NIFT Exam Pattern 2027: B.Des/M.Des Paper Format, Marking Scheme & Weightage, Important Topics

National Institute of Fashion Technology Entrance Exam 2027 ( NIFT Entrance Exam )

shadow

NIFT 2027 (Stage 1: Written Exam)

10 Jan '27

Sayeba Naushad
Updated on Aug 18, 2026 16:24 IST

By Sayeba Naushad, Assistant Manager

NIFT Exam Pattern 2027 - The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) releases the pattern for NIFT Entrance Examination 2027. NIFT 2027 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 2027 Pattern Highlights
  • NIFT 2027 Weightage of CAT, GAT, Situation tetst and PI
  • NIFT 2027 Total Marks and Marking Scheme
  • NIFT 2027 Important Topics
  • NIFT Exam Pattern 2027 - FAQs
NIFT Entrance Exam Logo

NIFT 2027 Pattern Highlights

Check out the NIFT pattern overview.

Particulars Details
Exam Name NIFT Entrance Examination
Conducting Body National Testing Agency (NTA)
Mode of Exam Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Sections General Ability Test (GAT) and Creative Ability Test (CAT)
GAT Tests Quantitative ability, communication ability, English comprehension, analytical ability, general knowledge, and current affairs
CAT Tests Creativity, observation, illustration, visualisation, and design ability
Question Type Objective-type questions in GAT; drawing/design-based questions in CAT
Medium English and Hindi for GAT; English for CAT
Duration Varies as per programme and paper
Courses B.Des, B.F.Tech, M.Des, M.F.M, and M.F.Tech
Further Selection Situation Test, Studio Test, or Personal Interview (depending on the programme)
Negative Marking Applicable in GAT as per prescribed exam rules

Also Read:

NIFT Entrance Exam Logo

NIFT 2027 Weightage of CAT, GAT, Situation tetst and PI

DeskCalendarResult: Mar ' 27

Weightage of NIFT written test components, CAT and GAT is given in the table below. The merit list will be prepared giving weightage to these.

Program

Exam

Weightage

B. Des.

GAT

30%

CAT

50%

Situation Test

20%

B.F. Tech.

GAT (Sec-A)

30%

GAT (Sec-B)

70%

B.F. Tech. Opting for B. Des.

GAT (Sec-A)

30%

CAT

50%

Situation Test

20%

M.F.M.

GAT (Section A and B)

70%

Personal Interview

30%

M. Des.

GAT (Section A)

30%

CAT

40%

Personal Interview

30%

M.F.M. opting for M. Des.

GAT (Section A)

30%

CAT

40%

Personal Interview

30%

M.F. Tech.

GAT

70%

Personal Interview

30%

 

 

NIFT Entrance Exam Logo

NIFT 2027 Total Marks and Marking Scheme

The written examination for NIFT 2027 has two components:

  1. Creative Ability Test (CAT)
  2. General Ability Test (GAT).

Those seeking admission to the B.Des and M.Des courses need to appear in both CAT and GAT. However, those seeking admission to the B.F.Tech, M.F.Tech, and M.F.M courses only need to take the GAT. The exam patterns for GAT and CAT are explained in detail below. Make sure that you consult the NIFT syllabus in tandem with the exam pattern for effective exam preparation.

Number of Questions in NIFT Entrance Exam

Programme Total Qs Communication Ability & English Comprehension Quantitative Ability (Sec A) Analytical and Logical Ability (Sec A) General Knowledge and Current Affairs
Bachelor of Design 100 40 20 15 25
Bachelor of Fashion Technology 150 40 20 15 25
Bachelor of Fashion Technology and Bachelor of Design 150 40 20 15 25
Bachelor of Design (NLEA) 100 40 20 15 25
Bachelor of Fashion Technology (NLEA) 150 40 20 15 25
Master of Design 120 50 20 25 25
Master of Fashion Management 150 50 20 25 25
Master of Fashion Management and Master of Design 150 50 20 25 25
Master of Fashion Technology 150 45 30 25 25

Check out the number of questions in Quantitative, Logical and CAT.

