What is the exam pattern for the NIFT CAT paper?

Candidates seeking admission to the B. Des and M.Des course also need to take the Creative Ability Test CAT written exam, in addition to the GAT. The CAT exam will be conducted in an offline, pen-pencil mode. CAT will be a drawing-based exam of 3 hours duration. The CAT will evaluate various skills of the candidate including Intuition skill, power of observation, innovation in the development of a concept as well as design ability. Further, it will examine the creative as well as innovative use of color and illustration skills of aspirants. It is mandatory for B. Des and M.Des candidates to appear in the CAT paper, or else they will not be invited for the Situation Test.

How many questions are asked in NIFT GAT?

The exam pattern for NIFT GAT varies from one course to another. The total number of questions asked in NIFT GAT is mentioned below: BDes: 100 questions, BFTech: 150 questions, MDes: 120 questions, MFTech: 150 questions, MFM: 150 questions. Note that the GAT or the General Ability Test will be conducted in a computer-based mode. Questions will be objective-type. The GAT paper for the B. Des and M.Des programs will be of 120 minutes. However, the GAT paper for the B.FTech, M.FTech, and MFM courses will be for 180 minutes.

What is the NIFT 2026 exam pattern for the GAT paper (M.F.M)?

As per exam pattern released by NIFT, question paper for GAT M.FTech will be of 180 minutes. Exam will be conducted in a LAN-based, CBT mode. The GAT paper will have 150 multiple-choice questions. These questions will be asked from - Communication Ability and Comprehension, Case Study, Quantitative Ability, Analytical & Logical Ability, and GK and Current Affairs. Also, the GAT paper will be bilingual, meaning the candidate can appear in the GAT paper either in English or Hindi language. The choice of language has to be made when filling out the NIFT online application form.

How will NTA communicate important information about NIFT exam?

Important or relevant information about the NIFT 2026 exam will be sent by NTA through e-mail on the registered e-mail address and/or through SMS on registered mobile number only. Also, the NTA will not be responsible for any non-communication/ miscommunication with a candidate in the email address or mobile number given by him/her other than his/her own.

When will NIFT cutoff be released?

The National Instituite of Fashion Technology will release the NIFT 2026 at the time of seat allotment and counseling. The cut-offs will be available institute and category-wise for all the program at nift.admissions.nic.in. The cut-offs will be prepared by considering factors like the seat intake, the merit rank of candidates, admission category, etc. Note that if the seat intake is increase the cut-off would likely go down and vice versa. The cut-offs are available for the following titles: Opening and Closing Rank Details for NIFT UG Counselling 2026 Opening and Closing Rank Details for NIFT UG (Lateral Entry) Counselling 2026 Opening and Closing Rank Details for NIFT PG Counselling 2026 To download the cut-offs, visit: https://nift.admissions.nic.in/or-cr/

What is NIFT exam pattern for the B.FTech program?

The participating institutes of NIFTs offer a 4-year B.FTech programme. Admission to the programme is based on GAT scores. The NIFT GAT question paper for the programme will be approximately 180 minutes and will be bilingual. Candidates will have the option to take the exam either in English or Hindi. The question type will be multiple-choice. The question paper will have a total of 150 questions. Questions will be asked from the following FIVE sections - Communication Ability and Comprehension, Case Study, Quantitative Ability, Analytical & Logical Ability, and GK and Current Affairs. The mode of NIFT exam for the GAT paper will be a computer-based test (or CBT).

When do I need to start my preparation for NIFT 2026 exam?

The NIFT exam is among the competitive and is also considered among the toughest. So, it is recommended that the candidate starts their exam preparation early. NIFT exam has various components like written exam and Situation Test /Personal Interview. Candidates seeking admission to the B. Des and M.Des courses need to prepare for both the CAT and GAT. The CAT is a drawing-based exam. Now unless the candidate is already well-versed, the exam will be very difficult. So, start early. The same goes for the GAT.

