How to Prepare For NIFT Situation Test 2026?
National Institute of Fashion Technology Entrance Exam 2026 ( NIFT Entrance Exam )
The NIFT Entrance Exam for B.Des is conducted in TWO stages. The candidate has to first appear in the NIFTEE, conducted by NTA, which includes a written exam comprising a Creative Ability Test (CAT) and General Ability Test (GAT). If the candidate is shortlisted, then he or she will have to appear in a NIFT Situation Test/Studio Test and a Personal Interview.
The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) will conduct the Situation Test in May 2026. Note that the NIFT 2026 written exams were held on February 9, 2026. The candidate can check their qualifying status by logging into the NIFT 2026 result portal. Candidates who qualify in the written exam will have to book their slots for the Situation Test. The Situation Test carries 20% weightage. If a candidate scores well on the test, it can greatly improve their chances of getting admission to their chosen NIFT college. So, we bring you here the important tips to prepare for the NIFT 2026 Situation Test.
- NIFT 2026 Situation Test - 2nd Stage of Admission Process
- Exam Pattern of NIFT 2026 Situation Test
- How to prepare for the NIFT Situation Test 2026:
- How to Prepare For NIFT Situation Test 2026 - FAQs
NIFT 2026 Situation Test - 2nd Stage of Admission Process
The NIFT 2026 admission process for the B.Des program comprises two stages:
- Stage 1 - NTA NIFTEE (Written tests), which include GAT and CAT
- Stage 2 - Shortlisted candidates have to appear next in the Situation Test and Personal Interview
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The FINAL merit list of NIFT 2026 for the B.Des will be prepared by giving weightage to CAT (50%), GAT (30%), and the Situation Test (20%).
Exam Pattern of NIFT 2026 Situation Test
NIFT Situation Test 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 will be a practical, creative examination. The duration of the exam is two hours. The exam is typically conducted at NIFT campuses in an offline mode.
For NIFT Preparation, candidates need to solve 30-40 sample papers in 6 months. When the exams are very near, one sample paper should be solved daily.
To prepare for NIFT GAT, candidates must carefully go through the exam syllabus and make a study time table.
- Next, he should gather the best books available for the test.
- When studying for the exam, he must ensure that they not only clear the concepts, but solves all the related problems to better understand the concepts and develop problem-solving skills.
- Also, after completing a chapter, it is mandatory to do frequent revisions.
- Another important tool for NIFT GAT exam preparation is sample and previous years question papers.
- During the exam, the candidate will be provided with a set of materials; using these materials, the candidate will be required to make specific models. NIFT provides all necessary materials such as paper, glue, tape, and other crafting supplies. Candidates cannot bring their materials.
- In this test, candidates are required to create a 3D model based on the question asked for, which they are given 2 hours. Within which, they need to conceptualize and complete the model and leave it supported with a write up which is evaluated by the jury later.
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Let us address the preparation for the NIFT Situation Test by setting a goal of answering questions that help us set our preparation strategy.
The following parameters are evaluated during the NIFT Situation Test 2026
Though at face value it seems a simple craft examination, it studies a candidate far beyond. A candidate is evaluated upon:
- Concept development, that is, how one has answered the main subject of the question while remaining creative at its core.
- How beautifully and intelligently has the student converted the concept into a design/ product?
- How successfully the student has been able to transform a design/ product from paper to 3D
- How much innovation has been put into the end product
- The amount of material exploration, experimentation and treatment given to otherwise simple craft raw material.
- If the student has been able to explain the concept through the write-up.
- If the student has the knack of combining different types of materials according to their texture and weight.
- If the materials have been appropriately used for the right component in the model.
- If the student has been able to utilize the resources not only in variety but also in quantity, that is, managing the limited supply.
Besides material exploration & management skills, NIFT also lays great emphasis on time management skills, and students are closely monitored on the fact that whether they have managed to complete the task at hand in two hours or not.
So, be assured that the NIFT Situation test is not just a simple art and craft examination but much beyond that. Let’s now move to the second part of the address, which is how to approach your preparation for the exam:
The Creative Ability Test or CAT will evaluate the intuitive ability, power of observation in concept development, and design ability of the candidate. To prepare for CAT the candidate must develop their observation skills, learn the basics of geometrical shapes, understand conceptualization, learn product drawing and shading. Additionally, the candidate must also work on their line quality. For instance, the candidate needs to ensure there are no jittery or multiple lines. To imporve ones drawing skills, one may start with simple drawings, and then move on to complex shapes. Also, while shading is not so important for the exam, shading skills can definitely help the candidate get a positive nod from the evaluator.
The role of the NTA is confined to registration of candidates and the conduct of the NIFT 2026 exam. The finalization of NIFT 2026 answer keys after inviting challenges, processing and declaration of results and preparation of the list of qualified candidates will be done by NTA in collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology.
Note that the NIFT answer key will only be released for the GAT paper. No key will be released for the offline-based GAT paper.
