT 2027 entrance exam. Note that the list is kept minimalistic, but it should be enough for you to easily ace the exam. Remember, it is easy to make a long collection of books, but it is even easier to get lost in the pile.
Unless it is necessary, keep the books to a bare minimum. The mantra is to prepare smart, not hard!
Explore colleges based on NIFT Entrance Exam
NIFT Books for NIFT GAT
Check out the books for NIFT Stage 1: GAT
| Books | Authors |
| Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | R.S Aggarwal |
| Verbal and Non-verbal Reasoning | R.S Aggarwal |
| Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis |
| Manorama Yearbook for GK, fashion shows, fashion industry. | Bhanwar Rathore Design |
NIFT Books for NIFT CAT
Check out the books for NIFT Stage 1: CAT
| Books | Authors |
| The Fundamentals of Figure Drawing | Charles Oliver |
| Profit From The Psychology of Color | Richard G. Lewis |
| Mock Practice Set for NIFT Creative Ability Test | Vibhawari Srivastava |
Books for NIFT Situation Test
The Situation Test is conducted to test the 3-D making skills of the candidate. Test materials for making the model will be provided to the candidate. The material kit is not standard, but ideally contains items like clay, metal wire, thermocol sheet, straws, paper clippings, aluminum foils, etc.
| Name of the book |
Author (Publication) |
| Don’t make me think |
Steve King |
| Universal Principles of Design |
Tom Kelley and David Kelley |
| 100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People (Voices That Matter) |
Weinschenk Susan |
| The Design of Everyday Things |
Don Norman |
| Emotional Design: Why We Love (or Hate) Everyday Things |
Don Norman |
Check out:
NIFT 2027 Study Material and Smart tips
The following table presents the books and tips to prepare well for the NIFT Exam:
| Subject |
Books/Study Material |
What to read? |
| Current Affairs and GK |
Read newspapers: The Hindu, The Times of India |
|
| Maths |
NIFT Arihant |
|
| GAT |
- |
Important:
|
| Mock Test Books |
|
|
| Taking notes |
|
Also Read:
NIFT 2027 Stationery Items/ Materials
If you are appearing in an entrance exam like NIFTEE or NID DAT, you need to practice drawing a lot. And for that, you have stationery items, like the one mentioned in the table below.
| Level |
Pencils |
| Beginner |
The student can use pencils by popular brands like Camline and Artline: They are affordable, with each packet costing around Rs. 50 and contacts 6 pieces. |
| Mid Level |
As your shading skills are more refined, you can use drawing pencils - Peroci and Faber-Castell are good to go. |
| Give fine detailing to sketches |
Microns Pen Note: Microns are available at many points like 0.2, 0.3, 0.5, etc. So, you can make even the finest details with these pens. |
| Color Pencils |
Staedtler Color Pencil, Faber-Castell Color Pencil |
| Blending Stumps |
|
Also Read: Must-Have Stationery and Tools for Design Students
The books and tips suggested above can work like magic only if you are persistent and dedicated. Study regularly, make a timetable, and focus on all the sections and stages of the NIFTEE Examination. Also, stay updated with any news and information provided by NTA NIFT.

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Sayeba Naushad is a commerce postgraduate from Banaras Hindu University. She has over five years of experience in content writing and editing. She has a nose for current events in design field. At Shiksha.com, she s
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