What is the candidate asked to perform during the NIFT situation test?

During the Situation Test, the candidate will be provided with a set of materials. Using these materials, the candidate will be required to make specific models. 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. After completing the mode, the candidate will also have to draft a write-up, which is evaluated by the jury later. Note that 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.

What is the NIFT syllabus for GAT paper for the design courses?

Topics for NIFTEE GAT paper are given below. Quantitative Ability Addition, Multiplication, Division, Fractions, Percentage, Rate of Interest, Work and Task, Ratio and Proportion, and Distance. Communication Ability and English Comprehension, synonyms, antonyms, words with corresponding meanings, singular, plural, one-word substitutes, idioms and phrases, correct spellings, comprehend a situation from a given passage, etc. Analytical Ability and Logical Ability Concepts and practices of creative and lateral thinking GK General knowledge and Current Affairs

What is the syllabus for the NIFT Personal Interview?

Candidates seeking admission to the Master's courses at NIFT participating need to appear in a Personal Interview after qualifying in NIFT written exam. Personal Interview is conducted in an offline mode. The interview will evaluate the candidate on the parameters like Career orientation, Aptness for the course, Overall personal achievements in academics and co-curricular activities, Communication, General awareness and aptitude, creative and lateral thinking. Note that the Personal Interview carries 30% weightage.

What is the syllabus for NIFT situation test?

Situation Test carries 20 percent weightage. It will be a hands-on test and will check candidate's material handling and innovative ability. Candidate will be asked to make a model or design using a given set of materials. Expert panel with check the model on parameters like space visualization, innovative and creative use of given material, composition of elements, color scheme, construction skill, finesse of the model and overall presentation, etc. Candidate will also have to submit a write up explaining the model. The dates for NIFT stage 2 have not been announced yet.

What is NIFT 2025 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 2025 GAT question paper for the programme will be of 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 2025 exam for the GAT paper will be computer-based-test (or CBT).

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.

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/

Will NTA share information entered by candidates during NIFT application submission with 3rd party?

NTA/NIFT /Government of India can use the data provided by candidate for internal purpose(s) including training, research and development, analysis and other permissible purpose(s). However, this information will not be shared with any third party or private agency for any other use.

Can I carry my own material for the NIFT Situation Test?

The NIFT Situation Test is a hands-on test that B. Des candidates need to appear in after qualifying the written exam. During the Situation Test the candidate has to make a model. Note that the material for making the model will be provided to the candidate inside the exam hall; no other material expect that provided to the candidate is allowed. So, candidates appearing in the Situation Test must not bring any additional materials for the Situation Test. The Situation Test will be evaluated on the spot. It is mandatory for the candidate to draft a write-up explaining the model.

What is the syllabus for NIFT entrance exam?

For B. Des and M.Des course admissions, candidates need to appear for CAT and GAT. NIFT Syllabus for CAT is such that candidates need to attempt drawing questions in the paper. Some topics that candidates should practice while preparing for the exam are design theory, creative thinking, and writing, elements and principles of design, principles of composition, etc. For GAT. Candidates should study topics such as quantitative ability, English comprehension, logical reasoning, etc.

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.

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.

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.

Do we need to join coaching to prepare for NIFT entrance exam?

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.

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.

Who can apply for NIFT 2026 under Persons with Disability (PwD) category?

As per Section 2(t) of the RPwD Act, “Persons with Disability (PwD)” means a person with long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairment which, in interaction with barriers, hinders his full and effective participation in society equally with others.

What is the syllabus for NIFT CAT?

The CAT test will evaluate the intuitive ability, power of observation concept development and design ability of the candidate. The CAT syllabus will include topics like Design Theory, Colour Terminology, Inspiration & Design Development, Colour Psychology & Optical Illusions, Elements & Principles Of Design, Mood, Theme & Colour Inter-relationship, Natural & Geometrical Form, etc. An important aspect of CAT paper is its thrust on the creative and innovative use of color and illustration. Note that during the course of the exam, the candidate cannot reveal their identity.

What materials can be used for making the model during NIFT Situation Test?

