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

Q: What is the syllabus for NIFT situation test?

Candidates seeking admission to the B. Des programme need to appear in a Situation Test after qualifying the written exam. The Situation Test carries 20 percent weightage. The situation test will be a hands-on test and will evaluate the candidate s material handling and innovative ability. The candidate will be asked to make a model or design using a given set of materials. The expert panel with evaluate the model on parameters like 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, etc. The candidate will also have to submit a write-up explaining the model. The situation test will be evaluated on the spot.

Q: What is the syllabus for the NIFT Personal Interview?

Candidates seeking admission to the Masters courses at NIFT participating need to appear in a Personal Interview after qualifying in the written exam. The Personal Interview is conducted in an offline mode. The interview will evaluate the candidate on the following parameters: 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.

Q: 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).

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: What are the important topics for NIFT Syllabus for CAT and GAT?

The written exam of NIFT has two papers - the Creative Ability Test (CAT) and the General Ability Test (GAT). B. Des and M. Des candidates need to appear in both CAT and GAT, while candidates applying for other courses only need to take the GAT. NIFT CAT Syllabus Creativity Design Theory Visual Logic Innovative Use of Colours Illustration Skills NIFT GAT Syllabus Quantitative Ability: Addition, Multiplication, Division, Fractions, Percentage, etc. Communication Ability and English Comprehension: Synonyms, Antonyms, Words with corresponding meanings, Singular, Plural, etc. Analytical Ability and Logical Ability General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Q: Is Maths required for NIFT?

It is not compulsory to have studied Maths in Class 12 to appear for NIFT Entrance Exam. However, some questions from Mathematics are asked in the NIFT GAT section. Therefore, it is always beneficial to have some knowledge about the subject. The NIFT question paper for GAT will include questions from sections like logical and analytical reasoning, general awareness, verbal reasoning, and English . General knowledge questions may include topics like fashion industry, both local and global, and news of political and economic importance. The GAT paper will be conducted in a computer-based mode and will be for 120 minutes.

Q: Can I complete the NIFT syllabus in 4 months?

NIFT is not only one of the most competitive entrance exams in the country, with a large number of applicants, but it is also among the toughest. The syllabus for the NIFT exam is quite vast, and most of the questions can range from medium to difficult. So, to prepare for an exam like NIFT, you need to have enough time in your hands. If you are only beginning your NIFT 2025 now, you will have enough time to go through the entire syllabus. However, if 4 months is all you have, you need to pace your preparation accordingly. For instance, it will be foolhardy to try to complete the entire syllabus from the get go, because that you will put unnecessary pressure on yourself and things can only get complicated. Instead, what you can do is make a list of high-scoring, easy-to-prepare topics. First master these topics as fast as you can. Make a study plan if you need to. Once you are done with these topics, you can move to the next category of topics, and continue this strategy until you complete the entire topic. Also, if you are not able to complete a topic because you are finding it too difficult, don’t panic and waste time jostling with it for long. Leave it for the time being, and come back to tackle it later if you have time in your hands. Do solve sample papers and previous years NIFT papers as much you can.

Q: 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.

629 Students Q&A

This exam is conducted for courses given below:

B.Des BFTech MDes, MFM MFTech

Updated on Sep 14, 2025 14:36 IST

By Sayeba Naushad, Assistant Manager

NIFT Syllabus 2026 will be prescribed by the NTA. The exam is expected 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.

The 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.

Also Read:

Q: Is Maths required for NIFT?

Q: Can I complete the NIFT syllabus in 4 months?

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

Table of content

Format of NIFT 2026 Exam
NIFT 2026 Syllabus for CAT
NIFT CAT Syllabus 2026 - Important Topics
NIFT 2026 Syllabus for GAT
NIFT GAT Syllabus 2026 - Important Topics
NIFT 2026 GAT Question Paper Structure
NIFT 2026 Syllabus for Situation Test
NIFT 2026 Syllabus for Personal Interview
NIFT 2026 Preparation - Recommended BOOKS
NIFT Sample Papers 2026
NIFT 2026 - Test Components and Weightage
NIFT Syllabus 2026 - FAQs

Format of NIFT 2026 Exam

The NIFT entrance exam is conducted in TWO parts.

Written exams
Situation Test/ Personal Interview.

The written exams comprise the Creative Ability Test (CAT) and the General Ability Test (GAT). The GAT paper is mandatory for all courses. However, only B.Des and M.Des candidates need to take the CAT.

The scores of the written exams are used to SHORTLIST candidates for the Situation Test/ Personal Interview.

