NIFT Situation Test/ NIFT Studio Test 2026: Evaluation Criteria, Tips and Important Questions

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 2026

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.

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. 

When is NIFT Situation Test/ Studio Test conducted?

NIFT will conduct the NIFT Stage 2 Situation Test/ Studio Test in the second week of June 2026. The Admit cards for the NIFTEE Stage 2 will be released by the first week of June 2026 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 will be given on the NIFT Admit Card.

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 2026 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

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: 

What Not to Do in NIFT Situation Test/ NIFT Studio Test 2026?

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 2026.