NID DAT and NIFT are two of the most important design entrance exams in the country. Both exams have a design aptitude test and many topics that overlap.
So, you can safely solve NID DAT sample papers as well. That being said you first job will be to complete the NIFT sample papers.
Also Read:
How to prepare for the NIFT Situation Test 2026:
- Prepare a tool kit with all utilities like a geometry box, foot ruler in metal & plastic, paper knife, scissors big & small, cello tape, glue stick, fevicol, all pins, markers, etc.
- Practice handling all types of craft materials. You could work on the following given materials by trying to practice how to cut and attach within the same material category & also across the material category.
- Some materials to practice with are – cardboard, thermocol (thick & thin), glaze papers, kite papers, handmade sheets, cellophane, fabric, colored clay, aluminum foil, aluminum sheet, sun pack, foam, straw pipe, mouldable aluminium wire, transparency sheet, cotton, rubber sheet, gift wrapping sheet, beads & sequences, etc.
- Always Work Time Bound. It is pointless to keep sitting with a single assignment for more than 2 hours, as that is the time limit you have.
- Explore the possibilities with the materials at hand.
- Work through a contact session with an experienced and trusted mentor, following a video can only help in developing your skill and that too for only that one model you watch being made. But a mentor nurtures and develops you into an independent thinker and explorer with a heightened creative quotient, which helps you handle any variety.
If you follow the tips given above, you will put yourself in a great position to score well in the NIFT 2026 situation test. Do remember, nothing replaces a mentor, so find a good one. Also, stay glued to Shiksha to know more about sample questions asked in the NIFT Situation Test.
About the Author:
Shipra Anand is the Founder Director of Academy for Fashion Careers in Lucknow.
Read More:
- List of NIFTs in India: Rankings, Admissions, Courses and Fees
- Fee Structure for UG and PG Design Courses in NIFTs
- Why join NIFT – How is National Institute of Fashion Technology different from other design colleges
How to Prepare For NIFT Situation Test 2026 - FAQs
Q. When will the NIFT 2025 situation test be conducted?
A. The situation test will be conducted in April 2026. Candidates will be shortlisted for the test on the basis of GAT and CAT scores; shortlisted candidates will have to book campuses and slots for the situation test.
Q. Who can participate in the NIFT 2026 situation test?
A. The situation test is open to candidates who have qualified the NIFT 2026 written exams. Note that the NIFT written exams comprise the Creative Ability Test (CAT) and the General Ability Test (GAT).
Q. When will the NIFT 2025 written exams be conducted?
A. The NIFT written exams (GAT and CAT) will be conducted tentatively in a centre-based mode in the second week of February 2026. B.Des candidates has to appear in both the tests.
Q. Do M.Des candidates also have to appear in the Situation Test?
A. No, the situation test is only meant for the B.Des aspirants. In case of M.Des course, shortlisted candidates have to next appear in a a Personal Interview.
Q. What is the weightage carried by the Situation Test?
A. The situation test carries a weightage of 20%. In contrast, the CAT carries 50% weightage, while the GAT carries 30% weightage.
Q. When will the results of NIFT 2026 be declared for the written exams?
A. The results for the written exams will be declared in March 2026. Candidates who get shortlisted can appear in the situation test.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 months ago
The fee for M.Des programme offered at NIFT is around INR 8 Lakhs.
| Fee Components | Fee Amount (2 Years) (2025) |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | 5.86 Lakhs |
| Hostel Fees* | 2.21 Lakhs |
| One-time payment* | 27,200 |
| Total fees | 8.35 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.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
The fee of the B.Des programme at NIFT is around INR 14 lakhs.
| Semester | NIFT Fees 2024 (INR) | NIFT Fees 2025 (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | 1,83,200 | 1,91,700 |
| Semester 2 | 1,43,000 | 1,50,000 |
| Semester 3 | 1,69,800 | 1,78,700 |
| Semester 4 | 1,50,000 | 1,58,000 |
| Semester 5 | 1,78,700 | 1,87,800 |
| Semester 6 | 1,58,000 | 1,66,000 |
| Semester 7 | 1,93,700 | 2,03,200 |
| Semester 8 | 1,66,000 | 1,74,000 |
| Total (4 Years) | 13,42,400 | 14,09,400 |
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months 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
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months 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
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
The educational qualification for NIFT admissions varies from course to course:
| Programme | Educational 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
Contributor-Level 10
The NIFTs are ranked among the top design colleges in India. As per India Today 2023 rankings for top fashion design colleges in India, the top 8 positions were occupied by NIFTs. In India Today 2022 rankings as well, the top eight positions were occupied by the NIFTs. NIFT Delhi was the number one ranked college, followed by NIFT Mumbai and NIFT Bangalore, in 2nd and 3rd positions. Speaking of placements at NIFT, candidates passing out of NIFT Delhi on average earns INR 5.5 LPA. Meanwhile, candidates passing out of NIFT Kolkata earns about INR 5.7 LPA. In comparison, NIFT Bengaluru pass outs can expect an average salary of INR 3 Lacs LPA.