NIFT Situation Test/ NIFT Studio Test 2025: Evaluation Criteria, Tips and Important Questions

National Institute of Fashion Technology Entrance Exam 2025 ( NIFT Entrance Exam )

Sayeba
Sayeba Naushad
Assistant Manager
Updated on Jun 17, 2025 11:12 IST

After clearing the NIFT Entrance Written examination, comes the real test of creativity, imagination, observation, and skills. All these will be tested in NIFT Stage 2 examinations, i.e, in NIFT Situation Test/ NIFT Studio Test. Read in detail to know about timings, prep tips, important questions, etc. 

NIFTEE Situation Test/Studio Test

NIFTEE Situation Test/Studio Test 2025

Table of content
  • What is the NIFT Situation Test?
  • When is NIFT Situation Test/ Studio Test conducted?
  • What does the NIFT Situation Test/ NIFT Studio Test involve?
  • NIFT Situation Test/ NIFT Studio Test Evaluation Criteria
  • How to Prepare for the NIFT 2025 Situation Test/ NIFT Studio Test?
  • What Not to Do in NIFT Situation Test/ NIFT Studio Test 2025?
  • Questions to Practice for Situation Test/ Studio Test for NIFT Stage 2
View More

What is the NIFT Situation Test?

NIFT Situation Test/ NIFT Studio Test is one of the most important processes in the NIFTEE Admissions. NTA conducts NIFT Situation Test/Studio Test after NIFTEE Written Entrance Examination. It is conducted after CAT and GAT. Situation Test and Studio Test are more kind of the same thing.

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NIFT Situation Test will be for B.Des and NIFT Studio Test and Personal Interview will be for B.Des (NLEA), B.Des (Artisans) will give Artisan Test. These Tests are the components of the NIFTEE Stage 2 Entrance Examination. They aim to check the Model-making, material handling, creativity, and innovation skills of the candidates. This is a rank booster exam. It can be the deciding factor and a game changer. It is a hands-on model-making test, where candidates will be given materials to create a three-dimensional model based on a given theme or problem. It involves creating 3D models using the material provided by NIFT. Situation Test/ Studio Test carries 20% weightage and is, therefore, important for candidates to score well to get a good rank in the exam. 

Q:   What are the top 5 NIFT colleges?
A:

The NIFTs are considered among the best design colleges in the country. As per most of the educational institutions' rankings, the NIFTs frequently rank among the top 10.

The names of the top 5 NIFT Colleges are:

Name of the Institute

India Today Ranking 2024

India Today 2023 Ranking

India Today 2022 Ranking

India Today 2021 Ranking

NIFT Delhi

1

1

1

1

NIFT Mumbai

2

2

2

2

NIFT Bangalore

3

3

3

3

NIFT Hyderabad

4

5

7

7

NIFT Chennai

5

4

4

4

NIFT Gandhinagar

6

6

5

6

NIFT Patna

8

7

6

5

 

Q:   How many rounds are there in NIFT counselling?
A:

There are generally five rounds in the NIFT Counselling. NIFT typically conducts multiple rounds of counselling depending on seat availability. If seats remain vacant after initial rounds, spot counselling may also be announced.

Q:   What is the NIFT Counselling Process?
A:

NIFT Counselling Process has the following steps:

  1. Registration and Choice filling by the candidates
  2. Uploading of documents
  3. Paying the Seat Acceptance Fee
  4. Document Verification
  5. Receiving of Allotment Letter.

When is NIFT Situation Test/ Studio Test conducted?

NTA is all set to conduct the NIFT Stage 2 Situation Test/ Studio Test on June 08, 2025 (Sunday). The Admit cards for the NIFTEE Stage 2 were released on June 02, 2025 by the National Testing Agency. The exam will be conducted at 27 NIFT Test centres in 18 cities across the country. All the details related to the centre and timings are given on the NIFT Admit Card.

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What does the NIFT Situation Test/ NIFT Studio Test involve?

NIFTEE Situation Test involves the following:

  • Candidates will be given a problem statement or a theme and will be asked to make a 3D model of it.
  • NIFT will provide the material kit. Candidates cannot use outside material. Usually, the kit will include chart paper, straws, clay, threads, wool, foil, jute, etc.
  • Candidates will be asked to make the 3D model within the allotted time. No extra time will be given.
  • NIFTEE can also ask candidates to make a written note /concept note about their model.

NIFT Situation Test/ NIFT Studio Test Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation of NIFTEE will be done on the basis of the following:

  • Creativity & Innovation
  • Material Handling and Manipulation
  • Powerful Situation Test write-up
  • Concept Development
  • Overall Presentation & Explanation
  • Creative techniques
  • Originality & Creativity
  • Conceptual Clarity & Interpretation of Theme
  • Aesthetic Appeal
  • Functionality / Practicality
  • Space Utilization
  • Quality of Explanation

How to Prepare for the NIFT 2025 Situation Test/ NIFT Studio Test?