What is the exam pattern for NIFT 2026 Situation Test?

Candidates will be shortlisted for NIFT Situation Test on the basis of their performance in NIFTEE exams. Situation Test will test material handling and innovative ability of the candidate. Some of factors that will be checked include Space Visualization, Innovative and creative use of given material, the composition of elements, color scheme, construction skill, the finesse of the model and overall presentation.

At what time do I need to report for the NIFT 2026 written exam?

The GAT paper for all the B.Des and M.Des courses will be conducted from 9 am - 11 am (tentatively). Meanwhile, the GAT written exam for B.F.Tech, M.F.Tech, and M.F.M. courses are expected to be conducted from 9 am - 12 noon. Candidates needed to report to the NIFT 2026 exam centre at least an hour in advance. Note that the CAT paper for the B. Des and M.Des courses will be held from 2.30 pm - 5.30 pm. The purpose of reporting early is to complete admission formalities, including registration, frisking, verifying the identity of the candidate, etc. Note that the exam timings and reporting time for the NIFT exam will be mentioned in the admit card.

When do I need to start my preparation for NIFT 2026 exam?

The NIFT exam is among the competitive and is also considered among the toughest. So, it is recommended that the candidate starts their exam preparation early. NIFT exam has various components like written exam and Situation Test /Personal Interview. Candidates seeking admission to the B. Des and M.Des courses need to prepare for both the CAT and GAT. The CAT is a drawing-based exam. Now unless the candidate is already well-versed, the exam will be very difficult. So, start early. The same goes for the GAT.

What are various items that candidates need to carry with them to the NIFT exam centre?

On the day of the NIFT exam, candidates must bring the following items with them NIFT 2026 admit card, a valid photo id proof, HB Pencil, eraser, sharpener, and dry colours. Items that are not allowed inside the exam venue are water bottle, papers, notes, Books, calculator, electronic gadgets, mobile phone, bag, handbagand correction marker/ white fluid.

Can I challenge the NIFT 2026 answer key?

Yes, the candidate is allowed to challenge the draft version of the NIFT 2026 answer key. Objections cannot be filed against the the final answer key. The provisional answer key will be released in February 2026; note that the NIFT written exam will be conducted around the 1st week of February 2026. The answer key contains the official keys to all the questions asked in the exam. Objections against the NIFT 2026 answer key has to filed online through the candidate portal. To file objections, the candidate had to pay a fee of INR 500 per objection.

What is NIFT lateral entry admission (NLEA) scheme?

NIFT Lateral Entry Admission (NLEA) provides an opportunity to candidates who have completed their Diploma in relevant or related fields of Design & Technology for direct admission to the third semester of UG programmes of NIFT. Eligible candidates have to appear in the NIFT 2026 entrance exam to get lateral admission. Admission under lateral entry scheme will be strictly on merit of NIFT 2026 exam, which will include written examination, studio test/ technology aptitude test, and a personal interview. Candidates selected through lateral entry will join the regular UG students of NIFT in their second year. The seat intake under this scheme will be displayed on the website prior to seat allocation.

Where can I download NIFT sample papers?

Candidates can download the official sample papers from the official NIFT website. The sample papers are available in the form of PDFs.

How many sample papers do I need to prepare for NIFT?

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.

Can I appear in Situation Test/PI if I don't qualify the NIFT written exams?

The Situation Test/ Personal Interview (PI) are the 2nd stage of the NIFT 2026 entrance exam. Candidates were shortlisted for the Situation Test/ PI based on the NIFT 2026 written exam scores. Note that if the candidate fails to qualify for the 2nd stage, he or she is not considered for admission to various design courses offered by the NIFTs. The only exception is B.F.Tech program, where the merit list for admission will be prepared solely on the basis of GAT scores. In the case of other courses, the merit list will be prepared by giving weightage to the written exams and Situation Test/ PI.

What is the NIFT GAT exam pattern for the M.Des program?