Candidates will be provided with the items for making the model during the NIFT Situation Test. Materials that students may be provided with are Glaze Papers, Plasticine Clay, Copper Wire, Ivory Sheets, Cardboard, Thermocol (thick And Thin), Kite Papers, Handmade Sheet, Coloured Clay, Cellophane, Fabric, Thread, Ribbon, Straw, Aluminum Foil, etc. The candidate can not use any other items except the ones provided in the exam hall.

What are the parameters that will be tested during NIFT 2026 Personal Interview (PI)?

PG candidates will be evaluated on the various parameters as listed below by a panel, in the Personal Interview: Career orientation Aptness for the course Overall personal achievements in academics and co-curricular activities Communication General awareness, aptitude, creative and lateral thinking Candidates will be shortlisted for the PI based on their performance in the written exam - GAT (and CAT in case of M.Des program). Please note that NIFT reserves the right to modify the entrance examination scheme. This includes non-conduct of any stage (s) due to unforeseen circumstances.

What is the weightage for preparing NIFT results?

The NIFT exam includes two stages - The candidate first appears in the written exams, and if shortlisted has to next appear in a Situation Test/ Personal Interview (PI). Note that the written exams for the B.Des and M.Des program includes the GAT and CAT, whereas for the other programs the written exam includes only the GAT. The final score for the B. Des programme will be prepared by considering the performance of the candidate in CAT, GAT and the Situation Test. In case of the B.FTech programme, the merit list will be prepared based on GAT scores. NIFT Final Result: Weightage Programme Test Weightage Bachelor of Design (BDes) CAT 50% GAT 30% Situation Test 20% Bachelor of Fashion Technology (BFTech) GAT 100% Master of Design (MDes) CAT 40% GAT 30% GD/PI 30% Master of Fashion Technology (MFTech) GAT 70% GD/PI 30% Master of Fashion Management (MFM) GAT 70% GD/PI 30%

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.

What details will be evaluated during the NIFT Situation Test?

NIFT situation test will test candidate on Colour scheme, Space visualization, Construction skill, Finesse of the model, Composition of elements, Overall presentation, Innovative and creative use of given material, etc. Situation Test will be evaluated on the spot. Model made by candidate will not be kept for future reference. Candidate must make sure that their model is unique and stands out from the crowd. After making model, candidate must write about the model- write-up explaining the model.

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.

When and where will officials verify original documents for NIFT admission?

The information provided by the candidate when filling out the NIFT 2026 application form are verified by NIFT officials before any candidate is considered for admission in the first week of June. The verification of original documents is conducted online. Note that at the time of counseling registration, the candidate is required to upload documents. Also, if the certificates are in any other language than Hindi/ English, then a certified translation in Hindi/ English produced duly verified by the issuing institution/ gazetted officer. If the candidate fails to produce the translation, the candidate may be denied admission.

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 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.

NIFT Syllabus 2026 (OUT): GAT, CAT, Situation Test and PI Syllabus, Important Topics, No. of Questions

Exam On - 8 Feb '26

This exam is conducted for courses given below:

B.Des BFTech MDes, MFM MFTech

Updated on Dec 9, 2025 00:38 IST

By Sayeba Naushad, Assistant Manager

NIFT Syllabus 2026 is prescribed by the NTA. The exam is to have two parts: GAT and CAT. NIFT 2026 GAT syllabus will include topics like quantitative analytics, analytical ability, Communication Ability & English Comprehension, etc. CAT is a Creative Ability Test, in which candidates have to display their imagination, observation and creativity.

NIFT exam syllabus also includes NIFT Situation Test and NIFT Personal Interview. BDes aspirants have to appear for the Situation Test, which is a hands-on test and will be conducted soon after the results are declared, and is mandatory for all B.Des candidates. The test will be held in an offline mode and is designed to evaluate one's material-handling skills and innovative ability in a given situation with a given set of materials. Candidates will also be required to write a NIFT write-up for the model created.

On the other hand, PG applicants have to appear for a PI. The duration of the PI will be 15-20 minutes. The detailed NIFT entrance exam 2026 syllabus for both the written exams and the Situation Test/ Interview is given below.

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