Programme Total Qs Quantitative Ability (Sec B) Analytical and Logical Ability (Sec B) Case Study (Sec B) CAT (PBT)
Bachelor of Design 100 NA NA NA 3
Bachelor of Fashion Technology 150 15 15 20 NA
Bachelor of Fashion Technology and Bachelor of Design 150 15 15 20 3
Bachelor of Design (NLEA) 100 NA NA NA NA
Bachelor of Fashion Technology (NLEA) 150 15 15 20 NA
Master of Design 120 NA NA NA 3
Master of Fashion Management 150 NA NA 30 NA
Master of Fashion Management and Master of Design 150 NA NA 30 3
Master of Fashion Technology 150 NA NA 25 NA

Pattern for NIFTEE Artisan Category

Check out the pattern and total marks for NIFT Artisan Category.

Component Marks
Artisan Skill Test
70
Visualization of form and space
Innovative and Creative use of material
Composition of Elements
Construction skill and Finesse of the model
Overall presentation
Write-up:
Explanation and Communication of concept
Language
Personal Interview (verification of documents/eligibility) 30

Also Read:

Marking Scheme for NIFTEE 2027 Examinations

Check out the marking scheme for NIFT Stage 1.

  1. Each question carries 01 (One) mark.
  2. For each correct answer, the candidate will get 01 (One) mark.
  3. For each incorrect response, -0.25 mark will be deducted from the total marks.
  4. Unanswered/unattempted will be given no marks.
  5. In case a Question is dropped due to some technical error, full marks shall be given to all the candidates irrespective of the fact who have attempted it or not.

Negative Marking in NIFT 2027

  • In the GAT paper, for every wrong attempt, the candidate will be deducted 25% of the total marks (-0.25 per incorrect answer). So, when attempting the GAT paper, the candidate needs to be judicious before attempting a question if they are unsure about the answer.
  • There is no negative marking for the CAT paper, which is a drawing-based exam.

Also Read:

NIFT Entrance Exam Logo

NIFT 2027 Important Topics

NIFT Exam for B.Des, B.F.Tech, M.Des, M.F.Tech, MFM includes 5 sections. The sections included in NIFT GAT is given below.

  • Communication Ability and English Comprehension
  • Quantitative Ability
  • Analytical and Logical Ability
  • General Knowledge and Current Affairs
  • Case Study

NIFT GAT Important Topics

The GAT paper will be conducted in a computer-based mode. If you prepare well for the paper, you can score very well. Here, we list the important topics for the paper.

Section

Topics

English

  • Synonyms
  • Antonyms
  • Para jumbles
  • Error spotting
  • One word substitution
  • Work Analogy
  • Sentence completion

Numerical Ability

  • Ratio and Proportion
  • Percentage
  • Profit and loss
  • Simple and Compound interest
  • Average / Ratio
  • Speed, time and distance
  • Work and Time
  • Numbers
  • Area, Volume and Surface Area
  • Permutations and Combinations
  • HCF LCM
  • Probability
  • Time and Work

GK and Current Affairs

  • Static GK
  • Current GK
  • GK related to the fashion industry

Logical Reasoning

  • Series completion
  • Venn Diagrams
  • Seating arrangement
  • Statements Correct/ Incorrect
  • Blood relations
  • Character Puzzle
  • Coding Decoding
  • Data sufficiency
  • Syllogisms
  • Analogy
  • Direction Sense
  • Arithmetic reasoning
  • Clocks and calendar

Communication Ability

  • English Language
  • Grammar
  • Vocabulary and Reading skills 

NIFT CAT Topics

The following topics are expected to be included in the NIFT CAT Syllabus.

  • Creative Ability
  • Power of Observation
  • Intuitive Abilities
  • Concept Development Ability
  • Design Prowess
  • Ability to use colors
  • Illustration skills

Also read: 

Preparation Tips for NIFT Situation Test NIFT Situation Test: Sample Questions to practice, Weightage, Preparation Tips
10 tips to crack interview for design courses at NID, NIFT  How to Prepare For NIFT Situation Test?
NIFT Entrance Exam Logo

NIFT Exam Pattern 2027 - FAQs

Go through the frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to the NIFT exam pattern here.

Q:   How many questions are asked in NIFT GAT?
A: 

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.

Q:   What is the exam pattern for the NIFT CAT paper?
A: 

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.

Q:   Is there negative marking in NIFT Situation Test?
A: 

No, there is no negative marking in NIFT Situation Test. Negative marking is only there in NIFT GAT part in stage 1.

Q:   What is the exam pattern for NIFT Situation Test?
A: 

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.

 

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

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.