NIFT GAT paper for the M.Des programme include 120 multiple choice questions. The time given for GAT will be 120 minutes. The questions will be set in English and Hindi. Questions will be asked from Communication Ability, English Comprehension, Quantitative Ability, Analytical Ability, and GK and Current Affairs. The Communication Ability, English Comprehension, and Quantitative Ability sections will each include 30 questions, whereas Analytical Ability will have 20 questions, and GK and Current Affairs will have 15 questions. The candidate must strictly follow the official exam pattern only, as questions will be asked from the given syllabus.

NIFT Exam Pattern 2026 (OUT): B.Des/M.Des Paper Format, Marking Scheme & Weightage, Important Topics

Registration - 8 Dec '25 - 16 Jan '26

This exam is conducted for courses given below:

B.Des BFTech MDes, MFM MFTech

Updated on Dec 9, 2025 00:37 IST

By Sayeba Naushad, Assistant Manager

NIFT Exam Pattern 2026 - The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) released the pattern for NIFT Entrance Examination 2026. As per the latest NIFT exam pattern, NIFT 2026 exam is conducted in two stages. Stage 1 includes the written exams - NIFT GAT and NIFT CAT. The GAT is common for all the courses, while B.Des and M.Des candidates also need to take the CAT. The GAT paper will be conducted in a computer-based test (CBT) mode, while the CAT paper will be held offline. The scores of NIFT exam are used to shortlist candidates for a Situation Test/ Personal Interview.

Table of contents

NIFT 2026 Exam Pattern - Written Exams
NIFT Admission 2026: Weightage of CAT & GAT
NIFT 2026 Exam Pattern for Artisans Category
NIFT Exam Pattern for Lateral Entry Admission 2026
NIFT Written Exams - Test Timings
NIFT 2026 Exam Pattern for Situation Test
Tips to prepare for NIFT 2026
NIFT Exam Pattern 2026 - FAQs

NIFT 2026 Exam Pattern - Written Exams

NIFT Admission 2026: Weightage of CAT & GAT

DeskCalendar Result: Jun ' 26

NIFT 2026 Exam Pattern for Artisans Category

NIFT Exam Pattern for Lateral Entry Admission 2026

NIFT Written Exams - Test Timings

NIFT 2026 Exam Pattern for Situation Test

Tips to prepare for NIFT 2026

NIFT Exam Pattern 2026 - FAQs

52 Institutes accepting NIFT Entrance Exam

National Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi

Hauz khas, Delhi • Public

Courses Offered

Exams

NIFT Entrance Exam

Total Fees

₹ 6.16 Lakh

Duration

2 years
|
Full Time

National Institute of Fashion Technology, Bangalore

H.S.R Layout, Bangalore • Public

Courses Offered

Exams

NIFT Entrance Exam

Total Fees

₹ 6.16 Lakh

Duration

2 years
|
Full Time

National Institute of Fashion Technology, Mumbai

Navi Mumbai • Public

Courses Offered

Exams

NIFT Entrance Exam

Total Fees

₹ 12.96 Lakh

Duration

4 years
|
Full Time

National Institute of Fashion Technology, Chennai

Taramani, Chennai • Public

Courses Offered

Exams

NIFT Entrance Exam

Total Fees

₹ 9.02 Lakh

Duration

3 years
|
Full Time

View All Institute

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NIFT Exam Pattern 2026 (OUT): B.Des/M.Des Paper Format, Marking Scheme & Weightage, Important Topics

NIFT 2026 Exam Pattern - Written Exams

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NIFT 2026 Exam Pattern for Artisans Category

NIFT Exam Pattern for Lateral Entry Admission 2026

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Tips to prepare for NIFT 2026

NIFT Exam Pattern 2026 - FAQs

52 Institutes accepting NIFT Entrance Exam

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NIFT Exam 2026: Registration (Extended till Jan 16), Exam Date (OUT), Syllabus, Question Papers

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