1. Time management

Divide your time. Use 1hr 45 minutes to make your model and 15 minutes for the write-up part. Explain your model

2. Practice with Limited Materials

  • Use 90-95 % material that is provided in the Exam. Practice paper cutting techniques and material manipulation techniques.
  • Try to increase your speed by practicing more and more.
  • Try to handle different materials. Also, explore new materials.

3. Work on Basic Themes

Practice 3D models on basic themes, like a vegetable market, badge designing, village scenes, local market, etc.

4. Improve Hand Skills

  • Candidates should focus on cutting, folding, gluing, etc.
  • Imagine how a model will look, think in 3D, and try to create it as per your imagination.

5. Develop a Concept Story

Q:   How many colleges are there in NIFT?
A:

There are 19 NIFT Colleges which offers admission for 2025 academic session. Candidates can choose their preferred campuses during counselling based on seat availability and rank. The names of NIFT 2025 colleges which are most popular are NIFT New Delhi, NIFT Chennai, NIFT Gandhinagar, NIFT Hyderabad and NIFT Kolkata.

The list below gives the names of all the NIFT Institutes in India:

S.No

NIFT Campus

1

NIFT New Delhi

2

NIFT Chennai

3

NIFT Gandhinagar

4

NIFT Hyderabad

5

NIFT Kolkata

6

NIFT Mumbai

7

NIFT Bengaluru

8

NIFT Raebareli

9

NIFT Bhopal

10

NIFT Kannur

11

NIFT Shillong

12

NIFT Patna

13

NIFT Kangra

14

NIFT Bhubaneswar

15

NIFT Jodhpur

16

NIFT Srinagar

17

NIFT Panchkula

18

NIFT Daman

19

NIFT Varanasi

Q:   Do we need to join coaching to prepare for NIFT entrance exam?
A:
Joining a coaching for NIFT preparation is not really needed. Coaching is for those who want to learn how to draw things. But, if someone has this talent, which most students passionate about sketching and painting do possess, there is no need for coaching. One can prepare through self-study. For your understanding, I would like to give an example. In coaching, students are made to learn how to draw the 3D image by various techniques using measuring instruments but one who is natural at art can imagine what 3D image would look like if it has to be drawn on a paper and would draw the same. In both cases, the outcome is the same. Regarding theory, that is, GAT, if you are confident to solve Maths, History, Geography, General science up till class 10th level, then there is definitely no need for coaching. Though the level of English is a bit high you can improve it yourself.
Q:   Is Maths required for NIFT?
A:

It is not compulsory to have studied Maths in Class 12 to appear for NIFT Entrance Exam. However, some questions from Mathematics are asked in the NIFT GAT section. Therefore, it is always beneficial to have some knowledge about the subject. The NIFT question paper for GAT will include questions from sections like logical and analytical reasoning, general awareness, verbal reasoning, and English . General knowledge questions may include topics like fashion industry, both local and global, and news of political and economic importance. The GAT paper will be conducted in a computer-based mode and will be for 120 minutes.

Q:   What is NIFT 2024 opening and closing ranks of NIFT Bengaluru for open category?
A:

The NIFT Bengaluru admission cut-offs are now available for Round I, II, and III.

The cut-off has been released for all the 18 participating colleges.

To check the cut-off, you need to go to the https://admissions.nic.in/ portal.

Under eServices, select OR-CR.

The roundwise NIFT 2024 cut-off or closing rank (All-India Quota) for the open category for NIFT Bengaluru for the 3rd Round are given below:

  • Round I - 29 (opening rank), 234 (closing rank)
  • Round II - 208 (opening rank), 236 (closing rank)
  • Round III - 256 (closing rank)
Q:   Is there any age limit for appearing in NIFT entrance?
A:

In case of the B. Des and B.FTech programmes, the candidates should be less than 24 years as on July 1 of the admission year. There is relaxation of 5 years for candidates belonging to SC, ST, and PwD categories. However, there is no age limit for applying to the postgraduate programmes at NIFT. When applying for admission to design courses at the NIFTs, the candidate must also carefully go through the academic requirements. Note that even if a candidate qualifies the NIFT Entrance Exam but doesn't meet the prescribed eligibility criteria, he or she will not be considered for admission.

Learn how to explain the model created by you created. Why did you choose this model? The story behind it. What material have you used, etc. Try to justify the model created by you with logic and emotion.

6. Watch Model-Making Tutorials

  • Watch model-making tutorials and videos that are available on YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest, etc.
  • Try to imbibe the techniques and their methods, but don’t let your originality fade away. Take the idea, but do not copy.

7. Practice old Question Papers: Go through the previous year's question papers and mock tests. Check the pattern of questions asked and practice them. Also, read books and practice the questions given in them.

Also read: 

Preparation Tips for NIFT Situation Test 2025 NIFT Situation Test 2025: Sample Questions to practice, Weightage, Preparation Tips NIFT Situation Test Write-Up: Format, Tips, and Importance
10 tips to crack interview for design courses at NID, NIFT  How to Prepare For NIFT Situation Test 2025?  

What Not to Do in NIFT Situation Test/ NIFT Studio Test 2025?

