NIFT 2018 Question Paper Analysis by Experts

NIFT Entrance Exam Analysis 2018 by Experts

To everyone’s surprise, NIFT Entrance Exam this year has advanced its admission calendar by almost 3 weeks. As a result, January 21^st was the most awaited day for fashion aspirants!

Besides the timeline, there was no other departure from the last year paper pattern.

The General Ability test (GAT) saw no change in pattern with the total number of questions being 100 only for NIFT BDes exam and 120 only for NIFT MDes exam. Both these exams had to be attempted in 2 hours duration. For the BDes exam, the 100 questions were divided into 5 sections with a mix of 15 Questions in Business Domain, 15 Questions in Reasoning, 20 questions in Quantitative Ability and 50 questions in General English and Comprehension passages which were 6 in numbers. The MDes exam had a few more across sections to make the total number of questions to be 120. The toughness level of the paper was also keeping in mind that the students should be able to approach the paper. Where Maths concentrated upon testing the students on their calculation ability, reasoning focused more on their logical and thinking faculties. Passages, though were not lengthy, having a good mix of direct and indirect questions which tested the students on their lateral thinking abilities besides their comprehension skills.

The Management & Technology papers didn’t see any change and were the same as in previous format having 150 questions to be attempted in 180 minutes, with various sections of Case Study, Business Domain, Quantitative, Comprehension, General English & Reasoning.

The most exciting was the Creative Ability Test (CAT) paper. The BDes CAT paper carried THREE questions only where there were choices within questions and needed only three drawings from the students in 3 hours time. This meant that the quality of drawing will play a major role in marking system. The focus this year was to test the creative quotient and design ability of the students along with their rendering skills. Also, there was an intent to see how much the students connect to themselves and how much do they know their own selves.

The first question was based on process drawing, asking the students to show one of the following procedures in four steps:

(a) Placing a bulb on a holder.

(b) A paper folding into a boat.

Though there was no specification if it was to be coloured or not, however, given the sufficient time at hand and only four steps to show, it is highly recommended to colour and also the whole block should be composed well with suitable backdrop, varying the angle and length of the shots depicted.

The second question, was on product design where the students were asked to design and illustrate in colour with details, a bag for oneself for any one of the given topics:

(a) Wedding             

(b) Picnic    

(c) Shopping

Apart from this, aspirants also had to give 4-5 lines description for it. Here, it was important to keep the purpose in mind and design the bag according to the functional viability required of the purpose. Also the look, colours and choice of material is important. Along with all this, a creative theme to suit the purpose needs to be added. Detailing in the drawing will add to the marks. Eg: A wedding bag could be a clutch or ‘potli’, using velvet, brocade or silk in bright colours. Embroidery, mirror work or other luxe embellishments could be added. The shape or motifs could be either inspired from ‘kalash’, peacock or nuptial knot if we take inspiration from Indian weddings. Similarly, a picnic or shipping bag needs to be roomy and of sturdy fabric like denim or canvas with suitably defined pockets. Carrying the bag should also be facilitated.

The third question was an interesting and intangible one. The students had to depict their personality through a geometric shape, in colour. Here, it is important to decide what aspect of yourself you are going to describe. Keep it a positive representation of yourself. Here, our interpretation of geometric forms is very important. Eg: A square represents balance, while circle can show momentum or an active person. Colours too play a significant role in conveying the personality.

The NIFT Entrance Exam MDes Paper again had three questions with three drawings required: the first question here too was process depiction but instead of drawing, one had to write the 10 steps for any one:          

(a) Preparation of tea                   

(b) Playing in rain

The next question was again a product design one and asked the students to design a chair reflecting their personality, supporting it with a write up of 250 words explaining their concept.

The third question was from the space design category, Draw a scene of any one:

(a) A teal stall          

(b) The Chef at work            

(c) The gardener at work

This question looked for nuanced details where the composition should tell a story, keeping the focus on the main character while also building the ambience with suitable props and background.

This year, the paper was quite balanced, in keeping with the requisites of NIFT and the shortlisted candidates would now go to the second stages of Situation test (for BDes) & GDPI (for MDes, MFTech. & MFM), which would further comprise of 20% for former and 30% for the later, in the final merit list.  For the BFTech, however the written test is the only make or break stage.

The results are expected around the end of February or first week of March 2018, following which the stage two would be conducted between April 3^rd week, after the board examinations are over. The Final result is expected around mid May 2018 with the counselling scheduled for June 2018.

About the Author:

Shipra Anand is the Founder Director of Academy for Fashion Careers in Lucknow.