Q:   What is NIFT Write Up?
A: 

After completing NIFT 3D model in Situation Test, candidates are required to write a brief explanation of model. This is known as Write Up. It should be clear, concise and structured. It should explain process, inspiration, theme and materials.

Q:   What is NIFT Situation Test?
A: 

NIFT Situation Test is a hands on test. It evaluates a candidate skills for material handling and innovative ability with a given set of materials. Candidates are required to make a 3D model.

Q:   When do I need to start my preparation for NIFT 2027 exam?
A: 

NIFT exam is among the most competitive and the toughest. So, it is recommended that candidate start their exam preparation in advance, around 1 year before.

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

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).
Q:   Where can I download NIFT sample papers?
A: 

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

Explore top B.Des exams

10 Sep '26 -

30 Nov '26

NID DAT 2027 Registration Date

1 Dec '26 -

3 Dec '26

NID DAT 2027 Application Corre...

5 Apr '26

MAH CET B.Design Entrance Exam

22 Jan '26 -

27 Feb '26

MAH CET B.Design Registration

7 Nov '26

SAT India Exam (November) Atte...

5 Dec '26

SAT India Exam (December) Atte...

1 Oct '26 -

31 Oct '26

UCEED 2027 Application DATE wi...

1 Nov '26 -

6 Nov '26

UCEED 2027 Registration with L...

Nov '26

Pearl Academy Application Form...

23 Jun '26

Pearl Academy Personal Intervi...

29 Sep '26 -

25 Dec '26

SEED 2027 Online registration ...

Jan '27

SEED 2027 Admit Card (B.Des)

9 Dec '26

WWI Entrance Exam

Sep '26

WWI Application 2027

May '26

Round 1 M Des: Waitlist: Last ...

May '26

Round 1 B Des: Waitlist: Last ...

Oct '26

VITEEE 2027 Registration Start...

Apr '27

VITEEE 2027 Mock Test Release ...

Aug '26

UID Admission 2027

25 Mar '26 -

5 Apr '26

UID Tier 2: Situation Test for...

23 Apr '26

MITID DAT 2026 Declaration of ...

12 Apr '26

MITID DAT 2026 - Exam Date

Nov '26

ADEPT Application 2027

Jan '27

ADEPT 2027 Exam Date - Round 1

3 May '26

PUDAT 2026 Exam

11 Apr '26

PU DAT 2026 exam date- Phase 1

15 Jun '26

AIEED 2026 Batch Starts

6 Apr '26 -

18 Apr '26

AIEED Examination (Situation T...

15 May '26

Phase 2: Merit List 1 (after 5...

5 May '26

NMIMS DAT 2026 Conduct of Stud...

24 Jan '26 -

25 Jan '26

GLS DAT 2025 EXAM Date

1 Sep '25 -

22 Jan '26

GLS DAT 2026 Application Last ...

1 Jul '26 -

10 Oct '26

CUCET 2026 Phase 2 Exam

1 Jul '26 -

10 Oct '26

CUCET 2026 Phase 2 Application...

9 Jan '26 -

10 Jan '26

SOFT CET 2026 Exam for B.Des

Nov '25

SOFT CET 2026 Registrations

Jun '26

IICD Result 2026

Jan '26

IICD 2026 entrance exam

The list of exams are recommended based on what other exams do the students in your area show interest in

58 Institutes accepting NIFT Entrance Exam

Master of Design (M.Des.)
  • ₹ 6.16 Lakh
  • 2 years
  • |
  • Full Time
Master of Design (M.Des.)
    • ₹ 6.16 Lakh
    • 2 years
    • |
    • Full Time
    B.Des. in Fashion Design
    • ₹ 12.96 Lakh
    • 4 years
    • |
    • Full Time
    B.Des. in Textile Design
      • ₹ 12.34 Lakh
      • 4 years
      • |
      • Full Time

      Explore more Design exams with upcoming dates

      CEED 2027 Application DATE with Regular Fee 1 Oct '26 - 31 Oct '26
      UCEED 2027 Application DATE with Regular fee 1 Oct '26 - 31 Oct '26
      SAT India Exam (November) Attempt 7 Nov '26
      NID DAT 2027 Registration Date 10 Sep '26 - 30 Nov '26
      Pearl Academy Application Form 2027 Nov '26 - Jan '27

      News & Updates

      Latest NewsPopular News