Candidates seeking admission to the B.Des program need to appear in the Situation Test
Meanwhile, PG applicants need to take the Personal Interview

The FINAL scores of the results of NIFT 2025 will be prepared by giving weightage to the written exams and Situation Test/ Personal Interview.

Exception: The only exception is the B.F.Tech program, where applicants only need to take the GAT paper. This means only scores of the GAT exam will be considered for preparing the merit list.

Commonly asked questions

Q: How many questions are asked in NIFT GAT?

Q: What are the important topics for NIFT Syllabus for CAT and GAT?

NIFT 2026 Syllabus for CAT

If you are seeking admission to the B.Des or M.Des course, then you need to take the CAT exam.

Here are a few important aspects of the exam:

As per the NIFT syllabus, the CAT test is administered to evaluate the intuitive ability, power of observation, concept development, and design ability of the candidate. An important aspect of the test is the creative and innovative use of color and illustration skills. During the exam, the candidate is not allowed to reveal their identity by marking the answer sheet. If found guilty, the candidate will be disqualified.

Topics included in the NIFT CAT Syllabus 2026

The following topics are expected to be included in NIFTEE CAT Syllabus:

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

Commonly asked questions

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

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

Q: What details will be evaluated during the NIFT Situation Test?

View Syllabus

NIFT CAT Syllabus 2026 - Important Topics

While the candidate is expected to diligently cover the entire NIFT CAT syllabus, it is also recommended that the candidate also practice the important topics given in the table below. It will improve the candidate's chances of scoring well in the exam.

Important Topics of NIFT CAT Paper

The important topics for NIFT CAT are:

Important topics for NIFT CAT Paper
Design Theory	Colour Terminology	Inspiration & Design Development
Colour Psychology & Optical Illusions	Elements & Principles Of Design	Mood, Theme & Colour Inter-relationship
Natural & Geometrical Form	Innovation in Design	Principles of Composition
Creative thinking & writing	Optical Illusion	Understanding Light & Shade
Visual Logic	Form & Function	Colour, Pattern & Texture
Theme Development	Drawing Fundamentals	Picture Analysis
Memory Drawing	Inspiration & Creativity	Ornaments & motifs
Use of Measurements, Scale & proportions	Optical Illusion	Foreshortening & Perspective
Developing Themes & Colour Associations	Usage of Colour in Compositions	Imagination & Doodling
3D Visualisation	Presentation Techniques	Expression & Emotion
Exercises on imagination	Lateral Thinking	Story Pictures
Graphics & Pictograms	Innovation & Creation	Design Awareness

NIFT 2026 Syllabus for GAT

As per the NIFT 2026 Syllabus, the GAT paper will include questions from the following topics:

Aptitude
Communication Ability
English Comprehension
Analytical & Logical ability
General Knowledge & Current Affairs

NIFT GAT Syllabus - Test Components, Topics, Skills Tested

The expected GAT 2026 Syllabus are as follows:

Topics	Skill Tested	Skill Tested, Types of questions
Quantitative Ability	This sub-test is designed to test the quantitative ability of the candidates.	The subtest consists of questions on Addition, Multiplication, Division, Fractions, Percentages, Rate of Interest, Work and Task, Ratio and Proportion, and Distance.
Communication Ability and English Comprehension	This sub-test is aimed at testing the language ability of the candidates in day-to-day communication in English.	It includes questions on synonyms, antonyms, words with corresponding meanings, singular, plural, one-word substitutes, idioms and phrases, correct spellings, comprehending a situation from a given passage, etc.
Analytical Ability and Logical Ability	This sub-test is designed to test the candidate’s capacity for inference and logic from the given information and to evaluate the candidate’s ability to identify the given problem and apply reasoning in solving the core issues of the problem.	Concepts and practices of creative and lateral thinking are likely to be useful.
General Knowledge and Current Affairs	This sub-test is designed to test the candidate’s general knowledge and current affairs.	Candidates must keep themselves updated with the latest happenings.
Case Study	The test will evaluate the candidate’s managerial ability.	This sub-test is based on a situation in an industry environment.

Commonly asked questions

Q: What is the syllabus for NIFT CAT?

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

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

NIFT GAT Syllabus 2026 - 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.

NIFT GAT Syllabus 2026 - Important Topics

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 2026 GAT Question Paper Structure

The GAT paper is mandatory for all the courses offered by the NIFTs and will be conducted in a computer-based mode. The paper structure will be program-specific, including the number of questions asked per section, test timings, and weightage.