The following points should be kept in mind on the day of the NIFTEE Situation test:

  • Do not forget to carry your NIFT Admit card and Photo ID card.
  • Do not arrive late at the test centre. Reach the examination centre on time. Candidates must report at 9:00 AM. Candidates will not be allowed to enter the centre after 9:30 AM.
  • Don’t use any external material not provided in the kit.
  • Do not write any personal particulars or make any identification marks on the design/model. Candidates who try to disclose their identity by writing any personal details or placing any identification mark on the model/design/write-up shall be considered disqualified, and the NIFTEE final result of these candidates shall not be declared.
  • Avoid overly complex structures that may collapse or take too much time.
  • Don’t neglect the write-up — it’s as important as the model. Time management is a must. Keep 15 minutes for write-ups.

Questions to Practice for Situation Test/ Studio Test for NIFT Stage 2

Some of the questions which you can practice for the Situation Test or Studio Test conducted by NTA NIFT are:

1. Design a mask inspired by: i) A mythological Character ii) a Sea Creature, iii) Aliens

Tip: Use the material given, and show your material handling skills.

2. Create any scene based on: i) Folk Tales ii) Fairy Tales iii) A tale from Panchatantra, iv) Any Disney Movie

Tip: Use your visualization, imagination, and include characters in the scene.

3. Create or redesign the working environment for: i) A tea shop owner/ grocery owner, ii) A doctor’s waiting area iii) A fruit seller/vegetable seller

4. Create an indoor game for Kindergarten.

Tip: Use different materials, do not always use paper, use bamboo, jute. Explore the different materials provided.

5. Design a MASCOT for any brand.

6. Create a Utility product for Desk (Drawer/pen holder/ paper weight) inspired by 3 Aquatic animals.

7. Design a Functional Cart for a Fruit seller.

Tip: Make it movable, use ice cream sticks if available.

8. Design a badge for Donate blood/ Save environment/ Women Entrepreneurs

9. Make a utility bag for an artist.

Tips: (Be creative, show pens, colors, papers. Be out of the box)

10. Clay Model

Tip: (You can show something clay. There will be no separate question)

11. Design a Village Market/Local Street market

Tip: (Keep details in mind, show your creativity skills )

12. Design a Character depicting the city/culture you belong to.

13. Design a food stall from where you belong.

The NIFT Situation Test is not just a technical evaluation — it's a reflection of your personality as a designer. So, prepare smart, trust your instincts, and let your creativity flow. Best of luck to all aspirants appearing for the NIFT Situation Test 2025!

About the Author
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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 5 days ago

With a rank of 1705, you can expect Fashion Design seats in NIFT Kannur, Patna, Raebareli, Shillong, or Kangra, mostly in later rounds. Popular campuses like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru may be out of reach for Fashion Design. Fill all choices during counselling to maximize your chances.

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RISHAV Kumar

Contributor-Level 8

Answered a week ago

There are no marks required for mfm admission. You have to give the college exam for admission.

A

Adiba Ansari

Beginner-Level 3

Answered a week ago

With an EWS category rank of 69, you have a very strong chance of getting into NIFT Delhi for most B.Des. courses, and even some Master's programs, especially compared to the closing ranks for the EWS category in previous years.

For example, for B.Des. Fashion Design, which is highly competitive, the

...Read more

S

Surendra Bijarniya

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 3 weeks ago

The NIFTEE written exam 2026 will be conducted in computer-based mode, while the sketching-based CAT paper will be held in offline mode. 

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 3 weeks ago

The NIFT 2026 admit card will be available for download in the first week of February 2026. Candidates who have successfully registered for the exam can download the admit card from the NIFT admission portal.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 3 weeks ago

Unless you have finished the NIFT 2026 syllabus and solved the sample papers, it is a safe bet not to start with any new chapters or topics, simply because there is not so much time left and revision needs to be the priority.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 3 weeks ago

Yes, it is very important to solve NIFT sample papers to gauge one's exam readiness. In addition, sample papers will help the candidate rectify silly mistakes, learn time management, and learn how to use various concepts to solve problems.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 3 weeks ago

The NIFT 2026 Entrance Exam Stage 1 is expected to be conducted in the second week of February 2026. The exact dates will be out on the NTA NIFT official website.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 3 weeks ago

The table below shows the top government Fashion Design colleges in India accepting NIFT entrance exams along with their tuition fees and their India Today ranking 2024:

Public/Government Colleges

Tuition Fee

India Today 2024

NIFT Delhi AdmissionINR 12.34 lakh1
NIFT Bangalore AdmissionINR 12.34 lakh3
NIFT Hyderabad AdmissionINR 12.34 lakh4
NIFT Gandhinagar AdmissionINR 12.34 lakh6
NIFT Kolkata AdmissionINR 12.34 lakh7
NIFT Patna AdmissionINR 12.34 lakh8
NIFT Bhubaneswar AdmissionINR 9.26 lakh13

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website/ counselling body and may vary.

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

According to India Today ranking 2024, NIFT Delhi emerged to be as the No. 1 ranked Fashion Design colleges in India accepting NIFT exam secured 1st position followed by other colleges like NIFT Mumbai and NIFT Bangalore.

 

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10